To say Rem was overwhelmed, would probably be an understatement. The past few weeks had been crazy, and she had matured incredibly quickly as she had the wellbeing of another person in her hands. She rose earlier and slept later. Her uniform was always perfect, and she often finished her daily duties so quickly she'd have plenty of time to help the other maids. Frederica, as her senior, was firm but fair and treated Rem like a little sister since the day the twins arrived, smiling at her wonderful progress and development as a servant of Roswaal. Now that Rem was tending to Emilia every day, she had very little time to herself, but she never once complained, ensuring her tasks were performed with utmost care which frankly blew her peers away.

When she wasn't cleaning, cooking, sorting, sweeping, dusting or grooming she was by Emilia's side, ensuring her every need was taken care of. She poured tea, fetched books, changed her pen ink, aired her bedsheets, helped with her studies...she did whatever she could for Emilia. Rem often found herself disappointed that Puck, her father figure and spirit partner, got to perform the tasks such as brushing her angelic silver hair, choosing her outfits and preparing her for her day in the morning. She desperately wanted to perform her duty to its fullest extent, and the fact that she wasn't quite able to irritated her.

Rem would always leave when asked, and that was...frequently. Rem had come to learn that Emilia appreciated her alone time, and she would often be excused when Emilia was studying in the afternoon. Rem would pop in at tea time, and when meals were ready. She would always ask if she needed help with her latest learning but was nearly always shot down.

A week or so after she was first brought to Roswaal's manor, Emilia first began her studies. The title of her first textbook read 'Lugnican General History', its deep crimson cover and faded yellow pages reflecting its age. Emilia sneezed when she turned the cover, years of dust escaping into her delicate nostrils and disrupting their harmony. She wiped her nose, before sighing at the monstrous contents page, realising that she had never studied before. She looked up at the blue-haired maid who stood gracefully at the door, considering asking her for help or advice but decided against it. Rem was lovely, she took great care of Emilia, but she felt almost...alien, estranged maybe? She had never actually conversed with the maid outside of gentle small talk as she poured tea or a pleasant greeting after her bath. Emilia knew that to Rem, she was just the person she was asked to care for. Emilia couldn't help but feel lonely. She genuinely felt alone, despite having the most company she's had for months. There was a noticeable lack of mutual understanding between the residents of the mansion, especially Emilia and Rem, and it just made Emilia feel a deep sense of melancholy. Would she ever find someone who genuinely knew solitude as she did?

When Rem was asked to see Emilia urgently, she was understandably panicked. However, the scene she was greeted with was not one she had ever imagined possible, and all she could do was stammer out a weak greeting and stare at the small congregation of girls around the bed.

''Ah, h-hello everyone'' Rem muttered, capturing the attention of the two women previously encapsulated by a small silver-haired boy tucked into the monstrous bed, eliciting a gentle smile and a quiet 'shhh.

Rem bowed gracefully, before stepping further into the room, joining the golden-haired maid and silver-haired half-elf by the bedside. Leaning over, she carefully observed his features, raising an eyebrow when her eyes fell upon his peaked ears.

''Elf?'' she muttered, glancing back to Emilia who was once again transfixed by the sleeping boy, smiling softly.

''Emilia-sama?'' Rem asked, snapping the girl out of her trance and garnering her attention once again.

''O-Oh yes, well no. Half-elf, like me, but he's from Gusteko apparently. He looks so peaceful, don't you agree,'' Emilia hummed back, an almost giddy excitement to her words. Rem simply nodded, before focusing her gaze back onto the boy, whose hair fell gracefully onto the plump white pillow under him.

''He's who Roswaal-sama was talking of, huh.'' Rem uttered under her breath, drawing confused and mildly concerned glares from both Frederica and Emilia.

''Something the matter, Rem? Subaru arrived with Roswaal-sama not long ago but has been asleep throughout. I'm sure Roswaal-sama will explain further when he's ready.'' the senior maid reassured, a soft, warm smile once again blessing her face. ''For now, I think it's best if we all take a seat and wait, we shouldn't let this boy out of our sight until we know it's safe to. We must be prepared for once he awakens.''

''U-Um, I'm fine standing up, i-it's no bother,'' Emilia stuttered as she admired the boy, a small red glow painting her soft cheeks. Frederica simply chuckled, before placing herself onto the comfortable sofa. Rem followed suit, now smiling, slightly less confused than she was at first.

She took her seat next to Frederica, who had left room on the spacious sofa, glancing back to the female half-elf who was now perched on the side of the bed, her bare feet swinging childishly as she peered at the boy. His chin peeked over the duvet, his near-flawless skin, pointed ears and gracious flowing hair betraying his elven heritage. Emilia's mind was full of questions for him, and she just couldn't wait for him to rouse so she could bombard him with her queries.

At this point, Puck, the grey cat Great Spirit who had been dormant inside of his crystal, emerged and plonked himself onto Emilia's right shoulder, taking a glance at Subaru before saying:

''Lia...this might be the biggest shock I've had since a lanky jester blew the forest up and stole you here.''

''Quiet down Puck,'' Emilia whispered, ''You don't want to accidentally wake him up.'' she continued, tickling her spirit behind his ear as to say hello.

''Sorry Lia, I just...didn't expect this. I knew that Roswaal was a shady character, but he seems to pull demi-humans out of nowhere. Well, it's a pleasant surprise, at least.'' Puck said, floating up in front of Subaru's tranquil face, studying his features just as the girls had moments earlier.

''I'd say...he's more human than elf, his ears are less pointy, and aside from it's colour his hair is normal. Definitely half-elf, but his human side had something to say.'' the spirit giggled, before floating back to his contractor's shoulder.

Without thinking, Emilia simply muttered, ''Well, i think he's wonderful'', much to the surprise of the azure-haired maid and the spirit perched on her shoulder.

''I'm sure he's a good bo-'' Emilia started, before being cut off by a melodic, extravagant voice emerging through the now open doorway.

''My it appeaaaaars everyone is here,'' Roswaal grinned, capturing the attention of everyone in the room, driving the two maids previously seated into a bowing stand.

''Yes, Lord Roswaal, we have awaited your presence.'' the maids said in harmony, drawing a smile from the mage and a chuckle from the spirit in Emilia's shoulder.

''Excellent, weeell then, you may all resuuuume your seats, Raaaam included.'' Roswaal ordered, addressing the three maids now in the room. From behind him, a maid of bubblegum-pink hair strolled in, perching her bottom on the sofa opposite the one the other two maids had occupied. She paid a quick glance to the sleeping boy as she passed, a light smile adorning her face.

Roswaal started, ''Aaaaas you all should know, the sleeping boy is Suuuuubaru. He is a half-elf I rescued from a smaaall village in The Holy Kingdom of Gustekoooo. He is noooow an important resident of my househooold, treat him weeeell.'' he said, eyes panning across the 4 girls, observing their reaction. Rem looked indifferent, Frederica looked pleasantly happy, Ram simply nodded and Emilia...Emilia looked elated. A giddy smile threatened to cut her face in two as she was on the verge of squealing with pure joy.

She was finally not alone.

Emilia had someone who could relate to her now. Someone who understood what she had been through, who she could understand. She had never truly had friends before, she couldn't remember what happened before the ice and Puck wasn't what you'd call a friend, so her excitement was overflowing. How desperately she wanted to speak to the boy, to learn more about him, to hear him talk and laugh. The thought that he might not like her didn't even graze her mind, she was lost in her own little world of unadulterated ecstasy. After months and months of lonely solitude, this boy could be a shining light in her previously dull life.

''Lord Roswaal,'' Rem spoke up, ''What will his standing be in this mansion, will he be employed or will he be in a similar situation to Emilia-sama?'' the maid questioned, staring at Roswaal, waiting for an answer.

'Weeeell, I have but one answer to your question Reeeem,'' Roswaal replied, ''I have some veeeery exciting plans for Subaru's future, so to answer your question, booooth are true.''

''I'm not sure I follow, Roswaal-sama, what do you mean by 'both', how will he fall under your employment?'' Ram asked, speaking up for the first time since she and Roswaal entered the room. Her face was twisted into a look of confusion, signifying she was just as clueless about the whole situation as the others.

''Emilia-sama spends her days studying, working to become someone of a respectable status in society, but I do not employ heeeer. She receives an allowance, but I pay her noooo wage as she doesn't work for me, she's simply a key compoooonent in my future plans,'' the mage explained, once again addressing the entire room.

''Subaru, however, whilst a key part of my plans has a muuuuch different role.''

''And what just may that be, Roswaal. You already know how much your shady secrecy irritates me.'' Puck interrupted earring a disapproving glare from the four girls.

Roswaal continued, ''Subaruuuu is a boy who possesses interesting blood. His affinity for the spirits is the highest I have seeeeen in a long time, and his elven blood will surely come with a natural strength that can't be overloooooked. I have heard rumours and stories of his father, and I have hope his child lives up to his naaaame.''

Glances were shot at the boy, and then back at Roswaal.

''But that doesn't answ-'' Emilia started, before being interrupted once again.

''I plan to have this boy work to become a knight of the Royal Guard,'' Roswaal said bluntly, standing in silence as he waited for the others to fully register his words. The only sound was the gentle hum of Subaru's sleeping breaths, his chest periodically rising and falling with his breath.

''Achoo''

''D-Did we hear that correctly, Roswaal-sama.'' Ram stuttered, blown away by the unexpected words her master had just spoken.

'T-The b-boy, R-Royal Knight?'' Rem added, eyes wide in confusion. She thought things couldn't possibly get more confusing, but now Roswaal had proposed something which might actually make him the true definition of insanity.

Rem looked at the boy, more specifically his pointed ears which peeped from under his flowing silver hair.

Roswaal had just declared that he would make a half-elf a member of the Royal Guard.

''I think it's only respectable to hear Lord Roswaal out, don't you agree?'' the golden-haired maid calmly asked, turning and smiling at her junior maid seated by her side. Despite her bewilderment, the senior maid showed her maturity spectacularly, calming the room to allow her master to finish his words.

Well, calming all but one. The silver-haired child seated on the bed was vibrating with unfiltered jubilation, her face beaming with sheer pride and admiration for the child she had yet to even speak to. Emilia thought he might just be the coolest person alive before he had opened his mouth. She just wanted to give him a big hug and tell him well done!

''Emilia-samaaaa, calm yourself please, this is ooooonly a plan I have envisioned, it will require a loooot of work on his behaaaalf.'' Roswaal explained, understanding of her emotion but not wishing to escalate expectations too high.

Half-elf. A tainted race. To be one in modern society was difficult, to be one blessed with hair of silver was basically a death sentence. Feelings extended past hatred, for the crimes of envy were lasting and widespread, the Great Calamity scarring the world forever and ever.

For one to join the forces of the nation was blasphemy. Entertaining the idea was utterly ridiculous. To declare so boldly that you plan to make it happen was psychotic, escaping the normalities of the human mind and soul.

But Roswaal was absolutely past the word 'normal', and he had great plans for the children of half-elven heritage under his care.

''Royal Guard, huh.'' the mouse-coloured spirit chirped, an interested smirk on his face.

''I-Isn't it wonderful, Puck, how exciting, ooh I bet he will make a splendid knight when he's ready,'' Emilia said to her spirit confidently, eliciting a giggle from him.

''It certainly is, Emilia-samaaaaa, I hope the pair of you work clooosely to assist each other, after all, you have expressed a greaaaat interest in this child, no?'' Roswaal teased, Emilia's face shining red once more as her little crush was called out by the mage.

''U-Um well yes,'' Emilia admitted, unable to make eye contact with anybody, blushing furiously. She was just...happy. This boy, a boy who she hadn't yet heard speak, hadn't interacted with one little bit, could potentially thrust her out of the depths of isolation and solitude and maybe, just maybe,

''Do you think we will be friends?'' Emilia asked nobody in particular, looking back at the boy who had filled her with a burning hope. She prayed and prayed that they could get along, that they could support one another. Emilia understood that Subaru had just gone through something worse than traumatic, and she ever so desperately wanted to help him overcome the anguish it caused. Biting her soft lips in nervous anticipation, she jumped slightly when she heard her spirit, Puck, whisper something in her ear.

''You know Lia, I really hope Subaru is a good child, but it's best to not accidentally get your hopes up, you know? If he ends up being a real piece of work and treating you badly I won't be able to stand by idly.'' said the spirit, causing Emilia to pause briefly before a soft smile formed gently on her perfect face.

''Yeah, but I have a reaaaally good feeling that Subaru will be a very good boy, Puck,'' Emilia whispered, to which the spirit smiled and nodded before Roswaal started,

''Weeeeell I doooo hope the pair of you can get aloooong, and I have no doubts you will, rest assured,'' he reassured, which broadened Emilia's simply angelic smile into one of pure serenity. Emilia nodded at Roswaal's words enthusiastically, then turned to face the golden-haired maid who had just cleared her throat, garnering the room's attention.

''Lord Roswaal, would you mind explaining a touch more about Subaru-sama, his background is one yet to be fully explained,'' Frederica asked politely, ''I believe understanding more about his past will help if it would be of no trouble to you.''

The maid's request was met with nods around the room, Emilia's eyes lighting up once again.

''I belieeeve you are correct, Frederica,'' said Roswaal, addressing his head maid with a nod, ''Subaru-kun's case is one of peculiarity, and it's raaaather heartbreaking to hear the events which brought him to meeeee.''

''Heartbreaking?'' Ram questioned, unable to imagine what could possibly make Roswaal feel such emotions. She sighed, preparing herself to hear the worst, expecting something quite horrific. The rest of the room was the same, bracing themselves for Roswaal's words, praying that whatever it was wasn't as bad as Roswaal made it seem from both his words and pained expression. Roswaal's painted face was twisted into a look of discomfort, the memories: sights, smells and sounds, all rushing back to his head. He glanced at the sleeping boy, and once again prayed he would be able to recover from his trauma quickly.

Roswaal pulled the chair from Emilia's desk, seating himself by the door where he could comfortably address the entire room. With a sigh, Roswaal started, 5 pairs of eyes glued to him, nervous in anticipation. Not wanting to make them wait any longer, he spoke clearly:

''Subaru is a boy of half-human, half-elven descent. He was raised in an elven village in Gusteko, a very cruel and prejudiced country, the home of slavery. Last night, his entire village was massacred in cold blood by hired assassins, most likely working for one of many slave traders in the area. I reached him before the bowel hunter, Elsa Granhiert, could execute him. He had run as far as he could, but exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he was a complete and utter mess when I found him.''

There wasn't a hitch or stutter in his voice when he spoke, but his tone was overwhelmed with melancholy. He carefully observed each of his peer's reactions, realisation and sorrow racking each and every one of them. The oni twins looked gently at the boy, his experience hauntingly similar to their own a few years prior, understanding what he must have felt before he fell into his slumber.

Anger, regret, pain, guilt. The twins had experienced this a few years ago, watching their village erupt into flames as the last of the oni were exterminated. They truly felt bad for Subaru, for the boy who was peacefully sleeping beside them had experienced something no child should have to.

Frederica remained silent also, but tears formed at the corner of her gentle emerald eyes. She hurriedly dabbed at them with the corner of her handkerchief, hoping the group neglected to notice her embarrassing display. Although, nobody blamed her, as they all felt the same. She sniffled gently, thinking of the boy of silver hair, apologising internally that such a precious, innocent-looking child had to suffer such trauma. She wished she had been more patient with her questioning of Roswaal, for she realised that even he must be upset by such a dreadful situation. Frederica vowed to herself that no matter what, she would assist this boy in his quest for knightship, secretly hoping he would seek his own revenge sometime in the future.

Rem placed a comforting hand on the golden-haired maid's knee, a graceful gesture of understanding, and Frederica let a smile form on her face, newfound motivation to protect and to serve lighting the fire in her soul.

However, in the shock and pain of the moment, one girl had been forgotten. Emilia, who had only just begun processing Roswaal's harrowing words, failed to hold the dam, a steady stream of sobbing cries flowing free. She shifted shuffled on the bed large enough to sleep 5 adults, kneeling next to where the boy slept, reaching her hand out and stroking his soft cheek with deep care and compassion. Her amethyst eyes were littered with grief, guilt, sorrow, pain, love, anger, and regret. Her tears fell heavy and often, but nobody could comfort her, she wished not to be spoken to, pushing the grey cat spirit away gently. She wanted her moment, and she stared at the brave boy with an expression of tender warmth, her mind praising him on truly being a good boy. To be so strong, so courageous. Emilia's heart felt warm, her soft hand moving from his cheek to his pretty hair, carefully moving the stray strands from his face. Her tears slowed as her emotions calmed, shifting from pure shock to complete and utter pride and adoration, but she stuck by the boy's side, combing her fingers through his hair.

Nobody dared say anything, for the scene which had just unfolded was one which left them in complete bafflement.

But it drove a wonderful realisation into their heads.

They could make Subaru better. They were there for him. He would suffer no longer, and they vowed confidently that they would watch this child grow into a fine young man.