Lost Then Found

The Council

One can expect many things in life. Some are good, some bad, most in the middle. For the members of the Sage Council, their current predicament would be the mix of the latter two.

Their ability to influence the dragon maiden now before them has lessened. But, on the other hand, now they have the opportunity to tie these two loose ends at once.

But first, all variables need to be known, lest a wrong choice be made. Bordeaux, seeing no need for formality, bluntly asked the unexpected member.

"Why are you here?" the sage's gaze stood firm at Subaru, not allowing even the most minute change in the boy's mannerisms to go unnoticed.

"I am here to support my wife." a focused yet calm Subaru answered.

Bordeaux observed him in silence some more. None present in the room dared speak and interrupt the sage's thoughts. But this didn't last long, and soon, the old man turned his gaze over.

"Marcos, stand down." the usually grumpy, now strangely focused Bordeaux ordered.

In response, the knight captain looked at his potential foe. Their eyes met, but neither of them tried to back down. Nor did they try to escalate further. Judging the course correct, Marcos obeyed the order and cheered his sword. Subaru, in turn, returned to his wife's side.

"We are glad to see you have returned safely, Anastasia-sama." Miklotov, the head of the council spoke, "As we are glad that the young man of great merit is well, after all that he has no doubt been through."

"Sure you are," Barely eligible mumbled Subaru under his breath. The few who heard him decided not to comment.

"Of course, Subaru-dono, we offer our most sincere apologies for our part in your unjust peril. But we can't say we regret our actions. We only acted under the information we were given."

Was he genuine in his apology, or was he not? Subaru didn't know, and truth be told, it didn't matter. These people aren't his friends, they are a group that matters only as far as it can help or frustrate them and their plans. That is at least what Ana told him.

"My husband's unjust imprisonment is indeed a topic for conversation."

"So you two indeed consider yourself married." Commented the wise sage.

Anastasia already knew what he was aiming at. Truth be told, the two of them aren't married in the eyes of the law, or the church for that matter. Their desire for secrecy is the main reason. Avoiding all possible documentation of them was a prerogative, especially when taking into consideration Subaru's infamy at the time.

It is not like it mattered to the two of them if there was a paper proving their union, or if a priest blessed it. They swore matrimony to each other, that is the only thing that mattered. But, now that they are no longer in a small village, but in the mighty capital, their lack of "evidence" might be a problem.

"Of course, we are." confidently replied Anastasia.

"Something wrong with it? " with a more aggressive voice when competing with his beloved, Subaru challenged.

"Nothing wrong", defended Miklotov. "But. Do you wish to once again exercise your right to the throne?"

"I do, But I am not worthy of it, so I can't continue." She broke eye contact and looked at the ground.

This reply confused Subaru greatly. The two of them agreed for Ana to take back her title as the throne candidate. What she was doing he didn't understand.

With gentle words that hid his annoyance, Miklotov answered. "Anastasia-sama is too harsh on herself. Minor failings don't disqualify one from such a grand matter as ruling this nation."