Re: Zero Ghoul

14# To make a stand

The days that came after Felt departed, were uneventful normal days. No fighting, no mystery to solve, no catastrophe to avoid, nothing. Save from the fact that the temperature dropped. Apparently, Puck was on his 'Magic release period'. Meaning the cat-spirit had to release crazy amounts of mana that had stored over time. Everyone seemed okay with that, so Subaru was too.

Subaru's ghoul skin was enough to keep the cold at bay. And Emilia was immune to the cold since she made a contact with Puck. Beatrice, pretty much like Puck, was not bothered by the cold. Was she a spirit? In Subaru's point of view, it made sense taken into account what that little blond could do.

Roswaal, Rem and Ram eventually got themselves winter clothing, and things went as usual, more or less.

At some point, Roswaal finally called Subaru to a meeting for instructions. The man had written down loose, nebulous steps and advices for upcoming undefined events. He. Just. COULDN'T give straightforward answers... Subaru managed not to roll his eyes at Roswaal, and took the note and some matches, promising to burn everything after making his own copy in Japanese. Subaru new a language no one understood, and he damn well would use that advantage for secrecy.

As he translated each step to Japanese on his room, a memory arose. A speech, ghouls, humans. Something he would rather not think about. Subaru pressed his teeth and kept translating. Better think about someone else. Like, what was Emilia doing? Was she preparing for the grueling lifestyle of a queen? He was her bodyguard, and her problems were also his problems.

Emilia was all nice and cute, but Subaru felt she needed guidance. She didn't seem the kind of girl who could be stoic and ruthless. And as far as Subaru knew, in history, great empires weren't kept with kind words and a pretty face.

Subaru kept motioning his quill, forming words of ink on the paper, all the while mulling over the prospect of Emilia running for queen. She had to change, or project a different version of herself in public (as exhausting as it could be). Politics loved strong leaders, specially those who ensured money and power was amassed for themselves. If Emilia wanted a humanitarian approach for the incoming new order, she would have to convince the higher ups that she was the best option. And any advantage was most needed.

Sighing, he concentrated on writing everything correctly. It was very mechanical, and brought a feeling the relaxation. Seeing familiar language after so much time without it, brought a kind of comfort that he hadn't realized he wanted. Maybe one day he could buy a diary. It could also help him stay on track if he had to loop in time for too long. I really hope that doesn't happen, Subaru thought, feeling a shiver run down his back. Looping in time for so long I start to change... Years of trying, and no one changing or realizing.... Subaru aggressively shook his head, and forced himself to think only in writing. FOCUS.

Later, after hiding the instructions in Japanese, and burning the instructions in Lugunican (throwing away the remains down the sink), Subaru rose and went for a visit to Emilia's room.

As he walked through the halls, doubt started forming inside him. Was he going too far with this? Subaru shook his head, and kept going. Emilia needed to change. Well, he would not change her per se. He would only propose options or situations, and let her come to her own conclusions. That sure sounds like excuses..., an annoying voice said on Subaru's mind. Hopefully, she would reach reasonable conclusions. If she didn't... Let's leave future problems for the future, Subaru concluded.

Once reached her room, Subaru knocked, and Emilia let him inside.

- Did you want to tell us something? - Emilia asked kindly, with a smile.

- No, I just thought sightseeing in your room would be fun - Subaru deadpanned.

Emilia tilted her head, not comprehending the sarcasm.