The afternoon heat of the Sanctuary always seemed to break the moment you stepped into the shadow of the Tomb. But today, you, Subaru, and Emilia weren't here to face a trial. You were here because a certain Witch of Greed had grown entirely too impatient waiting for her favorite guests.With a soft shimmer of light, the stone walls vanished, replaced by the endless, breezy green fields of the dream citadel. Sitting at her usual wrought-iron table, pouring three fresh cups of her infamous tea, was Echidna."You really took your time," Echidna said, a playful pout twisting her pale lips as she looked up. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about your favorite witch.""As if we could ever forget you, Ekidna," Subaru groaned, though a fond smile cracked his face. He sat down heavily in a chair, immediately reaching out to grab your hand. "Besides, navigating the village took forever. Emilia-tan kept stopping to help everyone."Emilia flushed a pretty pink, sitting down on your other side and neatly tucking her silver hair behind her ear. "I couldn't just walk past them, Subaru! And Y/N agreed we should help." She looked across the table, her amethyst eyes softening. "Hello, Echidna. Thank you for inviting us."You sat right in the center of the beautiful chaos, feeling the comforting warmth of Subaru’s calloused fingers intertwined with yours, while Emilia gently leaned her shoulder against yours. It was a strange, delicate balance—a half-elf candidate for the throne, a fiercely loyal knight, a legendary witch, and you—but somehow, the pieces fit perfectly."Hmph. Always so painfully earnest, Emilia," Echidna murmured, though she didn't sound genuinely annoyed. Instead, her black eyes locked onto you, gleaming with that familiar, insatiable curiosity. "And what about you, Y/N? Did you miss me? I've uncovered three new historical paradoxes today just waiting for us to dissect."Before you could answer, Subaru scoffed playfully, squeezing your hand. "Hey, no monopolizing Y/N's time right away! We promised we’d relax today. No heavy magic theories.""I merely offer intellectual stimulation, something you sorely lack, Subaru," Echidna replied smoothly, leaning forward over the table, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "But... if Y/N prefers a different kind of attention, I am highly adaptable."Emilia giggled, the sound like ringing bells, and reached across your lap to gently pat Subaru’s arm. "Now, now, don't start fighting already. We're all here together." She then turned her gaze to you, her expression melting into pure, unadulterated affection. "I'm just happy we can all share this quiet time. Sometimes, everything outside feels so loud."The breeze rustled through the dream world, carrying the scent of sweet grass. Subaru leaned over and pressed a quick, affectionate kiss to your cheek, his thumb tracing circles on the back of your hand. Across the table, Echidna watched with a soft, rare expression of genuine contentment, reaching out to lightly brush her fingertips against yours over the teacups.In a world full of loops, curses, and royal politics, this strange, shared space belonged strictly to the four of you.