Since a few months ago, mornings in the Roswaal mansion had began with an intense『Slaughter.』Though, calling it『Slaughter』may have been quite surprising when it came to the people concerned.
Still, as far as Subaru was concerned, who witnessed it, the exchanges were violent enough to be called『Slaughter.』 In fact, there was no doubt that one of the two who clashed together was challenging the other to the death. But unfortunately, the other person who was challenging them evaded that ferocious fighting spirit with ease.
The disparity of power between the two of them was completely evident in the eyes of anyone who cared to look. Of course, there was no doubt that they'd keep up this dangerous routine every morning because of this,
[???: RHHHHHAAAAARRRGH!!]
A fierce howl of rage, accompanied by an explosion at the feet that blew away the lawn on the courtyard. Digging his foot in deeply, with that tempestuous propulsion the golden silhouette charged forward, his beastly claws driving straight toward the figure of his opponent.
It was a blow that could rend thick steel plate, a blow which could turn a human body into mince meat―― The claws of the beast delivered a myriad of violent attacks, assailing its prey in an attempt to forbid it from escaping. However,
???: [I am sorry, but the gap is too great.]
???: [GHHA― !?]
The other silhouette easily avoided the downpour of fatal attacks coming from the claws of the beast. And immediately after, the long legs which were jumping up gave out a loud yell, and the body of the beast was pierced from below.
The beast raised a cry in anguish at receiving that blow, and the side that was stuck arced upwards―
???: [GHHAGHK― !?]
――Or rather, that was what should have happened, but it didn't happen like so.
The body that was launched skywards was intercepted by the opponent's heel which swung downwards like he had waited in ambush, and sent him down crashing into the ground. The impact produced a circular crater upon the lawn's surface, leaving the beast perfectly silent, spread-eagled on the floor unmoving.
???: [Do you want to continue?]
???: [Aurgh]
The victor asked him whether he wanted to continue as the loser let out a groan. There was neither sarcasm or cynicism when asking that; they were words spoken only towards the battle. That's why those words deeply wounded the loser's spirit. Thus,
[Subaru: You probably don't even realise it, but words like that are demeaning you know. Stop with the damn Samurai's pity.]
Entering the scene in which victory and defeat had already been decided, Subaru said this as he scratched his head. Hearing those words, the young man who had been overlooking his spread-eagled opponent turned to look back at him with a smile appearing on his face.
The young man with hair of red flame raised his hand towards Subaru.
[???: 'ello, good morning, Subaru. You're up early this morning, huh?]
[Subaru: Not as early as the two of you. Even so, don't you get bored or have enough of doing this everyday... You don't have to always act so frank, Reinhardt.]
[Reinhardt: There's nothing wrong with his ambition burning strong. Besides, it's also true that he's getting stronger and stronger each day. Before long, won't there come a time where he will catch up with me?]
[Subaru: Is that so? I'm having a bit of a hard time picturing that.]
The red-haired youth―― Reinhardt's words didn't give off the feeling that they were either a joke or an act of humility. Closing one of his eyes at this estimation, Subaru looked down at the figure that was still lying down on the ground.
A boy with short golden hair was rolling in pain there. Wheezing in anguish, he was still not at a level in which he could wage battle, but still, the fighting spirit dwelling in his green eyes had not wavered at all.
Though his body could not obey his intentions, all he could do was grit his teeth in frustration. Grasping the feelings of bitterness he was feeling, Subaru extended his hand to that boy.
[Subaru: Hey, can you get up, Garfiel. Don't give up just yet. You're…]
[Garfiel: …Don't touch me so casually. ' don't need t' stand by yer hand y'know.]
Not taking Subaru's outstretched hand, the blonde haired boy, Garfiel, bared his fangs at him. However, it was obvious in anyone's eyes that it was just a bravado. Pain was etched on his face, and his breathing was rough. Nevertheless, Subaru was not so childish as to point this out.
Slightly shaking the arm that had been brushed aside, Subaru sighed at the Garfiel who climbed to his feet.
[Subaru: Well, if you say so, do as you like. But, go take a bath before breakfast, and try to clean yourself of the sweat and mud. Otherwise, Ram will come to dislike you.]
[Garfiel: … ut yer trap. ' know wi'out you needin' to tell me.]
Shaking his head at Subaru's suggestion, Garfiel knitted his eyebrows into an angry scowl and stood up. His knees were still trembling, but it wasn't to the extent where he couldn't walk. Having recovered with his amazing resilience, Garfiel glared at Reinhardt who was standing there as unperturbed as ever.
[Garfiel: Nex' time, 'm gonna beat ya.]
[Reinhardt: I will be looking forward to it.]
Garfiel snorted at Reinhardt's reply which had no traces of a lie in it. And after that, the boy started to trudge away, and as he passed by Subaru, he gave a fleeting glance his way.
[Garfiel: ――Hmph.]
Smacking his lips in irritation, he continued to trudge away from the courtyard to the mansion. With a wry smile on his face, Subaru watched him walk away like that; he shook his head.
He must be feeling quite hurt with his pride wounded. Still, his sour feelings should go away along with his sweat when he washed himself before breakfast. Really, he was at a troublesome age.