Chapter Text
On a late Sunday night, The renowned inn and bar "Hertha" was bustling with rowdy mercenaries, shady travelers, and broke merchants of all shapes and sizes, ranging from tiny demi-humans to buffed drunkards. During this period of time, it would be nigh impossible for a traveler to find a room, but Otto was a rather slippery merchant. His talent and tongue were enough to achieve victory.
"Madam, we are not asking for much!" Otto pleaded, "Just a room- a roof to cover us from the bad weather tonight! We are offering five silver coins!"
"Also this bear plush!" His companion, Natsuki Subaru, chimed in, holding out her famed stuffed toy, "For your cute daughter!" She winked at the little girl peeking from her position behind her mother. Blushing, the child immediately hid her face in her mother's dress.
"...We have some space in the storeroom." Hertha, the famed owner stared sternly at the pair, "Don't get carried away just because there is one bed, you hear!"
Otto flushed scarlet and gestured with his hands furiously, "We-we are not like that! We are merely business partners-"
Otto instantly regretted speaking. One look at his companion and he understood he was not to be spared.
"Ah!" Subaru placed her hand on her forehead dramatically, "How could you? After all, you did to me, you say we are not-"
"Natsuki-san!" Otto shrieked, ashamed, "This is no time for teasing me! Do you want to sleep in the storm?" He turned to the owner, "We are really innocent! Our relationship is purely professional!"
"Isn't professional too cruel? We have a much, much closer relationship than that~" Subaru whispered into his ears and promptly burst into laughter as they reddened, "pfft! Otto, your reaction! It's like a girl! So adorable!" She patted him on the back, "Don't worry, I am not interested in a guy like you."
"What do you mean a guy like me!" Otto protested, his cheeks tinted red.
"Halt your flirting." Hertha sighed, relenting, "Ah, to be young! It would be wicked of me to kick you out in this weather. You can stay at the storeroom. " Hertha glanced at Subaru then at Otto, "Clearly, your man is too shy to lay a move."
"He's not my guy!" Subaru exclaimed as Otto yelled simultaneously, "I am not shy!"
Subaru's contracted spirit Yoru spun around her, irritated. She did not like Otto very much and also disliked her contractor being linked to him in any way or form.
"Yes, Yes, not yet." Hertha winked at Subaru, "Sometimes, girls have to be proactive."
Subaru turned a violet shade of pink, sputtering, "N-No, I, why would I, with him?!" She stood up quickly, her chair falling to the floor with a loud clatter, "Otto, let's go, I am sleepy!"
"Wait, Natsuki-san!" Otto picked up the fallen chair and rushed after her, "Thank you for your grace, Madam Hertha!" He did not forget to leave the silver coins and the teddy bear on the table.
"The storeroom is at end of the corridor!" Hertha shouted after them, "There should be some spare blankets and pillows."
The storeroom was cluttered with items, ranging from a fierce statue of a dog with eight legs to random boulders and sacks of tatoes. However, Otto and Subaru were used to living in worse conditions on their journeys. To have shelter and warmth was a blessing in itself.
Subaru stretched and jumped, pulling Otto into her daily nightly exercises. The merchant followed her actions and instructions with resignment. This had become their routine ever since they became business partners and started traveling together.
"1, 2, 3, and done!" Subaru declared, and pulled Otto away from their luggage, "Now, time to sleep. Even, you, Otto. You can check those accounts tomorrow morning."
"But-" Otto started but was immediately silenced.
"No buts! You need your rest!" Subaru dragged him onto the gnawed, squeaking, enveloping him in her arms.
Although Otto had grown a certain resistance to her cuddling, Hertha's words from earlier set him aflame like the first time they slept in one bed. Often, they had to share their sleeping spaces, not because of his desires, maybe a little, but as a necessity. During their travels, separate beds were a luxury and often impossible.
At first, Otto would stay awake with his eyes shut and his thoughts in an uproar. Subaru, likewise, was evidently not able to sleep with how much she used to shift around. But eventually, he found the girl's touch soothing, and comprehended, that when they huddled together like this, under the same blanket, his companion would sleep better with fewer nightmares.
Additionally, he developed a certain affection for her. An affection he so cautiously hid in the depths of his heart and his red cheeks.
"Hey, Otto," Subaru whispered, "Are you going to search for a house tomorrow?"
"...yes." Otto replied, "It's not good to stay in this inn for long."
"...Are you…sure about this?" Subaru's reply came slow and hesitant.
Otto adjusted his position to gaze at her, "What do you mean?"
"Do you really want to stop... traveling?" Subaru asked, avoiding his eyes, "And settle down."
"I'll have to eventually." Otto avoided answering straightforwardly, "You know my bad luck! "
"But you like traveling," Subaru gazed hesitantly at him.
"I do." Otto affirmed, "But I am not particularly fond of danger…And I do wish to open a store."
"Alright. If…you say so." Subaru nestled deeper into his chest, trying to grasp at all the warmth he could provide to her.
Daylight came quickly. Otto awakened first, glad to know that his companion had another undisturbed and satisfactory nap. Gently loosening her grip on him, he climbed out of his bed and checked the bags, confirming all the items were present, then briefly with the birds chirping out the window for any news.
Verifying nothing worrying had emerged, he turned towards the bed and shook the girl awake. Subaru opened her eyes, gazing at Otto and then at her surrounding in a confused daze.
"Natsuki-san." He smiled, "It's dawn."
"Oh right." Subaru sat up, languidly, and covered her mouth as she yawned, "We came to the capital. Alive. No thanks to you Otto!"
"Hey!" Otto retorted, indignant, "If I didn't deal with those carriage drivers we will be still stuck on the highway!"
"Right, and whose fault was it that we were stuck there?" Subaru's glare morphed into a playful grin, "Sorry, Sorry, Otto. You are just fun to tease. Don't get offended. You are really dependable, ya know?"
"I know." Otto humphed, "And I won't take offense so easily."
Yoru buzzed excitedly around Subaru causing a grin to emerge on the girl's face.
"It is your first time in the capital, Yoru?" Subaru chuckled, "It's mine too! Since it's the capital, it should be a remotely safe place…"
Otto winced slightly. Lugunica had not been a safe place for the past few years, and probably wouldn't be in the future. Nevertheless, the Capital was teeming with knights and guards and should be comparatively safer.
"I have rented a stall in the market street." Otto said, taking out a map, "It was expensive, but it's in a good spot."
He had contacted his best contacts and links to secure an area with a steady and good flow of business. Subaru's rising reputation and prominence as an inventor in the merchants' circle also contributed.
Subaru looked slightly hesitant.
"It'll be fine." Otto comforted her, "Your wares are top-class! They always sell well! It won't be different this time!"
"Thanks, Otto." She pumped her fist into the air, "Yosh! So to try and not let down you who has put his hope into me, I am going to work hard!"
Otto and Yoru cheered alongside her.
The market street was waking up when they arrived. They quickly and slightly clumsily set up their first shop, displaying a substantial amount of Subaru's works and a vibrant board reading "Natsuki Toy Works!"
"This looks great?" Subaru turned to Otto and Yoru for confirmation.
"It looks great!" Otto gave her a thumbs up, a gesture from Subaru's homeland meaning, "Excellent!"
Subaru beamed.
"Oiya!"Hearing a voice call them out, they turned around. An elderly couple walked toward them with a menacing, friendly aura, "Look, some new Young'uns."
"Ah, Hello!" Otto nervously greeted them, being unskilled with friendly elders, "Um, I am Otto Suwen a merchant, and this is my partner, a toymaker, Subaru Natsuki…"
Subaru on the other hand greeted them more pleasantly, "It's nice to meet you! You guys own the stall across the street, right? The wooden bowls and cutlery?"
"Yes!" The lady smiled, "I am Willa Williams. And this is my husband, Bill Williams. If you have any troubles, you can come to us."
The husband nodded, preferring to remain silent. Otto smiled, nervous.
"Thanks a lot!" Subaru grabbed one of her creations and pushed it into the lady's hand, "These flowers never wilt so they'll look lovely on you!"
"Ohoho! What a charmer!" The lady patted Otto, "You are quite the lucky lad!"
Otto laughed nervously.
"I know!" Subaru grinned and nudged Otto, "She knows, they know, but you don't know, huh?"
The couple returned to their stall, glowing in happiness all the way. Otto exhaled in relief as they exited. For some reason, Otto could do well in normal negotiations, but being neighbourly altogether was another issue.
"Otto, you have an Elder phobia, don't you?" Subaru tilted her head, peering at him.
"Elder…what?" Otto responded, confused.
"Phobia. Meaning fear." Subaru explained, "You get all nervous and sweaty dealing with someone with more experience and age than you."
"…Natsuki-san is too good with children and the elderly." Otto hurriedly changed the topic, "See? You didn't need to be so worried! You will be great with the customers!"
"…Right." Subaru smiled, "I might not be entirely useless, then!"
"Natsuki-san is never useless." Otto firmly stated. Yoru fluttered around in agreement for once, "You should appreciate yourself more.
Subaru froze. A pink blush slowly entered her cheeks.
"Ah…Oh…" She glanced at the floor, "Thanks."
Contrary to her anxiety and low self-confidence, Customers came in ravenous multitudes, depleting her stock of toys and handmade accessories, consisting of young girls to children to men searching for a gift for their lovers. Otto smirked. Seeing her interact so confidently and so comfortably with people caused his heart to lighten with bliss and pride. It was so different from the desperate and ragged her when they first met.
"Excuse me." Otto watched to see an elderly man in a rich suit approach Subaru, "I heard you selling some yellow flower crowns that would never wilt."
"Oh." Subaru's eyes dulled, "Sorry, Sir. We are sold out of flower crowns."
"It's no issue at all." The man shook his head, "It's just my wife liked flowers."
"I see." A twinkle blossomed in the depths of Subaru's brown eyes, Otto knew she had another of her crazy idea, "But sir, you could place a custom order!"
"Custom order?" The man repeated.
"Yes." Subaru's grin widened, "You specify the type of object you like to have made, and we'll make it exactly like your preference. Although, it'll be a little more expensive. Would you like to order one?"
"I shall take you up on your offer." The man smiled, "A yellow flower crown, how much would it cost?"
"A night's lodgings!" Subaru instantly reacted, her eyes blazing.
"Natsuki-san!" Otto shot out of his position with wide eyes, "What are you-? You can't just-!"
"What?" Subaru retorted, "You taught me to grab every opportunity!"
"But we could sleep in the inns again!" Otto countered.
"And if they were full again?" Subaru rejoined, "Otto, you are excellent in everything. But...I can see you are having difficulties with finding a place to stay. Otherwise, you would have found one before we even arrived. It's unlike you to be ill-prepared. " Otto stiffened. "But…if… if I can secure one instead, there would be no problem, right?"
"That's…." Otto lowered his eyes.
Subaru clenched the fabric of her dress, "I-I am not trying to hurt or be mean to you Otto, I just thought if I could...at least lighten your burden a little, it would be nice."
Yoru bumped against Otto's forehead angrily. Subaru, no matter, how much she teased and played with Otto, loathed the thought of hurting him or being hated by him. She would always, always, prioritize him.
Even if he didn't want it.
"It's okay, Natsuki-san." Otto placed a hand on her shoulder, "I...I understand."
Otto felt his tongue grow heavy. it was not as if he disliked her being considerate of him, he just felt guilty about burdening her with some matters that were supposed to be his responsibility.
"Mister." Subaru turned to the man, "You are a noble If I am not wrong? For artisans to be invited to Noble's house for commission… it's not uncommon in the country if I recall?"
"Quite an interesting pair, you are. Certainly, Young miss." The man laughed, "It would be rude of me to let you stay at an inn when I have requested a favour of you. My lady would surely not mind."
"But…" Otto hesitated.
"We'll immediately move out once you find a place to stay," Subaru said, "I trust you."
Her words lightened his heart instantly. He was stupid. Of course, he was.
It turns out the man was Wilhelm van Astrea working for duchess Crusch herself. Otto nearly fainted. As usual, Subaru was blissfully unaware of the complex details, of the world's intricacies, and was only excited to meet the admirable 'boss lady' who he served for.
They did. At dinner time.
Otto wondered when did it become so easy to meet a duchess so well affiliated with the royal family itself.
"I am Crusch Karsten." Even if she did not need to, the lady introduced herself, "And this is my knight, Felix Argyle."
"Nice to meet you, nya!" Felix winked at them.
"I am Otto Suwen, a merchant." Otto introduced himself as politely as possible, "And this is my business partner, Natsuki Subaru, a toymaker."
"Nice to meet you!" Subaru said, "Umm…I have to apologize in advance because I really don't know…umm…well, ya know, noble courtesy so if I offend you please let it go!"
"You are Wilhelm's guest." Crusch smiled softly at the girl, "You don't have to worry about such a thing."
"Sorry. I just have some bad experiences with…well, nobles." Subaru stated.
Otto was surprised. With how she smoothly talked Wilhelm into giving her shelter and her earlier excitement, he never would have thought. It kind of stung that she didn't tell him about it. But she hid many things. This wouldn't be the first.
"Hey, Hey!" Felix leaned across the table, a catlike grin plastered onto his face, "How did ya impress Old man Wilhelm? He couldn't stop praising nya!"
"Impress?" Subaru was evidently confused.
"Indeed." The duchess nodded, "Unless you impressed him, he wouldn't have invited you here."
"hmm…" Subaru gazed thoughtfully at them, "Maybe, he thought you did like a flower crown too? Or maybe some 'crawling' earrings will suit you."
"It'll be for free, of course." Otto supplemented, "As a thank-you gift for letting us stay."
He knew once Subaru decided to make something, she wouldn't stop until she was satisfied.
Crusch seemed taken aback, "For me? But such cute things…I..can't wear them."
"You can't? Why not?" Subaru firmly declared, "If you want something cute, something pretty, it's because you want it, because you like it, and because you want to make yourself happy. Not because of anything or anyone else. That is the selfishness permitted to women. Well, anyone really."
A silence fell over the table.
"Then…I'll take you up on that offer." Crusch broke the silence. A smile tugged on her lips and her eyes twinkled slightly.
"I understand Wilhelm, nyow." Felix giggled, "I would like something too! In blue, nya!"
"I'll do my best!" Subaru patted her chest, confidently.
Otto sighed and smiled helplessly.
Maybe it was good, she depended on him to handle the finances and other underlying details of her impromptu decisions instead of bearing It on her own. It made them busy. Busy was good. When they were busy, they only concentrated on the future.