Yo...back with another chapter and happy holidays to everyone! Also, I wanted to do something a little different. I will be posting a different side story on Christmas Eve that some of you might find interesting so I invite you to take a look. You can follow my profile to get an update on when it'll be uploaded. Thanks and enjoy!

A pair of blue eyes opens as the light enters her pupils. After realizing her dreams were over, she wipes a tear away from the corner of her eyes. She hugs the black and white track jacket tighter in her arms and sits up from her bed. She stretches her hands in the air and yawns while she holds the jacket in one arm. After her usual wake up routine, she flips the blankets from herself and sits at the edge of the bed. She hugs the jacket one last time and inhales it's odor.

Rem: My apologies, but Rem must attend to her duties.

She gets up out of bed and folds the jacket carefully making sure it's perfect so it won't create any wrinkles. She gently lays it under her pillows and made sure it was perfectly neat.

Rem: Please wait for me here when I return…

She covers the pillows gently and neatly makes her bed. She turns and walks over to the sink in the corner to wash the dried tears from her face. Only the servants in the household had a personal sink like hers.

She looks at herself in the mirror. She had some bags under her eyelids from constant sobbing, but it wasn't that noticeable. She decides it was fine for now so she grabs a toothbrush to brush her teeth. Once she is done, she walks towards her closet and opens it. After carefully checking, she picks out a maid uniform and inspects it. After careful planning, she smiles and decides it was perfect for the day.

She takes off her sleep wear and changes into her maid uniform. She looks at herself in the mirror and brushes her hair with the brush before she attaches her flower barrette and headband. With a couple poses, she decides it was presentable.

Rem: preparations complete!

She walks to the door and with one last breath, she opens it. It has been a while since she stepped foot out of her room so it was a bit difficult to make that first step. Carefully, she walks out and slowly closes the door. She watches as the light from outside fades away from her pillows where his jacket lay until it was closed. She stood at the doorway for a bit and managed the courage to walk away from her room.

She walks down the hall until she stops next to a room. The room was currently vacant, but she knew full well whose it was. She wanted to open it to see his sleeping figure again, but she knew that wasn't going to happen. She stood up and held her breath to keep moving forward.

She reaches her next destination. She stood in front of the doorway and was about to reach the handle, but she stopped herself. She wasn't sure if she should talk to this girl right now. After everything that happened, she didn't even want to see her right now, but of course she had to work alongside her. She was her sister after all.

She grasps the handle and turns it slightly. She opened it a little to let in some of the light and saw the back of her sister's sleeping figure. She was about to walk in, but stopped again in second thought. She couldn't do it. Her usual routine included waking up her sister and getting her ready for the day, but it was hard to go through it. She watched her form as she saw the blankets rise up and down from her soft breathing, then decided to close the door slowly. She stood in front of the door with her head down. Possibly feeling a tinge of regret.

Rem: My apologies, Ne-sama...

She turns and walks down the hallway. She walks around and notices how much needed to be done. She glides her finger across the railings of the stairs to find dust. There was dust still accumulating on some of the furniture and some areas were uneven. Ram really tried her hardest. Rem felt a little pity for her since she was her sister. She walks over to the storage closet to grab the cleaning equipment and starts the daily duties of a maid.

In another room, a pair of amethyst eyes began to open from a sound. It kept calling her as her conscience began to return. Her vision started returning to her as she saw what appeared to be a gray cat laying on its stomach in front of her drowsy eyes.

Puck: Good morning, Lia,...

Emilia: Puck, can I sleep for a little longer? Last night's dinner was late again and I barely had any sleep.

Puck: Sorry, but it is a part of our contract. Now, let's get started with today's usual routine.

She yawns in her hand and sits up from the bed. The gray cat-like spirit floats in front of her while she rubs the corner of her eye. As part of her contract, Puck wakes her, brushes her hair, and picks out her clothes for her daily.

He floats towards the closet and opens it to find a new set of clothes. Pretty much her white and purple dress she usually wears. She sits at the edge of the bed and rubs her eyes again to get that drowsy feeling out, but it still doesn't help. Her eyes were still half shut. Puck notices this.

Puck: If this keeps up, I might have to prepare your meals as well. It's not a healthy habit to develop.

Emilia: You don't have to...and I don't think I ever saw you cook before.

Throughout the years Emilia has known Puck, she has never seen him make any meals for her. Back in the forest, she used to get her food from a wary tradesman in a nearby village, but he eventually cut off any trades with her since everyone disagreed with trading from 'the witch. Puck carries her dress in a hanger from his mouth and lays it at the edge of the queen sized bed.

Puck: Ok, you're right, but i need you to start sleeping regularly. I wouldn't like my daughter to be feeling grumpy every morning.

Emilia: I'm not grumpy. I'm just feeling tired. It has been different lately since Subaru left.

Emilia gets up from the bed and walks into her private bathroom. Since she was considered royalty, she was given a luxury room so she can live in comfort, but she hasn't felt comfortable lately.

She grabs a toothbrush and squeezed some of the minty paste onto it, then she starts brushing her teeth. Puck floats behind her while she faces the mirror.

Puck: Well, I can't argue with that. That boy has definitely made things fun around here...and from the looks of it, we might not have another festival anytime soon.

She stops brushing in thought of the snow festival and looks down into the sink. She does admit that it was the funnest day of her life all thanks to Subaru, but now that he's gone, it has been empty like as if it were desolate. She really wished that she could've stopped him that day he left and told him how she felt. Maybe he would've stopped and listened. Puck saw her gloomy look.

Puck: My mistake, I didn't mean to upset you.

Emilia: No, it's fine. I'm sure Subaru will return. He's not the type to give up so easily.

She starts brushing her teeth again. Once she is done, she spits into the sink and smiles feeling refreshed. She walks in front of her dresser with the mirror overhead and seats herself on the chair in front of it. Puck floats towards her with a brush in his paws and starts to gently brush her long silver hair.

Puck: He is a bold one. Even Betty agrees he can be rowdy most of the time, but he pulls through.

The thought of that little girl she barely saw crossed her mind. Emilia has only seen her a few times, but whenever she has seen her, she has this attitude towards everyone except for Puck.

She remembered she was there too that night. She didn't pay much attention to her, but she saw her standing there on the steps. She had a disappointed look. What exactly were her thoughts on all of this? If she has this sort of friendly relationship with Puck, then she probably opens up to him. Emilia didn't want to interfere with this, but if it was about Subaru, then it wouldn't be that bad to at least ask.

Emilia: What did Beatrice think about Subaru?

Puck stops brushing her hair and looks at her in the mirror. He didn't want to get into the subject of Beatrice, but he had to tell her. Emilia could tell when he's lying.

Puck: Betty...somewhat appreciated his company. She admits she enjoyed the snow festival and his visits sometimes when I'm not around.

Emilia: Does she? That's good. I'm sure we all do.

Puck continues to brush her hair gently so as to not pull any strands of hair and hurt her. While she looked at herself in the mirror, she thought of something else. Beatrice was there too that night before Emilia arrived at the scene. She must know what might've happened between Subaru and Roswaal. She was sure Rem and Ram didn't want to talk about it so Puck might be her best option.

Emilia: Hey, Puck?

Puck: Yes, Lia?

Emilia: Did Beatrice ever tell you what might've caused Subaru to leave?

Puck regrets ever mentioning the name of the little girl in the library. Beatrice only told him about what she saw and he did abhor what Subaru and Rem did while his daughter was in the same household as those two, but he still doesn't resent him. He knows Emilia trusts him so he doesn't want to have this sort of hate towards Subaru. He just didn't want to teach Emilia of sex that would damage her child like innocence.

Puck: She has….

He stops there just so he doesn't further the conversation. Emilia looks at him through the mirror questionably.

Emilia: And…? What did she say?

Puck: It's nothing I wouldn't want my precious daughter to know.

Emilia: I'm not a little girl anymore. Why do you always treat me like one?

Puck: Well, after seeing you and that girl cuddling together that night, it's hard not too. You two were so adorable hehe.

He teases, but Emilia was serious. She had a red tint on her cheeks at the embarrassing thought of her and Rem cuddling with each other on the floor.

Emilia: Puck?! Don't tease me...Can you tell me what happened to Subaru...

Puck sighs. At this point, he had to tell her something that fits the story without going too deep. He brushes down the side of her hair one last time and floats in front of her. He puts the brush on the dresser beside him with his mouth.

Puck: Ah, you're right. Even I should face the fact that my daughter will be growing up into a woman someday...Anyway, Betty has...accidentally…seen those two….

Emilia: …?

Puck: ...share the same bath...together…

Emilia's face flushed bright red and covered her mouth to hold in the big gasp of air she took in shock. It was very indecent for a boy and a girl such as them to share a bath naked together. Puck waves his little arms in the air frantically to calm her down.

Puck: Lia, calm down. It's not exactly what I meant.

Emilia: "What?! Subaru?! Rem?! But, why?! Subaru isn't so dirty minded!", she hesitates.

Puck floats up to her face and holds her cheeks with his paws to get her attention. She looks at him confused.

Puck: Lia, You need to calm down. Yes, they did share a bath, but it's not that wrong, right? They have faith towards one another that much to do these...things. I personally don't like the idea and I wouldn't allow my daughter to do as such, but even I can understand. Don't you agree?

Emilia's eyes looked down in thought. In the past, Emilia has shared the bath with Ram and Rem in the large bath, but they were of the same gender so it was fine, but with opposites is different. It is wrong for them, but that's how much love they had for each other. It's that kind of trust they saw in one another.

Emilia: I guess that's true, but how does it relate to…

She thought about it further. The way Ram acted when she was chasing Subaru was a scary thought and Rem tried to stop her while they were in a robe and he was in a towel. She pieces those two together and comes to a conclusion.

Emilia: ...oh...so Ram...saw them…

Puck lets go of her face and seats himself on the dresser like a cat. This was the outcome of them hiding their relationship with the pink haired maid and not to mention the royal jester. He was outraged by all of this as well from the way he kicked Subaru onto the grass. She didn't like that thought of Subaru laying helpless on the ground. It was a saddening thought. Puck slightly nods.

Puck: mhm, and you could imagine how Betty might've felt about this too…

The thought of that little girl knowing of this fiasco was upsetting. Even if Emilia didn't know her that much, she could tell she must've been shocked and disgusted by them as well. Maybe this was something Subaru had felt too. It started making a lot more sense now. This was his presumption.

Emilia: ...Subaru...

She said this softly to herself. From how he left, he looked so down on himself that it made her feel sympathetic towards him. It wasn't just about Roswaal kicking him out that made him leave, it was Subaru's guilty conscience that allowed him to leave everyone. That's how much he cared for them.

Emilia: I forgive you…

Even if he feels he has done wrong to them, she doesn't mind. To her, he has done nothing wrong, but show appreciation to them. This was the Subaru she saw since she met him. To sacrifice himself for everyone's sake. Puck nods again.

Puck: Same here. I hope he will come back so I can have more of that delicious mayonnaise.

Emilia: Puck? Is this really the time to be thinking about food?

As a spirit, Puck is unable to feel hungry or full, but he enjoys the taste of food. Even if Subaru wasn't the one that made it, he still would like him to return too.

Puck: Well, it is the time of day for that first meal.

Emilia: Not to be harsh, but Ram is probably still asleep from working too hard yesterday. I don't think breakfast will be ready anytime soon.

*knock. *knock

*knock

The two were interrupted when they heard a knock on the door. They turn their heads to the closed door.

?: Emilia-sama, Great Spirit-sama. My apologies for disturbing you, but Rem has prepared your meals if you wish to eat.

Emilia gets up out of her seat and towards the door. She was surprised to hear Rem's voice on the other side out of everyone in the mansion since she was super depressed just the night before. She opens the door to see the blue haired maid on the other side with her hands to her front. Emilia's cheeks turn red from the thought of Subaru and her in the bath.

Emilia: Oh, G-Good morning, Rem. How have you been feeling?

Rem thought it was weird for her to act so strange, but she ignores it for now. She is being greeted so it would be impolite to ignore her greetings.

Rem: Good Morning, Emilia-sama. Rem is very pleasant this morning. If you wish to eat, Rem has prepared your meal for this morning.

She looks at the gray cat-like spirit sitting on the dresser. He floats towards the doorway to greet her.

Puck: Hmm, Well you seem very lively today unlike the mess you were yesterday.

Rem: My sincerest apologies for my rude behavior. Rem was dealing with private matters.

She bows slightly and looks back on it as a selfish thought to her to cause a problem for everyone, but she had to set it aside for now since she had someone to talk to. Emilia understood, but doesn't see it as selfish.

Emilia: It's ok, Rem. We understand what you've been going through so it's completely understandable. I'm so glad you came out of your room this morning...Now, you said you made breakfast for us?

Rem: Yes! Rem has prepared cinnamon pancakes topped with fresh berries and maple syrup with a side of oven baked hash browns and butterscotch muffins. Also, a freshly squeezed glass of juice and-

Emilia: -Sorry, but isn't that a bit too much. It sounds very delicious, but I'm not sure if I can eat all of that food.

Rem: Hmm, I suppose you are right. Perhaps I should use less ingredients.

The maid puts her thumb under her chin in thought of using a different approach, but Emilia shakes her head.

Emilia: No need to worry. If you'd like, we can eat together. Sounds fun, right?

She smiles upon hearing Emilia's request to sit with her at the breakfast table. She didn't mind at all since the last time she was invited to eat with her was fun. Also, she really likes the stories she heard from Subaru.

Rem: I would love too! Let us meet in the dining room when you are finished with your morning preparations.

Emilia nods to her and they both wave goodbye to each other. Rem heads down the hall and downstairs to prepare for Emilia's arrival.

Emilia watches as she walks down the hall with a smile on her face. Puck notices this.

Puck: It seems you are very fond of this girl. Are you?

Emilia: Well of course. She is my friend you know.

He raises an eyebrow. This was a first for both of them. He was glad that Emilia was able to make friends since he was a bit skeptical of allowing her to move in in Roswaal's mansion, but she's happy now so it doesn't matter.

Puck: I suppose that's true. That girl does seem to be in high spirits after Subaru came here. She could be the ideal playmate for my daughter.

Emilia: Puck? What did I say about treating me like a little girl? I can find honest friends on my own.

She puts her hands on her hips and puffs up her cheeks in a bit of temper. Puck waves his little paw at her.

Puck: Ah, my mistake. I forget that my daughter is all grown up.

He teases her a little more, but she couldn't read into it so she nods and walks inside with her silver hair flowing behind her. Puck follows.

Once she was finished changing into her white and purple dress, she walked downstairs to the breakfast table and met up with Rem who politely opened her chair for her and served both of their food. They sat next to each other at a respective distance while they talked about current events and Emilia's studies for the throne, but they mostly talked about Subaru. This was the one thing they had in common.

Rem: ...and what did Subaru-kun do after that?

Emilia: He said he overcame those bullies, but luckily, Reinhardt was there to save him.

Right now, they were talking about Subaru's first visit to the capital where he came across some thugs in the alleyway. It was a bit heartbreaking for Rem that Subaru had to go through so much, but she was thankful for the Sword Saint's assistance.

Rem: That makes me happy. Rem is very thankful for Reinhardt-sama's guardianship.

Emilia: mhm, if I ever meet Reinhardt again, I need to thank him properly.

They both nod at each other and continue eating in silence. Both were happily eating until Rem was about to grab her muffin, but she saw a little tail stick out from behind it. She was confused at first, but then a little head popped out of it from the front and realized it was Puck in a miniature form.

Puck: Well hello there. Did I startle you?

Rem: Greetings, Great Spirit-sama, but you are currently in Rem's pastry dish.

Puck: Ah, My mistake. This muffin is just so tasty, I couldn't resist.

She pulled her hand away and stared at the little cat-like muffin spirit as it ate away her pastry dish. He toppled over on its side, but was too deep in a trance to stop chewing.

Emilia: Puck, don't be so mean. You can't be taking someone else's dessert without permission.

Puck: Sorry, but her cooking is so tasty. It has been awhile since I've had a proper meal...mmm.

She looked at him a little bit bothered by his action, but he didn't notice. His eyes were shut in a tasteful heaven. She turns her attention to Rem who had her hands on her lap and she looks back as well.

Emilia: Here, you can have some of mine…

She grabs her unused butter knife. With little force, she cuts it in half and offers it to her still on a small plate. Rem looks at it with eyes wide open.

Rem: No, it's fine. I mustn't. Rem is well satisfied.

Emilia: It's ok. I'm already full myself. We can share this last piece.

She still wasn't sure since she was a maid, but she couldn't deny it any longer. Carefully, Rem grabs the half and nods acceptingly. Emilia nods back as well. Both with a small smile to their faces. Carefully, she takes a small bite of the muffin. Emilia does the same and her eyes immediately lit up.

Emilia: mmm, Rem, Did you really make this? It's so~ yummy!

Puck: I agree. The ones your sister makes are always hard to chew and completely burnt.

Rem: I'm glad it's to your liking, Emilia-sama, Great Spirit-sama. Ne-sama tries her hardest.

They all smile from complete satisfaction of the meal they had. It's nice to have times like this every now and then. Emilia looks at Rem while she eats. Rem notices so she turns her head to her.

Emilia: Hey Rem…

Rem: Yes, Emilia-sama?

Emilia: Since I'm your friend, you can call me Emilia. Just Emilia. Same with Puck.

Puck: Hmm, I don't know. I like the title of Great Spirit. It displays my more robust side.

He lays in the little paper cup on his back that once held the muffin with his paws waving at his front.

Emilia: Puck, she is your friend too so it would be impolite.

Puck: My friend? Hmmm...Not sure if I'm into the idea, but I guess it's alright. You can call me Puck.

Rem places a hand to her chest and smiles. She felt so happy to have these two at this moment. Only if Subaru could be here as well.

Suddenly, they hear the door open and see another maid with peach colored hair walk in the room while yawning into her hand. She notices them at the table and Immediately, she looks at Rem.

Ram: Rem!

She rushes over to her side to kneel down and hug her. Rem was startled by her sister's sudden embrace.

Rem: Ne-sama...

Ram: ...I'm so relieved you came out of your room...and...you've already prepared breakfast as well I assume?

She notices the empty dirty plates in front of them and lets go of her sister. She notices the little gray cat still lounging in the paper cup waving at her on the table and the half elf sitting beside her.

Ram: Oh, good morning, Emilia-sama, Great Spirit-sama. My apologies for unacknowledging you.

Puck: No worries. We were in awe of your sisterly love. Anyways, good morning.

Emilia: Yes...Good Morning, Ram. It's a beautiful morning-

Ram: -So Rem, is there still enough food for Roswaal-sama?

She completely disregards the half elf sitting next to her. Rem looks at Emilia, then back to her sister. She didn't like her ill mannered behavior.

Rem: Well, yes. There is still just enough for both Roswaal-sama and Ne-sama… Also it is very rude-

Ram: -Good, there is much to do today so let's get started before Roswaal-sama awakens…

She completely ignores the evidence that Rem was eating with Emilia and Puck at the table and walks out of the room. Rem was still a bit bothered by her bad behavior towards Emilia, but Emilia could tell.

Emilia: It's ok, Rem. You can go ahead and work. I need to speak to the minor spirits anyway so I'll be a bit busy today.

She looks into her amethyst eyes and slightly nods. Even if they were friends, she was still a maid and Emilia was a candidate to the throne so she took it as an order.

Rem: Yes, Emilia…

Emilia: You can help me while I study later if you like? I also have more of Subaru's stories to tell you too so that would be fun.

She smiles and Emilia smiles in return with upturned eyes. She gets up out of her seat and walks out of the room with Puck floating behind.

Rem sat there still in thought of having an honest friend like Emilia. Someone who is not stubborn and friendly to everyone she meets unlike her sister. Ram wasn't all that bad because whatever she did was for Rem, but Emilia was different. Even after countless threats of relating to the witch, she still kept her chin up towards everyone. It reminded her of Subaru.

She shakes away that thought of him for now so she can get back to work. She gets up and stacks the dirty dishes on the cart, then she pushes it out of the room to the kitchen so she can wash them.