Here we go, long chapters now, If I continued on the usual 4-6k chapters then it would be around chapter 45 before we get to the witches, I'll do my best! The polls say you guys really want Elsa so now I need to figure out how to write her into this chapter, I'll do it, don't worry!

P.S: Loving the recent long reviews, they are my favorite things about writing

(P.p.s: So I know I promised the Ana chapter but after all this I wrote about Elsa I figured I would push off Anastasia to the next chapter, my bad.)

Leaving behind the blushing woman on his bed, Subaru exited his room with hopes of finding Emilia and Ram. The whole situation so far has been overwhelming but now he could think straight. His mind was rested and solutions seemed to be presenting themselves...or rather they were always there but he refused to do them.

Out the corner of his eyes he could see a pair of blueish purple eyes stare at him from a crack in the doorway. Immediately when they made contact the door shut which left Subaru a bit confused. That was clearly Emilia in Ram's room, It made sense since they would have nowhere else to go still, getting shut out felt bad.

[Subaru] "Oi, it's going to hurt my feelings if you shut the door like that."

As he said that the door slowly opened and standing there was a pouting half-elf with her arms crossed.

[Subaru] "You know making that face is maybe just as cute as any other face you make, I can feel your upset at me but I won't know if you don't say anything."

[Emilia] "...I'm not upset at you, just a little hurt.."

[Subaru] "It seems that's all I can do lately, hurt those I love…"

His expression became slightly grim and he looked towards the ground with solemn eyes. The silver haired girl who saw this immediately stopped her pouting and gained a look of concern. Even now when she had all intentions of scolding the youth, she couldn't help but worry about him..

[Emilia] "I'm sorry, Don't be sad!"

[Subaru] "Weren't you just upset at me a moment ago? Same as always, but that's what I love about you!"

[Emilia] "Eh!? Yo-you're right, i'm not upset just a little hurt that you…"

[?] "Emilia-sama has been pouting for the past few hours since barusu was held by Elsa-sama and not even let her see you."

Peeking out from behind Emilia was a pink haired maid with a fiery tongue. Her usual slanted eyes showed no emotion as she spoke.

[Subaru] "What? I didn't want her over Emilia….that damn woman…"

He couldn't see it but Subaru could feel a 'Fufu~' being let out from inside his room.

[Emilia] "But she said when you came back to the room you insisted to have her hold you as you slept...I wanted to do that…"

As he heard her words, the black haired boy clenched his hand over his chest while a dramatic tear came to his eye. When she did things like this, he couldn't help but be overwhelmed by her cuteness.

[Subaru] "Don't trust what she says, she lives in her own weird world. I would have rather had my Emilia-tan hold me, I was tired and when I woke up she was there, I swear!"

Emilia's face looked as if she was contemplating his words, for a second she pondered it until one of her signature heart warming smiles formed. It was almost too easy with her but he loved that she trusted him.

[Emilia] "Alright I believe you, Why would she say something like that?"

[Subaru] "like I said she is weird. If the trope is correct than it probably has something to do with a traumatic past"

[Ram] "Barusu is rather hostile towards Elsa-sama."

[Subaru] "...She is irritating is all…"

'Don't let them get too suspicious.'

Ram was more perceptive than he had hoped, or was it that he made a bad effort at hiding his dislike for Elsa?...

[?] "Ara? That's not a nice thing to say about your lover."

Standing in the doorway and now the new center of attention was Elsa. She had a blanket wrapped around her to maintain modesty and her hair was let down instead of its usual long ponytail. Just those changes were enough to make her look like a different person, her long hair was slightly frizzy from laying down which gave her a somewhat sensual aura.

[Ram] "Barusu does enjoy belittling those such as Ram and Elsa-sama. You have my sympathy."

[Subaru] "You were the bellittler! You still are!"

Ignoring the complaining boy, Ram gave a small bow to Elsa who seemed to be enjoying the new life she had gotten herself into.

[Elsa] "thank you, my beloved could be so hurtful sometimes. Speaking of which, I was promised a kiss once I've bathed."

[Subaru] "I said I would consider it…"

Elsa only stood there licking her lips while playing with a strand of her hair...it was...erotic...the thought of her looking seductive popped into his head and immediately he tried to shake it out.

'I need to slap myself for that later..'

[Ram] "Barusu says that when he has no intention of doing it."

[Subaru] "Oi, who's side are you on?!"

[Ram] "ha, Ram wants to inform Elsa-sama of how you are."

[Elsa] "Ara, is that so?"

Suddenly, the black haired woman that was standing in the doorway began walking towards Subaru. He could tell by the seductive look on her face what she wanted, he tried backpedaling to escape her but soon his back hit the wall. He was about to put his hands up to stop her but in an instant he could feel the sides of his cheeks being held and a pair of lips pressed up against his.

Both the hands that held his face and the lips that were against it were incredibly soft. Even though the kiss was forced it still felt enjoyable to an extent, that was until he remembered exactly this woman was.

The two spectators to this event could only watch with wide eyes and warm cheeks. Ram could only feel a sense of pride for another person along with a bit of jealousy that she never forced herself onto Subaru like this. Emilia on the other hand wanted to trade places with the black haired woman, now that the blood was off and she had showered, the half-elf could now really see how beautiful this woman was.

'I can not lose Subaru to her…'

Breaking the kiss with a small string of saliva, Elsa could only giggle at the youth's shocked and annoyed expression. She just loved to tease him in any way she could.

[Ram] "Ram must applaud you Elsa-sama."

[Subaru] "Don't applaud her, that's a court case if i've ever seen one!"

As he shouted at the two women, Subaru could feel someone grab his hand rather aggressively. Turning his head he saw Emilia holding onto him while looking up with a pouting face, it looked so cute that he thought he would have a heart attack from it.

[Emilia] "Subaru can I speak to you in private?"

Without giving him a second to answer, the half-elf began dragging the boy away from the two women who watched with amused faces.

[Subaru] "Ow! Oi, I can walk!"

She had pulled him so suddenly that he didn't have time to pick up his feet, he was literally being dragged like a child across the floor. He thought after hearing his cry of pain Emilia would let go but she persisted on with Subaru in hand. Looking up the youth could feel nothing but embarrassment as he saw the nearly giggling faces of Elsa and even Ram.

[Emilia] "We are going to borrow your room Ram-san."

As Ram heard the somewhat serious tone of the half-elf she could only smile and agree.

Still struggling slightly at the grip strength of his silver haired lover, Subaru could only try to stand up as he watched himself get pulled through the doorway and getting abruptly dropped.

He watched as Emilia locked the door and then got on the bed and sat on her knees. Her face looked serious and determined as she did this, which only made him slightly uncomfortable along with wondering how she could still look cute like that.

[Emilia] "Come!"

With her attitude doing a sudden 180, the half-elf patted the top of her thighs while smiling warmly at the youth.

[Subaru] "A lap pillow?"

[Emilia] "Yes, it's not fair she gotta have you the whole afternoon, even if you were asleep, I wanted to be the one to comfort you!"

[Subaru] "Are you jealous?"

[Emilia] "Yes...no...a little...either way I haven't done much for you and it seems that you're the only one doing things for me, even if it's simple things I want to help you...this is the only way I know works…"

Trying to hide her increasing blush, Emilia grew a little solemn as she continued to talk and realize how good Subaru has been to her. All these dangerous things keep happening to her and Subaru is the one to fix them…

[Emilia] "I even owe Elsa-san and it's selfish for me to want to keep you like this…"

With her head down and eyes closed, the half-elf tried to wallow in her own despair but suddenly she could feel someone grab her hand and pull her up into a hug.

[Subaru] "You did save me, I wouldn't be here without you, and I rather spend time with you than that woman."

Emilia who was a bit stiff at first, loosened up at his reassuring words and wrapped her own arms around him. Time and time again he spoiled her with love and she felt as if she hadn't done anything for him...yet moments like these where she got to be held and enjoy his touch made her feel special, that someone actually loves her.

[Emilia] "Um Subaru...you need a shower."

[Subaru] "Eh!? I-i'm sorry-"

[Emilia] "hehe, no it's alright, I don't really mind."

[Subaru] "You should mind, Nobody wants to go around smelling."

[Emilia] "Oh I know!"

Breaking the hug, Emilia once again grabbed Subaru by the hand and almost began dragging him out the room. This time the youth had anticipated it and was able to keep up with the half-elf's pace...barely.

[Emilia] "Ram, we are going into the bath, you should try and get Elsa-san some new clothes."

[Ram] "Very well, Crusch-sama sent a servant earlier to collect Barusu's clothes to wash, please just leave them by the door."

[Subaru] "Crusch…"

Emilia noticed his sad tone but chose to ignore it, she wanted to be selfish and have him to herself...even though she had him all night yesterday.

[Elsa] "I do need to get new clothes, but if my beloved wants-"

[Subaru] "No go get clothes."

Still being dragged towards the washroom, Subaru managed to get out one line to Elsa before he was fully pulled in. Before she could respond he was already through the door.

[Elsa] "She is rather demanding isn't she?"

[Ram] "Emilia-sama is usually selfless, very selfless, it's rare to see her act for herself."

[Elsa] "Is that so? I guess she can have him for now."

Back inside the bathroom, the youth stood there red faced as Emilia stripped down.

[Subaru] "...Seeing Emilia-tan's flawless skin is always a blessing but i'm not really in the mood to do anything…"

[Emilia] "oh...I know, you need a shower and I want to help you."

She knew from the beginning that he probably wouldn't want to do anything but she still kept a small amount of hope for it. Even after doing it twice yesterday her body was still ready for many times, yet she understood how Subaru was feeling so she wouldn't push him for it.

The bath went on uneventfully, even with the half-elf's tempting figure in front of him, Subaru only wanted to bathe and get the day over with. To think he had to restart today twice still made him uneasy, piled along with Crusch leaving him and Anastasia showing up, it just wasn't easy. Now the bowel hunter somehow made her way into his harem…

[Subaru] "They washed these so fast?"

Drying himself off with a towel, the black haired boy noticed his pile of clothes neatly folded outside the door. With all his thinking, a good amount of time had passed by, Emilia who tried her best to make him happy couldn't help but feel uncomfortable when he would just stare off into nothing as if pondering something. He always had something on his mind but never spoke to her... it made her feel useless.

[Emilia] "Uh huh...Subaru can you talk to me?"

[Subaru] "Of course! It's my pleasure to have any kind of interaction with my Emilia-tan!"

Despite his enthusiastic declaration, Emilia only looked at him with a face of disappointment.

[Emilia] "oh….ok, I know I shouldn't pry but something is clearly bothering you and you won't feel better unless you vent."

[Subaru] "Oh...well-"

[Emilia] "Please! Elsa-san helped you from your nightmare, I want to help you too!"

Quickly, Emilia closed the difference between then and grabbed his arms while pressing her body against his. Looking down, Subaru became weak just looking at her desperate face, She wanted to help him and he wanted to be helped by her...He would open up now but the problem was that they were still naked and wet from the bath.

[Subaru] "o-ok...but um, can we get dressed first?"

[Emilia] "hmm...Okay, but you have to tell me after!"

Stern and no longer pleading, the half-elf backed off before grabbing her own clothes and putting them on.

[Emilia] "Eh?! St-stop staring!"

Unaware of himself, Subaru was just staring at the dangerously beautiful Emilia getting ready.

Chuckling slightly, he let out a "sorry" before beginning to put on his own clothes. With his signature outfit now washed and ready he can finally be comfortable.

Throwing on his jacket, the youth was suddenly grabbed by the hand once more and led out the bathroom by the half-elf.

[Emilia] "No more excuses, once we get in here you have to-"

[?] "Ara ara, have you two finished already?"

Opening the door to Subaru's room, the two were greeted with the still naked Elsa sitting up from her laid down position. Her long hair that was usually tied into a braid was loose and draped carelessly around her and on the bed...She was already dangerously beautiful and seductive but with sights like this it elevated those attributes to whole new levels.

'No...What's wrong with me?'

Out of nowhere, the black haired boy slapped his own cheeks as if to wake himself up. The truth was that for some reason, this woman who he detested was somehow making her way into his head in a good way...The voluptuous woman on the bed could tell why he did the sudden action and could only bite her lip in response.

[Emilia] "Subaru!? What are you doing?"

[Subaru] "Sorry, guess I was still tired, I needed to wake myself up."

[Elsa] "Fufu~ if you say so, you two have been going at it for a while now."

[Subaru & Emilia] "Huh?!"

The ones that were recently out the bath collectively looked shocked at the woman's words. At the same time Emilia's face gained a small shade of red while Subaru only looked at her annoyed.

[Elsa] "Oh? Why else would you bathe together if not to make love? Had it been me and my beloved that is surely what we would have done."

[Subaru] "ugh shut up, let's just go to Ram's room- Wait why are you here? I thought you left?"

[Elsa] "Where would I go without clothes? Ram-san took my order and is out getting it. You should stay here, it would make me feel lonely if you left me any longer, after all that is your duty as a lover."

As she said that, the black haired woman gave the youth a somewhat devious look. To Emilia it was slightly odd but to Subaru it made his body go on alert, their agreement was that he was supposed to do boyfriend-esque things from time to time. They never said what would happen if he didn't obey but knowing her volatile tendencies, it wouldn't be good.

[Emilia] "I wanted to talk to Subaru alone actually, he seems overwhelmed by something and I want to help him."

[Elsa] "Ara, I see."

In the next moment, the tease happy woman quickly and suddenly got up and grabbed the youth while dragging him onto the bed and into her embrace. The whole thing was so fast that Subaru was disoriented because one moment he was standing with Emilia in the doorway and then somehow in the next, his head was nestled in the valley of Elsa's plentiful chest.

The half-elf could only watch helplessly as the inhuman speed of that woman took her Subaru from her. Despite that, the silver haired girl wasn't sad but instead was jealous that once again someone else was doing what she wanted to do, holding him close to her chest while stroking his hair.

[Subaru] "What the-"

[Elsa] "Shh, it's okay-"

[Subaru] "That's not gonna work again! I'm not a doll that you can just drag around!"

Struggling, the youth tried his best to pry himself from the woman's grasp but her superior strength held him in place.

[Emilia] "jeez, I wanted to do that…"

[Subaru] "Is that what you are taking away from this?!"

[Elsa] "Fufu~ Please join us."

Her words were directed at the blushing half-elf still by the door.

[Emilia] "...o-ok.."

As she agreed, Subaru was suddenly able to break free from the naked woman. Sitting up, his eyes were able to catch a glimpse at the dark haired woman below him. Her long hair was splayed out across the pillow and bed, her arms were still outstretched towards him and her breasts looked so…

Just before his mind could finish that thought, he was suddenly dragged backwards and his head fell onto something just as soft as before. Looking up he could see Emilia's peaceful face which shined him a soft smile and felt her hand gently caress his hair.

[Emilia] "Thank you Elsa-san. Does it feel nice Subaru? Now you should be able to vent."

[Subaru] "...Yeah I guess…"

[Elsa] "Would you like another way of venting?"

[Subaru] "No. You're too horny, no wonder you and Ram get along-OW!"

As he spoke he could feel a sharp pain from his ear being pulled.

[Emilia] "hmph, you have to be nicer to her, Elsa-san has done nothing but help us so far."

[Elsa] "Fufu~ indeed, my beloved can just be so cruel sometimes but that part about him makes me feel really good~"

Emilia tried ignoring her erotic response and instead went back to combing Subaru's hair with her fingers. The youth on the other hand only rolled his eyes at her and tried to enjoy the calming sensation of the half-elf's lap pillow…

[Subaru] "This is enough to make me calm, thank you Emilia-tan!"

As he said that, he could feel a sharp tug at his hair. Looking up he saw Emilia's pouting face stare down at him with slight annoyance.

[Emilia] "No! I want you to vent! If you always keep everything to yourself and let everyone else help you then that means you don't love me anymore!"

Her words weren't that loud but they were firm. He could feel the desperation through her amethyst eyes as she pleaded with the black haired boy…

[Subaru] "i-i'm sorry...Truthfully I keep these things to myself because I love you...I want to be your unwavering pillar but I can't be that if I act weak around you, I'm sorry."

[Emilia] "...n-no..i'm sorry, I'm being selfish and not considering your feelings…"

[Subaru] "I promise I will tell you but right now I just want to enjoy this moment."

[Elsa] "Wonderful, truly beautiful, when are you going to say you love me?"

Cutting through the moment between them was Elsa.

[Subaru] "tch, never, I wouldn't even jokingly say it."

[Elsa] "Ara, So cruel, still it wouldn't hurt every now and then."

[Subaru] "Yes it would, I'll consider holding your hand or whatever but I draw the line there."

[Elsa] "fufu~ maybe I should add that as part of the deal."

[Emilia] "Deal?"

[Subaru] "it's nothing…"

Emilia looked frantically between the two people laying down, they had a secret that left her out of it...Out of spite, the half-elf then grabbed Subaru from under his arms and pulled him over to lay down next to her on the opposite side of the black haired woman.

[Subaru] "Emilia?!"

Subaru was the farthest to the right of the decently sized bed, in the middle was Emilia who was holding onto his arm while curled up next to him, on the left side was the still indecent woman who only giggled at the half-elf's childish action. She saw it as when a child gets upset and takes their toy with them.

[Emilia] "Enough talk, let's sleep."

[Subaru] "Sleep? But I just woke up!"

[Elsa] "Ara, don't you think it's a bit selfish to keep my beloved to yourself?"

[Emilia] "y-yes.."

The half-elf could feel a bit of guilt slip in. Elsa did save her and help Subaru...she was only doing this because she wanted to feel like she helped the black haired boy…Even though he constantly reassured her she didn't feel like she had done anything for him, this only strengthened her resolve to be with him.

[Elsa] "Fufu~ It's only natural I suppose, but don't you think my beloved would rather be in the middle in between two beautiful women?"

[Subaru] "I'm comfortable where I am-"

[Emilia] "You're right!"

Even though Subaru tried to protest, he was quickly overtaken by Emilia who dragged him over her and into the middle spot. As soon as he landed his right and left side were quickly grabbed and snuggled up against, essentially he was sandwiched in between these two unbelievably attractive women.

[Elsa] "Even if you detest me, there is no way you can be upset in this position,"

[Emilia] "Wh-what are you whispering to Subaru?"

[Elsa] "Nothing~"

With her warm breath in his ear and her soft mounds wrapped around his arm, Subaru hated to admit but she was right, he couldn't even be upset in this situation…That in itself made the youth confused, something between now and when he woke up to her holding him, has changed.

[Emilia] "Is this comfortable?"

[Subaru] "Extremely, I feel like I'm living out every shut-ins dream! Minus the crazy person."

[Elsa] "Ara? You shouldn't think of yourself as crazy."

[Subaru] "I was clearly talking about you!"

[Emilia] "hehee"

The sound of Emilia's soft giggle entered Subaru's ear. She found it interesting the way the two interacted but moments like those she found cute. When she noticed him watching her laugh she bashfully buried herself into his arm while trying to stifle back her laugh.

Moments like these made this new lifestyle something to enjoy, the softness of the woman who had chosen to give their hearts to him felt so comforting that any worry he seemed to have melted away with their heat. If his past self could see him now, it would probably give him a heart attack.

[Subaru] "...I guess...this is pretty nice…"

Staring up at the ceiling, the youth spoke out which made the half-elf who held onto his arm, relax and somehow snuggle even closer to him. On his other side, a sly and genuine smile crept its way onto the former assassin's face...It was almost warm and cute, the problem was that the smiles owner was confused on why it was even there. It felt different from her usual plain smile, it had emotion…

[Elsa] "oh…"

Turning his head towards the small voice, Subaru was surprised to see the small red hue across her cheeks along with the cute smile...it reminded him about earlier when she tried to act cute but, this time it felt different.

It felt real.

[Subaru] "...Why?...I said you don't need to pretend, it won't work."

He said the last part in a whisper. Though as he did he could feel Emilia's grip on him tighten slightly in frustration, she didn't like being left out

[Elsa] "..."

[Subaru] "Huh? No tease?!"

[Elsa] "...Fufu~ Nope."

Letting out a small giggle, the black haired woman closed her eyes before relaxing her whole body. Yet her genuine smile stayed, it confused both of them. To Elsa, it had been a while since she had felt such a warm feeling, let alone show a smile that wasn't connected to her twisted pleasure…

Subaru didn't notice but he had been staring at the indecent woman's sleeping face for a while now. She was a beautiful woman, maybe he would feel different if she wasn't responsible for a good amount of his suffering...or so he thought.

Another while of time had passed, the three participants in the bed were deep asleep. Emilia had shifted around quite a bit but remained curled up next to Subaru, While Elsa stayed in the same position, hugging the youth's arm.

Before they knew it, Morning had come. Light shined in from the window and illuminated the once dark room. There laying on the bed were four people, one of which was awake but refused to move in respect for the other three people sleeping. In the night one new person had shown up to join them, a pink haired maid who had returned from ordering a set of clothes for the recently added black haired woman.

Subaru was still somewhat awake when she returned but lacked the energy to greet her. Now she was laying by the foot of the bed like a sleeping cat. Due to the youth having already gotten a good amount of rest, he had been awake for a while now and was in an awkward state of wanting to move around but not wanting to wake everyone up.

It felt like hours to him but the reality was he hadn't been up for no more than thirty minutes. Still, they were a quiet thirty minutes…

[?] "aaah-haaa."

Fortunately, the sound of a quiet yawn entered his ears, judging from where the noise came from he could guess it was-

[Ram] "hmm, You must be awake by now Barusu."

[Subaru] "yeah, but you shouldn't be so loud."

[Ram] "There is no need to stay silent, Emilia-sama and Elsa-sama are also awake."

[Subaru] "Huh?"

Turning his head to each side, he could see the blinking eyes of the two women who he slept with, literally.

[Emilia] "hehe, I'm sorry, I didn't want to wake you, your sleeping face just looked cute."

[Subaru] "That's my line."

[Elsa] "Fufu, this was one of my better naps, being next to my beloved put me at such ease."

[Subaru] "Don't get used to it."

With Elsa no longer holding onto his arm, Subaru was able to sit up to which the other two laying down did as well. Since the day before was intense and there were too many things to worry about, it slipped his mind that Elsa was still fully naked.

[Subaru] "Oi! Go put on some clothes!"

[Elsa] "Oh? But I thought my beloved loved my natural form?"

[Subaru] "Doesn't matter, you should have shame looking like that!"

Crossing his arms, Subaru simply turned his head and faced the other direction while Emilia did the same. Ram could only sit there and stare deadpanned at the trio.

[Ram] "Since Barusu is acting very unmanly, Ram picked up those clothes that Elsa-sama wanted. Since it was a special order Ram had to waste her precious time waiting, please don't destroy them this time."

[Elsa] "It wasn't my intention for them to be destroyed last time but I see there are still many levels of strength I need to reach."

Nearly everyone could feel the strength of her bloodlust ooze out as she thought about her fight with gluttony.

[Elsa] "oops, besides that, I will try to keep them intact."

[Ram] "Hmph, very well, Come now Barusu and give her some privacy before your primal instincts take over."

[Subaru] "Tch, if I didn't do anything last night then I wouldn't do anything now!"

Grumbling slightly, the youth made his way off of the bed with Emilia in hand, She was just happy to not be forgotten. Elsa watched with her usual dead smile until the three left the room, suddenly, something she tried holding back made its way onto her face, yet another warm smile. Holding her cheeks with her hands, the black haired woman desperately tried to calm the heat she felt in them.

[Elsa] "Ara, he didn't exactly deny me...Fufu~ He gets me so excited."

Trying to shake off these foreign feelings, the voluptuous woman went over to grab her newly purchased clothes that were folded on a chair…

[Ram] "Barusu, we have something important to discuss."

[Subaru] "hmm, I'm feeling pretty good today, go ahead."

[Ram] "When Ram was out, Anastasia-sama sent a message."

[Emilia] "um, i've been thinking and is it really important for Subaru to meet with Anastasia-san? If all she wants is to...you know...then it's fair to deny it."

[Ram] "I'm sorry Emilia-sama but Roswaal-sama wishes for us to gain their alliance so we must, besides, the object that Roswaal-sama ordered can only be obtained once we meet with her."

Subaru stood there in between the half-elf and the maid, his expression was one of thinking. Anastasia was one of the problems he was currently facing and was the tipping point for his fall with Crusch's relationship…

[Subaru] "Well...If it's to protect you all, I have to do it."

[Emilia] "Huh!?"

[Ram] "Finally Barusu is coming into his role as the camp's prostitute."

With a smirk, Ram crossed her arms while tilting her head as if he just gained her approval and respect.

[Subaru] "Oi! Don't say that, I just built up my resolve and you're shooting it down!"

[Emilia] "bu-but!"

[Subaru] "Don't worry Emilia-tan, i'm going to try and talk my way out of it to the bitter end."

[Ram] "Ha, it's admirable of Barusu to think you can still do that. Nevertheless it will end as it always does."

[Emilia] "Is that really how it's been? Jeez I never should have let you go Subaru."

With a pouting face Emilia could only think about how much easier things would have been if the youth was never sent here...

[Subaru] "Things would have been less difficult but there is no point in dwelling on the past, besides if I do this we can finally get back to Rem."

[Emilia] "Ah, I still feel reaaally bad about not being able to keep my promise."

[Ram] "My dear sister understands."

[Emilia] "I know but i still wanted to keep it…"

Before Emilia could get too depressed, the door leading into Subaru's room opened and standing there was the now fully dressed Elsa. Her outfit was almost entirely identical to her old outfit, from the arm sleeves to the cape. The glaring difference was the fact that the middle part which usually revealed an unhealthy amount of skin was filled, making it look like an actual dress.

(A/N: Yes it's an actual outfit she wore, if you are really curious then go to her Re zero wiki page, image gallery, go to light novel and scroll down, you'll see. Be careful though, you might get spoiled if you look too much.)

The half-elf and maid didn't think much of it, other than they were finally happy she was in some clothes, even if they were still a bit obscene. Subaru on the other hand could only feel a cold, and scared shiver run up his spine, just the sight of those clothes were enough to bring up the dark memories associated with the black haired woman.

Yet…

Somehow the memories didn't seem as awful as they should be...or rather the usual feeling of disgust and pain that accompany them were watered down significantly…

[Elsa] "Ara, if you all stare so much i may get embarrassed."

Contrary to her words, Elsa only stood there and straightened out her back while looking more confident.

[Elsa] "As you can see my beloved, I kept my promise."

[Subaru] "...uh...go-good…"

He wasn't at a loss for words because he was flustered or embarrassed. His mind was too busy trying to figure out why it was slowly warming up to the woman he used to hate with everything he had…

[Ram] "disgusting."

[Subaru] "it's not what you think!"

[Elsa] "Fufu~ have you finally accepted me?"

[Subaru] "No, that's not possible. I have a higher chance of learning to fly than to accept you..."

[Elsa] "Ara, I wouldn't be so sure, your recent actions and your face right now are saying otherwise."

Without noticing, Subaru's face had an expression that seemed as if he was trying to convince himself that he wouldn't forgive her…

He thought of Rem and Ram and how he learned to forgive them after all the events of the mansion were solved. It's not like he hasn't forgiven those who have caused him pain.

'No!...not the same…'

A mix of Elsa's previous kindness and witches miasma is what is making Subaru feel this way.

Of course the youth didn't know about the latter, instead he chose to focus on her kindness..if it could be called that. Could she be redeemed all from just helping him with one nightmare? The idea hurt him, for all she has done, and the things he suffered, is one hug in the night worth forgiving her?

The three around him only stared at him, Emilia with her usually worried face, Ram with disappointment, and Elsa could only feel something warm inside her. If he took this long to ponder her words then she must have hit something she thought.

[Subaru] "Whatever, I'm starving, if i think so much this early then i'm sure to break down."

[Emilia] "Breakdown over what?"

[Subaru] "Exactly."

The women gave him a slightly puzzled look as Subaru forced a calm smile onto his face and began walking towards the direction of the dining room.

'Today, even if I don't want to, I need to deal with Anastasia, then maybe I can take it easy…'

At the moment the group of four began walking towards the stairs that lead down but, at the end of the hall, dressed in her usual military attire was the green haired duchess. The hallway in between them wasn't grand, he could see every last feature of her conflicted expression as they made eye contact.

Her eyes panned around and absorbed the sight of Subaru and his pose of girls. The sight alone was enough to make her tear up, she could be in there, she could be next to him, yet she chose this.

It wasn't about backing away, it was about thinking ahead and rationally…

He could see her anguish behind her now plain look. She tried her hardest to look normal but it was obvious that she was pretending…

Even though their fallout wasn't long ago, and seeing her like this was enough to crush him. The youth didn't want to make her feel any worse…

Looking down while shutting his eyes, Subaru tried to walk towards the stairs without any more awkward eye contact, except….

[Subaru] "GoWAah!"

Lying on the floor in an awkward position was Subaru who tripped over his shoelace.

[Ram] "Ugh, Barusu can't even walk right."

There were a mixture of giggles, worried gasps and of course, Ram's annoyance.

Before he could retort, his ears caught a hold of a beautiful noise, something he really needed to hear. It was Crusch's soft giggle.

Looking up he could see her desperately try and hold back her laughter, her hand was covering her mouth and her arm was wrapped around her stomach. It was a refreshing sight, her old dim expression was now trying to hold back a laugh.

With the air growing silent, Crusch looked up to see that everyone was staring at her. With newly flushed cheeks, the duchess gave a "Ahem" while composing herself.

[Crusch] "Pl-please be more careful next time."

Turning her back to the group, the green haired lady walked off towards her study while still trying to hold back a laugh.

[Ram] "Don't look so happy after you embarrassed yourself."

[Subaru] "You can't let me enjoy a moment can you?"

[Ram] "Of course Ram can, as long as that moment is spent with Ram."

Chuckling slightly at her response, Subaru tied his shoes while getting up. Being able to see the duchess's smiling face once more was enough to refill his energy. Now back on his feet, the youth lead the group of women down to the dining hall.

The atmosphere of the room was relatively quiet, only the occasional sound of the utensils hitting the plate could be heard.

[Emilia] "Are you reaaally sure that seeing Anastasia-san is necessary? Even if the people find out...as long as Subaru is with me then I know it will be ok…."

[Subaru] "you are really cute trying to talk with your mouth full."

[Emilia] "Subaru!"

Sitting next to him was Emilia who was too worried about the idea of Subaru giving himself to the purple haired merchant, to care about her manners. Once called out on it she hit him in the arm slightly frustrated that he pointed it.

[Subaru] "I'm sorry but it's my duty to say when my Emilia-tan is being extra cute!"

[?] "Will barusu do the same for Ram?"

[Subaru] "Well probably if you did something cute-"

[Ram] "Wrong answer, Ram is always cute, besides if barusu constantly looked at Ram with lustful eyes then there would be no time for compliments."

Sitting on his side was Ram who was enjoying her breakfast while simultaneously being herself. He hated to admit, but her sassy side was something he found attractive at times.

[?] "How about me?"

[Subaru] "Couldn't even imagine it."

[?] "Fufu, you are always so quick with those, yet they sound like you are trying to convince yourself of that."

The odd one out and the only person on the other side of the table, Elsa, her usual unmoving smile taunted him as she kept poking further into his wavering feelings. Both of them didn't know how or why this was happening, the former being more worried than he hoped for.

'Am I really that forgiving?'

[Emilia] "Subaru i'm serious!"

[Ram] "Barusu has never been this eager to go see another candidate, could it be that you actually want to sleep with Anastasia-sama?"

[Subaru] "Of course not! Im probably the least horny one here!"

The three women collectively gained a slight red blush.

[Subaru] "I just figured the faster I get this done the easier. You said it yourself, it is only a matter of time. If I run then Crusch and Emilia get hurt and can possibly get kicked out of the race...I can't let that happen, I won't let their future get ruined because of me…"

Subaru hadn't noticed but his tone turned serious and his hands were clenched tightly while he stared emptily into his plate. Emilia didn't like it, she enjoys his lively mood and especially when he compliments her.

Elsa on the other side of the table could feel her core heat up as she stared lustfully at his seriousness. He wasn't exhibiting hatred, but rather anger at himself. Either way it was enough for her to remember the time they did it...she would do anything to once again have him hold her…

[Ram] "Hmph, Ram sees your point, still when did Barusu get so confident?"

Snapping him out of his self hatred filled trance, Subaru put on a smile when puffing his chest out proudly.

[Subaru] "Ha, if I said it had nothing to do with sleeping with three beautiful women, then i'd be lying!"

Ok, I'm sorry for the wait, I know I promised a lemon and Anastasia this chapter but I got carried away with Elsa and the lemon goes with the former. I want to thank you all for the support and being patient with me, it honestly means the world to know I have fans waiting for my writing. That being said I hope to deliver the next chapter to you all soon. With the next one we will finally be finished with the candidates arc.

I know I also promised a long chapter but I wanted to save everything for the next one.

I hoped you enjoyed, leave a review if you'd like and see you next time, tatoes out!