It was currently the middle of the night.
Wilhelm, Felix, and Crusch were sitting in her study. The entire atmosphere was dead silent as they awaited the presence of a certain someone.
They didn't have to wait for long, as a few minutes later, a knock on the door rang out.
After giving permission to enter, the Royal Candidate eyes were glued to the two individuals before her. As the maid stood to the side of the chair, the man responsible for this gathering sat down.
With everyone gathered in place, Crusch asked the question plaguing her mind.
"Tell me, Xenophanes, the purpose of this meeting. Did an urgent matter come up?"
A moment of silence was present as she looked at the two opposite to her desk. The white-haired man let out a heavy sigh, resisting the urge to simply slump into the chair.
Only for him to straighten back up and look calm. Though Crusch could tell from his expression he was nervous, but also... happy to see her?
Placing his hands together, Xeno finally spoke up.
"Let's get this over with. Crusch, I want to establish an alliance between your and Emilia's camps and slay the White Whale."
'Time to play hero one last time like I promised, Crusch.'
...
"The White Whale?"
That was the only question that left Wilhelm's lips. His tone was laced with animosity, his body exuded murderous intent.
Which freaked Xeno out a bit. After, Wilhelm apologised for his outburst,Crusch merely gave a look of understanding before turning her gaze towards Xeno and Rem.
Crusch: "It was rather unexpected to hear you mention the White Whale."
Xeno: "Yeah, probably, but considering the fact you're also preparing to hunt that thing, I'll say it works out for the both of us."
Crusch: "And on what grounds do you claim that?" She narrowed her eyes, looking at him intently.
From her knowledge, he hadn't made any attempt at gaining information on what she's been up to. He literally said with honesty he had no interest or desire to find out either.
Xeno: "Well, I could go on about how I systematically analysed and went through your suspicious behaviour, like the frequency of visitors coming and going, you buying weapons, armour, and earth dragons in bulk. Or how Sir Wilhelm wanted to slay that beast to avenge his wife. Buuut the truth is, someone told me that."
They looked at Xeno in shock. Someone told him about their whole operation with such detail.
Felix: "S-Someone told you? T-That's preposterous!"
Crusch: "How?"
Crusch regained her composure. This was a serious situation, and the fact that her Divine Protection didn't flare up meant he was telling the full truth.
Xeno: "... Can't say. It's her wish that I leave her, so don't bother. Though if it makes you feel better, she won't be interfering anymore."
Crusch: 'She? Could it be another Candidate?'
Felix: "You just want us to take your word for it?" He didn't buy that, not one bit.
Xeno: 'Yeah... I can't exactly say, "future Crusch told me everything to convince her past stubborn self," now can I?'
Xeno: "She really passed on, Felix." He looked at him with sadness.
Felix: "Oh... I'm sorry for your loss, Xeno-kyun." His suspicion lightened.
Crusch: "Let's get back on topic. Xenophanes, you want an alliance to slay the White Whale. In that case, what do you offer in return if I'm to agree?"
Xeno: "I got three things to offer. First, I know when and where that overgrown fish is going to show up. And my second bargain is vital information on the thing itself."
'Overgrown fish?' Everyone thought.
Crusch: "Such as?" Letting go of Xeno's name for the White Whale, she questioned curiously.
Xeno: "As someone who fought that overgrown fish, I know every trick it has under its fins."
Wilhelm: "You fought the White Whale?" His stoic expression broke for the second time today.
And it wasn't him either. Everyone, even Rem, was surprised by the admission. When had her hero taken up such a beast?
Xeno: "Yep, pissed it off so badly it even activated its attack hue on me. Though i barely made it out alive." He looked mildly proud of his achievement.
Crusch: "There's no wind of falsehood, meaning... You truly have taken on a calamity and lived to tell the tale." She was in awe. How couldn't she be?
Xeno: "How 'bout it, Crusch? You willing to form an alliance in exchange for my information on the White Whale?"
She didn't answer immediately, going into deep thought. There were many things she didn't understand. It's not that Crusch didn't trust Xeno, not quite the opposite.
She knew Xeno's character. Even without her Divine Protection, she understood Xeno was a very honest, trusting, and well-meaning person. He wasn't a politician or anything of the sort.
Crusch: "Let me ask you this, Xenophanes. On what grounds do you know the time and location of the White Whale's arrival?"
Xeno: "Right..."
'Let's hope this works.'
...
Xeno: "You know, Crusch, I have the ability to sense people from far away. Some are easier than others." He crossed his arms.
Crusch: "Including the White Whale?"
Xeno: "I can sense it just fine." He's telling the truth. That beast has just a tiny bit of Envy, so he can sense it.
Crusch: "Really... How accurate is your ability to sense others?" He was leaving out some details, but overall, he was telling the truth.
Xeno: "Very far... Actually, let me think of an example. Let's see...."
Rem: "Xeno-kun was once able to find Reinhard-sama's exact position in the Capital despite being several districts away." She chimed in to support his claim.
This was something he told her after returning from the Royal Castle. She had been worried he would get lost, but he explained he could sense Reinhard and could never miss his presence.
Xeno: "Yeah, what she said. Hell, I could even sense people from the other side of the capital."
Now that Envy was growing passively, his range did as wel. He really could do that now. Though his collection range doesn't go that far.
Rem: "And as for the exact time, Xeno-kun has been keeping tabs on it since yesterday." She added, while she didn't know how he was able to do that.
But she fully trusted her hero's abilities. If he says he say, therefore he can simply as that.
Crusch: "...I see."
Xeno: " You're still hesitating. I get it, my words aren't exactly credible, and even if Rem and I do join, what difference is that going to make? That's where my third offer comes in. Come in, you two. It's your time to shine."
The moment Xeno said this, the door to her office opened up after a female voice excused herself from the other side.
"Please excuse us. It's somewhat uncomfortable to leave and come back so soon, though." The gentleman excused.
Crusch: "Anastasia Hoshin! Russell Fellow!"
Crusch and her allies were surprised to see two people walking to either side of Xeno, with Anastasia having a smirk on her face.
Anastasia: "Seriously, you invited us over and started without us. That hardly seems fair, ya know, Xeno."
Xeno: "Oh, stop being so dramatic. I told you when I'll start. You being late isn't my fault, Ana." He rolled his eyes.
Anastasia: "You're so mean, Xeno-kun." She said playfully.
Crusch: "Were you two summoned by Xenophanes?"
Anastasia: "You're only half right, Crusch-san. While the young lady beside me went to Russell Fellow, Xeno came to me personally. I already have an idea of what you're talking about. If you're really plannin' on subjugating the White Whale, I really look forward to it. For us business folk, whether the White Whale is around or not is a life-or-death matter. Of course, our merchant group will help ya."
Russell: "In addition to the White Whale's subjugation, I'm also interested in the concession promised by Xeno-dono. If his words about Ainavol's next move are true, that he had acquired mining rights to magic stones from veins previously untouched and will be distributing them through the capital if the White Whale is defeated. As the Merchant Guild's representative, I can't let this alliance go unheard."
Crusch couldn't help but be impressed by the situation. Not only did he manage to get Anastasia Hoshin to back him up, but even Russell Fellow was behind them as well.
She could see he was determined to make this alliance happen, but he also made sure he could back up his words. Not bad for someone so politically inexperienced.
Coughing, Xeno brought everyone's attention back to him. He stood up from his chair, clearing his throat before speaking up.
Xeno: "I don't have much more to say. You know what I'm offering. If you still think this isn't enough, then forget it. But if your wishes and my desires align, then let's go on a hunt. How 'bout it, Crusch?"
With a smile on his face, Xeno reached a hand out for a handshake, waiting for her response. He was confident he would succeed, not out of misplaced confidence, but out of an understanding of his Crusch.
After staring at his expression for a few seconds, a small sigh escaped her lips.
Crusch: "I have questions as well as doubts. Many things you said to me are unclear, making it hard to agree immediately. However, I will choose to trust your character and spirit that led you to create this situation."
With this, both of them shook hands with a smile on their faces.
The negotiations were a success.
...
Suddenly, Xeno lazily collapsed in his chair, finally able to drop the serious demeanor. It was exhausting. In fact, this entire situation was exhausting, but he was also relieved.
Xeno: "Ugggh, I'll never understand how you people do this for a living. It's such a pain."
He slumped down even further. He didn't know how much longer he could have done that.
Crusch and Anastasia cracked a smile at that. Soon, Russell walked up to Xeno with a smile of his own.
"There were a few touch-and-go situations, but I'm glad things worked out, Xeno-dono. I trust the promise we made prior to the negotiations still stands."
Xeno: "You were a big help, Russell. I'll give you what I know about Ainavol after this charade is over."
This got the interest of the other two candidates, for entirely different reasons.
Crusch: "So you did lay some groundwork before coming here."
Xeno: "I couldn't exactly rely on a plan I jury-rigged in a few hours. I need something more important to convince ya."
Crusch: "Jury... rigged?"
Xeno: "A rush job that's been scraped together, like my plan. But hey! It worked, so that's what matters."
Crusch: "Hmm... I suppose you're right."
While they still had much to do, Xeno took this moment to catch his breath. He might not get a chance later.
Soon, Xeno was met with a surprise as Wilhelm stood before him and bowed his head.
"Xeno-dono... Thank you. You have my gratitude. I thank you as much as my master, Duchess Crusch Karsten. As you already guessed, my family name is Astrea. I was the husband of the previous Sword Saint, Theresia Van Astrea, and the man who brought shame to the name Astrea. That is I, Wilhelm Van Astrea. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to kill the despicable beast that took my wife from me."
Xeno: "..."
He just stared at the bowing Wilhelm. He didn't respond for a moment, only to let out a sigh.
Xeno: "Raise your head, Sir Wilhelm. It doesn't look good on you. It's embarrassing for me to receive your gratitude. I don't think I'm worth that much. Just do me a favour: don't die, and keep honoring your wife's memory by living. That's enough for me."
Wilhelm: "You truly are a strange man, but of course, Xeno-dono. You have my word." The corner of his lip curled up as he placed a hand over his heart.
...
Afterwards, everyone had set off to prepare for the hunt. In the meantime, Xeno stared out the window of Crusch's manor, seeing the mercenaries gather.
Who knows how long everyone will take to set out, so like he said, he's taking a breather. Besides, there's not much he can do here either way.
Rem: "Xeno-kun, here. Rem has brought a cold beverage for you to drink."
Moving inside while carrying a tray, Rem came to his side like always.
Xeno: "Thanks."
He grabbed the iced coffee. Yes, he's drinking this in the middle of the night. Don't judge him.
Holding it with both hands, he took a sip, letting out a content sigh.
Rem: "Xeno-kun?"
Xeno: "Yeah?" He turned his head towards her.
Rem: "Rem doesn't want to doubt you, but may she know why Xeno-kun used the mining rights even though Roswaal-sama had forbidden it?"
Xeno: "That... Pfff, that's easy because they aren't his anymore."
Rem: "W-What? What does Xeno-kun mean by that?" She said, slightly alarmed.
A mischievous smile painted his face. Oh boy, he had waited so long for this conversation. Now he could finally gloat.
Xeno: "You see, my lovely Rem, while it's true he said I couldn't use the mining rights in this situation, but... that's all he said. I couldn't use it against Crusch. He never said I couldn't use them at all."
Rem: "B-But that wasn't—"
He silenced her by placing his finger on her lips, much to her embarrassment.
Xeno: "But he didn't mean that? I don't know. All you said was, 'Xeno-kun isn't allowed to use the mining rights, neither can Rem provide help to you in this matter.' Isn't that right?"
Rem: "..."
She didn't have anything. Those were her exact words to her hero.
Xeno: "And his biggest mistake was giving me full rights to negotiation in his stead meaning I could do that. Which I took full advantage of. So what if I can't use them directly? That just meant I had to take creative liberty, which I did. I sold off the mining rights to the Ainavol Alliance for a permanent partnership and much more! Meaning those mining rights legally belong to me, Ainavol!!! Muhahahahahahahahahahah."
He burst out into manic laughter, but he didn't stop there.
"Suck on that, Ros! You wanted to make things difficult for me? Well, FUCK YOU! This shit is now MINE!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH."
Rem: "..."
She doesn't know weither to praise her hero or reprimand him that Roswaal might take it wrong was.
Rem: "..."
She looked at his face full of childish glee again. Deciding to hold off on it, her hero had done so wonderfully, there was no need to ruin his mood.
...
"Aren't you in a good mood, Xeno-kun?"
Xeno: "Eh?" Anastasia's words broke him out of his laughter. He looked at the doorway where she was standing, amused.
"What are you doing here, Ana?"
Anastasia: "Oh, nothing, Xeno-kun. I thought I might drop on by." She walked closer until she was standing right next to them.
Xeno: "...Right, what are you exactly here for?" He narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
Anastasia: "Come on, can't I check up on my business partner's well-being?"
Xeno: "Not even remotely." The response was instant.
Anastasia: "So heartless, Xeno-kun. Your gaze is making me blush."
Xeno just continued to stare at her, not wanting to deal with her. Seeing that, Anastasia dropped the act. She knew her limit, especially Xeno's.
Anastasia: "I'll get to the point then. I want to know about the deal you made with Russell Fellow."
Xeno: "Why is that?"
Anastasia didn't answer, instead looking at Rem. Not wanting to share, Xeno rolled his eyes.
"Rem already knows, so just talk." He crossed his arms.
Anastasia: "...Alright. Your deal with Russell Fellow. You agreed to reveal information about yourself? What kind of information? How much of it? And why does he even want to know about you?"
There was nothing wrong with gaining intel on prominent figures, especially ones like Ainavol, but her merchant's intuition was telling her there was more to this.
Xeno: "Don't know, to be sure. He just really interested in knowing everything about my persona. Like, really interested."
Anastasia: "...That so? And how do you plan to handle that?" She cupped her chin in thought.
Xeno: "...Ummm, I....Don't?"
Anastasia: "You... Don't?" She was lightly taken aback.
Xeno: "I was desperate, okay? I needed his support, so I accepted that I would have dealt with it later." He rubbed his hair shyly.
Anastasia: "..."
She didn't know what else she expected. Thinking about it, though, this situation was secretly a blessing in disguise..... For Xeno.
"I can't tell him too much, but I need to give a satisfactory answer as well. Ugh....I know, Ana, how about you do it instead?"
Anastasia: "Huh?"
Xeno: "I never want to do politics or commerce again, so instead of telling him directly, how about 'I' write him a letter housing the information that you want him to know about?"
Anastasia: "Xeno-kun... You aren't telling me to–"
Xeno: "Do the entire thing for me? Yes, I am." He shamelessly confirmed.
"Thing on the bright side. You get to control the information, isn't that perfect?"
Anastasia: "Wait, I'll–"
Xeno: "Do it? Thanks, Ana. I knew I could count on you." He cut her off, nodding to himself.
Anastasia: "That's–"
Xeno: "That's okay? Fantastic, I'll leave the entire thing to you."
Anastasia: "Xeno-kun–"
Xeno reached quickly before she could continue. He vigorously rubbed Anastasia's head, leaving her and Rem stunned. Speaking of her, Xeno grabbed her arm and bolted from the room.
Again, before Anastasia could stop or say anything, he left her with these words before the doors closed on her.
"I believe in you, Ana, and thanks for being such a great business partner byyyyee!!!"
Anastasia: "..."
...
The next day, the sun was rising. Rem and Xeno were standing near the stables, or to be more precise, Rem stood in front while Xeno hid behind her.
Moments later, Felix noticed the two and called them over as he was standing in front of a row of earth dragons. Once again, Rem stood in front while Xeno hid behind her.
Felix: "What's with you, nya? Don't tell me you're scared of earth dragons? Don't worry, they don't bite."
Rem: "It's more complicated than that, Felix-sama." She shook her head.
Felix just looked confused until Rem pointed towards the earth dragons. Turning around, the healer stiffened.
Staring. Obsessive staring. That was the best way he could describe what he was seeing. Every single earth dragon in view was staring at Xeno and Xeno only.
Felix: "Nya, what has gotten into them?"
Rem: "That's the issue Rem was referring to. Earth dragons like Xeno... very much." That was an understatement. Their stares felt like nothing in the world mattered except for Xeno himself.
Rem glared, keeping her hero close to herself. Safe from all of them. They wouldn't lay a single finger on him, but that doesn't matter to Rem. Her hero belonged to her. She won't let them get close.
Felix: "I was going to let you borr–"
Xeno: "Shkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!! Do you dare finish that word!!!" He yelled aggressively.
Felix: "W-Why not?"
Xeno: "Let's see, the last time I had to choose between earth dragons... resulted in a disaster."
Felix: "...I think it's better if you just went inside."
Xeno: "I think so too." He nodded, leaving while holding Rem close. He could feel their stares behind his back, giving him chills.
Felix: "Nyan, he just keeps getting stranger and stranger."
...
The two went inside the main hall of Crusch Manor to meet with the other mercenaries.
As they looked around, he noticed a large humanoid wolf with green eyes, sharp fangs, and a muscular build covered in short brown fur. He walked up to Xeno, placing his left hand on Xeno's head.
"So, ya'll the star of the show I heard about, huh?"
Xeno: "Knock it off, dude." He removed his hand from his head.
"Anyway, you're one of Anastasia's men, right?"
"So, ya knew! I'm Ricardo, leader of her mercenary force. Nice to meet you! You as well, young lady."
Xeno: "Well, same. Hope you've been doing well. We have to fight to win, after all."
Ricardo: 'What an interesting smell.' That wasn't it either. His instincts as a mercenary were telling him, despite his appearance, he was dangerous.
"You don't have to worry one bit, I'm all good here. Though I wish I could continue talking to ya, but I gotta go." He patted his head one more time before leaving, chuckling as Xeno complained behind him.
Xeno: "I don't like him." He said with a sour pout.
"So that's the pride of Anastasia and the Hoshin, the Iron Fang. They all look strong." Crusch's words took everyone's attention.
Xeno: "You really have to go as well, huh? Wonderful." He said with a smile.
Crusch: "And I hope you are fully prepared as well. A gruelling battle lies ahead of us."
Xeno: "Oh, you have no idea, Crusch."
They talked for a little longer before Felix walked over to Crusch, mentioning it was time for her to speak.
Excusing herself, Crusch stood in front of the entire group after seeing the associate Wilhelm invited had arrived. After taking a deep breath, she began to speak.
"Four hundred years. Since the White Whale, created by the Witch of Envy, made the world its hunting ground, trampling the weak and dominating the land as if it were its owner. Four hundred years have passed. Countless lives have been lost in that time. Given, as well, the merciless nature of its fog, the number of graves we can't inscribe names into will increase. But those days of sitting idle end today. Those of us here will end it. We will strike down the White Whale and stop further tragedies from rising! We will give the sorrow that fell short of true sorrow a chance to shed overdue tears! We move out! Our destination is the Flugel Tree, on the Lifaus Highway. Tonight, we slay the White Whale with our hands!"
A thunderous roar erupted from within the manor as everyone was ready to take action.
While this was happening, Crusch noticed something strange about Xeno.
He was smiling, but that smile, for some reason, held pride within it. Like he was happy and proud of her, but why?
And the truth was, he was proud. Things were finally going right, and he was going to make sure he rewrote history here. Which included a lot, like he said countless times.
Saving Crusch and Emilia's camp, but there was one more thing he needed to take care of, something most people would find forgettable or even unnecessary.
But he felt like he needed to bury the hatchet with his past self. So he could claim with full certainty that he had moved on from his past self.
Felix: "Crusch-sama, someone here to meet you." After the speech, he whispered to her.
Xeno: 'Ah! Speaking of him, he arrived right on time.'
Crusch: "In a time like this? Who is it, Ferris?"
Felix: "It's a group of knights. They asked if they could join in the subjugation of the White Whale."
Crusch: "Knights? How did they know about our operation?" She said with mild surprise.
Felix turned his head towards a certain white-haired young man, and she instantly got her answer.
Crusch: "Xeno... Of course. Alright, bring them inside."
The order received, Felix quickly went to bring them in. Crusch, on the other hand, turned to Xeno with a questioning look.
He raised his hand in defeat.
Xeno: "I know, I should have told you, but I wanted to keep it a surprise, Crusch. But don't worry, no more surprises after this, though." He comforted her.
Crusch shook her head before turning her head towards the door as heavy footsteps rang out alongside many others, though not as heavy.
"You really are an enigma, Xenophanes. To this day, I can't understand you." A rough knight, whose heart was filled with conflicting emotions, entered into view.
Rem: "It's you!" She said with hostility.
Xeno: "Hehe, welcome back, jackass. I hope you've been well?" An amused smile grew on him.
Carlos Jaspmen walked into frame.