Chapter 4: Hard Times in Capital

It's not a time to celebrate yet or even rest. Even if he had finished a task, he instead got more waiting in his life just wanted to be finished. Subaru is packing his bag, a black leather backpack given by Roswaal a few days ago in order to finish his task quick. His next quest will be neither hard nor easy. Three in line of his schedule; Grab 10 freshly harvested Appas, cut the meat from the While Whale's Carcass and steal a kingdom's sword. The word 'steal' has already playing in his mind. How to 'steal' the kingdom's sword without being slain by the guards? If not, how to 'steal' some of it in the armory without being detected? His brain trembles upon the great blow of the extreme, risky task. Without an inside man, it would be a hard job but he need to done it, though.

He packed his items; a dagger, a weird blue stone, some few clothes and the gospel (though, he doesn't know why he should bring that). The last he could fit in his bag is the jar that contains the meat of the mabeast in it. He stopped, his eyes locked at the floating chunk of dead flesh. He thought of himself, once he died. He felt the extreme pain in his mind and his heart follows. Ignore he thought and he puts the jar in his leather pack.

Almost an hour of packing his own travelling goods, he at last stepped his feet outside his room, looking its view before he goes. The single bed was tidied up and the floor was cleaned. I will miss this room someday he thought as he slowly closing the door.

Walking his heavy feet after a long walk back at yesterday was surely a great challenge for his tired body. He proceeded as he keeps thinking his future, is it better to stay here or to get back at Japan? He thinks. At downstairs, he saw nothing much rather than an empty space of hall and the double door between it. He walk towards the door and pushed it. The sunlight crashing into the empty spaces and stabbed Subaru's eyes giving him an immediate response towards it by raising his left hand, blocking the light.

A gloved hand lands on his left shoulder and it is familiar. He turned his head and looked behind him. It is Roswaal looking with his everyday smile and he seems wanted to say something to him.

"Well, I hope you remember the…"

Emilia popped out of nowhere from behind him. It was a dangerous attempt trying to say the thing if other people were there especially Emilia. Her eyes closed with her joy face. Roswaal's eyes widen and he stopped even a slight move but only a few shakes do visible on his hands. Subaru does the same too, shocked by the sudden presence. Both of them flinched with their eyes wide and wild and their face showered in sweat.

"What are you guys discussing about?" her face was between both of the guys, looking at their sweaty faces one at a time.

"No-Nothing special!" Roswaal back a step and wiped his sweats with his right palm. He walks, ignoring the shaking of his hands and moved towards the carriage that stopped at the front of the Mansion.

Subaru's face also grew tighter. He couldn't tell neither about the discussion nor his wish to return. Emilia stood in front of him with her hands on her waist and her face wrinkled wanting to ask her favor.

"Subaru, tell me the truth…" Subaru gulped and his sweat making his face as he just took a shower.

"…what did you two talked about?" said Emilia, leaning her face towards Subaru's.

"It's just…I just wanted to leave the mansion for a few days and go to the Capital for some… task," his voice spoke the least he could offer.

"Alone?" her head leaned forward.

"Alone," her face looks like she was satisfied enough with the answer. Subaru at the other side, hoped for the right answer, no more questions or answers. At last, Emilia went back standing straight and her face back to normal Emilia.

"Very well," his eyes calmed and his sweats stopped. The half-elf walked her way towards the carriage outside and his eyes followed.

She stopped down the stairs and her head remains straight.

"Are you coming or not?" she turned her head, making her pinky cheeks visible to look from Subaru. His eyes shone and he rushed down the stairs, chasing her as she slowly goes.

"Hey! Wait for me!" he said while running.

It's been hours of traveling in the carriage, feeling the bumps, hearing the sound of growling dragon and spinning wheels and the shrieking sound made by the woods of the carriage. It's not the best ride but it's the only transport to reach the Capital in time. The driver of the carriage was a man called by the name of Paul by his fellow partners. He is a thin man with brown hair and green eyes. He is young but he's older than Subaru though. He's very loyal to the mansion since the tragedy of the assault so he wanted to pay his soul debt by offering his service to the mansion for whole his life.

They passed the remaining of the Flügel Tree along the highway. The speed of the carriage was surely enough to say that it was another one hour journey before reaching the Capital. Subaru sat, looking outside the view of the mass meadow once a battlefield fighting the white whale until its end. He would never forget the fear he went through during the battle. The memories of it still stuck in his mind and he could see it playing with his own eyes.

His eyes looked at the left corner of it and saw Roswaal at the opposite side. He was sitting there for more than an hour with the book he read since they departed from Mather's domain. No idea what he's reading. His head turned to the left with his eyes still at the corner and saw Emilia, sitting next to him, dozing off. How cute when she's asleep he thought and gave a smile entertained by her sleeping reaction.

"She's cute isn't it?" Puck, the cat-like spirit popped out from her hair. He floats and acted as he was lying in the air with his right paw supporting his head.

"Yes and it's hilarious," Subaru said calmly.

"Well…" Puck sits in the air, floating around with his hand crossed and his eyes closed. His mouth slowly smiled and then grinned.

"I sense a lie back at the mansion. You shouldn't tell a lie to…" Roswaal closed and smacked his book with all his energy. His smile got off from his face. Both the spirit and the 18 year old boy are in a silent once they were flinched with the sudden action. Roswaal's eyes narrowed and looked both of them one at a time.

"Speak and you'll be history," he spoke, giving a stare to Subaru. His stare itself had stabbed Subaru's heart. It was both scary and awkward but better described as scary. Puck, the great spirit that can cast his deadly magic and hexes, was also intimidate by the lone, lifeless stare. All they can do are to remain silent along their journey.

They reached the capital and passed the huge, gateless gate. Emilia was awake and she looked enjoyed by the view at the streets. It was full of joy and happiness and they realized, the celebration for the subjugation victory was not ended yet. How long did they celebrate such victory? It's been almost four months after the battle and they still celebrating it like it were just happened yesterday. How weird! He thought. They stopped near the gate of the castle since it's the limit for carriages.

"Stop here, this is the limit!" the guard shouted while pointing the blunt looking spear to the dragon. It stopped calmly, didn't even threatening the guard.

All of them departed except for Paul. He wanted to wait with his carriage there and took care of his dragon.

"Alright and thanks, Paul," he didn't talk much so he just wave his right hand standing on his driver seat.

"Ummm…Roswaal, Emilia-tan. I wanted to go somewhere else," Subaru said, stopping both Emilia and Roswaal. Emilia's face shows her worried but Roswaal shines.

"Why, Subaru? Did I do something wrong?" she asked, worried by her doing. Though, she doesn't even does something wrong.

"I'm just got to find some peace around. Also, I can't bother you in your royal election. It's the promise that I'll keep," he said calmly with his voice down.

"But…"

"It's right. Though, he mu-u-ust do something for himself. He can't always rely on us," said Roswaal, cutting Emilia's speech. Her eyes looked at Roswaal's face but he didn't react to that. Finally, she must admit that she's agreed with it.

She gave her sigh and said "Alright but don't be stupid wandering around dangerous alleys,"

That word 'alley' had triggered the memory of the unforgotten; when he first arrived at the world and was saved by a girl named Emilia. It does give him a long time to react until he realized they were already in, passing the gate.

I need to find an inn and went to find the ingredients he thought as he grinned to himself.

It cost him a long walk from the castle to the town itself and his job was not ended yet. He need to walk more to find the perfect inn for him to stay since he declined the offer Emilia had offered him. Maybe staying at the castle is better but it will make his work harder since he will be observed time to time. He walked for hours and hours but he didn't even found a perfect inn for him.

He found inns but all of them were not perfect for him. Some only Demi-Humans can enter, some are dirty as hell, some are bandit-full and some are too chaotic to enter. It cost him almost a day, walking while carrying his heavy leather bag around the vast and huge city.

He agreed with his mind to rest and he found a perfect resting spot near the fountain in a square, surrounded by stalls. He sat on a bench and putted his bag aside of him. He leaned his weight on the bench and rested his aching muscles while he watching the sky slowly turned its color to orange. He was tired, tired as he can be. He wanted to sleep but he didn't want to be homeless. His eyes keep looking up to the sky. The sunlight soon will be full of darkness in the night but fortunately, the area surroundings were filled with lantern posts so he might survive the fear of darkness.

A few hours passed and he felt a lot better. His aching calms and the tiredness drove off but only his worry on finding an inn didn't leave, yet. He looked around and saw a few people wandering around the square, some merchants packing their stalls and a few kids playing with their glowing ball of some sort.

He soon caught his interest on a sign. It was an inn called Ubsterstone Inn and it seems like the last option for him. He didn't want to stay outside though, so it is a must.

He reached his feet on the inn's door step and saw a man wiping and cleaning the bar counter. The middle aged man glanced at him as he walks into the building.

"We're closin' bud! Try to find somewhere else te' live!"

"But I'm desperate here! I have no where to live!" said Subaru, approaching the bar counter and rest his hands on it. The man stopped wiping the counter and looked at Subaru's tired face.

"Show me, how desperate ye' are?"

Subaru took out a sack of coins that was given by Roswaal at the mansion. He holds it and hangs its thread on his fingers. The sound of the coin startled the barman. He looked closely at the sack, trying to observe what is in it.

"Gold or Copper?" the barman asked as he slowly approaches, standing in front of Subaru.

"Holy coins," the barman shook his head. He didn't even experience a desperate man came at a sudden and offers him a sack of Holy coins.

"One holy coin per two days, how's that?" asked Subaru, negotiating with the barman. "Can one day for a coin?" said the barman. Subaru touched his chin, acting like a rich man in an auction.

"I fear I couldn't do that, mister," this time, the barman touched his chin, stroking his short beard as he thinks.

"Very well, lad. Wait there, I'll show ye' the room layter" an agreement was made and he turned to sit at the nearest table, waiting for the barman to finish his job.

He pulled the chair off from below the table and anchors himself on it. He putted the heavy bag on the table and he rests his head on it despite its hardness.

The barman had done his job and he brought two pints of ale with him. He sat and offers Subaru to drink.

"Sorry but I don't drink," said Subaru as he slowly push the ale further.

The barman chuckled and took a sip of it. He smashed the cup on the table; splatter the ale on the table.

"Sure is. I know ye' won't drink," he stands and went behind the counter. He return back and in his left hand is a bottle of pure water. He grabbed a glass cup from the counter and offers it to Subaru before sitting on his chair.

"So…talkin' 'bout room, eh? I've found ye' one but it does need a deposit," Subaru rolled his eyes and opened the sack. He grabbed a coin and gave it to the barman.

"Ahahah! Ye' gonna like it, bud!" he shouted and sipped another gulp of his ale. Subaru only pour his water but didn't drink it.

"Anyway, the name's Heyern. I'm the owner of this inn," he chuckled as he took another sip.

"My name is Subaru," Heyern nodded and he stands.

"I'm gonna show ye' the room, shall I?" his speak was already polite but maybe his accent made it heard like an outlaw.

"As long as it has a bed, I'll take it," both of them head upstairs in the dim building. The hallway of the upstairs was only enlightened by a single torch. They reached the door for his room. Heyern slowly pushed the door inwards, revealing what's behind it. In the room was a bed, a table lamp and of course, its table. Nothing no more than a small room with a single window.

"Well, it's okay though. I'll take it," Heyern shot him a wink as he leaves Subaru alone in the door step of his room.

"Sleep tight, bud!" said Heyern before vanishing downstairs.

He stepped inside and threw his heavy leather pack on his bed. He lands himself on his bed, joining his bed to feel the comfort of the straw-bed. The pack next him was opened, making the things in it to scattered on the bed. His head turned and saw the jar with dead flesh. He changed his position and sat, grabbing his transparent jar with his hands and putted it at the table, next to the table lamp.

He's ready to sleep and he doesn't know what time was it. A single blow of his breath already putted the fire of the lamp off, making the room dark but the moonlight shines into it. He laid his body on the soft, straw-mattress giving him a goodnight sleep.

It is morning and he can tell it by the direction of the sun at the east. Subaru yawned, stretched his hands and feet and tried a bit push ups. He made it with the result of 25 push ups and that was fantastic as he called it.

He packed his pack once again and inserted the jar in it. He didn't scared of the jar being shattered because the jar itself can withstand a fall from the second floor of the mansion. His left hand pushed the door and his feet stepped outside the room. He looked once again at his room, remembering the room at the mansion. I remembered the room and I surely missed its comfort he thought before closing the door.

He was just a few steps on the stairs before reaching down the ground and he saw five other people; two men, one girl and two cat-like beast humans were enjoying themselves at the table. Subaru ignored the excitement and move towards Heyern who was wiping the counter. Heyern's eyes glanced at Subaru then he stopped what he was doing earlier.

"Looking hungry, eh?" asked Heyern as he grabbed a pot and putted it on the counter. It was filled with mashed potatoes. It doesn't look tasty but Subaru's stomach was already mad at him.

"What's the breakfast?" he looked in the pot though he already knows what's in it.

"Mashed Potatues as usual if ye' stayed here fer' ten days," he said while turning back to grab a plate for Subaru.

"Potatu?" asked Subaru since the name appa and peppir had already confused him. Heyern went back with a plate with him. He looked at Subaru and said "Hmmm… why? Never heard of potatues?"

"Yeah, as well as appa," Heyern shook his head, hearing the weird respond from Subaru. His eyebrows cocked up, looking confused.

"Where are ye' really from, lad?"

Subaru fell in silent as he stares at him. Is it worth it to tell him the truth? Maybe, he'll say I'm crazy or something he thought before saying "Nothing special, just give me some of it,"

With a confused look, Heyern shoved the mashed potatues and set it loose on Subaru's plate. It was really a mashed potato, despite what they called it. Subaru turned around and tried to find a free table, though there are a lot of them. His feet began to walk, bringing his thin body to the nearest table next to the counter. He pulled the chair and sat. He shoved the mashed potato with his silver spoon provided on his plate, looking at it before putting it in his mouth. The exact taste, it is potato.

The guys behind him were cheering and laughing as they tell their own story. Subaru wondered how many days have they stayed? Or, are they friends of some sort? Subaru relaxed on his own table as he hears what they were talking about.

"So, how's da plan?" said the cat-like person with a brown hair and cat ears. He wears a green robe and a bow equipped on his back. He took a sip of his morning beer.

"Alright, listen…" said the blonde girl that wears a pink robe, probably their leader of some sort, "We sneak in by using some magic."

The other of her guys was murmuring about her suggestion, perhaps they didn't agree with the plan.

"What kind of damn thingie was that, gal?!" the brown haired cat-like human said with his high, Kararagi accent. "We shouldn't use our own magic on em' cause' they're too many for us to take down just on using da magic," he touched his chin and think for a better plan.

Subaru ate the last of his potato meal while watching the bandits do their discussion. He pushed the plate away from him and he chugged the water greedily and spilled a bit on his shirt.

It's been an hour passed and the bandits had gone out, not even a clue where they went to. Subaru is sitting alone at the table while reading some books about basic business. Heyern was at the back of the counter, doing his cleaning job and the other member of the bandit was there too but he was just sitting, opposite to the counter.

Subaru tried thinking his plan to steal the kingdom's sword but none even entered his. He left the book behind at the table and went to the counter, anchoring himself on the stool. His face turned to look at the lone bandit being left behind by his friends.

He has a blonde hair with yellow fox-like ears with a fox like tail popping out from his lower back. His face was usual, a handsome young man with sky blue eyes and clean face. His body was thin and he wears a merchant like outfit, white shirt and long brown trousers covered by the green robe.

His frown spilled over his young, handsome face. He's sad for sure but Subaru didn't have any single clue. The bandit boy took a sip of his beer and slams the cup on the counter. His head slowly turned and face-to-face met with Subaru's.

"Oh…hi," he said with his voice low but clear.

"You looked so sad? What's the problem?" Subaru's eyes widen as he ask. The boy's face turned away and closed his eyes as he was in pain.

"Nothing bad, just…" he turned his gaze at Subaru. "…I was left behind. I was useless to them. Don't you feel that?"

Subaru shrugs and reaches his right hand on the boy's left shoulder. He patted it and gave an ear-to-ear grin. The boy smiled as he saw the funny grin but his smile was then replaced with another frown.

"Don't worry; I was like you too…" Subaru lifts his head, acting as he was looking to a sky. "…but I keep my words that I will be useful to others sometime so don't despair, keep what you're doing."

The bandit boy turned his heavy head to look at Subaru, a smile came across his young face as the last tear drops. Subaru trades him a comforting smile and patted his shoulder. He felt comforted from his despair and he feels the hope he has.

"Wow…I…thank you…ummm…"

"Subaru. Just call me Subaru," Subaru rested his right arm at the counter.

"Well Subaru…thank you…" he handed his hand towards Subaru, wanted to shake Subaru's hand. Subaru shakes his hand and they have a good laugh about it.

"My name is Tom by the way," he set loose the grip and asked for another round of beer.

"Comin' right up!" Heyern shouted and grabbed two pints of beer for them, putting it on the counter.

"I don't drink," Subaru shakes his head and pushed the beer away. Tom grabbed his beer and took a sip of it, releasing a long 'ah…' after the sipping.

"Suit yourself, Subaru. I know you will decline," Tom chugged the beer and finished it in instant. He seems to like beer a lot since he drank a lot. Subaru saw another two empty cup next to him, though he didn't drunk at all.

I think I can use his help, a thought passed Subaru's mind. After all, Tom is a bandit, maybe he have some skill that can be proved useful. Subaru clears his throat and says, "Ummm… could you help me with some stuff?" and Tom looked him with his curious face.

"Sure can, just tell me…what it is?" he stands from his sitting position, gazing towards Subaru with his questioning face.

"Could you help me out with some stuff? I'll pay you later," Subaru stands and supports his body using his right hand. Both staring each other, Tom thinks what to answer while Subaru shaken while waiting the answer.

"Well…" the moment of silence breaks. "I'll help you," Tom said as he head to the table where he sat before and grab his long sword in the sheath.

"R-Really?" Subaru's head shook after hearing the unexpected answer. His mouth open wide while his eyes turn wild. As Tom went back to the counter, he said "There's nothing to be done here anyway."

Subaru told him what he need and he agreed. At last, they told Heyern that they will go around the capital to find some things. Subaru had readied his backpack and energy while Tom readied himself for a long walk.

"Good luck to yer' both!" Heyern waves from behind his counter.

They got out and the sky was covered in grey, dark clouds. Probably wanted to rain but the temperature was too cold for a rain. Could this be winter? Subaru asked in his lone mind. He looked around, people started to wear sweaters and coats. Perhaps it is winter and it is very near.

The freezing temperature reaches the bone of Subaru as the breeze blows at both of them. They hugged their own body, tried to kill the chilling temperature off their body but it is way to cold without a proper insulation.

"Oh, I forgot it is winter already," Tom said with his shaky voice. Subaru shook his head after hearing the late news, couldn't believe that he could forgot about that. What kind of thing did he do that had made him forget about the winter? Another thought playing in his mind.

Wasting no time outside in the cold pre-winter, they went back inside the inn and Tom lends Subaru another long robe of his. It is a long grey robe, attach with a pair of clasp. It was thick and has a great insulation. They went back outside and both of them feels warm and comfort despite the winter breeze blows its cold to them.

"Better?" asked Tom giving his half-face smile. Subaru nodded and fix the long, thick robe.

The two walked around the city, trying to find 10 freshly picked appas for Subaru's need. They asked almost to all shops, stalls and merchants but all of them gave the same answer, "They were really that fresh. Ask other people."

At this time, the sun was already up above their head, blazing its light to the city. Subaru's throat was already dry despite the cold surroundings. Luckily, Tom has his flask, filled with pure water and Subaru immediately chugged it. They're tired but they can't rest now.

"I think we should ask that girl," Tom's finger points to the merchant girl, wears a sky blue merchant's attire. Her long brown hair flings to her right shoulder and her eyes were sky blue in color. Her face appears as she was in early 20's.

Both of the desperate men approach the merchant, who is unpacking her wagon. Inside her wagon has about more than 20 barrels of appas and a long sword hanging at the north in the wagon, probably for protection.

She knows their presence and she glanced to them with a smile across her face. Tom and Subaru trade their meager smile to her.

"Well welcome, boys!" she greeted with her Kararagi accent as she lifted a barrel of appas. It was shocking seeing a thin woman lifts a heavy barrel.

"What cha' want? A barrel ef' fresh appas?" she slams the barrel in front of them. The appas is fresh, with radiant red color that reflects the sunlight on its surface. She grabbed an appa and took a bite of it.

"No…actually, we just want 10 of these," Tom grabs an appa out from the barrel shows it to the girl merchant.

"Are these really fresh?" asked Subaru, taking the appa from Tom and observes it to look for a sign of freshness.

"Yeah, it is freshly picked, boys! Why do ye' asked such question?" the girl merchant tilted her head.

"It's for some…" Subaru looked around in rush, trying to find a perfect answer rather than telling the truth. "…Gift!" and he shouted it out.

The girl smirked and puts her hands on her waist.

"Well, I that's good to hear ye' wish! I know someone could actually appreciate ma' werk," she winks at both of them and went into the wagon to grab some other appas.

"Did you think it'll be that fresh?" asked Tom, grabbing another appa from the barrel to inspect it further. Subaru shrugged and hope it is.

She got out with a paper bag filled with red appas. She handed the paper bag to Subaru and he grabs it thus hugged it on his chest.

"There, 10 fresh appas. Anything else?" Subaru shakes his head. It is enough, though it will cost him more if he bought more. The girl merchant nodded, still smiling.

"Well for ye', I'll give it free," said the girl merchant giving her grin.

"Huh? Really?"

"Aye, ye' are a hardworkin' boy, isn't it? I give this as a gift," she turned and walk towards her wagon before stopping. "Oh and ma' name is Teal. It's nice to meet cha'…"

"Subaru, and this is Tom" Subaru point his thumb towards Tom, who is still inspecting the appa. Teal nodded and boarded her wagon. Subaru turned and walk towards Tom.

"That's enough, I got it already," said Subaru, lifting the paper bag so Tom could see it. He nodded and put the appa back into its barrel. They're off and there's still a lot of time left.

"What now?" asked Tom, keeping his pace next to Subaru so he don't lost sight of him in the huge crowd.

They pushed along the crowds at the square to reach the slaughter square. It is where the head of the White Whale were kept and were slowly being 'pickled' to preserves its shape. Still pushing through the crowds, they hold each others hand to keep each other from lost.

"Were going to take a piece of the White Whale's meat," said Subaru, looking behind towards Tom. Tom nodded despite being pushed by the crowds.

It takes almost an hour to escape from the crowd wall and they finally reached the slaughter square. At the front, there was a gate with portcullis gate equipped on it. Two heavily armored guards stand at each side of the wall and they were armed with one long pike. Above the walls were seven archers, equipped with a bow and a quilt of arrows for each person. They wore white shirt with purple trimmings and white trousers.

Subaru approached the gate while Tom observed from behind. The guards know his presence and went in front of him and blocked his way with the pike. Subaru halted and stared at the long pike in front of him then he glanced to the guard who sternly looking at him.

"Well, where are you going, mate?" his voice was as sharp as the pike. His eyebrows cocked up and his grip getting tighter.

"I thought it the square was open?" said Subaru, calm and clear. The guard smirked and raises his pike, vertically holding it. A touch startled Subaru but actually, it was Tom. The guard waves for his partner to come and his muscular partner, equipped with a longer pike came and stood at the left of Subaru.

"What's the problem?" he said and looked at Subaru with his eyes narrowed.

"Explain to em' what's happenin'," the muscular guard nodded.

"Well, the square is currently closed now. We have the carcass cleaned for the ending of the celebration. We can't let any peasant or people to get in…" he coughed and continued. "…except if you have a Royal Certificate to help," he handed his hand forward, asking for what he said as 'certificate'.

Tom patted Subaru's shoulder and whispers for his name. He reacted by turning his head from the guard to the man called Tom.

"Did you have the certificate?" asked Tom whispering. Subaru's heart pounds to the end and his mind swirls as he think how to get in there without being interrupted.

"Excuse me, please!" a feminine voice was heard behind them. The guards turned their gaze to the owner of the voice and soon, Subaru and Tom followed.

They saw her… she was…

"Felt?" Subaru eyed for the young woman who once he saved. His eyes widen and wild, looking at the unexpected presence.

Author's note: Well, it's been 4 weeks of delay for this chapter of story and that's because of many unwanted problems. Firstly, some issues with my computer so I need to repair it and it already took one and half week to finish. Secondly, I got some daily chores at school so, I usually didn't have time to write since it's already taken extra three hours. Thirdly, sickness… no comment. Thank to god, I'm being able to do this and finish it. Thanks to my followers to wait and readers to read and reviewers to review! I appreciate your time to read, fix and comment my story!