(Re:Zero) Warlock of Fascination Chapter 16: Departing to the Mathers Domain

Chapter 16: Departing to the Mathers Domain

Morning had descended over the Astrea Domain, and despite how much Castor had exerted himself the day prior, he had no trouble waking up bright and early. Awakening in the comfortable confines of a guest room that Reinhard had allotted him. Having supernova-like levels of Mana truly did help keep one energetic.

I definitely wouldn’t be able to afford this kind of silk back on Earth. Neat. 

Out of habit, he folded his blanket and tidied up his sheets even though such an activity would usually be handed over to one of House Astrea’s maids. Taking one last look at his Red Bull clothing, which he had hung up on the wardrobe before leaving. 

Don’t worry, we’ll reunite soon enough. 

“Ah. Castor, you’re up.” An awfully familiar voice called out to him the instant he stepped out the door.

His left eye twitched irritably as his head slowly craned towards the voice's origin. Faced with the sight of Reinhard innocently staring at him, as if there was nothing suspicious about his appearing at such a convenient time.

“Is something the matter?” The Sword Saint continued, tilting his head in response to Castor’s immensely judgmental glare. 

“Just… forget it,” Castor breathed an exasperated groan, rubbing his palm down his face in resignation. Some things just didn’t change, and Reinhard was most certainly one of them. “I’m planning on accepting Roswaal’s invitation.” 

Reinhard’s eyes widened momentarily. “I see… are you sure you don’t wish to mull over this for a little longer?” 

“It’s already morning isn’t it? I’m pretty sure the time for deliberation has passed, my ride’s supposed to be coming to pick me up as we speak.” 

In the end, Castor simply just couldn’t repress his own fascination. A place like the Forbidden Library was equivalent to a wet dream for him. If he just sat back and let the opportunity to explore it pass, could he really declare himself the ultimate bookworm anymore? 

“And regarding the other prospect I personally mentioned to you yesterday? Have you given it some thought as well?” He pressed further, his bright-blue gaze intensifying.

Of course, he was referring to Castor becoming a part of Felt’s Camp once the Royal Selection began.

“I have,” he nodded firmly. “And I’ve come to the realization that you’re not the one I should be giving that answer to. Nor should you be the one raising that question to me in the first place.” 

“Pardon?” 

“Reinhard, I understand that you’re concerned for Felt since you want to pledge yourself to her as your Knight or whatever. However, you’ve overlooked something key, even though you haven’t done so out of malicious intent.” His upper eyelids dropped ever so slightly. “Tell me, do you want Felt to be a Royal Candidate? Or do you want her to be a puppet?” 

“A… puppet? I’m afraid I don’t quite follow.” 

Castor sighed, shaking his head disapprovingly. “What I’m saying is, whether someone becomes a part of Felt’s Camp—should be left up to Felt, shouldn’t it? I’ll admit, I don’t understand your land's customs all that well. Notwithstanding, it doesn’t seem logical to me that someone who's yet to properly pledge themselves to her is choosing her subordinates on her behalf.” 

Shock washed over Reinhard’s face as he finally began grasping what Castor was trying to convey. 

“There’s no need to look so distraught, I’m not putting your character or morale into question. Actually, I’m partly to blame, since I didn’t properly explain what I meant when I told you to take responsibility for bringing Felt into an entirely different echelon of society.” He admitted, grumbling while scratching the back of his neck. “You need to guide her on how to be a Royal Candidate, if she agrees to go through with this whole thing in the first place of course. You don’t need to become the Royal Candidate for her.” 

Reinhard hesitated before speaking—clearly conflicted by his words. “Are you saying that I’ve been… controlling?” 

Castor merely scoffed in return. “Controlling? Dude, that’s a huge exaggeration. You made one tiny mistake, that’s all. Just learn what you can from it, and sit down with Felt so you two can actually discuss what’s going to happen from this point onward—together.” 

The redhead pressed his lips together, his mind hyper-fixating on a single word that had left Castor’s mouth. 

Mistake. 

To him, that concept was more challenging to comprehend than Castor’s origin. He? The Sword Saint? Made a mistake? 

“Woah, you’re really taking this way harder than I thought you would.” Castor chuckled nervously. “People make mistakes all the time, I know I certainly have a fair share—or rather, a mountain of mistakes under my name. But there will always be people to correct you, I get that you’re pretty important around here—but there’s no need for you to walk like you’ve got anvils on your shoulders all the time. No one’s Superman around the clock; you can let other people fill in for you when you struggle with something. Especially when you’ve got as competent a family as I’ve seen here.” 

Castor casually patted him on the shoulder, unaware of how much an effect his words were having on Reinhard. Just as he was unaware of how ridiculous the Sword Saint’s strength really was despite what he had already witnessed thus far, and how equally absurd it was to suggest that he needed help with anything. 

But—that didn’t mean his words were having an adverse effect. 

Quite the opposite really.

“Yes, you’re right. I was a tad bit… impulsive with my offer. This is something that should be left up to Lady Felt, not me.” 

“If she personally wants me to join her camp, then I’ll give it some serious consideration.” It wasn’t like he was completely against getting involved in the Royal Selection, as overwhelming as it seemed. After all, he was willing to bet such a vital stage was bound to have a slew of great stories awaiting him. “In the meantime, I have a date with your Kingdom’s Head Court Mage to attend.” 

“In that case, allow me to lead you to the front gate.” Reinhard walked in front of Castor, motioning for him to follow suit. 

“How gentlemanly of you.” He quipped.

===

“It’s quite audacious of the guest to keep Ram waiting like this.” Once he arrived at House Astrea’s dark, pointed northern gate, a sharp, ostensibly irked feminine voice pierced Castor's ears. “You seem to share Barasu’s intrepidity.”

I think you’re just excessively early. 

Standing in front of a luxurious carriage, with House Mathers’ gilded hawk insignia embedded into the side, was a woman with medium-length, light pink hair covering her left eye and her visible right one sporting a darkish red hue.

Her attire consisted of a classic maid uniform, which Castor was surprised even existed in this world, alongside a purple, flower-shaped ribbon attached to the side of her head.

“Barasu?” Castor looked at Reinhard. “Is that another term unique to your world?” 

“Most likely, although I can’t say it’s one I’m familiar with.” He shrugged.

“Oh my, Ram wasn’t aware that the guest was an amnesiac. To have already forgotten your fellow traveler from afar, how unfortunate. Sniff. Sniff.” She feigned an expression of pity.

“Wait. You’re not referring to Subaru are you?” 

“Ah. So the guest was familiar with the pervert all along. To think you’d so brazenly toy with Ram’s deep sense of empathy without restraint, travelers from afar truly lack all sense of tact. Ram’s heart is wounded. I wonder, how will the guest make up for this injustice?” 

What an interesting girl. 

He smiled, inwardly deciding that he’d have a little fun. 

“The guest is offended. To proclaim that one such as myself would share a pervert’s likeness, despite the fact that a verified pervert is standing right beside me—who so boldly touched my body without consent a day prior—and proceeded to strip me of my garments after bringing me to his abode. If there’s any injustice to be dealt with, it’s the one committed by this pervert.” 

Reinhard’s jaw dropped, his mind barely able to keep up with the perfect recreation of Ram’s speech mannerisms that Castor had just executed.

“Castor! What are you—!” 

“My goodness,” Ram grabbed Castor by the arm, pulling him away from Reinhard. “Ram wasn’t aware that Sir Reinhard had such a deeply masqueraded dark side to him, to think he’d take advantage of someone unfamiliar with our lands to fulfill his perverted fantasies. Ram will take care to shield her chastity around Sir Reinhard from now on.” 

“Could we please stop throwing that word around! And I assure you, I have not committed any such act against Castor!” Reinhard stomped, the current look on his face making for a sight Felt would pay good money to have immortalized in a painting.

“The guest cautions Ram not to listen to his falsehoods. Sir Reinhard was waiting outside the guest’s room this morning like a lurking predator, had I not awoken as early as I did. There’s no doubt he would’ve pounced on me to satiate his perverted hunger. Sniff. Sniff. The guest is mortified just thinking about it.” 

“CASTOR!” 

“Ram advises the guest to promptly enter the carriage, before Sir Reinhard unleashes his perverted wrath upon us—which we would be helpless to defend against.” 

“Indeed. That seems the wisest course of action.” Castor leaped through the carriage door, quickly shutting it while leaving Reinhard to reel in the wake of his and Ram’s joint verbal assault on him.

Hehe. I’m not sure about Roswaal himself, but at least his attendant is good company. 

“Well then. Ram will be making her departure.” She sat down on the front section of the carriage, grabbing onto the reins of the Earth Dragon pulling the aged vehicle. “Ram suggests Sir Reinhard reconsider his conduct during the time that the guest is absent from House Astrea. It would be a bad look for Lugunica if word of your devious exploits were to be revealed to the public. But rest easy, for the sake of the Kingdom’s reputation. Ram will keep this secret.” 

Reinhard could do nothing but hold his head and sigh, clearly—she and Castor were having too much fun teasing him. 

“Please just make sure he comes back safe and sound.” 

“Hmph. To even suggest that Ram’s hospitality and safekeeping skills would be lacking in any way whatsoever is a sign of clear ignorance.” She whipped the ropes of the carriage, causing the Earth Dragon to take off. 

In the meantime, Reinhard decided he would take Castor’s advice to heart and sit down with Felt. If he wanted to support her properly, he couldn’t just put her in a position where she relied on him to do all the decision-making for her. 

He needed to ensure that Felt was actually capable of standing on her own two feet amongst the other four candidates vying for the throne. Otherwise, like Castor said—she’d just end up being a puppet on strings that couldn’t operate without his input. 

“You can let other people fill in for you when you struggle.” Was it? 

A faint smile crept up Reinhard’s face. 

I was already confident then, but now I’m certain. Castor will become an excellent pillar for Lady Felt to rely on.