Going back inside the mansion, an all-too-familiar scene played out.
Xeno had decided to head back to his room. ascending the stairs. Only to meet Crusch herself once again, back in her military outfit. The Duchess let out a small smile.
The conversation started off completely normal, for Crusch's point of view nothing was wrong.
Crusch: "Good morning, Xenophanes."
Xeno: "Ditto, Crusch. How are you doing?" He greeted casually, raising his hand in a way.
Crusch: "Quite well. My preparations are almost complete." She provided the information to see his reaction.
Xeno: "Wonderful. I hope whatever your great scheme is, goes well."
The answer made Crusch pause for a second. But reviewing it again, the response fit perfectly with his character.
Crusch: 'Just like last night, he is interested but not trying to meddle in my affairs. Going as far as to sincerely wish me success.' Once again, she doesn't have to think deeply about his motives.
Because he simply doesn't have any, and meant exactly what he said.
Crusch: "You are a fascinating individual, Xenophanes." She almost sounded amused.
After that something strange happened, Xeno because completely... Unresponsive.
Xeno: "..."
She raised an eyebrow, seeing his pupils had entirely vanished. His empty eyes stared at her, being uncomfortable, creepy even.
Crusch: 'What strange eyes.' It was then she also noticed he had gone still.
Crusch: "Xenophanes?" She called out, but there was no response from him. Sensing something was wrong, she reached out and touched his shoulder.
Crusch: "Xeno!" She called out to him.
Everything played the same like before. But this time things were significantly different.
Xeno: "Huh...? Right, sorry about that." His pupils returned. He looked confused for a moment before sheepishly apologising.
Crusch: "Is something the matter? You blanked out there for a moment." Her eyes looked at him with curiosity.
Xeno: "Sigh, yeah, something came up just now." He let out a sigh, his mood heavy.
Crusch: "Is there something we can help with? Or is it a private matter?" She offered some hospitality out of the fondness she held for him.
Xeno: "Nah, don't need it for now... Thanks, though." He avoided eye contact with her.
Crusch noticed this behaviour. In fact, he's acting strangely, being fine moments ago, but didn't comment on it. He didn't want to tell her, so she won't push further.
Crusch: "If that's the case, I don't pry into your matter."
Xeno: "...Right, now if you'll excuse me, I have to do something." He waved her goodbye, going back down the stairs, but not before giving her a complex look.
She could feel it something about Xeno had changed... But it didn't feel like a bad change.
Crusch: 'How strange.'
...
Xenophanes traveled though the halls with a purpose in mind, the last loop still fresh in his mind. Saying goodbye to Crusch was... Difficult. Really difficult.
So the fact he literally looped in the middle of their conversation didn't exactly put him in a good mood. Also he had a lot of work ahead of him.
Therefore, the first thing he needs to do is cool off. Then think of a plan. Fortunately for him, he knew the perfect person for the job.
Knock. Knock.
Xeno knocked on the door of a certain person's room. He heard some shuffling inside, before the door creaked open.
Xeno: "Rem!"
The moment the blue-haired oni appeared into view, Xeno threw his arms wide, lifting the poor girl off the ground into a hug.
Rem: "Eek."
She squeaked in surprise, cheeks burning red, as Xeno spun around, burying his head in her chest, wagging his head.
Xeno: "Rem! I missed you so much!" He yelled in joy.
Rem: "X-Xeno-kun! P-please, Rem is getting d-dizzy." She whispered, her head spinning at how fast Xeno spun.
Xeno: "Huh! Right." He snapped out of his joy, seeing her dizzy state.
He stopped spinning but didn't let go of her, keeping her secure in his arms.
Rem: "Xeno-kun, m-may Rem ask, why you are suddenly hugging her?" She asked.
Xeno: "Do you not like it?"
Rem: "N-No, it's nothing like that. Rem wants to know... So you can do it again." She shyly admitted.
Xeno: "Heh, I'm doing this because I want to. I just missed you and wanted to hug you. How's that?" He creaked a smile.
Rem also smiled blissfully, hearing that.
"In that case, Xeno-kun can hug Rem as long as he wants." She gently wrapped her arms around his head.
Xeno: "Thanks, Rem... I really need you."
...
After the embarrassing reunion, for Xeno at least. They were at peace right now. Sitting on the bed, Rem stroked Xeno's hair lovingly as he lay on her lap.
He held her other hand between his. She had memorised every actions of Xeno. Whenever he did this meant he was feeling extra needy today.
Xeno had closed his eyes temporarily to enjoy the moment, he really did miss this. He could think of his problems later.
Amidst doing this, Rem was having her own thoughts. Her hero was behaving strangely. She had no problems providing him with any amount of doting he absolutely deserves.
But this right here felt different. What did her hero mean by "he missed her" or that he "really needed her," as if he had lost her in some way?
That wasn't the only thing different about him today. He felt... Different, not in a bad way. In fact, it reminded her of the times they spent in the mansion.
It was hard to notice, perhaps Xeno hadn't noticed it himself. But ever since the accident at the Royal Castle. He has been stressed always worrying about something. Only coming here did those because rare, but it definitely existed.
Yet right now he's completely relaxed. She wanted to ask him some questions, but seeing his peaceful face, she held off on the idea.
Rem: 'Right now, making sure he's comfortable is what matters.'
Xeno: "Hey, Rem? I need help with something?" he suddenly asked.
Rem: "Of course. Ask anything of Rem, and she will gladly help you."
Xeno: "Thanks, Rem. I just wanted to ask, do you wanna kill a calamity?" He said curiously.
Rem: "Huh? What do you mean by that, Xeno-kun?" Her expression turned surprised.
Xeno: "Exactly what I meant. I'm going to be killing a calamity, the White Whale to be specific, and wanted to know if you will help me?"
Rem: "T-The White Whale!?" she yelled in shock. Her hero wanted to kill one of the three Great Mabeasts?
Xeno: "Now, now, I know that sounds insane... And it is, but I'm doing this for a reason. Well, two to be exact."
Rem: "And what reasons does Xeno-kun have for doing this?" she questioned worriedly.
Xeno: "First, Crusch is planning to subjugate that thing, so I wanna help her. You know... Make sure we save as many people from that thing and boost Emilia's rep in the process."
"And second, the Witch Cult are planning to attack Roswaal's territory."
Rem: "What!?"
Xeno: "I'm afraid it's true, Rem. That's the second reason why I want to help Crusch. We help her, and she helps us," he argued.
Rem nodded, trying not to leak out her hate so Xeno's peace doesn't get disturbed.
Also, was it her imagination, or did the way her hero said the Duchess's name sound... intimate?
She must be.
Xeno: "So what do you say? Wanna kill a calamity?"
Rem: "Yes, Xeno-kun. Rem will wholeheartedly help you in any way she can." A fire had been lit in her eyes.
Xeno: "Yawnn, thanks, Rem. We'll brainstorm ideas later. For now, I'm going to nap." He said, holding out his arms towards her.
Rem instantly recognized what he wanted, a brilliant blush gazed her features.
"Of course, nap as long as you need!" she frantically said, accepting his invitation to cuddle together.
...
After an hour of cuddling, the most dreadful part came along. Finding some way to save both Crusch and Emilia's camp. It's not like he can just go to Crusch and say:
"Oh hey! You know the operation you've been preparing for who knows what is going to fail miserably, most of you will be dead and Crusch's standing will be ruined. So I'm here to help prevent that."
Xeno: 'Sigh, if only.' Sure, if he said that, her Divine Protection wouldn't detect a lie, but believing it is a different matter entirely. Even if she does, how is he going to explain where he got this information from?
He can't think of anything better, so for now, the best way is to play her game. That means... Politics.... Yayyyy!
You know, in hindsight, he should have probably asked Crusch how to convince her past self.
Fortunately, my dear Crusch did think of that. Hehe, even now she helps me. Sigh... Anyways, she said he should offer something that increases her chances of winning and makes the logistics part easier.
Xeno: "You have any idea how to do that?" He asked her. Both were standing face to face.
Rem: "Sorry, Xeno-kun, but.... Rem can't help in this matter." She apologized.
Xeno: "Huh? Why not? It's okay if you don't have any ideas, we can still think of them together." He raised a brow.
Rem: "It's not like that, Xeno-kun. It's just that..." She was hesitating heavily, clearly not wanting to say, knowing her hero won't take it well.
But not telling him would be costly as well. So she spilled the beans.
Rem: "You see..."
Turns out before they departed for the capital, Roswaal had given Rem a special mission.
Emilia is trying to form an alliance with Crusch, with the main bargaining chip being the mining rights to the spirit stones in Eilor Forest.
She was instructed to not tell him anything until he figured it out himself. If he did, he would have the right to negotiation himself.
That was the original plan, but...
After the incident in the Royal Castle, Roswaal changed his instructions. Now her new instructions were:
If Xeno asked, tell him he had the right to negotiation in his stead... but he couldn't use the mining rights and Rem isn't allowed to help him.
Meaning, he has to do literally everything himself with no support. That clown's reasoning being:
Xeno needs to develop critical political and economic thinking. He can't continue being reckless, so this is his test.
Xeno: "..."
Rem: "...X-Xeno-kun? Are you... Angry?" She cautiously asked, seeing him tremble.
Xeno: "Me, angry? Of course not! Why would I be angry? Not at all, I'm not angry at all." He said with an ever-stretching smile.
"I'm FUCKING FURIOUS!!! THAT DAMN PIECE OF SHIT! IS HE INSANE!? I HAD ONE ADVANTAGE AND HE TOOK IT AWAY FOR SOME SHITTY TEST!!!!"
His whole eyes glowed bright purple while his pupils turned an ugly white, the corners of which spread out like tree branches, making his eyes look like blood vessels.
He was going to beat the shit out of Roswaal the next time he saw him.
...
Over the course of the next few hours, he let out all his rage, then went into the most intense brainstorming session he had ever had.
Rem brought him snacks and occasionally showered him in affection to improve his mood. She wasn't allowed to help politically, but that didn't mean she couldn't emotionally.
Using everything he learned in the past loop with Crusch and being Ainavol, he did the basic assessing of the situation first and what he wanted to achieve.
The Witch Cult was about to attack Roswaal's territory, kill everyone, and they had numbers in the hundreds. So he needed immense support to save everyone.
That's where Crusch comes in. Her quest to subjugate the White Whale failed horribly, so he needed to save them as well. If he succeeded in helping them slay that beast, she would owe him a huge debt which he can cash in for help.
That's the goal, but how was he supposed to make an alliance with her? For that, he needed to assess everything he could do.
Which wasn't much.
He wasn't a strategist. He could come up with short-term plans that worked in the immediate situation. However, something like this was something he had never done before.
And then there was the time limit as well. He needed to get things done fast as possible, preferably today, so they'll have time to defend the mansion.
And his advantages weren't exactly many.
He knew where the White Whale would appear and roughly when, thanks to everything Crusch had told him in the previous loop. And he knew everything the White Whale could do.
That level of information was massive. After all, knowing your opponent is half the battle. But would that be enough?
No, he didn't think so.
He needed more leverage. Something that would completely convince her.
First, he considered using Ainavol's authority. After all, that greatly increased his chances.
He didn't for several reasons, the biggest being organizing such an event so suddenly would throw his alliance completely off, and warning them beforehand would still consume a lot of time.
The preparations would take too long. Also, making them agree was another issue, which would take time. Which he didn't have.
There was also the risk of his identity getting exposed. He already has enough work as is, so the idea of him getting exposed is something he wants to avoid at all cost.
But not using his authority would be a waste. Instead, he'll focus it on something else. That is Evacuate Arlam and, while he's at it, give a heads-up to everyone in the mansion.
...
Moving back to Crusch, he had no way, to his knowledge, to convince her. Instead, he'll do the next best thing. Use someone influential and credible.
How many people did he know that fit the bill? Not a lot. Other than the other royal candidates, he didn't really know anyone else.
To be honest, that actually works out in his favour. No need to do an in-depth analysis on each.
Okay, Felt's camp is automatically out of the picture. They're too far. Priscilla is out; he can't stand her. She really did leave a bad impression on him.
Leaving only Anastasia. The other super popular candidate as of now. He didn't have a strong opinion on her. When they first met, she was unnecessarily rude to Emilia.
Beyond that, not much. I guess his encounter in a previous loop with her was interesting. Regardless of his feelings, she was the best option?
Xeno: 'I don't know, but she's a famous merchant. Her trust should hold a lot of weight. Which means... sigh.'
Now he had to convince another royal candidate... Wonderful. Before that, he thought if he knew anyone else or not.
If not, he had to meet Anastasia again, and do the whole going to eat when in reality I want information out of you shtick.
Xeno: 'How annoying... wait a minute?' Something clicked in his mind. There is something he technically knows.
In that conversation, he had given away the description of someone named Russell Fellow. According to Anastasia, he was a "Big fish."
Russell even had a dealing with Crusch days ago. He could use that. If he got her partner and/or potential partner over to his side, that would make his standing even better.
Which leads to the same problem... How is he going to convince either of them?
Xeno: 'They're both merchants, right? Maybe I can use that? Yeah, I think I can.'
Being Ainavol has taught him much about how the commercial world works. Reputation is basically their blood.
In fact, he can again referre to Crusch. She didn't want his help because it would damage Ainavol's reputation. So, if he can, I don't know, boost their reputation massively.
Wouldn't that be a good investment?
Xeno: 'Well, I can guess all I want, but time is running short. So, might as well go meet Anastasia.'
"Come on, Rem. Let's go." He walked towards the door.
Rem: "Lead the way, Xeno-kun." She followed suit.
...
After convincing Felix to finish his healing ahead of time, Xeno and Rem head out for the capital, for who knows how many times these past two loops.
Some part of him was getting sick of being this place. Completely lost all the charm it had before.
Ignoring that for now, the both of them were in a carriage they borrowed from Crusch. They had just reached their destination, where he set his plan in motion.
Xeno: "Hey, Rem, I need you to do something for me."
Rem: "What would that be, Xeno-kun?" She asked, petting the Earth Dragons and trying to keep them away from him.
Xeno: "I want you to deliver a letter from me." He said, snapping his fingers. A soft purple letter poofed into the air, floating in front of her.
Rem: "Xeno-kun... I wish I could help you." She said reluctantly. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't defy the order from her lord.
Xeno: "I know that, but who's asking you to help me?" He smiled, pulling something out of his pants pocket.
Rem tilted her head in confusion by what he meant.
Xeno: "Ros told you not to help me, but—" He slapped something onto the cover of the letter, holding it out to her.
Rem's eyes widened seeing the emblem.
A watchful eye made entirely of interconnected hexagonal facets, giving the feeling of peering into a kaleidoscope.
Each hexagon contains shades of dark blue that blended together. At its center is a stark white, diamond-shaped pupil.
Six feathered wings emerge from behind the eye, covering its corners: purple, red, and blue on the left; yellow, orange, and green on the right, with each color naturally blending in perfectly within said wing.
She could never mistake it. That was the logo belonging to the legendary figure Ainavol, precisely his alliance of merchants.
Xeno: "But who said you're helping Xenophanes?"
Not everyone just has this emblem, and the fact he pulled it out so casually means...
Rem: "Xeno-kun... Are you—" She was beyond shocked by the realization.
Xeno answered with a wink.
"So how about it, Rem? Do you think you could do this for 'him'?"
Rem: "...Of course Rem would love to help 'him' with this." She let out a smile of her own.
...
Alright, step one is complete. Now it's time for step two: convincing Anastasia to support him. For that, he first needed to find her.
Xeno: 'Should be simple enough.' With his good memories, he arrived at the same spot he met her by "accident."
By following the same path he did two loops ago; a very familiar scene played out.
"Sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff. You smell very weird." A cheery voice said from somewhere.
Xeno: 'Finally! Took them long enough.' He looked down where the voice came from.
It was a girl with orange hair wearing white robes. Her most noticeable feature was the fact she's a cat demi-human.
Xeno: "Heya, kid, what ya doing?"
"Mimi, no getting into mischief. I'm awfully sorry she's bothering ya. Hmmm... Aren't you Xeno-kun, right? Emilia's knight and butler. Ain't that a coincidence," said Anastasia, coming back to Mimi.
Xeno: "Anastasia?" He raised a brow, a much more believable reaction he could pull off.
Anastasia: "Sorry for the inconvenience Mimi caused ya. If you don't mind, can we talk somewhere else where we can rest our legs?"
Xeno: "Sure, lead the way."
'Let's hope things go well.'
...
Soon, the group found themselves in a diner. Mimi, Anastasia, and Xeno sat down, enjoying a sandwich.
While eating Xeno glanced at the surroundings. Everyone was seemingly minding their own business. Last time he didn't pay attention to it.
Now though, knowing everyone here is Anastasia's men really did make him question his own self awareness. I mean they're literally wearing the same clothes as Mimi.
Anastasia: "So then, Xeno-kun, don't you think we should break the silence?"
Xeno: "Allow me then. Thank you for the treat. These are good, but I doubt that's why you brought us here, so what's up?"
Anastasia: "Straight to the point, I like it. In that case, I won't beat around the bush. There are two matters I want to discuss with you."
Xeno: "Okay." He crossed his arms, now that he was finished eating. Repeating the same actions as before, acting serious.
Anastasia: "I'm sure you noticed the capital being busier as of late?"
Xeno: "Yeah, that's because of the Royal Selection, right?" He nodded.
Anastasia: "That's right. When the top brass moves, people move, items move. The value of various things is changing right now. Iron is especially valuable. Someone is buying swords and spears."
Xeno: "That's oddly specific? What are they planning, going to war?" He tilted his head, cupping his chin.
Anastasia's eyes narrowed at his reaction. Seems like it wasn't as convincing as he thought. Nonetheless, she continued.
"It's also possible what they want isn't the items, per se, but to get the economy rolling."
Xeno: "You sound really confident about that. I'm guessing you have a hunch who it is."
Anastasia: "It's someone you know well, Xeno-kun. Duchess Crusch Karsten."
Xeno: "..."
You know, it's really hard faking a reaction to information you already know and making it convincing. So he chose silence, and guessing from her look, she wasn't buying it.
Anastasia: "But you already know that, didn't you, Xeno-kun? You really need to work on your acting skills." She advised with a smile.
Xeno: "Sigh, well, I did better than expected, that's for sure." He sighed in defeat.
Anastasia: "So you understand why I'm here as well, don't you?"
Xeno: "Yeah, yeah, you want information on Crusch and what she's been up to. But don't think I'll just hand it over. It's going to cost ya."
Anastasia: "Oh, and how much would that be?" She asked curiously.
Xeno: "200 Holy Coins," he blurted out.
Anastasia's smile strained hearing that. She knew it was going to be expensive, but that's too absurd of a price.
Anastasia: "Xeno-kun, you really know how to joke around."
Xeno: "But on a serious note, I'm not willing to sell it to you. I want something more important than money."
Anastasia: "That being?" Her expression turned intrigued and cautious.
Xeno: "I want you."
Hearing that, several of the men choked on their food, with Mimi's being the most intense. One person had to help her spit the food back out.
Anastasia: "...Huh?"
Xeno: "You heard me. I want you, Anastasia. I really want to have you." He said completely serious.
Anastasia: "..."
An awkward silence entered the room. Nobody spoke while Xeno was confused by the atmosphere.
Mimi recovered immediately and went on the offensive. She jumped to Anastasia's side, pointing at Xeno.
"No, no, Mimi doesn't agree to your proposal!" she yelled.
Xeno: "Huh?" Now it was his turn to be confused.
Mimi: "Mimi won't let a smelly man like you marry Anastasia-sama!"
Xeno: "Huh!? What do you mean by that!" His eyes widened in surprise, a small blush appearing on his cheeks. Marry her? Where did this come from?
Mimi: "Mimi heard it, don't play dumb! Mimi will never allow you to marry my lady!" With that, she jumped at Xeno.
She headbutted him, then started hitting him in the head, going on and on about how she won't let Xeno marry Anastasia, she doesn't agree to it, Julius won't agree to it, and that he'll have to go through her first.
Poor Xeno, having no idea what was happening defended himself, grappled her by the arm, keeping her at a distance from him, whilst she struggled and said increasingly romantic nonsense that made his blush deepen.
Meanwhile, Anastasia had long regained her composure, and seeing Xeno's current emotional state, she immediately took the opportunity to strike.
Anastasia: "My, my, Xeno-kun. I have to say, I didn't know you would be so bold."
Xeno: "I-I didn't mean it like that! It's all just a misunderstanding!" he yelled, pulling Mimi back to avoid her kicks.
Anastasia: "Oh, don't be so flustered. I was merely jesting, Xeno-kun... Or should I call you Ainavol-san?"
Xenophanes completely froze, his pupils vanishing. Even Mimi stopped what she was doing.
Xeno: "What... What did you call me?" He slowly cranked his head towards her.