Tsukasa walked down the silent corridor, deep in thought. 'If we calculate based on what Subaru saw with that 'Future Sight', the first step is to deal with that so-called one of the Three Great Mabeasts—the White Whale.'
He temporarily named Subaru's suddenly manifested ability "Future Sight".
After hearing her description, the outline of a clear plan had already formed in his mind.
However, he did not set off immediately.
Changing his direction, he walked toward the depths of the mansion, in the direction of Crusch's study.
This mansion of the Karsten House was located in the deepest part of the Royal Capital's upper-class noble district. This was an area lined with mansions of illustrious families. The buildings were magnificent and kept at appropriate distances from one another.
The building before him, though merely a villa used by the Duke during her stay in the Royal Capital, was of a scale and grandeur that could not be underestimated.
Upon entering, the level of luxury in the decor far exceeded Roswaal's mansion as a Margrave.
Everywhere he looked, heavy tapestries hung on the walls, the wooden furniture was polished and intricately carved, and exquisite porcelain and metal ornaments were displayed throughout.
Light filtered through the tall stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns onto the carpet.
However, this slightly excessive decorative style was likely not Crusch's personal preference, but rather more to fit the status of a Duke and the needs of entertaining guests.
He did not stop walking, heading straight to the heavy double doors of the study.
Faint, cheerful laughter from Felix and the steady sound of Crusch's voice could be heard from inside.
Tsukasa did not hesitate. He raised his hand, gripped the brass doorknob, and pulled it open.
The scene inside the study came into view. Crusch was sitting behind a large desk, and Felix was leaning against the table.
Hearing the sound, both turned their heads to look at the door.
Tsukasa stood at the doorway, his gaze landing directly on Crusch as he said straightforwardly, "Let's have a talk."
He paused for a moment, the corners of his lips curling into his usual expression—a mix of casualness and seriousness.
"A business deal."
Click.
A slight sound echoed in the quiet corridor.
Almost at the same moment Tsukasa opened the study door, another door was pushed open.
It was Subaru's bedroom door.
Rem, carrying a tray with warm water and a clean towel, slipped into the room and silently closed the door behind her. Her movements were very light, making almost no sound.
The intensity of the storm outside seemed to have lessened, but the rain continued to beat against the glass, making a continuous rustling sound. Moisture seeped through the cracks in the window, bringing a hint of chill into the room.
Rem placed the tray on the nightstand and then sat down on the low stool beside the bed.
Her gaze fell upon the sleeping Subaru, whose breathing had become steady and long. Her brow was no longer furrowed, though a bit of dampness still lingered on her eyelashes.
Looking at this peaceful sleeping face, Rem's eyes became somewhat complex. Within them were mixed worry, a trace of loneliness, and a deeper tenderness.
In the room, there was only the sound of rain and Subaru's steady breathing.
In this silence, Rem lowered her head slightly. Facing the sleeping Subaru, or perhaps more accurately, facing the depths of her own heart, she whispered in a barely audible breath.
"Rem actually envies Subaru. Always able to receive that unique, most attentive tenderness and care from Tsukasa."
"Rem has long since regarded Tsukasa as a hero. Sometimes selfish thoughts pop up in my heart, not wanting anyone to get close to him, not wanting to let anyone share..."
Her voice dropped even lower, carrying a hint of clear bitterness. "But that is impossible. Rem knows, that is absolutely... impossible."
Another long silence followed. The sound of rain outside seemed to become the only background noise.
Then, as if she had finally convinced herself, she spoke softly again, her tone filled with a hint of relieved determination, "So, Rem no longer asks for more. Being able to be by Tsukasa's side like this, being able to help a little is already the best thing."
She raised her head, her gaze seemingly piercing through the walls, looking in the direction where Tsukasa had left.
"Rem also believes that Tsukasa will definitely come back safely."
The corners of her lips curved into a very slight, yet exceptionally gentle arc. "Because he has always been that strong, hasn't he?"
—
"Are you saying..."
Crusch put down the quill in her hand and leaned back slightly against the chair. Her green eyes were fixed unblinkingly on Tsukasa standing in the center of the study.
Her expression remained calm, but the slightly rising inflection at the end of her sentence betrayed a hint of disbelief.
"You intend to face the White Whale all by yourself?"
Just a moment ago, Tsukasa had proposed a deal to her and Felix that had practically shocked them.
"That's right."
Tsukasa answered, his hands in his trench coat pockets, looking at Crusch before him with a casual posture.
"I am making a deal with you using the achievement of subjugating the White Whale. The content of the deal is: After I bring back concrete proof of the White Whale's subjugation, the Karsten House must dispatch troops to wipe out the Witch Cultists entrenched in Roswaal's territory."
Tsukasa knew clearly in his heart that no matter how strong his power was, he was ultimately just one person. Even if he could annihilate the enemy with overwhelming power, it would be difficult to conduct a thorough and precise sweep across the vast territory, and it would be hard to avoid unnecessary destruction and casualties.
Therefore, he needed a well-trained, well-commanded army. Using this achievement of slaying the White Whale, enough to shake the entire kingdom, to trade for the deployment of the troops under Crusch was the most direct and effective method.
Only in this way could he free up his hands to focus on dealing with that more dangerous and chilling existence in Subaru's 'Future Sight'—a certain Sin Archbishop.
Crusch was silent for a moment.
The study was very quiet, with only the occasional crackle of burning firewood in the fireplace and the unceasing sound of rain outside, which had gradually turned into a light drizzle.
She spoke again, her voice calm but carrying the caution typical of a politician, "However, based solely on your word, how am I to believe that the White Whale will really appear at the specified time and place? Its movements have always been the greatest mystery."
"It's simple."
Tsukasa seemed to have anticipated this. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze behind his sunglasses seeming to pierce through people's hearts.
"After tomorrow morning, the White Whale's corpse will appear near the Flugel's Tree. If it does not appear by then..."
He paused, his tone devoid of any hesitation, instead carrying a nearly arrogant certainty. "That would mean I failed in the subjugation. However, that situation will not happen. The White Whale's corpse will definitely appear there."