(A/N: Do you know the best way to infruriate your readers is to release a chap, which ends at cliffhanger and then let them hanging for a week, before uploading another one)
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3rd Person POV
"W-Why do you want to beco my knight?" Subaru asked, thoroughly confused. He had only known Reina for a short period of ti. Sure, they had grown relatively close in that span—perhaps even friends—but this? This felt like sothing far beyond re camaraderie.
'D-Don't tell she's fallen in love with ?' he thought, startled by his own speculation. 'No… I shouldn't jump to conclusions. There could be a dozen other reasons. Still… it's not impossible, is it?'
While Subaru wrestled with his thoughts, Roswaal stared at the kneeling Sword Saint with an expression of utter disbelief, the colorful nobleman's mind racing.
'Who is he?'
'Where is he?'
'What the hell is even happening anymore?'
Okay, maybe not quite that extre. But the situation was undeniably shocking. His usually composed face twitched in frustration as he clenched his fists.
'If she truly becos his knight, then everything I've planned… all of it will collapse!' Roswaal thought grimly, barely able to contain his emotions.
Trying to suppress the panic boiling inside him, Roswaal spoke up quickly. "Lady Reina, your decision to acknowledge Sir Zero as your 'Lord' is, without doubt, a grave mistake. He does not belong to any noble house, nor does he carry a family na of worth. You, on the other hand, are the rightful heir to the revered Astrea lineage and the current Sword Saint. If word spreads that soone of your caliber has sworn allegiance to a re commoner, the nobility will erupt in outrage. The political backlash will be... severe. They won't allow such a bond to stand."
Reina didn't even look at him.
"I don't need your opinion, clown," she replied flatly. "I have made my decision. I will serve Lord Zero as his loyal knight, regardless of status, title, or consequences."
Roswaal's eye twitched violently. 'This makes no sense! She was supposed to align with that petty thief, Felt!'
Subaru, anwhile, glanced at Roswaal from the corner of his eye. The noble was clearly doing everything he could to block Reina's declaration.
'To be completely honest, this is one hell of a tempting offer. With Reina by my side, I wouldn't have to fear death again—at least not easily. She's the Sword Saint. With her power and my knowledge of the loops, we could solve most problems before they even appear. But… accepting this now could ruin her reputation. It could ruin her life.'
The reality was painfully clear: Reina was no ordinary knight. She was the Sword Saint, the Kingdom's final line of defense. She was their ultimate trump card. Having her swear loyalty to a naless outsider like him—soone the Kingdom barely recognized—would send shockwaves through the court. It would give enemies ammunition to discredit her, maybe even strip her of her title.
"Miss Reina… Why do you want to beco my knight?" he asked again, more solemnly this ti. 'Even if she does have feelings for … this is way too much.'
Reina blushed. In truth, she'd been wondering for a while how she could follow Zero everywhere without raising suspicion. Her first thought had been… stalking him. No… bad idea. Then a sudden epiphany: if she beca his knight, she'd have the perfect reason to stay by his side. Always.
But she knew she couldn't say that out loud. Not with a Great Spirit like Beatrice nearby, who could probably sense lies like they were perfu.
"I-I think Lord Zero is soone worthy of my loyalty," she replied simply, face still red.
Subaru exhaled softly.
'If I accept this, I might avoid 90% of the garbage that's coming my way. But it's selfish. And it's wrong. I can't put her in danger like this—not yet.'
"I'm honestly moved by your offer, Reina. Really, I am. But…" he paused and then spoke with resolve.
"I refuse."
Gasps echoed around the courtyard. Rem and Ram looked at him like he had gone mad. They understood exactly what he'd just turned down: the chance to beco the liege of the Astrea heir—the Sword Saint herself.
"Before you ask why," Subaru said, voice steady, "it's because I don't deserve it. At least… not yet."
The temptation was undeniable. Having Reina would erase so many of the threats he faced, make things much easier. But he couldn't say yes—not now. As much as he hated to admit it, Roswaal was right. He was still a commoner. A nobody.
But that could change. The White Whale, the Witch Cult—they would strike eventually. And when they did, Subaru would stand at the frontlines. If he could defeat them with his own hands, then he'd have earned the right. Then Reina could serve him without risking disgrace.
Reina's mood dropped visibly. Her gaze darkened. 'If he won't accept now… what if he dies again? What if I'm not there to save him?'
Her thoughts spiraled further. 'Maybe I should lock him up. If I keep him with , he won't be in danger. And I'll be with him. Always. Forever.'
A dangerous glint briefly flashed in her eyes—then vanished.
Subaru reached out and gently patted her head. The mont his hand touched her hair, her expression softened like lting snow, a look of pure joy taking over her face.
"I'm genuinely grateful for your offer," he said, his voice soft, kind. "But it would be selfish of to accept it without thinking about the consequences you'd face."
He gave her a small smile. "So please, don't kneel before . And stop calling 'Lord'. Just call Zero—and treat as your friend."
Reina stood up, still blushing. Her lips trembled as she suppressed the words that wanted to escape—'I want to be more than your friend…'—but she kept them sealed tight.
'Ah… how nice it would be… if he smiled like that for alone…' another unsettling thought bubbled up. But she shoved it down.
Subaru had narrowly avoided a truly dangerous ending. For now.
To be continued…
(A/N: Yeah, screw editing with AI, lol. You guys might get chapters with a few grammar mistakes, but at least there's more detail, fewer plot holes, and a clearer understanding of the events. Also—drop so powerstones for my DanMachi fic or no bonus chapters for y'all!
EDITED NOTE: I WAS NAIVE, AI IS THE FUTURE AND I SHALL GRASP IT, YOU JUST NEED TO KNOW HOW TO USER IT PROPERLY)
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