Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Finally, after a long time, and thanks to the inspiration I got from a certain author on this site and the sheer number of chapters they publish, I decided it was time to finally try my hand at writing. I had a few ideas, but since I couldn't decide on one, this work was born. It will consist of six chapters (plus this introduction), each of which will briefly showcase a different story concept. Then, based on which one is best received, I will write a full story. If none of the ideas catch on, I'll leave this work as it is. Tags will be added over time

Chapter List

1. The Fool is the Sage, and the Sage is the Fool

What if a certain Archbishop decided to commit heresy? What if he destroyed his most precious gift to obtain answers? As a result, he discovers a terrifying truth and decides to change his original plan. After all, his name can be understood as 'spring'—a season in the world beyond the Great Waterfall, which is considered a new beginning.

"Nothing else matters. Every law had to first be created. As their creator, the laws belong to him, and since they belong to him, they are also my laws. Therefore, as the one whom the Sage named king, it is my right, my duty, and my will to aid my master."

2. The Greedy Fox Hunts for More Than Just Money

Subaru is transported six months earlier than in the original story, and his starting point turns out to be Kararagi. A week later, during an evening visit from a friend, he decides to take inspiration from a certain famous master of copying and follow in his footsteps. Using his knowledge, he becomes the second Hoshin of the Wastes.

"I don't think you've quite understood me yet, my dear Julius. This greedy lady desires everything and will find profit everywhere. Therefore, when she sees something that could start a new era and bring in heaps of money, she has no intention of hesitating to take the risk."

3. Let the Games Begin (Crack)

Thanks to Subaru's determination to learn magic, he manages to avoid the destruction of his gate in the fight with Garfiel. He keeps it intact, and later, with Beatrice's help, he manages to heal it and significantly accelerate its development. As a result, thanks to better combat skills, a more stable mental state (resulting from finding his own strength), and a deeper bond with Beatrice, he manages to complete the Priestella arc with a much better outcome. However, after waiting more than a year for an answer, he finally gives up on Emilia. At that moment, everyone realizes that the kingdom's most desirable bachelor is free and available to be poached by another camp—and not only for political alliances.

"I understand the situation, Rein, and I agree it would be cool to have a big brother figure in our camp, but don't you think this is a bit much?"

"I must disagree, Lady Felt. Sir Subaru is a truly exceptional person who could even guarantee your victory. Therefore, all necessary steps must be taken to bring him here. Using my Divine Protection of Perfect Bait, I have decided, through harmless means, to construct a massive library to entice Lady Beatrice, and with her, Sir Subaru."

"But wasn't that your father's room?"

"As I said, Lady Felt, I used only harmless means."

4. I am Natsuki Subaru of Mondstadt

Despite certain threats, Satella tries to bring Subaru to her world. Unfortunately, as a result of one of them, Subaru ends up in Teyvat, where he grows up. Over the years, living without pressure and surrounded by friends from the City of Freedom, Subaru develops significantly. The Witch of Envy, however, is determined and after many years, she tries to summon him again, this time succeeding. Now much more confident and stronger, he arrives in Lugnica.

"I have my honor, and I have no intention of apologizing to hypocrites like you. You are a disgrace to true knights and do not deserve the title. You are nothing like the ideal a knight should be! Therefore, I will not yield to you, Julius, on my honor as Natsuki Subaru, Chief Strategist of the Knights of Favonius!"

5. Never Be Afraid of the Dark

Natsuki Subaru was a strange child. Unlike others, he was never afraid of the dark. On the contrary, he loved to be in it and always felt safe there. As he grew up, his fascination with darkness didn't fade, and at some point, he even discovered he could change the shape of his own shadow. One day, during a night walk, Subaru ends up in Lugnica. What will he do now?

"I truly despise you. It disgusts me that someone like you dares to even imitate my gift. Therefore, rest assured, I will not stop until I have rid the world of your pathetic cult."

6. A Star in the Sky of the Forgotten Realms

As Subaru lay down to sleep in the devastated water city, after a long day of cleaning up after the Archbishops, he did not expect that the next thing he would see upon opening his eyes would be a destroyed, hideous ship, a pod, and a draconic humanoid.

– So, let me get this straight. The reason you didn't transform is because your patron is a crazy, ancient half-elf witch who destroyed half of your world? And who has a bloodthirsty cult that worships her? And on top of that, she has two consciousnesses, one crazier than the other, and both are obsessively in love with you? She's the one who completely stopped the parasite from working and gifted you her power as part of a pact?

– Basically, yes.

Chapter Text

He had finally done it.

After many hardships, sufferings, and deaths, he had finally taken another step on his path to obtaining a happy ending. It was happening. Tonight, he would finally become a knight. And not just any knight, but a knight for his Emilia-tan.

His constant sacrifices had finally brought him a reward. Preparations for the ceremony had been underway for several days. Given his Emilia-tan's rank, his knighting couldn't be a small ceremony. Although, that's what he had initially thought.

He remembered his beloved's words from a week ago, words that had filled him with boundless happiness.

"Subaru. I've thought everything through, and I've finally made a decision."

She spoke in a tone he rarely heard. It was full of certainty and determination, something not usually found in the half-elf he loved so dearly.

After that sentence, the entire table fell silent. As if they had practiced it beforehand, everyone immediately ceased their actions. A fork with a piece of meat on it, which just a moment ago was destined for Garfiel's mouth, suddenly froze in mid-air, just inches from its target. His eyes immediately darted toward Emilia.

Otto stopped halfway through a drink; with the cup still at his lips, his sharp blue eyes shifted to the speaker, calmly waiting to see what would happen. Beatrice, noticing her contractor's uncertainty, grabbed his hand, wanting to give him courage. The half-beast maid maintained her professional demeanor as always, showing no sign of emotion.

Meanwhile, Ram and her master didn't seem concerned by what was about to happen. What's more, the clown was even smiling, as if he knew exactly what this was about.

At first, those words filled Subaru with dread.

It was another morning inside the mansion. After the events at the Sanctuary and the fight with the assassins, Roswaal's mansion had been completely destroyed. The fire, started by Otto's oil, had spiraled completely out of control, leaving only ruins behind. Fortunately, thanks to his friends—the gray-haired merchant and the blond-haired teenager—they managed to deal with the assassins and get everyone out of the mansion before it, aided by the raging flames, collapsed under its own weight.

Despite this, he felt sadness. Although the mansion was a place where he had created many memories with his loved ones, he didn't mourn it. Leaving aside the fact that the terrifying Clown deserved it for his machinations, the mansion was just a building—one that would be rebuilt by builders from the capital, whom he had summoned.

His sorrow was directed elsewhere. Not at the mansion itself. Not at his old things. Not at mementos, treasures, or anything of the like.

He mourned the Forbidden Library.

Although he didn't regret choosing his sweet Betty over it, the loss of all the knowledge the library contained was an unpleasant fact. Normally, he wouldn't have cared in the slightest, but in the case of this room, there was a certain factor that completely changed his perspective. The creator of this treasury of knowledge was Echidna.

A being he himself had the misfortune of knowing.

A woman of unwavering beauty, with beautiful, pure white hair and bone-colored skin. Unfortunately, beneath that beauty lurked a true monster. Echidna was a cold, calculating sociopath with only one goal—to acquire knowledge. He himself had the misfortune of getting personally entangled in her machinations because of that horrifying member of the circus. Even now, he still got goosebumps when he recalled everything that had happened in that witch's tomb.

However, those thoughts were completely irrelevant now. At this moment, the only thing the famous slayer of the White Whale was thinking about was Emilia's words. Had she finally noticed his incompetence? Had she decided he was a burden? Did she regret his return and want him to leave?

But before he could spiral further into those dark thoughts, the silver-haired half-elf, a wide smile covering her face, decided not to keep him in suspense any longer and spoke once more.

"Subaru, after talking with Roswaal and thinking about the whole situation and what we had to go through together, I've made a decision. I would like you to become my knight."

His mind completely shut down. A ringing filled his ears. His entire body froze.

Had he heard correctly? Emilia-tan was asking him to become her knight? His dream was coming true? Or was he just sleeping?

Quickly, imperceptibly, he moved his hand to the side of his thigh and pinched himself, hard. He immediately felt the pain. So, he wasn't dreaming.

As soon as Subaru's mind returned to reality, he shot up with unnecessary force, knocking his chair to the ground.

"Of course!!! How could I possibly refuse to become the knight of an angel like you!!!"

In that moment, Natsuki Subaru felt as if he had won the hardest race in the world. A wide grin spread across his face, and from the corners of his terrifying eyes, small droplets emerged—his tears. But for the first time since arriving in this world, they were not symbols of despair, fear, or pain. For the first time since losing his parents and his old life, tears of happiness flowed from his eyes.

Unfortunately, in his sudden, emotion-fueled action, he had forgotten one extremely important, small, and adorable detail. His contracted spirit, as always during meals, was occupying her special place—what she herself called her seat of honor, which she had a full right to according to their contract.

That seat was her contractor's lap, which, as a result of the revelation, had instantly straightened.

"Congratulations, I suppoooose!"

Was the only sound the little spirit could muster before her small body landed on the floor.

"Betty!!!" In an instant, Subaru's happy face contorted with worry, his eyes filling with guilt. "I'm so sorry. Your contractor is really sorry, I just got so excited by the question that I wasn't thinking!" he said, quickly scooping up his spirit and hugging her tightly.

"Betty supposes she can understand her contractor's reaction, but she won't let it go so easily! Betty wants more sweets in return! Now, let me go immediately!" Beatrice shouted from within Subaru's arms.

"Got it, I'm really sorry. But Betty is definitely the cutest when she's angry," Subaru replied, and after a few more twirls, he placed Beatrice back on the ground.

"So, you agree, Suba...?" the half-elf said, looking slightly anxious.

"Of course I agree!" the excited teenager once again didn't even let Emilia finish before giving his answer. Immediately stepping away from the table, he knelt on one knee, smiled, and continued. "Emilia-sama, I would be extremely honored if I could serve you as your knight in your quest to become queen. I promise I will not fail you."

Emilia's face turned red, an expression of embarrassment appearing on it.

"I'm very happy, but please, get up already and don't talk like that. You dummy."

"Emilia-tan, nobody says 'dummy' anymore," he replied, as was his custom, which only caused the princess's face to flush with greater embarrassment.

"Congrats, Cap'n! Knew it'd happen eventually!" "Congratulations, Natsuki-san." "Congratulations, Subaru-sama!"

Throughout the room, only the congratulations from the rest of the camp could be heard.

"Congratulations, Subaru-kyuuun~. Now thaaat we have a decision, we shouldn't delay and should begin the preparations~ for your official knighting ceremony." Spoiling almost the entire joyful atmosphere, the clown spoke up. "After all, there's no time to waaaait."

From Ros-chi's subsequent, incredibly loooong speech, Subaru understood that a truly tiring and tedious time of preparations awaited him. According to Roswaal, due to my achievements, I had become a decent ally, and once the news about the Rabbit was confirmed, I would gain even more renown, arousing the interest of many aristocrats. For this reason, he wanted to knight me as soon as possible, so I could officially appear in that role.

As I later found out, that clown hadn't been exaggerating when he said a huge amount of work awaited them. A knighting ceremony was one of the most important traditions in Lugnica. It was sacred to them and was subject to many restrictions and procedures that had to be met for such an event to take place. So, I had spent the last two weeks cleaning and organizing the entire mansion. At the same time, Ros-chi was busy with official arrangements, invitations, and logistics.

From what I'd learned, no other camp was able to attend today's ceremony. A real shame; I had hoped Rein and Felt would show up. Unfortunately, they had sent a reply declining the invitation due to negotiations with some nobles, but at least they sent their congratulations.

Reinhard's congratulations were just what I'd expected. They sounded almost like poetry and moved me deeply. I swear, that man has more Divine Blessings than Beatrice has eaten cookies in her entire life. Despite that, it was really nice of him.

What Felt wrote was almost obvious to anyone who knew her. "Congrats, bro. Hope it's going well with sis. You really deserved it. Finally, someone actually worthy became a knight. Stay strong." Felt, concise as always, of course.

From the Crusch camp, we received word that they wouldn't be attending due to her condition, but I received congratulations from them as well. A bit too formal, if I was being honest. I guess some things don't change, even when you lose your memories.

The letter from Anastasia's camp was truly special. I could guess who wrote it from the first glance. Perfect, almost mechanical handwriting, a noble character, and words that practically screamed "procedure." In short, aside from the congratulations, Julius began his ramblings about the nobility of being a knight, ethics, and similar nonsense of his. I swear, there's really something wrong with that guy.

To everyone's surprise, Priscilla's camp actually replied. Inside was a typical congratulatory letter, probably written by some servant. But then I found a smaller note in the envelope. As I learned from it, Al had actually sent the congratulations to avoid unnecessary tension. In his own letter, he congratulated me and wished me luck with the elf girl. I kept those congratulations for myself, due to one detail. They were written in Japanese.

Sometimes, I really miss my home. Over time, I've come to understand that I have no way of returning. That fact always pained me, having left no message for my parents. I hope they're managing somehow. I really care about them. They're wonderful people. Especially since, despite how awful I had been, they hadn't abandoned me.

Sometimes, I'm also glad I appeared in this world. I always try to push those awful thoughts away, but sometimes I can't. I can't help but think about how free I feel. I can finally be free and not worry about having to be like Natsuki Kenichi. He can finally be himself. He can finally stop being the son of Kenichi and Naoko Natsuki. He could just be himself. Be Subaru.

My knighting ceremony was truly special. I felt like I was in a dream. In my official uniform, I entered the beautiful, grand hall in perfect condition. Without a single flaw, an ideal knight. It was what I had wanted for so long. One of my dreams was coming true: I was becoming Emilia-tan's knight.

Emilia was especially beautiful. I thought she couldn't possibly look any better, but I was wrong. In her attire, she looked like a true angel, one I was lucky enough to have met. My heart was pounding like crazy. I was truly happy, as if I had finally received a reward for all my efforts.

When I finally reached her, I once again fell to one knee and delivered my speech. I had worked on it for a long time and thought it went rather well. I promised Emilia directly that I would make her queen as her knight.

The moment I looked at her, I felt the touch of the blade and her acknowledgment of me as her knight. I believed again. I believed that I truly had a chance to reach a good ending. That all this suffering and hardship could be rewarded. That I could truly reach my happy ending.

The rest of the banquet was like a dream.

From dancing with my beloved Emilia-tan, to the presence of my sweet spirit, Garfiel's cheers, an already-drunk Otto repeating his congratulations, and even the presence of Rem. Thanks to Nee-sama's help and the wheelchair I had built for her, she was there with me. Even while asleep, dressed in her usual uniform, she gave me courage, happiness, and the determination to finally wake her up.

Even Petra, dressed in a gown by Frederica, was having a great time. She had managed to befriend Beatrice surprisingly quickly, despite the latter's talent for being a Tsundere. They got along wonderfully, even dancing together. The sight warmed my heart. Just as I had promised, Beatrice would finally be happy.

Despite all this, I felt strange throughout the entire banquet. As if someone was watching me.

I repeatedly tried to find the source of the gaze, but when I asked others, they didn't know anything either. I felt as if someone was watching me intently all evening. An invisible weight on the back of my neck. Maybe I was just paranoid. It was probably just all the stress and exhaustion from the preparations getting to me.

However, it wasn't enough to ruin my day. I managed to push those thoughts aside. A certain clown was responsible for that. Just before the beginning, he had decided to share his opinion. Even with the pact restraining him, he had threatened me.

He stated that he had given me a choice. He had offered me mercy. A choice: the path of the sage or the path of the fool. And since I had chosen the fool, he promised to ensure I remained devoted, even if the pact were to burn him in the worst torments. He wouldn't hesitate, because after the destruction of the Gospel, I had become his only certainty.

To me, he was the fool if he ever thought I would choose the death of my loved ones. If that's what being a sage meant to him, then I would never become one. He wouldn't let what happened to Rem happen to anyone else. At any cost, I will reach the ending with losing no one.

"Eeee..."

My musings were interrupted by a yawn from my Beako. We're already changed and in bed. She's asleep, cuddling me. She truly is the sweetest spirit I could have ever wished for. She's like the sister I had always longed for, but could never have due to my parents' circumstances. Even now, she's afraid I'll leave her. She holds me tightly, as if I might disappear at any moment.

I returned the embrace and slowly settled back down.

I should be asleep by now. The feeling of being watched, thankfully, is gone. I couldn't have slept peacefully if it had still been fixed on me. As I slowly drifted off, my conversation with Roswaal came to mind once more. As I recall, there was some sage. I think he lived in a tower, but I can't remember. I'll just ask Beako for the name tomorrow.

In any case, the whole conversation held no meaning for him. A sage or a fool? What an incredibly idiotic question. In the end, someone like him, like Natsuki Subaru, could never be a sage.

A single figure slowly made its way through the forest. In the night, it looked like an enormous shadow. Its slow steps seemed to make no sound. Despite passing numerous nests and sleeping beasts, not a single one stirred. The figure was like an anomaly, something that did not exist within time itself.

Walking at a steady, calm pace, the figure finally passed through the bushes as if they offered no resistance, emerging onto the edge of a cliff covered only in grass. In the light of the moon, the shadow transformed into a person of average height, cloaked in a long, black robe with a rather wide hood.

The robe, despite its color, seemed to glow. Upon closer inspection, one could see that this radiance was caused by many symbols in the color of orange covering the garment.

The figure stopped right at the cliff's edge and sat down silently on the damp earth, gazing at a distant point below. A mansion was visible, light pouring from it. Despite the late hour, the lights showcased the wealth of the owners, as well as the affluence of the guests, whose carriages reflected the glow.

The figure sat peacefully and watched. Despite the distance, it seemed able to perceive everything happening behind the mansion's windows. He sat calmly, not moving in the slightest. The only proof he was still there was the wind laboriously stirring his robe and the almost glowing, golden eyes peering out from under the hood, fixed on the banquet.

"So, you came after all."

The sitting figure immediately turned toward the voice. There, nearby, on the patch of grass covering the cliff, stood another figure. Her robe was pure black, without any adornments. She seemed shorter than the first, and her voice was high-pitched.

"Indeed. I determined that it is my right to observe this noble spectacle, without in any way imposing upon the proprietors of this fine mansion. Unfortunately, I was not invited, but that did not infringe upon my rights, as one must also respect theirs. You come here with a voice full of resignation. Do you, perhaps, wish to take from me my right to peaceful observation, while I am bothering no one?"

"Are you daring to infringe upon my basic right to exist in this world by taking away my freedom?" The first figure replied almost immediately, his tone annoyed.

The figure who had just emerged, however, seemed completely unmoved by either his words or his tone. She calmly approached him and then sat down opposite, also on the grass.

"Are you perhaps even daring to take away my right to freedom of being and to mutual respect for the words we speak? How dare you trample upon my person!!!" The man's voice spoke up again, this time louder and with even greater irritation. "You dare to first ignore my person, who peace—"

"That's enough!" The second figure interrupted, fixing her gaze on the owner of the tirade.

The figure seemed to flinch, then spoke again. "...My apologies. Sometimes, it just feels strangely more natural."

"I understand, in a way. It's hard not to pick up certain habits after such a long performance."

"It also has... unfortunate consequences."

"You wanted to see him. Didn't you?"

At those words, the man turned his gaze back toward the building. The party was slowly beginning. Even from this distance, the music was audible.

"Care for some wine?" he asked. The woman responded with what looked like a nod. The man reached his hand deep into his own shadow, as if it were a bottomless bag. After a moment, he pulled two ornate glasses and a bottle of blood-red liquid from the darkness. He filled both vessels, then handed one to the woman. He himself, once again focusing his gaze on the ceremony, raised his own portion of wine in a toast and then drank. His companion did the same.

"You still have doubts." The woman's voice held no tremor. It was a statement of fact, not a question. She knew exactly what was happening to him.

"Can you blame me? Over 400 years of planning, moving cautiously, fulfilling the mission perfectly... and a finale that could lay waste to all my efforts if I make a single mistake. And on top of all that, I can't even check if it will succeed!"

"I don't blame you. If I were in your place, I would be hesitant and nervous myself."

"Then what, in your opinion, should I do?! What am I supposed to do to be certain that it all had meaning, and that he will be safe?!"

"You already know the way."

"How dare you!!!" The man shot to his feet, scattering the blades of grass he'd been sitting on. "How dare you propose such a method to me!!! That is sacrilege and an infringement of all rights!!!"

"Then how do you intend to be certain? That he will undoubtedly succeed? That nothing went wrong? That despite your desire and all your work, it won't all be for nothing?"

The man froze. Even his robe, as if perfectly connected to its owner, went completely still. The only thing in his mind was turmoil. He couldn'T calm his thoughts. Despite all his faith, despite doing everything as best he could, he couldn't fully trust that everything would work. And if it didn't work, he would fail. That was unacceptable, because this was something upon which his master's fate depended.

"...I will consider it." After those words, he calmly sat back down on the grass.

"Thank you for the wine, but I must be going. I have to plan a party for the occasion of becoming a widow." The woman, speaking in a mocking tone, slowly rose from the ground, placing her empty glass down beside him. She calmly headed back toward the forest. But before she disappeared into it, she turned back one last time. Boring her piercing, blue-violet gaze into him, she spoke casually, "There won't be a second time. This is your last chance."

After which, her body turned once more and vanished into the darkness of the woods.

The man made his decision.

His thoughts finally in order, he opened his eyes. The lights in the mansion had gone out. The only thing illuminating his view was the gentle glow of the moon. Forcing his body to move, he reached once more into the shadow-world. He placed a lamp with a firestone on the grass, then lit it.

Slowly, with a trembling hand, he pulled the Gospel from beneath his robe. It was a pitch-black book. Something that signified allegiance to the Witch of Envy's Cult.

Then, his other hand reached once more into the unseen world. Calmly, trembling slightly, he withdrew his greatest treasure. His greatest symbol of sanctity.

From the shadow beneath his robe, a book slowly began to emerge.

It was much larger than that pathetic refuse from the Cult. This was no paltry copy or counterfeit. An Original—that's what it was. It was the size of a normal book, and though it also bore the color of tar, the Pleiades constellation was visible on its front. However, despite its accuracy and its ability to show exactly what actions he should take, it was unable to show certain individuals, which hindered the current situation.

His entire body was shaking. He felt as if his heart was about to explode. He couldn't draw a breath. This was a sin. Greater than any other. What he was doing was sacrilege. His gaze, falling upon the books, slowly blurred from the tears.

He had to do it.

His lips slowly parted, his throat ached, but it didn't stop him. Slowly, in a quiet whisper, he hissed to himself:

"Nothing else matters. Every law had to first be created. As their creator, the rights belong to him, and since they belong to him, they are also my rights. Therefore, as the one whom the Sage named king, my right, my duty, and my will... is my master's wish."

As the books collided, a result of his slow movements, a gentle light began to appear. Despite the theoretical impact of two objects, he felt no resistance. Though only a few seconds had passed, it felt like an eternity. But at last, after those endless seconds, a new creation appeared before his eyes.

The resulting book had practically no major changes, though anyone with a quick eye would notice that there were now ten stars on the cover.

This was his last chance. He had to know.

Slowly, he raised his hand toward the cover, gently opening it. He stared at the page, desperate for an answer, for hope. Finally, the text appeared before his eyes.

...What was happening? What had he just done?

Barely able to tear his eyes from the text, he looked around. His surroundings were burning. The ground beneath him and the nearest plants were desolated. What was this feeling? What was happening? Slowly, along with the book's contents, the answer began to form in his mind.

He was furious. And he was terrified.

His body began to react, and with every letter he read, he ground his teeth and clenched his fists tighter.

"AAAAGGGGHHH!!!"

He screamed into the night, and in his mind, the full meaning of the truth that had been revealed to him finally took shape.

This rage belonged to the last apostle of the Great Sage Flugel. It belonged to Regulus Corneas.

"His Authority and memories are damaged. 

Envy controls his 'points.'

 The activator is now the user's death."