A Golden Trap

Chapter 1: The mellow roar of a Defanged Lion

Subaru walked along the carpeted red and gold hallway. Royal banners hung on either side of frosted glass windows. Torches burnt bright, heating the room through the eternal winter of his world. As he walked, his breath drew pale clouds, which quickly dissipated in the hallways.

As he turned around the corner, a gust of cold wind swept across his face, caressing the soft cuts of his freshly shaved face. Subaru paused. The window was open. Snow had gathered on the sill, and some of it had spilt on the landing of the stairs. This particular landing was particularly high up and it gave a view of the frozen hellscape Subaru 'ruled' over.

The capital city of Lugunica used to be a summery city. The river once ran clear and bright, and flowers grew in all the shades of the rainbow here. That was before though. Now, only grey and white remained, suffocating the city in an endless blanket of snow.

Subaru sighed, and started walking again. He would have to tell Frederica to shut the windows. She wouldn't like the king doing such tasks himself.

Crusch: [You're late.]

...The first thing that greeted Subaru as he entered the dining room was a dignified voice, one that clearly made it known that she was in a bad mood. Instinctively, his hand reached for his knife. He couldnt let Crusch be angry. He had to reset the day. He...

Echidna: [Shush, Not yet. This is the first loop here. We must see her anger before erasing it.]

Subaru loosened his grip on the knife. As he did, he struggled to remember how he should feel. As he searched the greys of his old loops, the word fear flashed briefly in his mind. Fear, huh. He should be afraid of her. Subaru reached back into his memories. Fear was a hard one to imitate. The last time he had truly felt it was when Petra bashed Emilia's head for the first time. How did it feel? Oh right, a cold sweat, and a surprise. Then, on command, Subaru broke out into a cold sweat. But that wasnt quite right. He shouldn't show his fear so openly. The Subaru in her mind wouldnt do that. He would... He would smile through his fears. Yes. That was it. He then smiled to try not give away the fear he was feeling, raised his hand and said...

Subaru: [Sorry, sorry. I guess I was just a little tired this morning. I can't seem to get up these days.]

Crusch: [What a load of nonsense. Don't lie to me. Did you forget that I could tell whether you're lying or not?...... I'm sure you were spending your time cuddling and sweet talking the maid who went to wake you up this morning.]

What should I do now? Subaru had fucked Petra. More times then he wanted to. He briefly considered telling her. But no. The Subaru he had created in her head wouldnt say it out loud. That person was a flirt and a womanizer, but he had a sense of playful shame around Crusch. How would that Subaru behave. Ahh, let's see, look away? Whistle? Subaru turned his head and whistled as he tried to avoid her sharp glare.

Crusch began tearing up slightly.

Crusch: [Well in any case, this proves that the Lord is displeased with our promise. I can't blame you for treating me the way you did.....]

Subaru: [No, I didn't mean it... that way.]

The knife in his pocket suddenly felt enticing again.

Crusch: [There is no need to console me. I know that I'm not a... "pretty girl". Unlike the other women around you, I've never been very active except for when it came to swinging my sword. And now I can't even do that. I know very little about dressing up or wearing makeup. It's no wonder I can't satisfy you...]

The words of self-deprecation were common for Crusch. She always seemed like that, no matter what Subaru did. His hand on the knife tightened. He wondered if he should just end this loop here. Maybe go back and convince Petra to leave him earlier. Maybe that would help.