Ok! So first of all, wow! Thank you for your amazing comment, Nincadaguy! You have always been a huge supporter and I really appreciate it! I've used my version of your example in some of the dialogue so thanks for the help!
Also, I've updated chapters 1-3 because chapter 3 kinda reflects off of this one. I might need to re update them again as I go, but for now, it's fine. Second, I really want to upload every week, but this chapter was kinda hard. A lot gets done in this chapter and came out super long. Anyways I hope you like this one! This has more of everyone!
Their time in the village was fun. Subaru tried introducing new games to the kids, but they just kept jumping all over him, clinging under his arms and his back like usual like if he was a human jungle gym until he had enough of it.
Petra noticed Rem holding a bouquet of flowers and felt jealous of her and asked Subaru if she could go flower picking too sometime. It gave him an idea. He then asked the kids to help him pick a bunch of flowers right outside the village. For sure the parents were okay with it. If it's with the savior of the village, they didn't mind. It was also close by and far from any wolgarms.
In the end, everyone was satisfied. Both Subaru and Rem said their goodbyes and walked off to the path towards Roswaal's mansion. Subaru was organizing the bunched up pink flowers in his hand. He threw out some of the old rotten ones the kids picked and made it look perfect and presentable. Rem held her flowers with both hands against her waist as she watched Subaru.
Subaru: I really hope this works. I have a feeling my gift to Nee-sama will be rejected instantly.
Rem: Rem is sure that Ne-sama will love her gift! It is what Subaru-kun has said, girls love flowers. Is that correct?
Subaru: Yeah I guess you're right, but Nee-sama is different from other girls. She is what I call...an absolutist.
Rem: Ne-sama is very special indeed!
It wasn't his brightest plan, but it was a start to get on Ram's good side. If he can prove to her he is good natured, he can move onto the next step of many in order to prove he is worthy of Rem….and to tell her he might've knocked up her sister without getting brutally murdered. :)
Subaru: Alright! It's done! Not really my finest work when it comes to floral crafts, but it can easily value around two thousand yen in my opinion.
Rem: I am unfamiliar with this 'yen you speak of, but your design with floral patterns is poor and cheap. It looks to be worth at most two copper coins.
Subaru: and there goes my enthusiasm for the day….
He slouches forward in defeat after getting shut down by Rem's harsh criticism. It wasn't often she demoralized him. She doesn't even know that what she says sometimes hurts him mentally too, but he quickly gets over it. Subaru always keeps his chin up at his darkest times.
They pass the front gates of the mansion. Subaru gulps in agitation with the arranged pink flowers in his hand as he watches the front door.
Once they come near the door, it suddenly opens to see the pink haired maid waiting on the other side and crosses her arms. It looks like she was waiting.
Ram: So you finally returned. Did you forget your duties as a servant?...or do you need Ram to re-teach you like an inconsiderate child?
Subaru: I am not a child! I am well over seventeen so I can very much handle simple tasks on my own!-
Ram: -Then where have you two been? It is nearly past noon…and...why does Barusu have those flowers?
This was harder than it looks to come to an understanding with this girl. Every time they talk, he feels he gets interrogated by her. Even some simple chatter becomes unbearable, but this time it felt harder than it already is.
Subaru: Oh, ummm. Me and Rem went flower picking with the children...and we picked some for you too!
He presents the neatly arranged bouquet of pink flowers, but she just stares at it as if she was disinterested in it. She examines him from top to bottom as if looking for something. She lowers her eyelids halfway in disappointment.
Ram: Barusu, did you at least get the eggs I asked for?
Subaru froze. This was his first chance to come to equal terms with her and he totally blew it. He slumps in defeat.
Rem: Yes! Rem managed to pick up the eggs along with some vegetables and spices for tonight's meal!
Subaru and Ram immediately turn their heads towards Rem. She handed Subaru her flowers and to Subaru's surprise, Rem had what seemed to be a bag with a shoulder strap around her shoulder. He didn't know she had it until now. Probably because he was too preoccupied with Ram's flowers.
She adjusts the bag in front of her and opens it, revealing the assorted items. They were neatly arranged with the vegetables on one side with the spices in the appropriate containers in the side pockets. The eggs were in small crates so it wouldn't break of course.
Subaru looked at the bag, perplexed by the fact that Rem saved him once again...or he thought so. He turned his head to the pink haired maid beside him and noticed she was staring at him.
Ram: So you had my sister do all of the shopping I suppose. Only a Barusu can be this arrogant to goof off and make my precious little sister work for him. Just die.
Subaru: Could you stop making these assumptions! I could never do that Rem!
Ram completely ignores Subaru and grabs the bag from Rem. He stays quiet with both of their flowers in hand as he watches Ram walk past him with the bag.
Ram: -Let's go, Rem or else Roswaal-sama will be very upset to find his office unorganized. Barusu, get started on the floor.
Rem: Yes, Ne-sama!
Ram walks inside to make her way to the kitchen to put away the food. Subaru slumps again and sighs, which made Rem turn to look at him.
Subaru: This might be harder than I thought…, but it's definitely not impossible. Maybe I should try a different approach.
Rem: Even if Ne-sama doesn't respect Subaru-kun, Rem will still support you.
She stands in front of him and takes both flowers from each of Subaru's hands.
Subaru: I know, but what if she never accepts me. Doesn't that bother you a bit?
Rem: Ne-sama isn't as mean as Subaru-kun thinks she is. She expects more of Subaru-kun than what he really is.
Subaru: It's hard to imagine Ram having this sort of view towards me. Did she tell you this?
Rem: Of course! We are sisters. We tell each other everything. My husband should know that.
Even though Subaru asked Rem to marry him, it still hasn't sunken in yet. He pretty much made a vow for marriage, but let's face it. They're just kids. He doesn't even have money to support a family. Unless Roswaal were to donate, but he won't expect that from him.
She gets on her tiptoes and gives him a small peck on his cheek then turns around with both flowers in each hand and walks off to the open doorway and into the mansion to the storage closet with the extra vases to put the flowers in.
Actually, it wasn't really that hard to imagine Ram having these thoughts about him. Maybe she says these things to toughen him up a bit and to help him learn a few things.
Subaru: Now that I think about it, it might not be that difficult. Maybe I should go for a mental approach. Alright! Now begins phase one!
Now having steeled his resolve, he decides to walk inside while clutching his hands into fists in the air. The rest of the day was tough for Subaru. He put in his all into the workload that was given to him. It was mostly easy tasks, but it turned out to be back breaking. From sweeping the basement to dusting the ceiling of the second story, he pushed himself beyond his limits. Almost as much as his fourth loop here when he tried to gain their trust.
He was sweeping the hallway at a rapid pace when he saw a little girl walking around the corner of the hallway. He runs towards the end and sees Beatrice open a door that leads to the forbidden library.
Subaru:Hey, Beako!
He waved at her then she stopped and turned to look at him. She had that same uninterested look she always gives him.
Beatrice: Oh...it's you...What do you want with Betty, I suppose?
Subaru: Nothing,. I just wanted to check up on ya! Anyways, why are you around here?
Beatrice: Can I not walk around these halls, I suppose?
It was a little off from her since she can use door crossing to walk into any room she wanted in the mansion, but Beatrice was right. She could walk around if she wanted to so he ignores it.
Subaru: "So what are you up too? A loli such as yourself shouldn't roam the halls in a bi~g mansion.", he tells her childishly.
Beatrice: Betty is not a child, I suppose!...and stop calling Betty whatever that means!
She turns her whole body and clenches her fists in anger as she yells at him in frustration. She still doesn't know what a loli was, but she knows he was belittling her. Subaru waved his hands in front of him to signify he was joking.
Beatrice: What that man tells Betty is none of your business, I suppose. So stay out of it, in fact!
Subaru: Do you mean Roswaal?
She lowers her eyelids halfway in dissatisfaction. For her to easily give out information like that was disappointing. She sighs in defeat.
Beatrice: Yes, I suppose...it seems that man is conducting an immense mana experiment, in fact. It is frustrating, I suppose.
Subaru: An experiment? I wonder what Ros-chi has in mind this time…
He puts a thumb under his chin in thought. It really was difficult to understand that clown sometimes...actually, Roswaal IS the mysterious type. He barely knew the man other than the fact that he was the lord of the mansion and many other villages around it. Also he likes to wear clown makeup.
Beatrice: Yes, I wonder. That man is too peculiar, in fact…
She steps another inch further into the room, but Subaru still wasn't done yet.
Subaru: Aww, but Beako, I still want to play with you a little more…
She stops and immediately jumps backwards to face him. She revealed her angered face from behind the door as if frustrated.
Beatrice: Stop insulting Betty, I suppose! What gives you the right to belittle Betty like a child!?
Finally, Subaru decided it was enough to mess around with this girl. He really enjoyed playing with Beatrice like this, but she didn't enjoy it so maybe it was enough.
Subaru: It's not belittling you. You are always stuck in this room all day long. I don't know how or why you're stuck in there, but my guess is it's probably boring. You can consider Natsuki Subaru as your official playmate!
Standing tall with his hand to his side and his thumb on his chest, he smiles cheerfully. She lowers her eyelids once again to cover half of her butterfly pupils. It was still belittling her as a child, but Subaru still didn't see it.
Beatrice: You are hopeless, I suppose... I wonder what that blue hair sees in you…
Subaru: You mean Rem? How would you...oh, wait, nevermind...
It was unusual for this girl to understand Rem's feelings for this boy, but he instantly remembered how she probably knew. Since Beatrice was the only one that knew of their…'happy ending...
It was still embarrassing to talk about. Especially in front of a little girl like Beatrice.
Subaru: Anyway, it doesn't matter now because I asked her to marry me and she happily agreed. Just wait, Beako. Soon, you'll be able to play with our children!
Her once disappointed look turned twisted. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. It was a face Subaru had never seen from her before. He became a little worried that he might've offended her.
Beatrice: "So you'll leave Betty too…", she murmurs.
It was very inaudible, but he heard her say something. He looks at her confused, but she turns away from him and walks into the room.
Subaru: Hey! Beako!
He chased after her, but she closed the door on him. When he opened it, it was an ordinary guest room. He really wanted to know what she said, but the more he thought about it, the less he was interested in. It was probably nothing so maybe he'll just let it slide for now.
He closes the door and returns to his cleaning.
In the end, it became afternoon. The sun was barely visible and the overcast was pink with red skies. He fell backwards in the grass from exhaustion.
Subaru: Never thought it would be this back breaking. Ugh...My muscles feel sore. Ouch…
He picks up his head, but he instantly feels tense on his back and neck so he lays down again. He decides to stay like that for a while until dinner time. He was pretty much done already.
While he stared at the sky, silver hair glided among the corner of his vision. He darted his eyes to the source and saw Emilia walking towards him.
Emilia: So this is where you've been at, Subaru. I saw you run around the mansion like crazy earlier. You must be exhausted from working all day.
Subaru: My stamina just increased to two hundred percent knowing that Emilia-tan is worried about me! AAHH!
He tried to lift his arms up, but he instantly felt a strain in his muscles so it made him Yelp. Emilia put a hand on her chest feeling worried for him. With a smile, she walks over and gets on her knees beside him and closes her eyes.
Subaru was confused, but then small little sparkles of light floated around them. They float around Subaru and then that feeling of his aching muscles are gone.
Emilia: There. How do you feel?
He supports himself easily feeling his stamina regaining. He realized that she called upon the minor spirits to heal his aching muscles. He still felt exhausted, but the pain went away.
Subaru: I feel great! Only my Emilia-tan would be so generous enough to strengthen my spirit! Yes! E! M! T!
He immediately stands up and makes fully body letters that spell out E.M.T. The dude really can ruin the mood...Emilia looks at him concerned about what he said.
Emilia: Wait, did you say yours, Subaru? I don't recall ever belonging to anyone.
Subaru: Oh Uh, my mistake. That accidentally slipped out. I just feel super enthusiastic today!
He puts his hands on his sides with a wide grin. Emilia tilts her head at him confused, but then smiles. Subaru sits down on the grass cross legged besides her facing the beautiful pink overcast.
Emilia turns her head to the side to face his direction. It was nice and calm. Just the two of them and the gentle breeze.
Emilia: So how was your date with Rem today? I saw you two leaving earlier and I thought I might ask.
She turns her head back to him and he looks back at her. He thought about what to say.
Today was magical. He finally confesses his love for Rem and he had a fun time with the villagers. It doesn't compare to the snow festival, but it's nice to have days like these sometimes.
Subaru: It was great. We went flower picking with the kids and I played with them a little, but they kept jumping Around me. Those brats. Also... I confessed to Rem. Seeing her so happy really does warm my heart.
Emilia: That's great, Subaru. Rem really deserves to be happy too.
Subaru: Yes, you're right...also I wanted to bring you flowers too, but I thought we could do that tomorrow. It will be just as magical! I promise!
She smiles and puts her hand on her chest where the emerald pendant hangs from her neck. She really does enjoy Subaru's company sometimes when Puck is not around. Probably when he's with Beatrice.
Emilia: You can be really cool sometimes, Subaru. You always think of us first when it comes to your crazy shenanigans.
Subaru: Seriously who even says shenanigans anymore!
She chuckled a little bit in her hand then she changed into a seating position like Subaru to face the view. It really was pretty to look at. To see the trees rustling from the cool breeze and the golden sky in the horizon. He turns his head to look at her. He admired her from her glowing silver hair to her sparkling amethyst eyes as she gazed at the view.
Subaru: " Any ways, I thought Puck told you not to use the minor spirits on others? Is this perhaps Emilia-tan being a little naughty?", he smirks.
She was confused at first, but then she shook it in denial. She wasn't one to read the mood in some of these situations just like Subaru, but she ignores that last part.
Emilia: Puck tells me not to use them on other people, but you're an exception.
Subaru: An exception? Does this mean I'm on Emilia-tan's V.I.P list? I'm so overjoyed I might just burst into a million pieces!
Emilia: Please don't…and not really. I see you more as my...benefactor.
She thought about it at that last part. His once joyous mood instantly turns upside down. To only be considered as a person indebted to wasn't really something he hoped for. He at least wanted her to see him as somebody special. Like how she sees Puck.
Subaru: So is that how you see me as?
Seeing his reaction made her feel worried about him. She was just being honest and it ended up hurting him. She tried looking at his face, but he was looking down to his crossed legs.
Emilia: "Did I upset you? I didn't mean to..." She asks worryingly.
Subaru: No, nothing is wrong...it's just...don't you at least see me as a friend?
She opens her eyes wide. It was a response she had never expected. His friend? Does he even realize who he's talking to? She looks down to her knees with her hand on her chest as she prepares for her next question.
Emilia: "Do you...really want me as a...friend?", she asks cautiously.
Subaru: Why wouldn't you be? I...really do like you, Emilia-tan. You are very kind, sweet, pretty...sometimes shy, but that might be in the cute category. Anyways, you are an amazing person, Emilia-tan. It really does warm my heart to be around you.
Her lips quivered and her eyes watered from being overjoyed. Does he really want to be her friend? She realized it. She was on the verge of tears so she wipes her tears so he wouldn't notice, but her quivering voice shows it.
Emilia: E-Even though I'm a...half elf...you still want to be...friends?
Subaru: Of course. You are...very special to me, Emilia-tan. I...I lov-
Emilia: -Please don't lie to me! Subaru, You know I hate liars...
She was shocked from what he was telling her. Does he really want to be her friend? Ever since those horrible years of being hated by everyone she meets, she hasn't been too outgoing with her appearance. No matter what she does, she couldn't find someone as trustworthy as Puck, so for this boy to admit these
feelings to her must be shocking.
Even though he wanted to really tell her his true feelings, he thought this might be enough for now. He forms a small smile as he looks into her watery eyes.
Emilia: You really know how to make a girl cry...
He scoots closer to her and puts a hand over her back to comfort her. She wipes her eyes and they face each other happily.
Now in a strong newfound friendship. They admire the sunset together.
They sat there for a while until it started to get dark so Subaru thought it was best to go inside. The rest of the day went by as usual. Subaru tried to prepare dinner with ingredients that Rem brought, but both Rem and Ram saw him almost burn the house down trying to figure out how the stove works so they took over and Ram kicked him out of the kitchen.
Eventually, Rem fixed the meal and they served it to the residents of the mansion. Ram kept glaring at Subaru throughout that time because if it weren't for Rem, they would've had to throw out the ingredients and improvise for Roswaal. Ram didn't like the idea of improvising for him so she blames it on Subaru.
It made him feel super uncomfortable the entire time and a little dispirited to know he's sunk lower in their relationship.
After the meal, Subaru and Emilia talked for a little while in the dining room while everyone else left. He told some stories and jokes that made her laugh. Rem overheard them and decided to join in too. It was nice to have his two special girls in his life so close at the moment, but then they decided it was getting late.
He decided to deliver them to their respective rooms for the night like a gentleman would. A wave goodnight for Emilia and when no one was looking, a small goodnight kiss for Rem.
He was walking back to his room when he saw Roswaal and Ram come out from the corner of the hallway. It was odd to see those two out in the middle of this hour. Especially now since Roswaal was not wearing any makeup and wearing a white robe. The two noticed Subaru and continued walking towards him.
Roswaal: Oh my. To think that you are still awa~ke at the hour of the spirits. What brings you here my dear boy?
Subaru: I'm finally calling it a day for now. Today wasn't exactly the easiest...
He yawns after that and tries to cover it with his hand. It was past midnight so it was more likely he should be in bed. Now for the bigger question.
Subaru: So why are you two up at this hour?
Ram: Isn't it obvious. Roswaal-sama just finished bathing and Ram was about to deliver him to his bedroom until Barusu rudely obstructed.
It sounds agreeable. He didn't like the idea of Ram tending him after he bathed. Even though she acted more mature than everyone else, she still was a teenage girl and Roswaal was a middle aged man. Subaru still couldn't figure out their relationship.
Another thought came into Subaru's mind.
Subaru: Anyways, since I have you here, Ros-chi, I wanted to ask you something.
Roswaal turns his head from the girl next to him to Subaru. His hair covered his blue eye so only his yellow eye was visible.
Subaru: What was that experiment you were doing? Beako doesn't seem happy about it.
Roswaal's face changed. Subaru couldn't tell this Man's facial expression without his makeup, but It was definitely an odd look. He only saw Roswaal once without his makeup in his first loop here so it was difficult to understand this man. Actually, he was difficult to understand in general, but this look he gave him was like he was clueless.
Roswaal: My apologies, but I have no idea what you are asking of me. That girl must've been mistaken.
Subaru: Really? She told me you were doing some experiment with magic. It doesn't look like she wants any part of it.
Roswaal: I still find it quite odd that you are able to find her quite easily. Anyways, I did not involve her in such an act. Surely she must be delusional.
It was surprising for Subaru. Beatrice was definitely hearing things. Maybe she's been in that room too long. Subaru thought about it some more and came with a conclusion.
Subaru: She probably was jealous from our night drinking and secretly took a sip of some. Lolis like her will get curious sometimes.
The thought of Beatrice sneaking into the wine cabinet late at night for some sips and getting drunk was seeming realistic to Subaru, but Roswaal thought otherwise.
Roswaal: Don't assume such from Beatrice. She ne~ver breaks a promise.
Subaru: I guess you are right, but it just isn't like her.
It still was odd that she would possibly have lied about this, but he decided it was just nothing big. Next time he saw her, he'll tell her it was all in her head.
Roswaal: Also, since I have the both of you here, I must inform you…
Both Ram and Subaru turn to look at him. This was unexpected. What did he want this time?
Roswaal: I will be visiting a relative tomorrow and will be possibly returning the next mo~rning. Ram, I wish for you to accompany me.
Ram: Is it perhaps Annerose-sama?
Roswaal: I suppose it is unfortunately. That girl can be troublesome sometimes…
He sighs and closes his eyes. Subaru looks at the two confused by their talk. He didn't know Roswaal had any relatives until now. He decides to ignore it and leave it as that. Roswaal opens his eyes again and faces Subaru.
Roswaal: So I'm leaving the household duties to you and Rem for now. I trust you can ma~nage on your own seeing how well you accomplished today. Very appreciable inde~ed.
He meant the backbreaking work Subaru did today. He never saw Roswaal throughout the time so he probably saw him through a window or while passing by.
It felt somewhat honoring to be appraised by this man. He only did this so Ram could appreciate him more, but instead, Roswaal was the one that noticed this.
Subaru darts his eyes at Ram then back to Roswaal with a thought in mind.
Subaru: Actually, you'll have to thank Ram on this one. Without her support, I would have never gone through with this at maximum power!
He flexes his arms in the air with a wide grin. Roswaal's face turns plain, but then he looks at Ram and gives her a soft smile.
Maybe he knew Subaru was lying, but it didn't matter. Roswaal just went along with it.
Roswaal: Is this true? If so, I must congratulate you too.
Ram: There is no need to, Roswaal-sa…
She stops mid sentence as she feels his hand on her head. He gave her a small head pat that made her look down to hide her blush. This was a side of Ram that Subaru never saw. This side of her made her look small and unpretentious. It was actually kinda cute.
Roswaal: Now, rest easy you two. I will take my leave.
He walked away from the two until he was behind Subaru. He stops and turns around.
Roswaal: Also, please inform Beatrice of this hoax. She may have tampered with her magic to a certain degre~e.
Ram snaps out of it and faces him. Subaru turns to his side and turns his head.
Ram: Yes! Roswaal-sama!
He turns and walks away to his master bedroom. They both look at the empty hallway where Roswaal was. Subaru turned his head towards Ram and she caught his attention. She realized she had shown her weak side to Subaru so she started walking past him. He scratched the back of his head.
Subaru: So, I guess this is goodnight then…
Ram: Shut up…
She walks past him and stops behind him.
Ram: ...and Barusu…
He turns his head to her backside as she stands there.
Ram: ...Thank you.
She walks away into her room for the night leaving Subaru alone. He stands there a bit confused. Did she...thank him? Was this phase one? Now realizing he's coming to equal terms, he smiles in thought. Now he needed to step up his game a little. Things were looking better for the future for him.