Re:Zero x Eminence in Shadow: The Star among the Shadows

"Daddy! Look at what I just made!" A silver-haired little girl beamed with excitement as she rushed towards her father with a crown made of flowers in her hands. 

Her father knelt down to meet her at eye level, a warm smile across his face. "Wow! That's beautiful, sweetheart!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with affection. 

"I picked the flowers from the garden! See? It's got daisies, and those tiny purple ones, and a few wildflowers too!" She pointed excitedly at each bloom, her blue eyes filled with joy.

Her father took the crown gently from her hands, turning it slowly to admire it. "You did such a great job, honey. It's perfect for a princess," he said, placing the crown gently atop her head. 

The girl's face lit up even more at her father's words, and she spun around. "I'm a princess! Look at me! And you are my brave knight!"

Her father laughed. "Indeed, Your Highness! What are your royal commands?" he asked, playfully placing a hand over his heart, as if pledging his fealty.

"My first order is to bring cookies and juice to mineself!" She commanded. 

"Cookies are unhealthy for a princess like you." Father playfully booped her nose. 

"But what's a feast without cookies?" she giggled, scrunching her nose slightly in response to the playful boop. "We must celebrate my new royal title!"

Her father chuckled. "Very well, Your Highness! But we will add some healthy food to the menu. How about strawberries and some carrot sticks to go along with the cookies?"

The girl pondered this for a moment, her expression serious. "Hmm… okay! But the cookies must be the biggest ones!" She raised her arms to illustrate the size of the cookies she envisioned. 

"Deal!" her father replied, holding up his pinky finger for a pinky promise. The little girl giggled and wrapped her finger around his, sealing their agreement. 

"Sir Viscount Grease, I see you are enjoying your time with your family?" An old manly voice called out in the distance, interrupting their fun. 

"Indeed, Lord Thomas. Spending my time with my dear Milia is the only thing that brings me true joy." Greece said as he lovingly caressed Milia's hair. 

"I see. Your wife would be proud of you seeing the way you cherish your daughter," Lord Thomas sharply remarked, with a hint of mockery in his tone. 

Greece's expression shifted for a moment, a shadow passing over his face at the mention of his late wife. But he quickly masked it with a smile, glancing down at Milia, who was blissfully unaware of the undercurrents in their conversation. 

"Thank you," he replied carefully, adjusting the tone of his voice to remain light. "Milia is what keeps me going, after all."

"Father, can we get cookies now?" she asked, her voice trying to break the tension. 

"Sweetie, can you play somewhere else for a few minutes, your brave knight has to deal with something now."

Milia's blue eyes widened slightly, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "Okay, but I'll be right back!" 

Greece watched her go, a small smile lingering on his lips before he turned back to Lord Thomas. "What was that supposed to mean?" Greece asked, his voice steady despite the feeling of irritation.

"I didn't mean to pry, but your carefree demeanor and lack of responsibility reflects poorly on you, Sir Grease. Did you not forget about the important event you have tomorrow?" Lord Thomas Inquired, narrowing his eyes. 

Greece inhaled deeply, suppressing his frustration. "I haven't forgotten, Lord Thomas. I simply choose to prioritize my time with Milia."

"Should I remind you who will you be fighting against in your first round of the Bushin Festival? You will be fighting against the first princess of the Midgar Kingdom, Iris Midgar. " Lord Thomas interjected. "A princess, Sir Grease! Don't you think it would be wise to actually prepare?"

Greece straightened, his brows furrowing slightly. "I appreciate your concern, but I've fought many battles in my life. I know how to prepare for an opponent. And besides she is just a kid. " 

Lord Thomas raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with skepticism. "A kid, yes, but a kid raised in the royal courts of Midgar. A kid who graduated from the academy of the Dark Knights. Don't underestimate the training and skill she possesses. Her bloodline practically guarantees that she will be formidable."

"You're right, she's from a prestigious lineage," he conceded. "But so what? Just because she is a princess and has received enough training doesn't mean that she would win against someone who has much more experience with a sword." Grease maintained his stance, though a flicker of doubt crossed his mind at Lord Thomas's words. 

"Then prove it, Sir Grease, prove it tomorrow on your first round." Lord Thomas said, his tone turning serious. "But remember, there's more at stake here than just a match. Your reputation in the kingdom hangs in the balance. The people are watching."

Greece watched Lord Thomas retreat, then looked back at Milia, who was gathering wildflowers once more, seemingly unfazed by the serious conversation that had just taken place. The softening of his resolve came when he approached her, kneeling by her side.

"You know, Princess Milia," he began, a playful tone creeping back into his voice, "your brave knight might need a bit of royal training for tomorrow's event."

Milia looked up at her father, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Training? What kind of training, brave knight?" she asked, tucking a few of the wildflowers behind her own ear.

"Training to ensure that I can protect my princess. You see," he continued, adopting a faux-serious tone, "if I am to battle against a princess of the Midgar Kingdom, I must be at my very best!"

Milia giggled. "Can I watch the training?"

"Of course my dear." Grease chuckled, ruffling her silver hair affectionately. 

… 

… 

… 

In the middle of an arena, stood 2 opponents facing each other. On the right side stood a young female girl with crimson hair and a sword in her hands as she stood in a fighting stance. 

On the left side stood a man in his 30s with gray hair slicked back as he positioned himself into a fighting position with a sword in both of his hands. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The announcer's booming voice echoed throughout the arena. 

"Welcome to the first round of the tournament! We have two remarkable contenders today! To my right, the esteemed Princess Iris Midgar of the Midgar Kingdom!" The crowd erupted into applause, some chanting her name while she smiled, confidence radiating from her.

"On our left, we have Sir Grease, the seasoned warrior known for his unmatched fighting experience!" A wave of cheers and applause greeted Greece as he stood facing Iris Midgar. 

Greece observed the young princess, noting the determination in her stance. "She's just a child." He told himself. 

"May the best fighter win!" With that, a bell rang, and the match started.

Immediately, both of them lunged at each other with a fierce speed and magic power radiating from the swords, however… 

... 

... 

... 

... 

"And the winner of the first round is Iris Midgar, the first princess of the Midgar Kingdom!" The crowd erupted with applause and cheers, voices filled with excitement and joy. 

As for Grease, he laid on the ground utterly humiliated and beaten, panting heavily as he struggled to regain his composure. The weight of the loss crashed down on him. His pride was shattered, as he slowly pushed himself up on one knee, the arena's cheers ringing in his ears. 

Greece glanced up to find Iris standing before him, her expression a mix of supremacy and sympathy. 

"Congratulations, Princess Iris," he managed, forcing a respectful nod despite his pride still smoldering from the loss. 

"Thank you, Sir Grease," Iris responded, her voice steady and tinged with genuine sincerity. "You fought valiantly. Your experience is evident." 

Greece forced a smile in return, though it felt heavy on his lips as he walked away from the arena with conflicted thoughts in his head. 

Days and weeks have passed as Grease was now found training endlessly with his sword in the garden, polishing his skills, trying to become stronger, more powerful. 

"Focus," he muttered to himself, gritting his teeth as he fought against the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm him.

With the swing of the sword, he imagined the tournament. He pictured Iris, poised and ready, her crimson hair flowing. "Next time," he whispered fiercely, "I won't lose."

Suddenly, he heard a light footsteps coming close to him, it was Milia who was looking at him curiously. 

"Daddy? Why do you train so much? You won against the other knights before. You're already great!" Her head cocked to the side, innocent concern in her blue eyes. 

Greece paused, exhaling sharply as he looked down at his sword. "I lost to Princess Iris, Milia. And losing isn't something I take lightly." 

"Why not?" she asked, genuinely puzzled. "Losing just means you can get better, right? You can learn more and become even stronger!"

"Well," he began, searching for the right way to express his complicated feelings, "losing is...hard. It makes you feel weak, and it stings your pride."

"Is that why you keep training?" Milia asked, her voice filled with curiosity. "So you don't feel weak? Because you are already strong— Ah!" Suddenly, she started rubbing her wrist. 

Grease looked at her with a concern in his eyes. "Sweetie? What's wrong?" He asked as he kneeled down to inspect the wrist. 

To his horror he found something that would be father's nightmare. 

A black spot. A sign of possession. 

"Milia, sweetheart, we need to get you inside," he said, his voice steady but laced with urgency as he gently took her hand. 

"Why? I'm just playing," she protested, her brows knitting together in confusion. "Are we going to make those big cookies now?"

"Milia, listen. We have to be careful. I want you to stay close to me, okay?" He glanced around the garden. 

"Okay…" she replied, as she clutched his hand tighter.

Once inside, Greece quickly shut the door and turned to face Milia. He knelt down again, bringing them to eye level. "I need to look at that wrist of yours again." He gently pulled her hand closer, inspecting it. 

A single black spot on her delicate skin. He knew all too well what this could mean. His heart raced, sending a surge of dread through Greece. 

"Milia, do you remember if anything strange happened to you?" He asked in concern. 

She shook her head. "No, Daddy. I was just picking flowers. I didn't touch anything else!"

"Milia," he said, his voice low. "I need you to promise me you won't talk to anyone or go anywhere without me. Not even to play with friends."

Her blue eyes widened, reflecting a mix of confusion and concern. "But Daddy, I—"

"Please, Milia." His tone softened but remained firm. "I know it feels unfair, but it's important to keep you safe."

"Okay…" she replied, her voice just above a whisper. 

A few weeks have passed. Milia's symptoms got much worse, she couldn't leave her bed now. The black spot spread on her arm, where once was a delicate white skin now was a pulsing flesh with flowing red energy. 

Grease sat beside Milia's bed, his heart filled with despair as he watched the once joyful girl being reduced to this. 

"Milia, sweetheart, how are you feeling today?" he asked, forcing a smile, despite the despair in his heart. 

"Daddy… it hurts," she whispered, her voice weak and trembling.

He reached out, stroking her hair. "Milia," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "Please, just a little longer. I promise I'll find a way to fix this."

Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door, he turned towards the door. The door creaked open to reveal Lord Thomas and other 2 unknown figures, his expression serious and eyes narrowed.

"Sir Grease," he began, his voice low as he stepped inside. "I need to speak with you."

"Lord Thomas? Did you manage to find it?" Grease began, his voice filled with hope. 

Lord Thomas took a look at Milia's conditions before turning his attention back to Grease. "Indeed, I found it, Sir Grease." He slowly nodded. 

"What is it?" he asked, urgency rising in his tone. "Can you cure her?" 

"You see, Sir Grease. I was ordered to watch over you and your daughter, since she started showing the first symptoms of the possession." Lord Thomas said as he approached Milia. 

Grease's eyes widened as he listened to Lord Thomas's words, a mix of confusion and anger mixing in with his fear. "What do you mean you were ordered to watch over us?"

Lord Thomas ignored his words as he continued. "Since you are a Viscount, we didn't take immediate action as it would raise suspicion, however we consider this is the right time to intervene."

Greece's heart sank at Lord Thomas's confession. "You mean to say you knew about this all along? Why didn't you say something sooner? You are my friend after all! " His voice was loud, a mix of fury and desperation. 

"You ignorant fool." Lord Thomas mockingly retorted. "Did you really think I consider you as my friend? You are just a pawn in a much larger game, Sir Grease. This was never about friendship. This is about power."

Greece felt a chill run down his spine at Lord Thomas's words. "Power?" he said, his voice breaking slightly.

"Yes, power." Lord Thomas confirmed, with his cold look in his eyes. "Your daughter's affliction is an opportunity. A chance to gain favor with the Cult of Diablos should I bring a possessed to them."

Greece felt a wave of nausea wash over him as Lord Thomas's words sank in. "Have you lost your mind?" Greece said, anger blurring his vision. "You think I would hand my daughter over to a cult?"

"Unwillingly? Yes, Sir Grease." At his words, Grease got hit by a head by something heavy as he fell on the ground, one of his subordinates hit him, his consincions slowly fading away, as he heard the last words of Lord Thomas. 

"Make sure to check your surroundings, Sir Grease. Although your services might come to a use to the Cult of Diablos. Farewell for now. "

Grease woke up in a dimly lit room, with his legs and arms being chained. As his eyes slowly adjusted, he saw a mirror in front of him. He looked around just to see 2 knights standing beside him. 

"H-huh? Where am I— Where is Milia?! What did you do to her, you bastards?" Grease's voice was filled with anger as he demanded the answers from the silent knights. 

Suddenly, the mirror lit up, on the other side sat a handsome man with dark long red hair and grey eyes. He was wearing body armor with a long cape. 

"Greetings, Sir Grease, My name is Mordred — the 9th seated knight of the Cult of Diablos." Mordred said, as he stared down at Grease. 

Greece shot him a furious glare, struggling against the chains that bound him. "Where is Milia?" he demanded. "What have you done to her? She is just a child!"

Mordred arched an eyebrow, an amused smile on his lips. "A child, yes, but not just any child. The daughter of a Viscount, with a unique bloodline that could prove invaluable to our cause."

"You will not lay a hand on Milia! I swear I'll—"

"Swear what?" Mordred interrupted, his tone shifting to one of mocking curiosity. "You think your empty threats will make a difference? You're in no position to bargain, my dear Viscount. What a pity. Such bravado for someone so utterly powerless."

"Does it trouble you to know your daughter is merely a tool to those who seek power?" Mordred continued, his voice dripping with arrogance. "But you see, Sir Grease, you have an opportunity here. A chance to rise in ranks, to gain power and influence in the Cult of Diablos." 

Grease glared at Mordred. "You think I'll just accept that?"

"Accept? Sir Grease, acceptance is not required," Mordred replied, a smug smile playing at the corners of his lips. "What is required is your cooperation. Join us, and we can make this more... appealing for both parties."

"Join you?" Greece spat. "I will never align myself with the likes of you! The Cult of Diablos is nothing but—"

"—a means to an end," Mordred interrupted, his tone filled with amusement. "Have you not realized that the world is a cruel place, Viscount? Power is the only currency that matters. And right now, you are in dire need of it."

Silence enveloped the room, before Mordred continued. 

"What if I said that we can cure your precious daughter?"

For a moment, Grease eyes widened in shock. "Cure her?" he asked, his tone laced with a mix of skepticism and hope. "What's the catch?"

"No catch, Sir Grease. Just a simple exchange. Your assistance, and in return, I assure you that your daughter will be freed from her affliction." Mordred said. 

"What would I have to do?" Grease replied, his voice trembling with desperation. 

"You would serve us, become an agent of the Cult. Use your skills and connections to further our objectives. In return, once we're done with you, your daughter will be restored to her former self—a bright, beautiful child once more, free from the curse. Or who knows, maybe you would want to stay in the Cult and rise in the ranks?"

Was it possible? Was there truly a path to save his daughter in exchange for his allegiance? The vision of Milia, her laughter and innocence flashing behind his closed eyes. The idea of losing her was unbearable. 

"I…" His voice cracked. "I need to protect her."

Mordred's smile widened further. "Then you know what you must do, Sir Grease."

Greece closed his eyes, picturing his daughter. The laughter, the joy, the love. "I want her safe… I'll do what it takes."

"Wise choice." Mordred's voice dripped with satisfaction. "Welcome to the Cult of Diablos, Sir Grease. We will succeed… Together."

The chains snapped as they fell on the ground with a metallic sound. The door clicked shut behind him, and Greece sat motionless, the weight of his decision hanging heavy in the air. 

"Millia…"

"So, uhm… Mister Mist Dragon—"

"Rigel. That's my name now." Rigel interrupted Beta. 

"Rigel. What did Lord Pleiades mean by… forming a contract with you?"

"Well, young ones." Rigel began. "it seems that your friend here has unexpectedly won me over with his persistent jabbering. Through a contract, he has bound himself to me, thus allowing me to share a fraction of my power and wisdom." He paused for effect, his gaze sweeping over the group. "And, it appears I get to have a front-row seat to the antics of you lot. How delightful."

"Wait, so you're saying Lord Pleiades is now your… partner?" Gamma finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"Partner, yes," Rigel confirmed, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Though I suppose 'entertainer' may be more fitting."

"Hey, what do you mean by that!" he replied. "I mean, who else can say they have a dragon as a friend?"

"Lord Pleiades!" Alpha exclaimed, her face lighting up with a mix of awe. "You've done something incredible!"

"Seriously, that's big!" Gamma said, barely able to contain her excitement. "A dragon! Just wow!"

"I mean, it's not like I planned this," Subaru replied, rubbing the back of his head. "It just… kinda happened."

Subaru looked over the group, his attention sliding towards Zeta. Subaru could tell she was unpleasant about something, although she tried masking it under a neutral expression. 

"Does this mean we can actually live in Alexandria now?" Beta asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling. "I've heard legends about that city! It's said to be beautiful!"

Alpha stepped forward, her expression a mix of concern and joy. "Are you sure you're okay after that last attack? You really took a hit—but you saved Epsilon."

Subaru waved his hand, brushing off their worries. "I'm fine! I mean, it hurt like hell and my body felt like it was on fire for a moment, but I'm totally fine now. Really!" He forced a grin, not wanting to show the lingering pain.

Alpha studied him closely, her eyes betraying her skepticism. "You're not fooling anyone. Just promise me you'll get some rest."

"I promise, I will," Subaru replied, forcing an optimistic smile. 

"Lord Pleiades…" Epsilon said with tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. "I am truly sorry, if I wasn't so careless you wouldn't get hurt…"

"I said it's fine! Don't beat yourself to it, after all it's my obligation to watch over your safety." Subaru said, trying to calm down Epsilon. "Besides, Shadow had saved the day."

"And Shadow, what did you mean by— Hey? Where did he go?" As the group looked around, they realized Shadow had seemingly vanished. 

'What a weird habit he has, to disappear without a trace' Subaru mused to himself. 

"Now, what will it be? Should I take you to Alexandria?" Rigel interrupted his thoughts. 

Subaru blinked. "We can now go to Alexandria, right now?"

"Indeed, although I must warn you. The city is hidden, shrouded in the mist to keep it safe from intruders."

"Wait, if the city is hidden, how will we even get there?" Epsilon asked. 

"I can part the veil of mist for you and guide you to the entrance of the City." Rigel replied, his voice steady. 

"Okay, then. What do we need to do?" Subaru asked. 

"It's simple, just follow my lead." With that, Rigel unfurled his massive wings before picking up Subaru by its claws and placing him down on his back. 

"Uh, Rigel? What are you—AAAHHHHHHH!"

As Rigel's wings flapped, sending gusts of wind swirling around them, Subaru clung tightly to the dragon's scales as they ascended high in the sky. 

"Are you serious?" Subaru shouted back, as he felt gusts of wind hitting his body. "I'm not exactly used to riding dragons!"

"Fear not! Your life is in safe hands—er, claws, I suppose." Rigel replied as he flew over the woods. 

"That wasn't funny at all!" Subaru yelled, feeling a mix of exhilaration and terror as they soared through the sky. 

Subaru took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as he clung to Rigel's back, he glanced over the sky and below at the breathtaking sight. 

"Okay, okay, this isn't so bad!" Subaru shouted, adrenaline fueling his excitement despite the initial panic. 

"Do you fly often?" He shouted over the roar of the wind. 

"Occasionally." Rigel replied. "But I prefer to keep my feet on the ground."

"That sounds more like a humble brag. " Subaru chuckled nervously, enjoying the moment. 

"Perhaps, but you should appreciate the view while it lasts." Rigel said. "We are almost there."

Subaru took a moment to catch his breath, heart racing from the flight. Glancing back, he could see the seven Shades following beneath them. 

As they flew, the dense mist that had once covered the area began to swirl, revealing glimpses of what lay beyond. Towers of stones, cracked houses and a huge destroyed white Castle was seen by Subaru. 

"Wow…" Subaru whispered, awestruck by the sight unfolding before him. The ancient abandoned architecture of Alexandria rose from the mist. 

"Welcome to Alexandria," Rigel declared, his voice bringing Subaru back to the moment. "Long ago, this was a thriving city, sheltering countless beings. Now, it remains hidden, a sanctuary for myself."

As they descended, Subaru saw the other Seven Shades closely following behind as they approached them. 

"Alright, everyone! Welcome to Alexandria!" Subaru announced, grinning widely. "It's not exactly a five-star hotel, but I think it's got potential!"

Subaru turned his attention to the Seven Shades as they were looking around in wonder and curiosity. 

"Look at that!" Beta exclaimed, pointing to a massive stone archway that had withstood the test of time. "It's amazing!"

"We'll need to fix it up," Alpha added, her voice filled with determination. "We can establish our new base here. Gather supplies, bring our future members and teach them."

"It's going to take a lot of work," Zeta said, her earlier displeasure now subsiding as curiosity took over. "But if we all pitch in, we can restore this place."

"Uhm, Rigel? How did this place turn into… this?" Beta asked curiously. 

Rigel was deep in thought before replying. "Long ago, myself formed a sacred pact with the king of Alexandria, bestowing the protection of the city by covering the forest with the mist. However, as centuries passed, the once-honored pact faded from memory, and the king's descendants succumbed to greed and corruption, forsaking their duties and responsibilities. So instead they used the city and the pact for their personal gains. In response to this broken vow and the kingdom's descent into darkness, myself decided to put the people's worthiness to the test. One night, myself mercilessly attacked the capital, bringing ruin and devastation upon the city and its inhabitants. The capital, along with the king's descendant, fell before myself." Rigel finished explanation. 

Beta was in awe of the story as she was chaotically scratching every note in her diary. 

"About the pact…" Subaru interjected. "What were the conditions?"

"The condition was that one day one of the King's descendants would fulfill their duty by ending my life." Rigel paused, looking at me with an unreadable expression.(if it's possible) "Seeing you and Shadow's combined strength, ignited a hope in myself, that maybe two of you will manage to end myself."

"No." Subaru's voice rang out, firm and unwavering. He glanced back at the group, seeing their shared astonishment mirrored in Alpha's wide-eyed expression. "We're not going to kill you, Rigel. That's not the way things should be."

Rigel blinked, clearly taken aback by Subaru's bold response. "You would deny a dragon's rightful end?" His voice held a mix of confusion and intrigue.

"Yes, I would! You've brought us here. You've shared your power with me and, well, you seem… different from what I thought a dragon would be like." Subaru squared his shoulders, determination shining in his eyes.

The Seven Shades exchanged glances, caught off guard by Subaru's sudden passion. 

Rigel's eyes softened slightly, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "You speak with conviction, little human. Many would have rushed to claim victory and glory through my demise without a second thought."

"I'm not like them!" Subaru exclaimed, stepping closer to the dragon. "I may not have the power of a dragon or the wisdom of centuries, but I believe your existence has value beyond just being a guardian."

"I have lived for millennia,band in that time, I have seen countless lives rise and fall. You possess a peculiar spirit, Subaru Kagenou. Perhaps there is more to this than mere entertainment," Rigel mused, his voice now tinged with respect. 

"Tell me, Subaru Kagenou, what is it that you truly value in life?" Rigel's deep voice echoed, Subaru felt its weight as he considered how to respond.

"What do I value?" Subaru repeated thoughtfully, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. The Seven Shades looked on, their curiosity piqued. Alpha's expression was particularly intent. 

"Honestly? I value connection. Relationships—friendship, family, and even the bonds we form with those who fight alongside us. It's these connections that give life meaning, that inspire us to push forward, even when things seem hopeless," Subaru said, his voice steady as he spoke from the heart. 

"Sometimes, it feels like everything's against us. We face evils, doubts, and battles that seem unbeatable. But every time I look to my comrades, the ones who stand beside me, I find strength. Those connections—they become our power, driving us to keep going, even when we think we might fall," Subaru continued. "I believe that protecting those bonds is essential. They are what make us human, what set us apart. It's why I cannot simply accept your demise, Rigel."

As Subaru spoke the Seven Shades listened intently, each reacting in their own unique way:

Alpha's expression softened, admiration in her eyes. She had always believed in Subaru's convictions, but hearing him articulate his values melted her heart. She nodded along, feeling a mix of hope and inspiration, recognizing how deeply Subaru cared for them all. "You're right, Subaru," she whispered, gripping her sword with renewed determination. "We fight for each other."

As Beta was furiously scribbling notes, she paused mid-sentence, her pen in mid-air. Subaru's passionate speech captivated her completely. She could see how genuinely he believed in them and was inspired to capture this moment in her notes forever.

Gamma nodded approvingly, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Subaru's passionate depiction of their connection lifted her spirit up, providing her with renewed motivation to stand strong alongside her friends.

Delta let out a low growl of approval. "Yeah, exactly! We're stronger when we stick together! I like your spirit, mini-boss!" she said with her tail swaying in excitement. 

Epsilon felt a sense of warmth wash over her, her heart swelling with affection for her comrades and Subaru's bond. She smiled, sensing the sincerity behind his commitment to their relationships, a feeling that deeply resonated with her as well. His words resonated with her own insecurities and vulnerabilities, reminding her of the importance of friendship and the bond they are sharing

Zeta found herself reassessing her stance. She considered Subaru weak, for his kind heart in this world. "He really believes this." she mused, crossing her arms defensively and clicking her tongue in annoyance. 

Eta found herself listening to Subaru voice, although she was tired she was intently listening to his every word with her curiosity piqued. "Connections… Bonds… I wonder if I can digest them and look inside them…" She tiredly mused to herself. 

Rigel studied him intently. "You have an inherent softness, human. Something I have not seen in ages—an unyielding light in a world that can often seem so dark. What makes you think like that?" 

"Because I have the right people by my side, and I refuse to give up on them," Subaru replied fiercely. "I've learned that life isn't just about the victories and the glory. It's about the kindness we show to each other, the sacrifices we make, and the strength we gain from relying on one another. I wouldn't be who I am without them, and I won't stand by and watch if they suffer. That's why I chose to save Epsilon, even if it meant putting myself in harm's way."

Rigel was silent for a moment, allowing Subaru's words to sink in. The air was tense with anticipation and anxiety, like anything or anyone's intervention could change things for better or worse, a very significant moment... However... 

Rigel burst out Laughing, his very form shaking with every rumble of laughter. 

"Hey! What's so funny about it? I was being serious here!" Subaru said, his cheeks flushed in embarrassment. 

"Your kind persists in believing that strength lies only in power!" Rigel exclaimed. "Yet here you stand, with your pitiful strength, asserting the value of connections and bonds! It's refreshing, little one! Most would deem utter folly, yet your heart is an unbreakable weapon, capable of wielding more might than any grand artifact or spell! You intrigue me even further!"

"What do you mean by that?" Subaru asked, trying to regain his composure. "I'm just an ordinary guy, really."

Rigel's laughter subsided, but the glimmer of amusement in his eyes remained. "You underestimate yourself, Subaru Kagenou. Your essence resonates with more power than you realize. The connections that bind you, those bonds with your comrades - are catalysts for true strength. They allow you to transcend your limitations."

Subaru blinked, confusion evident on his face. "Transcend my limitations? I'm just a guy with a couple of spells."

"That may be true," Rigel said, his tone serious now. "But what you possess—your unwavering spirit, the ability to inspire and protect others—that is the foundation of true strength. Dragons like myself have respected that kind of resilience throughout history. Your actions speak volumes about who you are, and that is where your true power lies. I wasn't wrong about choosing you, you are the right person."

Subaru stood there, struck by Rigel's words. He had always thought of himself as a mediocre human, someone who wasn't particularly special or powerful. "I see... Does it mean that you reconsider?"

"Indeed," Rigel replied, his voice imbued with a sense of gravity. "Your convictions have led you to question the very nature of this pact, a notion truly remarkable for a human."

Subaru felt a wave of relief wash over him at Rigel's words. "So, you won't insist on your demise?" 

"No, my time will come eventually, just as the stars burn out. But the way you speak fills me with hope that perhaps the future could be different for us both."

"So—"

"Hold on!" Rigel raised his voice, interrupting Subaru. "If I were to overwrite my pact, I must ask for one more thing in return."

"Anything!" Subaru exclaimed, feeling a swell of hope.

"I wish to experience this world through your eyes. Teach me about humanity, I have spent centuries in this sanctuary, but very little time understanding the quirks of your kind," Rigel proposed.

"Are you sure you want that?" he asked, his brow furrowing in thought. "I mean, I'm just a regular guy. I'm not exactly an expert on human nature."

Rigel replied. "You underestimate yourself once more. It is precisely your ordinary nature that fascinates me. Your experiences, your struggles, the bonds you form. I wish to see the world through your eyes."

Subaru hesitated for a moment, considering the gravity of Rigel's words. "Alright, I'll do my best," he finally said, a smile creeping on his face. "But it won't always be smooth sailing. And don't judge me too harshly!"

And with that being said, the pact between Pleiades, Subaru Kagenou and The Mist Dragon, Rigel has been overwritten under new conditions and terms. 

"Now I have a first question to ask you, Subaru Kagenou."

"Uh, yeah? What's it?"

"What exactly is mayo and why is it lingering in your mind?"