18
“Are you sure you wanna go with Kiritaka and company?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I am at least partially responsible for the debt the gentlemen of the White Dragon’s Scale owe. So I figured…that I ought to stay with them, at least until they’ve paid off their debt.”
Two days after the string of crises were resolved, Liliana had packed her bags and happily announced her next destination. Everyone at Roswaal Manor urged her to stay with them many times, but Liliana firmly declined.
It was Liliana’s suggestion that Kiritaka employ the White Dragon’s Scale, so she felt it was her duty to see the arrangement through. Her stubborn resolve could be swayed by no one.
“Well, I imagine that Kiritaka was jumping for joy when you made that decision, but you don’t need to martyr yourself like that… I can’t guarantee your chastity. Better let the bearded guy protect you.”
“Oh, that’s the plan, I assure you. When you’re living with a hungry beast, always come prepared. Good thing the gentlemen of the White Dragon’s Scale are all slaves to my music now!”
Clapping and dancing Liliana was right—she had completely won over the mercenaries with her songs. That was just how impactful her recital by the cave had been. Liliana had also played a big part in getting them the funds they needed to save their home village. To the members of the White Dragon’s Scale, Liliana was basically their goddess. They treated her with overwhelming respect after she made her promise.
Subaru had seen the way their goddess’s nostrils flared whenever they showered her with adoration; he couldn’t help but feel the goddess label was ever so slightly undeserved.
“Well, I’m going to really miss you, Liliana. Do come visit again sometime.”
“Of course, Lady Emilia! I owe a great debt to you and your people. When we meet again, I insist on singing you a new song. And I do look forward to sampling some new cakes as well. Gee-hee-hee…”
“Could you be any less ladylike?” Subaru jabbed at the girl as she cackled, drool dribbling down her chin.
Everyone had gathered in front of Roswaal Manor to say good-bye to Liliana. Since Rem and Emilia in particular loved Liliana’s songs, they were taking the parting rather hard. Even Beatrice, to Subaru’s surprise, had stepped out of the mansion for a moment to bid farewell.
Liliana had only stayed with them a few days, but those days had been a rich (albeit hectic) experience. So rich that everyone felt a pang of loneliness over the thought that they wouldn’t hear her sing the next day.
“Still, I feel like Roswaal missed the mark. Since he didn’t insist on keeping Liliana here, I can only assume that means he’s given up on the idea to use her for Emilia-tan’s PR.”
It was oddly satisfying to see things not go according to Roswaal’s plans, but Subaru was a little upset that he wouldn’t hear Liliana sing Emilia’s praises. Maybe more than a little.
As Subaru sulked to himself over that, Liliana murmured, “C’mere, c’mere,” and gestured to him.
“What’s up? Beako wanted to say something to you, but she’s still fidgeting over there. Go help her out.”
“Of course I’ll do that, but I wanted to talk to you first.”
Setting the fidgeting Beatrice aside for the moment, Liliana stood on tiptoe to whisper in Subaru’s ear. “You see, the marquis presented me with a direct proposal. He says Emilia is going to be in the spotlight during this royal-selection thingy. That’s why you guys let me stay with you, huh!”
“Y-yeah…so you knew about that all this time? Well, I guess you would. So why’re you bringing this up now?”
In response to Roswaal’s shrewd arrangements, Liliana boldly pounded her chest and announced, “Weeeell! I’ve accepted the job, of course! It need not be stated just how beautiful, how noble Lady Emilia’s heart is. And most of all, when you see that Great Spirit of hers, how can you possibly not break out into song?!”
“Wait, that feline fairy is what clinched the deal? But that’s just your typical cat who sleeps all day.”
Subaru had a difficult time accepting that Puck was the biggest factor, but he was happy to hear that Liliana had said yes. He looked forward to the day when he could hear her play her new hero’s epic.
“So I guess it’s good-bye for now then,” he said.
“Yes, it seems that way. But get excited—I’m gonna sing you the best song ever!”
Tapping her lyulyre case, Liliana shot him a smile brimming with confidence. To see her that dedicated to her personal goal was a beautiful thing indeed.
“Oh, one more thing…”
Just when he thought their conversation had reached a satisfying conclusion, Liliana’s cheeks turned red. He could clearly feel the excitement radiating from her from the way she looked earnestly up at him. Then after a moment’s hesitation, Liliana said, “Someday, I hope you’ll let me sing your hero’s epic—Subaru Natsuki.”
Subaru stopped breathing.
“Sorry I giggled and pretended I didn’t hear it the first time you told me your name. Rem was absolutely right. You’re destined to become a hero someday.”
With a smile at Subaru, Liliana shyly turned her back and trotted off. As Subaru watched her exchange parting words with Beatrice, he finally exhaled the breath he’d been holding in.
“Subaru…what’s wrong? Your face is really red,” Emilia said, appearing suddenly beside Subaru and peering at his face.
Subaru slapped a nervous hand to his cheek. Hating that his cheek was still hot, he shook his head and cried, “Ngha!”
“Hee-hee, you’re being silly.” Emilia giggled into her hand.
The two stood side by side, exchanging smiles. Their stories would one day be sung by Liliana the Songstress.
But for today, they were just Subaru Natsuki and Emilia.
<Fin>
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