Re:black phoenix

greedy glutonous sloth.

Peeking over the horizon, the sun's warm light washed over the highway. Its crisp golden rays chasing away the darkness of the night. Watching the beautiful sunrise was a black-haired boy. Standing atop a small hill, he let the gorgeous scenery take his mind off of what is to come.

Crusch: "Are you all right, Natsuki Subaru?"

Subaru: "I'm a bit tired but that's about it. Glad you're ok too, Crusch."

Smiling beautifully was a lady of flowing green hair. Still clad in her battle armor she approached the young knight.

Crusch: "indeed I am, so is everyone else. Facing one of the three great mabeast, there couldn't be a better outcome."

Subaru: "Yeah, you were really cool. Taking down the white whale, your popularity should shoot through the roof."

Looking over her shoulder, the duchess gazed at the army she brought for the expedition. Some were laughing joyously, some rested their exhausted bodies while the rest worked on cutting off the whale's head.

Crusch: "I am not so shameless as to claim your achievement as my own. Without your knowledge and strength, this campaign would have been doomed."

Reflecting his shocked visage, Crusch's honey-colored eyes shined with sincerity as she rebuked his praises. Instead, choosing to give him all the credit he deserved.

Subaru: "Y-yeah, but…"

Crusch: "Honestly, I am quite disappointed. If you hadn't sworn your allegiance to another liege, I would have welcomed you into my household as a knight alongside Ferris."

Chuckling lightly, Subaru's sharp eyes that give him a perpetually angry expression were soft and warm as he spoke.

Subaru: "It's not about allegiance, my heart is simply guiding my actions. I'll make Emilia the ruler."

Crusch: "Though expected, it still stings a bit to hear it."

The Duchess shook her head side to side. Eyes closed and brows light knitted and raised, she gave an impression of acceptance.

Seeing this, the raven-haired knight decided to add.

Subaru: "You're amazing Crusch. If I had met you first, I would have accepted with no hesitation. But as allies, I'll support you just the same. That's why I'll be counting on you to uphold your end too. Till we have to face each other, let's be friends."

Crusch: "Let me correct one idea you seem to have, Natsuki Subaru. Even if one day we come into conflict, I shall remain friendly towards you. The debt I have incurred to you this day is one I shall never forget, that's why, even if the day comes where we become enemies, I shall show you favor until the end."

Freezing at the sincere retort, the young knight stared with eyes wide as saucers. His hand instinctively went to caress his scarf.

Subaru: "If my heart wasn't already set squarely on one person. That would have been a close call."

Crusch: "I haven't gone as far as to think of you as a woman would. That's not to say there weren't occasions where my heartstrings felt a pull. But my heart lies at the end of my dream."