The place was an absolute void, a backdrop of total, oppressive blackness. Trizz floated in this immensity, his body strangely paralyzed, but his mind bathed in a supernatural and disturbing calm. He felt both captive and infinitely reassured.
He didn't have to look for long. The figure advancing toward him, a feminine presence draped in shifting shadows, was immediately recognizable. It was the Garden of Shadows, and the woman was the Witch of Envy, the entity that bound the curse of Return by Death to Subaru.
The silhouette approached slowly, and a voice, soft but of increasing intensity, began to resonate, breaking the silence of the darkness.
The Voice: "I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him,"
The sound was an obsessive litany, an infinite whisper that filled the space. Anger boiled within Trizz, contrasting with his forced calm.
Me: (His voice was a cold, hoarse whisper) "I don't care about your love for that idiot! I... I'm dead! Why am I here!"
The litany did not cease. The woman continued to advance, her features concealed by the veil of shadow, but her presence was becoming overwhelming.
The Voice: "I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him,"
Me: "Send me back to my world! I hate this world, I don't want to die and suffer on loop anymore! Leave me for dead! I want to rejoin my... loved ones and my family! Stop being selfish and send me back!"
Suddenly, the litany stopped. The silence that followed was more terrifying than the noise. The silhouette froze, then began to rapidly close the distance with Trizz. He tried to move with all his strength, but his limbs remained inert.
"She's going to kill me! Damn it!"
The voice resumed, but this time, the message had changed, adding a new imperative, a new layer of servitude:
The Voice: "I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him, I love him, protect him,"
She was now facing Trizz. Shadowy hands, vast and menacing, began to emerge from the veil surrounding her. One of these hands, icy and immaterial, passed through Trizz's chest where Lye's dagger had struck him.
The woman leaned in, her face inches from Trizz's ear.
Satella: "I understand and I respect your suffering."
Trizz opened his eyes with a violent gasp. He was back.
He lay leaning against an overturned wagon, in a pool of dried blood. The only sound breaking the silence was the wind.
He let go of the hand of an exhausted healer who was looking at him with horror. The healer, witnessing his instant regeneration, immediately fled.
Trizz felt completely regenerated, the hole in his chest closed. He realized it wasn't his Authority, but Satella who had healed him from a wound too severe.
Time had flown by, it was 10 or 11 PM (Dix or Onze hours of the evening). The Archbishops GReed, Lye, and Roy , were gone. Trizz was alone amidst the remains of the attacked convoy, fresh and whole, but with a new layer of servitude imposed by the Witch.
The shock of the resurrection and the horror of the memories struck him like a whip. Cold hatred, mixed with crushing guilt, boiled within him, his fingers clutching the broken wood of the wagon.
Trizz (Whispering, eyes bloodshot): My... my plan was perfect. Who was their damn source of information? Pandora's Gospel? And... Trizz isn't my real name? Who the hell am I?
He stopped hitting himself on the wagon, quickly putting his icy mask back on.
" If Crusch has lost her memory, my secret is safe. Nobody knows I am Pride ".
Suddenly, the sound of rapid footsteps broke the macabre silence. Subaru and Reinhard arrived running, their eyes fixed on the extent of the damage.
Subaru (Panicked, panting): frizz! Are you okay?! What the hell happened here?! Why are you bleeding so much?! Where is Rem?
Trizz stood up, wiping away the blood he had inflicted on himself. He ignored Subaru's worry with disconcerting ease.
Trizz (A cold and menacing tone): Calm down, Barusu. We were attacked. It's a disaster. We had a visit from three Archbishops of the Witch Cult.
Reinhard, quickly approaching, knelt near one of the broken wagons, his usually serene face marked by gravity.
Reinhard: Three Archbishops? That's impossible. Why didn't we have any warning? Trizz-kun, you were supposed to accompany this convoy. What exactly happened?
Trizz: Greed, Regulus Corneas, and the two of Gluttony, Lye and Roy . They attacked together. Gluttony ambushed us on the way back.
Subaru was trembling, his victory against the Whale collapsing under the weight of the new horror.
Subaru: N-No, why didn't you save Rem and the others?! You're the only one capable of...
Trizz almost let his friend mask slip. Subaru's attack struck at the heart of his guilt and hatred. He clenched his fists, his voice lowering to become an icy hiss.
Trizz: You think this is a play, Barusu? That my regeneration is a magician's trick? I almost died, idiot. I just woke up.
He pointed to the ravaged area filled with holes.
Trizz: Gluttony is not a fight you win without information. It steals its opponents' skills and devours people's identities. Regulus, Greed, is simply impossible to kill with his Authority activated. My strength was exhausted. I did my best, and I failed.
Reinhard, using his Divine Protection, made a discovery that cut the argument short. He stood up, his expression icy.
Reinhard: Trizz-kun... The traces of magic here. Two of the wagons are riddled with what looks like invisible blades. And... and the wagons of Crusch-sama... they are covered in some kind of caustic saliva. Where are they?
Trizz (A murmur devoid of emotion): They've probably gone to the mansion. Injured.
He turned to Subaru, his scarlet eyes fixed on his.
Trizz: Go to the mansion, Barusu. Rem is safe, but you shouldn't expect to find her as she was before. Do what is necessary. Now.
They walked away from the search, and Trizz pointed towards the area where healers were tending to the wounded from the convoy. His gaze was intense, leaving no room for discussion.
Trizz: See over there? You'll find Rem in a coma, lying down. But I warn you, we are the only two people who remember her.
Subaru: What?! How is that possible? No one else remembers her but us?
Trizz: Listen to me closely. As you know well enough, I am the bearer of the Authority of (Pride) and you have (Return by Death). We are directly protected against the effects of Gluttony, which would devour the identity and memory of all those it encounters. That is one of its Sins.
Trizz held out his hand, his scarlet eyes fixed on Subaru.
Trizz: Now, give me the Gospel you recovered from one of the dead cultists.
Subaru: How do you know?
Trizz: Let's just say I know you enough to understand that you would take the cultists' books out of pure curiosity. Now answer my question: were half of the villagers transported to the Sanctuary?
Subaru, overwhelmed by Trizz's revelations and pressure, gave him the black book without hesitation.
Subaru: Yes... but...
Trizz: Good. Now, go see Rem. Take care of the emotional disaster, I'll take care of the rest of the job. A warning, don't commit suicide. The save point has been changed, and if you die, you might return to a time neither you nor I control.
Trizz took the book. His gaze rested on Subaru with a rare hint of sincerity, just enough to drive home the final message.
Trizz: Don't forget, this disaster is your responsibility and mine. Now you have the information I paid for with my life. Act, Barusu.
Subaru, leaving his friend and the debris behind, ran towards the mansion to find Rem.
Trizz clutched the black book (Gospel) in his hand. He crossed the battlefields, passing injured knights and draped bodies. His death and resurrection had left no external trace, except for an immense fatigue.
He entered Crusch's Mansion, an oddly calm place. He headed for the guest room, slumping heavily onto the bed.
Trizz (Cold whisper): Now, I have the prototype of the Gospel. The true copy is with Roswaal, but he's surely playing the gravely injured victim at the Sanctuary.
He closed his eyes, realigning his pieces in his mind.
" So, now I need to neutralize Echidna at the Sanctuary and stop the mansion attack orchestrated by Elsa and Meili. I must kill Elsa with my own hands; it's the only way to ensure she doesn't return. That means Garfiel will have to neutralize Meili and her mabbeasts. The plan is ready, but I need more information."
While Trizz was lost in thought, someone knocked softly on the door.
Trizz: Come in.
Behind the door appeared a woman with silver hair and amethyst eyes: Emilia.
Emilia: Hi Trizz. Sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to make sure you were okay. But... your clothes...
Trizz: Yes, I'm fine, Emilia. And this cult robe? Don't worry, it was camouflage to go fetch the rest of the reinforcements. That blood... it's not mine. It was just corpse dirt.
She approached and then sat on the bed, next to Trizz.
Emilia: Are you sure you're okay, after everything I heard outside... The knights said you fought three Archbishops and were... gravely injured.
Trizz (Slightly furrowing his brows): Don't worry, look at me! I'm in great shape! My regeneration is the best thing I have. A good rest, and everything returns to normal.
Emilia: Can you close your eyes?
Trizz: Why? I have a bad feeling. Is this a marriage proposal? I'm not ready yet, Emilia.
Emilia (Blushing slightly): Stop! Just... just close your eyes! Please.
Trizz: OK, I get it.
Trizz closed his eyes, and he felt a soft hand push him towards something soft and warm. He was now lying down, his head resting on Emilia's lap.
Trizz: What is this?
Emilia: Don't open your eyes, it's embarrassing.
She began to gently stroke his hair. The contact was soothing, contrasting with the coldness of his mind.
Emilia: You've worked far too hard. You need to rest... Thank you for always being with me and keeping everyone safe, even if you have to put your life in danger. You are our friend,
" What a naive girl. I will continue to play the role of the indispensable friend and the emotional and psychological teddy bear, until I find a way to destroy this damned contract."
Trizz (Soft voice): But what about Beatrice? I didn't warn her that I was leaving the mansion. She must be furious.
Emilia: Beatrice was sad and angry that you disappeared. But after Reinhard and Subaru warned me about what happened, she ordered us to bring you back as quickly as possible. She doesn't want her apprentice to have wasted enough time playing the hero.
Trizz (Inner view): The capricious loli is even more attached to me... But am I obligated to keep the promise I made to myself to be "that person" Echidna said to wait for? I don't see why I should keep that damn promise. It's just another form of servitude.
He closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the moment, all while calculating how to betray the innocence stroking his hair.
Trizz (Inner thought): I'm starting to get tired of playing this role.
Trizz: Emilia, can you go see Subaru? He's in the room next door, the fifth door. He's with Rem. Before you start wondering who Rem is, go see Barusu, he'll explain everything.
Emilia: But... but what about you?
Trizz: Emilia, the only thing that can make me happy is for Barusu to be okay. Please, Emilia, go see Barusu. I'm asking you.
Emilia didn't want to leave, but reluctantly, she got up. Trizz raised his head, his expression now a facade of weariness.
Emilia: But you stay safe, okay? Don't play the idiot! Understood?!
Trizz: I understood, dear Emilia. Now, you can go. Trizz is far too tired to do anything foolish.
I lay back down on the bed, resuming my plan instantly. Just after Emilia left, a bluish light appeared, and Puck materialized on my nose.
Puck: Good evening, Trizz. How have you been since last time? You smell even more... like the Witch.
Trizz (He cut him off, patience at zero): What do you all want, invading my comfort zone?! Alright, now, "Father-in-Law," what were you doing when your daughter needed you? And you wouldn't appear before me if there was nothing wrong. What exactly do you want from me?
Puck: Hmm... I see our little genius is still so quick to understand what people want from him. Anyway, I'm here because I'm entrusting my daughter to you for a while.
Trizz glared at him with his crimson eyes.
Trizz: What are you planning? I'm not a babysitter, I have far too many things to do.
Puck: Calm down. I didn't ask you to be my slave. I just want you to keep her close to you during my absence. Be happy that I allow a mortal like you to call me by that ridiculous nickname and that I'm giving you my daughter.
Trizz: I see you don't understand my situation. I just destroyed half the Cult and got beaten up by three Archbishops, with a Rem in a coma and a Crusch with her memory stolen as a result!
Puck: I don't care about your problems. I give you what you desire, and you thank me like this? What ingratitude.
Trizz sighed, defeated. Responsibility was the last thing he needed, but Puck's absence at the start of Arc 4 was critical for Roswaal's scenario.
Trizz: Fine, OK. I'll take care of your daughter, "Father-in-Law." But don't be gone too long. I'm stressed enough as it is.
Puck smiled, then disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Trizz alone with the silence and the certainty of a new
" I'm starting to get tired of playing this role."
Trizz was about to grab the Gospel book when someone knocked softly on the door. Trizz got up, furious.
Trizz: What?! Again?!
He angrily approached the door and opened it. It wasn't another idiot, but Crusch, timid and completely lost.
Crusch: Good evening. Sorry to have disturbed you. Are you... Frizz?
Trizz's mask cracked slightly. There was no determination in Crusch's eyes, only confusion and courtesy.
Trizz: I see you've wasted your time talking with the idiot Barusu. I apologize in advance for anything he might have said to you.
Crusch: Who is Barusu? Sorry if I mispronounced your name. I... I don't remember anything.
Trizz: Don't worry, it's no one. Why did you come looking for me? Is there a problem?
Crusch: No. I came to talk to you about the meeting. My Knight told me you were the most important person to consult right now.
Trizz: I follow you, Crusch.
(Time skip...)
After a few minutes of walking, Trizz and Crusch arrived in a large hall. Inside were Wilhelm, Felix, Emilia, Subaru, and... Anastasia Hoshin!
Trizz (Internal): Anastasia shouldn't be here in the anime. I've practically scrambled the main scenario of the story, but we are not in a "what if," which is a good thing. She came to capitalize on the Whale's death.
Anastasia (Cunning smile): Look who it is! I've heard rumors about your victory against the Cult, Trizz-kun. You've gone from a genius of self-destruction to a genius of chaos. What good news, isn't it? Your inventions are now worth double!
Trizz (Dry tone): What are you doing here, Anastasia? Shouldn't you be at your mansion starting on the inventions? Barusu will handle the design.
Subaru (Exhausted and irritated): What design?! You're the genius, not me! Take responsibility! You're the inventor!
Trizz: I will find the materials for the inventions and the patent protection. You handle the design and the license negotiation. I don't care if you know how to draw or not. If you don't know how to draw, you'll just learn drawing. Assume half the business responsibilities, you're the ruthless negotiator who forced the Alliance!
Subaru: I already...
Anastasia cut Subaru off, her eyes shining with satisfaction.
Anastasia (Cunning smile): I just came to see how my genius is doing, because after this attack disaster, I was quite afraid of losing my future tons of money. And besides, Crusch-sama's memory loss changes the whole political game. I had to be here.
Subaru and Trizz looked at Anastasia with a look of helplessness. The political and commercial chaos that Trizz had created had just descended upon them.
Felix broke the awkward silence, with a cold tone.
Felix: I see you have arrived. Now, let's talk about the Alliance.
Trizz (Dry tone): Ah, the Alliance, Felix. Listen: you won't break the Alliance while Crusch is still in this state. Besides, no one in this room wants to break this alliance. Your camp comes out with the greatest commercial and strategic benefit.
Felix was completely shocked. He hadn't expected someone to know exactly what he was about to do.
Felix: But Crusch-sama risks being in danger because of... (He turned his gaze towards Emilia, indirectly accusing her.)
Trizz (Cutting him off, icy): Emilia is not the cause of the attack, Crusch is. Furthermore, when I changed the destination to avoid the Archbishops, someone gave them the information. Breaking this alliance risks putting your camp in danger, Felix. There's a traitor who could still be linked to your camp.
Wilhelm: First, before we begin, Trizz-dono, what exactly happened during the Archbishops' attack? We need the facts.
Trizz: There were two main Archbishops, three in total. I verbally neutralized the most dangerous one (Regulus). The other one (Lye) was opposed to me. Crusch, Rem, and I... we fought. Rem's identity was eaten, so no one remembers her except Subaru and me. Anyway, we had the advantage. Gluttony was gravely injured...
Trizz paused and looked coldly at everyone.
Trizz: A second Gluttony (Roy Alphard) arrived. He cited our names and explained that a source of information had directed them to us. Then, Lye Gluttony put me out of action. He took advantage of my exhaustion to stab me. That's all.
Wilhelm: I understand. But why did you emerge unscathed from that furious fight? You have your identity and your memory intact. Crusch-sama's Oracle detects no deceit in your words, but the inconsistency is blatant.
"Good, Crusch still has her divine protection that detects factual truth. I will bypass it with half-truths."
Trizz: During the fight, I used a pseudonym, and Gluttony himself explained that he couldn't eat my identity or my memory. As for my body, I just lost consciousness and my regeneration did its job. It is powerful. I regenerated hours later.
Felix (His rage turned towards Trizz, tears in his eyes): So, you're telling me that your madness is so dangerous that even an Archbishop refused to devour you?! I was wrong about you. You're not just a biological anomaly, you're a walking danger to the entire Kingdom!
Trizz (His arrogance returned, relentless): Oh, la la. I see the crazy healer is now changing roles. You tried to dissect me and made my regeneration and my mortal wound public (duel against Julius). Now I'm the monster? What a hypocritical kitten. If I were a danger, you'd be the first to die.
The argument began to escalate.
Wilhelm: Enough, Felix! I apologize for our knight's behavior, Trizz-dono. Felix, we cannot break the Alliance. It's far too dangerous.
Felix: But old Wil... Crusch-sama...
Crusch (She intervened, her tone firm despite her amnesia): I agree with Trizz-kun and Wilhelm. We cannot break the Alliance. We need all possible help and forces. Even though I've lost my memory, it's the most logical and honorable choice. We defeated the Whale together.
Felix, defeated, sat back down, looking gloomy. Trizz took advantage of the silence to regain control of the agenda, cutting short any new attempt to question the Alliance.
Trizz: If that's why you called me, it was pointless. I don't know why you thought your plan would work, Felix. (He turned his gaze towards Anastasia.) Anastasia, no, I prefer Foxy.
Anastasia: Foxy? That sounds good! But for what honor? So you give me permission to call you Frizz, right?
Trizz: Do what you want with my name. I have a strategic requirement to formulate for the Alliance, and for my partner. Julius still owes me my debt from the duel. I want him to return to Roswaal Mansion in two weeks for Subaru's training.
Subaru, who had remained silent throughout the meeting, stood up, the memory of the duel (which Trizz had transformed from a wooden sword duel into a duel to the death) hitting him like a whip.
Subaru: I forgot... Why two weeks and not a few days? We should start as soon as possible.
Trizz (A wave of his hand, dismissing the argument): Simply because the destruction of the Cult plus the death of the Whale must be celebrated by the Kingdom. Julius, as the most perfect Knight, will be overwhelmed by ceremonies and official duties. He wouldn't have time to train you effectively before then. Furthermore...
Trizz let a dramatic silence hang in the air, his tone becoming grandiose and false, masking his internal disgust.
Trizz: ...we have accomplished a feat that no one has been able to do for four centuries. The Whale Alliance is a victory for the entire Kingdom. Subaru, with all sincerity (masking his hatred), we are potential Knights for our camp. We must capitalize on this glory to gain political influence, not hide.
Emilia (Her amethyst eyes lit up with tenderness): Even in the worst moments, you always think of others, Trizz. That's why we trust you.
Trizz (Internal): How lucky that my role of benevolence is so easy to sell to the idiot. The more she believes in me, the more she will follow my orders for the Sanctuary.
Anastasia (An appreciative click of the tongue): That's an excellent point, Trizz-kun. A political exploit must be maximized. That's a debt I can guarantee. I will make sure Julius is there in two weeks.
(Time skip...)
Trizz left the room, leaving everyone (except Felix) satisfied with the strategy. Trizz's artificial smile faded in the hallway, but he froze when a silhouette stopped him from behind. It was Anastasia.
Anastasia: Frizz, you're leaving so quickly. It's a shame not to enjoy this moment of glory a little.
Trizz turned around, bringing back his cynical businessman's smile and his measured tone.
Trizz: Foxy. I think you should use this opportunity of an amnesiac Crusch to take the most benefits for your camp. Her instability is a political flaw you cannot ignore, can you?
Anastasia: Behind your false appearance of a loyal friend hides a ruthless man, ready to do anything to take the most profit possible. I like that. It's good for our future business together.
Trizz: I see you see right through my game. That's why I respect your image as a businesswoman. But you are more ruthless than me. Unlike me, who collects what is owed to me, you take everything your victim possesses.
Anastasia (With a smile and a flattering laugh): "The victims"... A harsh truth to hear from you, frizz-kun. But I won't deny it. It's thanks to this ability that I have made fortunes year after year. My instinct for profit is unparalleled.
Trizz: I'm aware of that. Now, may I go? Good profits, and don't reveal my secret.
Anastasia: Wait. Why are you in such a hurry? There's no fire, or are you going to create a new chaos just for entertainment? Your little regeneration story hides something bigger, doesn't it? You smell like a lie, frizz-kun.
" She's really annoying with these bitter jokes. I hope the Yang Magic works to calm her down."
Trizz: I just need to settle something at Roswaal's mansion. In the meantime. I'm going to show you a magic trick. Rate it out of 10. Understood?
Trizz approached her and placed one of his fingers on Anastasia's forehead. He closed the palm of his hand, then opened it slowly. A golden light rose quickly taking the form of a shimmering butterfly. The butterfly gently landed on Anastasia's nose, her eyes wide like those of a fascinated child.
The butterfly gently landed on Anastasia's nose, her eyes wide like those of a fascinated child
Trizz: So, Foxy? What do you think of my talent for distraction?
Anastasia (An amazed whisper): It's... it's magnificent. Ten out of ten, frizz-kun. You are an artist. I suppose your magic is your ability to entertain the surrounding cynicism.
Trizz (Removing the butterfly): That's good. The artist must now leave. Farewell, Foxy.
Trizz turned his back, leaving Anastasia alone in the hallway, her smile frozen, contemplating the unpredictable nature of her new business partner.
Shortly after, Trizz heard the rest of his camp getting ready. Emilia left the mansion with Subaru and Felix, who were delicately carrying the comatose Rem to place her in the dragon carriage.
Emilia: Be gentle, Subaru, with her head.
After everyone was inside, Trizz entered in turn. Subaru and Emilia sat together, and Trizz sat facing them, deep in thought. But suddenly, Emilia stood up to sit near Trizz, and a vexed Subaru in turn stood up to sit on Trizz's other side. They both looked at him with palpable affection and expectation. The air had suddenly become heavy, not with tension, but with a suffocating affection.
Trizz (Internal, eyes narrowed): Cursed be this contract. Cursed be my promise to Puck. I am not an emotional mediation cushion.
Trizz (Standing up abruptly, nearly unbalancing the other two who fell back, blushing with embarrassment): Alright, I get it. I'll sit with the driver.
Emilia: But Trizz, wait! I wanted to thank you for your support during the meeting...
Trizz ignored the murmurs and climbed to the front. To his surprise, it was Otto Suwen holding the reins.
Trizz: That's right, I forgot about you. What's up since then?
Otto (Embarrassed, awkwardly adjusting the reins): I'm used to being forgotten, Mister Trizz. But thank you again for the 200 sacred gold coins and for giving me the opportunity to speak with the great mage Roswaal Mathers... I don't know how to thank you. You saved my life and my career.
Trizz stared at him with his crimson eyes. He knew Otto was very smart for a merchant, but he wanted to integrate him into Emilia's camp, even if this man in front of him could potentially unmask him. The risk was calculated.
Trizz: Don't thank me, Otto, and don't call me Mister. Just Trizz. Besides, I already see you as a friend and a potential partner. Don't worry, I'm the only one who forgets nothing, my dear Otto. Move out.
Otto, still looking down so as not to look Trizz in the face, started the carriage.
Otto: O-Oh, yes, I understand, Trizz. But are you part of a noble or royal family, like Princess Priscilla-sama? You have crimson eyes, black hair, and you're tall. That's the appearance of a very rich and noble lineage.
Trizz: I don't really have a noble lineage. I was born from nothing. In return, everything you see is the result of my hard work. I know my gaze can be imposing, but I am completely harmless, Otto. I'm nothing more than an unlucky guy in the shadows serving Emilia.
Trizz leaned forward slightly, lowering his tone for maximum effect.
Trizz: My philosophy is very simple: "I was born from nothing, I dominate the world by my presence. I do not ask the world to bend to my will; my determination is my only law, in death or in life." Understood?
Otto: Okay. If you say so... I find it hard to see you as someone arrogant and thinking the world owes you everything. That's good to know.
Trizz: I know. But also know that Priscilla is one of my rivals in the Capital... She will want to claim me when the success against the Cult and the White Whale are made public. She thinks everything of value belongs to her by right.
Otto was shocked and disgusted by what he had just heard.
Otto: What do you mean, "rival" and "claim"? Explain yourself. I thought she hated everyone! And why claim you like an object? Th-That's barbaric!
Trizz: It's quite complicated, but yes, she is complicated. Don't worry, I see her as a lunatic. And this stays between us, but the Knights of the entire Kingdom hate me. If you stay with me, you will also be on their radar because of my strained relationship with that lunatic. You will become their target.
Otto (A shiver running down his spine): I see. So, if I understand correctly, staying by your side is choosing the most difficult path, but also the most lucrative... and the least boring.
(Time skip...)
The sun was setting. The carriage had arrived at Roswaal's great Mansion, a magnificent landscape brushed by the orange light of the sunset.
Trizz got out and helped Subaru carry Rem by giving him an Aka buff (Yang Magic). The magic was a brilliant golden color, making it noticeable even to Subaru, who was both amazed by the new color of Trizz's magic and sad at his powerlessness over Rem's condition.
AUTHOR : For those who don't know why Trizz's Yang magic is that color, you can go to arc 2, chapters 3 and 4, to understand. I went into more detail about Trizz's magic and her mana type during the remake.
Subaru: Thanks, Trizz. This energy... it's magnificent. But I'm still here, unable to do anything.
Trizz ignored Subaru's distress. He knocked on the door. Behind it appeared a woman with golden hair and emerald eyes. Trizz knew who this woman was, but remained silent, following his plan.
Trizz knew who this woman was, but remained silent, following his plan
Trizz: Hmm... Hello. Who are you, Ma'am? A new maid at the mansion?
The woman was about to answer, but stopped abruptly upon seeing Trizz's clothes, those of the Witch Cult, stained with blood.
Trizz: Ah, I see. Don't worry, it was camouflage to get past the cultists without being attacked. Let me introduce myself, I am Trizz.
Frederica: Yes and no. I am one of the former servants of this mansion. I was away for personal reasons. Allow me to introduce myself, Frederica Baumann. Delighted to meet you, Trizz-sama. Are you the new strategist for the camp?... Roswaal-sama said you had gone on a trip.
Trizz (He frowned slightly): What do you mean "strategist"? Roswaal said I went on a trip? Sorry, Frederica, but my role is just an indefinite guest and apprentice of Mistress Beatrice.
Subaru had already heard Ram call Trizz the camp's strategist in the last failed loop, but hadn't asked too many questions about that role.
Subaru: Trizz, I forgot to explain to you. Everyone sees you as the camp's strategist, even though no one has explained this new role to you. But... why did Roswaal say you went on a trip? You were with us!
A chilling thought struck Trizz like an electric shock. Gluttony had spoken of an informant who had given information about Trizz and his false name. Aside from Subaru and Roswaal, no one knew of Trizz's Authority of Pride.
" I don't appear in Roswaal's Gospel. So, he planned that I would change the main route, and that I would potentially defeat the two Archbishops. He therefore informed the Cult, who sent a third Archbishop to assassinate me."
Trizz (Internal): Was Pandora part of his plan? Roswaal tried to assassinate me! Without Satella, I would be dead. Going to the Sanctuary forces two things on me: either Roswaal attacks me, or he gives me new orders. My calculation was wrong from the start. Roswaal manipulated me, then discarded me afterward like an expired product.
Trizz turned his head to stare at Subaru, his gaze empty.
Trizz (Internal): I made Subaru dependent on me. I didn't let him grow enough through Death and failures. If I leave him alone in the Sanctuary, he's incapable of creating a strategy and risks creating chaos that I won't be able to catch up with. And Emilia is emotionally dependent on me; she would refuse to go to the Sanctuary if I stayed here. And Puck is watching me... I am a pawn in everyone's game.
A tap on the shoulder brought Trizz back to reality. He had been frozen, staring into the void, for nearly six minutes without moving.
Subaru: Are you okay, Trizz? You look like you just saw a ghost. You stopped dead!
Emilia (Approaching, looking worried): Trizz? What is it?
Trizz: No, I'm fine. Just... that I'm tired. I need to go rest. Thank you for the information, Frederica. Let me know if there's any news.
Trizz pulled away from them, his head throbbing with the truth.
Trizz entered the Mansion, walking through the hallways, lost in thought. His boots echoed on the polished floor, a sound he didn't hear, overwhelmed by his own calculations.
Trizz (Internal, bitter voice): Roswaal used me from the start, making me believe I had my own free will. I was completely fooled. What am I going to do now? The Mansion will be attacked in a few days by Elsa and Meili.
He entered his room and fell heavily onto the bed.
Trizz: So, I am forced to go to the Sanctuary to neutralize Echidna and Roswaal. But how? I must first destroy this cursed contract that limits my choices.
He took the black Gospel, recovered from the cultists, and began to examine it.
Trizz: I already have Petelgeuse's. It's the same thing. This book is defective, inefficient. I must still rely on my own skills to succeed in this loop. Roswaal has the original. It must be destroyed to make him vulnerable.
A cold thought crossed his mind.
Trizz: ...Kill Roswaal, once I have succeeded in destroying this contract. But his death would give me more drawbacks than advantages. I'll just neutralize him. Paralyze him for the sake of my survival, and avoid chaos. That's the best option.
While he was thinking, someone knocked violently on the door, abruptly interrupting his concentration.
Trizz: What?! Who is it now?!
He opened the door, his face calm again, but his eyes betrayed his annoyance. It was Beatrice, cheeks puffed up with anger.
Beatrice: Is this how you thank Betty, by putting yourself in danger, idiot! And by disappearing for three whole days?! You must respect your promise! Betty must be the center of your world, in fact!
Trizz immediately resumed his friendly and devoted apprentice tone, one of the most tenacious masks he wore until today.
Trizz: I'm sorry, Mistress Beatrice, but...
Beatrice (Cutting him off, insisting, stamping her foot): You promised to call me Betty now. Respect that, in fact! And that wasn't a question!
Trizz: I understood, Mistress Betty. But the Mansion is now safe, and... I maintained the comfort of my dear Mistress. I did not fail in my role. I made sure your library remained a place of peace.
Beatrice puffed out her chest with pride, the compliment having had the desired effect, even though her pout remained.
Beatrice: Betty didn't choose you as her apprentice for nothing! But now, you must show more prudence, and not go away without Betty's permission. You are Betty's Apprentice, Trizz. Your time is precious and you must not waste it on people unworthy of you.
Trizz (A forced smile): Your word is my law, Mistress Betty.
Beatrice: Good. Now, close that door. Betty will show you the new book you can read. We have the whole night to teach you "Ul Aka," in fact.
Trizz, defeated by the loli's logic, closed the door behind them. Training in Ul Aka Yang Magic (a level 3 buff spell in the Re:Zero novel primarily used by Priscilla) was an opportunity, but it was the last thing he needed before the imminent departure for the Sanctuary. He was now trapped by his own promise.
(Time skip...)
After several hours of intense training, Trizz had not managed to master the "Ul Aka" spell. The spell was phenomenally complex, requiring a precision of the Gate that he had not yet achieved, despite his great affinity with Yang. The golden magic crackled faintly around him.
Beatrice: Get up, now. Betty is disappointed that you couldn't succeed with this spell, but it's understandable, in fact. It takes weeks, even months, to master it. We will resume at sunset.
Trizz woke up, exhausted by this extreme training. He knew it was partly Beatrice's way of punishing him for disappearing for three whole days to destroy half the Cult without her permission.
Trizz: I understood, Mistress Betty. But what time is it? I feel like I've slept for an eternity. I feel much better after this forced nap.
Beatrice: You slept for hours. Betty thinks it's around 1 or 2 PM. Your idiot friend kept asking for you, so I made him sleep too, in fact.
Trizz (A short, dry laugh): You sucked half his mana? That was the best way to calm Barusu. That idiot is too noisy and he's going to create chaos when he wakes up.
Suddenly, someone opened the door. Behind it stood a little girl with red hair and cyan eyes like the sky, dressed in a maid outfit, it was Petra. She was out of breath, probably looking for Subaru.
Trizz stood up and sat on the floor, a look of sincere joy lighting up his face at the sight of the only person who did not see him as a tool
Trizz stood up and sat on the floor, a look of sincere joy lighting up his face at the sight of the only person who did not see him as a tool.
Trizz (With a genuine joyful smile): Petra! I haven't seen you in days. What are you doing here? You should be with the villagers at Crusch's mansion or the Sanctuary?
Petra (Eyes wide with joy): Trizz-sama! You're back?! Frederica told me you arrived yesterday with Emilia-sama and Subaru-sama. I am now working in this mansion as a maid apprentice!
Trizz: I see! That's excellent news, you'll have fun here. If you're looking for Barusu, he's in his room, near the eighth door. You'll find him easily with those bulges, but...
Petra (Blushing slightly): I'm not looking for Subaru-sama... I came to see you! Are you feeling better? Emilia-sama explained to Frederica and me that you destroyed half the Cult yourself, that you killed the Archbishop of Sloth with your own hand, and that you sent the other half to the Northwest to be destroyed by the knights! You are a true hero, Trizz-sama.
Trizz: Yes, that's what happened. You came to see me? I'm very happy that you worry. I often feel ignored by others. It warms the heart, Petra. Thank you.
Petra: You are the best. If you ever need help carrying something or cleaning, call me!
Beatrice, jealous, observed their discussion then intervened abruptly, placing herself between Trizz and Petra, arms crossed.
Beatrice: Trizz is Betty's apprentice! If my apprentice is injured, Betty will heal him, in fact. He belongs to Betty! You should go take care of your maid duties, little girl!
Trizz (Catching up to the situation): Mistress Betty, calm down. Petra is right, I was a bit of an idiot. Petra, can you go make sure Subaru is awake? Tell him to get ready. We are leaving for the Sanctuary now.
Petra: Okay, Trizz-sama! I'll tell him to hurry! (She gave Trizz one last joyful look before running off.)
Beatrice: What do you mean, the Sanctuary? Betty is not aware of anything, in fact! You're not going anywhere without Betty's permission! Explain yourself, Trizz! You broke your promise!
Trizz, his face serious, put away the Yang Grimoire and looked at Beatrice. It was time to make her understand the urgency without revealing everything.
Trizz: Calm down, Mistress Betty. I'm not breaking anything. I have a duty to Emilia. And above all, I cannot leave Roswaal unsupervised. You know as well as I do that leaving that sadistic clown alone with the others is dangerous.
Beatrice (tears flowing): It was Roswaal who decided to send that Half-Elf there, not you! And what duty? Your only duty is to stay close to Betty, in fact! If you leave, Betty will never forgive you. Is... is that silver-haired girl more important than your promise to Betty?
Trizz (A cold, fatalistic tone): My promise was to stay close to you. My duty is to ensure you are not destroyed by the mistakes of others. I cannot leave you alone here while Roswaal manipulates us all. I'm leaving. I will return.
He knelt before her and opened his arms for a hug.
Trizz: I ask you to forgive me, Mistress Betty. I must protect you all.
He got up and quickly left the Forbidden Library, leaving Beatrice alone, mourning the abandonment of "the person she was waiting for" and clutching the Yang Grimoire. The journey to the Sanctuary could no longer wait.
(Time skip...)
The dragon carriage moved forward under a gray and oppressive sky. Trizz wore the scarf given by Petra, the only gift he accepted without calculation, even though he had ordered Subaru to wear it right after receiving it, for safety.
Trizz (Internal): Let's recap. Roswaal is pretending to be injured. He ignores my survival. Echidna is waiting for the right moment for a contract with Subaru. The attack of the Great Rabbit and Elsa/Meili in five days max. I'm late.
In the carriage, Emilia was worried, clutching her pendant in her hand.
Emilia: I don't understand why Puck doesn't want to come out. It's been a few days since I last saw him.
Subaru: Maybe he's still exhausted? With Puck, you have to expect anything. And why did Frederica tell us to beware of Garfiel? Is he that unstable?
Emilia: I wonder what kind of person he is...
Trizz (Internal): I must destroy my contract with Roswaal to succeed. How? In the novel, there is only one way to destroy a soul contract: through another, even more powerful contract.
Subaru: We'll see. Maybe he's a good guy and Frederica is exaggerating a little.
In the front, Otto, sitting with Trizz, was both troubled and worried about the state of his strange friend.
Otto: Hmm... Subaru, is it normal for Trizz to sometimes be... hmm... disconnected from reality? Since we started the journey, he has been very silent and always staring into the void.
Subaru: You'll get used to it. When Frizz is in that state, he's organizing a plan for the group's safety. But a piece of advice, don't bother him. He can be a little difficult to manage when he's interrupted.
Otto: Understood, Subaru. But why do you call him "Frizz"? It's a bit ridiculous for the friend who always helps you in politics and survival.
Subaru: Looking at it that way, it is a bit exaggerated, it's true. But I don't need to explain to you why I call him by that nickname. You'll understand it for yourself over time. It's... a name that suits his cold and arrogant nature.
Otto: Okay, if you say so. We are now in the forest.
Subaru pushed aside the carriage curtain. At the same moment, Emilia's necklace (given by Frederica) began to shine.
Emilia: Uh...?
Subaru, with a bad feeling, quickly pulled the pendant from Emilia's neck. The bright, blinding white light of the necklace suddenly illuminated the entire carriage.
The next moment, the glare faded. Trizz and Subaru found themselves in the middle of a forest. Around them, not a trace of the dragon carriage, Emilia, Rem, or Otto.
Trizz (Standing up abruptly, his crimson eyes glowing with calculated fury and frustration): Where are we?! What's happening now?! I only take my eyes off you for five minutes and you create new chaos again!
Subaru (Panicked, hands in the air): It's not my fault! It's Frederica's rigged pendant that got us into this mess! But where are the others? Emilia? Otto? The pendant teleported us, Trizz!
Trizz (Internal): The Barrier. The pendant is the key to activating Garfiel's teleportation mechanism. Subaru is trapped and isolated, just as Roswaal wanted. Arc 4 has been launched.
Trizz: Calm down. This pendant is not Frederica's doing. It is linked to the Sanctuary. We are in the right place, but not in the right way. We are separated from the others. Now, we will have to walk.
Something or someone interrupted the argument between the two boys. It was a small figure: a little girl dressed in a white dress, barefoot. It was Ryuzu Meyer (or one of her clones).
Subaru immediately noticed the little girl's pointed ears.
Subaru (Eyes slightly wide): Frizz, look! It's... it's an Elf!
Without a word, the little girl started running. Subaru and Trizz began to chase her through the forest, but they lost sight of the girl and emerged in front of massive, ancient ruins.
Subaru: Where did she go?! We lost her!
But Subaru's attention turned to the ruins in front of him, looking completely curious.
Trizz (Trying to maintain focus): I think she's in the forest. Let's go look for the others, Barusu. We've wasted enough time with distractions.
Subaru: No, wait! Look at this stone structure. It looks very old. We should at least take a look!
Trizz didn't want to enter this building at this point in the adventure, but he knew he was obliged to confront the most dangerous person of this Arc
Trizz didn't want to enter this building at this point in the adventure, but he knew he was obliged to confront the most dangerous person of this Arc.
Trizz (A forced smile, radically changing his mind): You're right, it's incredible! Listen, Barusu, how about we take a tour of this structure? The others can wait a bit.
Subaru: I thought you wanted to...
Trizz (Cutting him off, authoritarian voice): Let's go into that building, Subaru. The sooner we satisfy our curiosity, the sooner we can find the others. Understood?
Without a word, Subaru began to follow Trizz into the ancient ruins. Subaru began to examine the walls with fascination. In an instant, Subaru collapsed to the ground, and the next second, Trizz collapsed in turn.
Trizz woke up in an idyllic landscape: a plain as far as the eye could see bathed in soft sunlight, fresh grass under his fingers, and a gentle breeze.
His gaze immediately fell upon a hill where a woman was sitting. She had white hair like a blank page and dark eyes like the void. An artificial smile that he recognized too well, and a gaze devoid of all emotion.
sitting on a chair with a cup of tea in her hand, observed Trizz with growing curiosity
sitting on a chair with a cup of tea in her hand, observed Trizz with growing curiosity.
???: Welcome, young man, to my Castle of Dreams. My name is Echidna, the Witch of Greed. (She tilted her head, her smile widening.) And you pique my curiosity, dear Pride.
Trizz stood up, his own cynicism echoing hers. He had been lured into the trap.
Trizz: I don't have a real name, but you can call me Trizz. And I believe we have a lot to talk about, Witch of Greed.
END OF CHAPTER I: THE REUNION