Chapter 33: A Painter In My Mind. Tell Me What you See.

A/N: Again, this is another chapter based (more loosely then the last) off an arc 2 short story, namely "Rem's Day Off" or sometimes TL'd as "The Head Maid's Restless Day Off", which again, was TL'd by Remonwater, and is also a very cute read.

After a day of making mayonnaise, YN and Subaru were given two final days of rest before returning to work. YN had spent his next day off doing almost next to nothing.

The hours had ticked by extremely slowly, and while Subaru had gotten himself wrapped up in some sort of shenanigans in Arlem with village children, YN spent the day mostly alone. With Rem and Ram both occupied in running the mansion, YN's only real chance for speaking with either of them was at the meal hall table, spare Emilia who had twice come to YN's room for tea and conversation, each time asking about his injuries and his gate.

Why can't Emilia give this kind of attention to Subaru? He'd be off the wall for not one, but two tea times with her.

With the twins working well into the evening, there was to be no tutoring session tonight again. Fearful of another boring day tomorrow, before, retiring early, YN searched out Ram.

Knocking on her door, she was surprised to see YN there so late at night. Standing halfway behind the door, Ram answered the door in her pink nightgown.

Ram: YN. This is unlike you to bother Ram at this hour. Is everything okay?

Sighing, YN came clean.

YN: I want to return to work early, starting tomorrow.

Staring blankly at YN before answering, Ram's red eyes cut right through him as he awaited her response.

Ram: While Ram would certainly welcome the additional help, it already took some convincing to get Rem to agree with allowing Barasu back early—

YN: What?! You mean Subaru got here before I did to ask the same thing?

Ram: You were late by an entire night, Barasu pleaded with us to allow him to return to work today. Rem finally settled on a compromise of sending him out for groceries and a 'welfare check' on the village children.

Having most of the surprise taken out of him after hearing that, YN replied.

YN: So he didn't really work today then.

Ram: Not in the slightest, yet that is only Ram's opinion. Rem had made sure to hide that fact from you, in case you decided to push yourself.

YN: And I take it Emilia was in on that too?

Ram: Is there any other reason Emilia-sama would take time out of her day not once, but twice other than to distract you?

YN: There are plenty, and you know it.

While YN did feel a slight annoyance every time Emilia asked him the same series of questions every time they interacted, Emilia was hardly the one who noticed her insistent questioning of YN at every opportunity she had.

Ram: Er— That's besides the point. But back to your request, Rem will certainly not allow it on the grounds your injuries are still recovering—

YN: Recovering? Look at me! I'm as fit as a fiddle!

Sighing, Ram began to grow tired of the conversation.

Ram: Fine fine. YN may return to work tomorrow, but be prepared to incur Rem's wrath.

YN: Hey now, I did promise to let Rem lean on me, if she's being overworked and I can help her not be, and I don't, I'm basically breaking our promise, aren't I?

Nodding and giving the slightest of smiles, Ram replied.

Ram: It could possibly be interpreted that way, couldn't it? Rem did promise after all.

YN: That she did.

Ram: Now, if there's nothing else—

YN: Say no more. Goodnight Ram, I'll see ya tomorrow.

Shutting the door at his words, YN walked back to his bedroom and plopped down on his bed. Staring up at the ceiling, YN's thoughts buzzed around.

At least with work tomorrow, I'll be able to see Rem again.

Sighing to himself, YN's thoughts drifted to Rem.

I can't really say where her and I stand at this point. I know she's willing to rely on me, to lean on me, but are we nothing else?

Flipping in bed, YN continued his thoughts.

I have to be direct about it. There's no other way. If I want something... more, between me and her, I need to say something.

With an action plan, YN let himself sleep, dreaming of Rem and the near future he desired with her.

As YN roused himself awake, he readied himself for a day of work at the Roswaal Mansion. Getting up, he put on his work attire and headed downstairs.

YN: Huh, now that I think of it, when I told Ram I was ready to return to work last night, she never specified what she wanted me to work on.

Putting his shoes on and heading out the back door of the mansion, YN looked up to the dawn sky above him as it started to change from the black of night to the warm hues of the incoming sunrise. Walking further out into the back patio, he leaned over the railing and observed the gardens and pathways for anything that could need work.

YN: The lawn should be fine for a few more days... and the pathways won't need to be edged for awhile at least.

Looking to the side, YN noticed a few weeds sprouting in the flower pots and few unkempt branches from the shrubs.

YN: Looks like even after a few days of absence, my line of work is starting to dry up a bit.

Ros-chi wouldn't lay me off... Right?

Shaking the thoughts from his mind, YN set out to try and keep himself busy, lest he be seen as a slacker.

Not long after, and starting to really run low on things to do, YN was met by Subaru, who had come outside to empty a full dustpan into one of the flower beds.

Catching YN with a pair of hand pruners trying to find something to trim, Subaru asked YN a question.

Subaru: Hey, breakfast is going to be on in a bit ya know. Are you in the middle of something?

Shaking his head, YN replied.

YN: Not at all. I'm actually struggling to find stuff to do, despite asking to come back to work early.

Subaru: Hmm, well, you could always lend a hand indoors too. I'm sure Rem or Ram could find something that needs done.

Putting the hand trimmers in his pocket, YN agreed with the idea.

YN: Yeah, I just might have to.

Departing together, Subaru and YN went to walk back inside the mansion.

Subaru: It really does suck we had to go back to work so soon. What I would have given for another day of rest after everything that happened.

YN: Oh be quiet, you. I heard about your ploy to play tough guy and make an impression before I could.

YN was about to further criticize Subaru, but another thought quickly crossed his mind.

Wait, Rem, or Ram never got any days to recover. They went right back to work

Right before reaching the door to enter the mansion, YN stopped as Subaru went to reach for the door handle.

YN: Subaru.

Turning to YN, who had just said his name in a rather serious tone, Subaru raises an eyebrow.

YN: Rem, or Ram, never got any recovery time. Not like us. They—

Subaru: —Got right back at it...

Running a hand through his hair in thought, Subaru sighed.

Subaru: We should probably do something for them, shouldn't we?

YN: We have to. It's only proper.

Nodding in agreement, Subaru opened the door and stepped in while replying.

Subaru: We'll think of something.

Walking into the foyer, the two were greeted by the twins they had just been discussing.

Ram: Barasu, please go assist Rem in setting the table. YN, a moment, if you will.

Giving half a salute at Ram's command, Subaru marched off to the dinning hall to help Rem set the table for breakfast.

Waiting till he was out of the foyer, Ram turned to YN.

Ram: I suppose it goes without saying, Roswaal-sama intends to reward you both for your actions that saved the village.

Scratching the back of his head, YN's guilt of having been off of work while the person in front of him hadn't, began to swell even more.

YN: A-Ahhh. Umm about that—

Ram: Roswaal-sama has already spoken to Barasu this morning on the matter, but he will be asking YN today at breakfast, so Ram has come to ask you to please have your request ready and thought over before he asks.

He already asked Subaru?

YN: So, before I decide, can I ask what Subaru asked for?

Ram: Barasu has requested assistance in a personal matter regarding Emilia-sama and her availability.

Thinking for a moment, YN knew exactly what Subaru had asked for.

YN: He asked Roswaal to clear up her schedule and help him set up a date with her, didn't he?

Closing her eyes to respond, Ram answered.

Ram: 'Date'. There's that word again. Is it nothing but slang for courtship where you two come from?

YN: It's more like a word for a casualized form of courtship, you could say.

Ram: I see. Well?

Raising an eyebrow to Ram's question at the end of her reply, YN responded.

YN: 'Well' what?

Ram: Do you know what you intend to ask Roswaal-sama?

YN: Uhhh, well, not really—

Suddenly, an idea popped into YN's head. Seeing the fictional light-bulb above his head, Ram awaited his response.

YN: Actually, I do. I'll ask for—

Ram: —Ram refuses. And Rem is too busy to entertain the idea either.

Surprised at Ram's instant conclusion and answer before he could finish, YN was speechless.

YN: Ehhh, huh?

Ram: Must I say it again? Ram refuses, and Rem simply has too many responsibilities in her day to take out time for one of these frivolous 'dates' you two like so much.

Shaking his head, putting his hands up in defense YN replied.

YN: That's not what I was going to ask, but it's not far off, really.

Ram: Oh? And just what did YN have in mind?

YN: —and that's why I'd like to have my reward be a day off for Rem tomorrow, including the rest of today as well.

Having stood up at the table to answer Roswaal upon being asked, YN awaited his answer. Looking over to the maid in question, YN saw the immense blush beginning to grow on her also worried expression.

Roswaal: Hmmmm, a rather geeeeenerious request. I shall grant you this—

Rem: Roswaal-sama!

With the attention of the table now being focused on Rem, she timidly argued the request.

Rem: Rem does not wish to trouble everyone with the inconveniences this would cause... That and YN-kun's reward should be something for his benefit, rather then—

Ram: —Rem.

Setting her silverware down and using her napkin on her face, Ram interjected against her sister's objection.

Ram: Me and YN had discussed it prior, and Ram is in agreement with YN. You need some time to rest with everything that has happened.

Rem: B-but Nee-sama! What about—?

Ram: We've already worked out many of the details. Between myself, Barasu, and YN, we should be able to manage for a day and a half of your absence.

Looking over to Ram, YN gave her a silent nod of thanks.

Roswaal: Rem doooooes bring up an important point however.

Closing one eye, Roswaal looked upon the still standing YN with his yellow eye and continued.

Roswaal: Will the three of you really be able to sufficiently manage the workload with Rem on leave?

Ram: —With YN's performance on landscaping duties, all of the beautification and upkeep responsibilities for the next few days have been completed already, leaving him free for more domestic work inside.

Closing her eyes, Ram continued

Ram: Not only would giving Rem a day off be beneficial to her health, but it would also keep YN busy and provide him an opportunity to become more familiar with the inner workings of the mansion should need arise for his assistance.

Closing his yellow eye on YN, and reopening both, Roswaal gave his final answer on the matter.

Roswaal: After caaaaareful consideration, I shall grant you this reward. Rem, you are excused from your duties for tomorrow and the rest of today, starting now.

Shocked at the idea of not working still, Rem hesitantly agreed.

Rem: Y-yes, Roswaal-sama.

Having finished up their meal and the conversation. Rem had to be lightly coerced into not helping clean up and thus headed to her room. With Subaru washing the dishes as they came in, YN and Ram had set about clearing the table.

YN: Thanks again for the help Ram, I don't know if I could have done that without you... But I still feel guilty you don't also get a day off.

Shaking her head in response, Ram replied.

Ram: Roswaal-sama would not let the only two experienced workers in the mansion both have a day off. And if Ram must be honest, she prefers if Rem would have a day off over herself. Considering everything that she had gone through versus myself, and how our workload is already distributed, Rem is the clear deserver of day off.

Closing her eyes and putting herself on airs, Ram continued.

Ram: Plus, her nee-sama must show a strong resilience in matters like these. That is the only way I will be able to keep such a position in Rem's heart.

Acknowledging Ram's intent, YN agreed.

YN: I suppose it can't be helped then, so I guess I'll owe you one.

Ram: Careful with your word choice, Ram will hold you to it.

YN: Speaking of which, what should I do once we're done here?

Ram: Considering Rem had already attended to the days most pressing matters before breakfast, and all the tasks you are familiar with in the mansion have been recently completed, there is one thing me and Rem have been struggling to fit in for the past few days...

Ram went on to explain that while they had repaired the barrier near the village, it was a pressing matter that they also inspect the rest of the barrier extending past the village and up to the mansion in case there were any other insufficiencies to be found as well.

Getting instructions and directions from Ram, YN had set out down the path to the gate of the mansion to perform the needed inspections.

Close to halfway to the gate, a voice called out to YN from behind.

?: YN-kun!

Turning around to the familiar voice, YN saw the blue haired maid running to catch up.

A smile grew on his face seeing her. A dumb idiotic smile he couldn't hide for the life of him. A smile only she could give him.

YN watched as the late morning's sunlight reflected off her cool blue hair, swaying as she ran, exposing the two blue ponds she had for eyes.

However, another thing about the approaching maid had definitely caught his attention.

Rather then the shoulderless maid dress she normally wore, Rem was in a slightly different, but still ultimately maid-like dress. Other than her nightgown, YN had never seen Rem in any other sort of outfit.

Reaching YN, Rem smiled.

Rem: Rem is so glad she was able to reach YN-kun before he left.

Still curious about her outfit, YN pointed to the main difference it held when compared to her normal maid uniform.

YN: I see you found some sleeves.

Looking down on her outfit, Rem began to wonder what YN had meant by his observation. Pinching her dress ever so slightly, Rem turned around once to give YN a better look.

Rem: Yes, this is Rem's less formal maid uniform.

Seeing the same similar style and colors as her previous uniform, the addition of the short length sleeves gave Rem an air of increased elegance and modesty, which in turn somehow made her more adorable.

Silent as his focus was now turned to Rem's appearance, Rem nervously asked for clarification as to why YN had asked about it.

Rem: D-Does YN-kun disapprove?

YN: N-n-no! Not at all! I like it! A lot really... It's very very uhh, c-cute on you.

With the worry on her face beginning to subside with a blush taking its place, Rem replied bashfully.

Rem: Rem is glad you like it.

YN: I do! I think it looks better than your normal uniform in fact...

With Rem also knowing the chief difference between her current outfit and her normal one, Rem grabbed her sleeves with hands, and asked another question in a worried tone.

Rem: D-Did YN-kun disapprove of Rem's normal dress due to her shoulders being exposed?

YN: N-no! I like your normal dress too! While this one gets its cuteness from it's modesty, your normal one is cute because it shows off how pretty your skin is! —hk!

Having realized what he had just blurted out, it was too late. Upon hearing his words, Rem's face turned a stark shade of red.

Closing the gap between them, Rem lowered her head and placed it against YN's chest as a way of hiding her embarrassment.

Rem: YN-kun... please don't say such sudden things to Rem. It makes her heart flutter and her knees weak. So much so it feels like Rem could collapse.

Realizing he hadn't said anything "bad", YN simply patted Rem on the head.

YN: I'll try to remember that. But now—

Lifting her head back up, YN could still see the remaining streaks of red across her face from her blush.

YN: I was going to ask, did you come out here just to tell me something or—?

Changing her expression to one of determination, Rem responded.

Rem: Rem will be accompanying YN-kun.

Somewhat startled by Rem's answer, YN protested.

YN: But you have the rest of the day off. You should be inside resting. You don't have to trouble yourself with this.

Shaking her head in response, Rem replied.

Rem: Rem would not betray the commands of Roswaal-sama and Nee-sama. Rem is simply going on a stroll with YN-kun, no work is involved.

Realizing there wasn't any point in arguing it, and it was an opportunity for him and Rem to be alone together, YN sighed before agreeing.

YN: Fine, but I don't want to see you lift a finger, no helping whatsoever, got it?

Nodding, Rem agreed.

With that, the two exited the gate of the mansion, and entered into the forest to inspect the perimeter of the magical barrier.

Walking for a short while, Rem and YN enjoyed the calming stroll they were having in the woods. With YN's unfamiliarness of the woods still, he was lucky Rem had decided to come along. Acting as a guide for him, YN had quickly realized that Ram might view this as work for her.

Coming upon a fallen log in the forest, just big enough to need a considerably large single step to traverse across it, YN made pace to reach and step on top of it before Rem could at her current pace.

As Rem went to step over the log, YN halted her with his hand. Clearing his throat, he spoke boastfully.

YN: It has come to my attention, that while working as a charming and beautiful guide, you have done just that, "worked."

Rem had come to a complete stop, surprised at YN's attitude.

YN: And according to the terms of you accompanying me upon this adventure, you would not have to raise a single finger.

Nodding, Rem responded.

Rem: Yes, Rem remembers.

Extending a hand down to her, YN went on with the same act.

YN: So, madam! Allow me to make your travel on this exhibition into lands unknown be effortless.

Giggling slightly at YN's overt chivalry, Rem took YN's hand.

Having had experience with hoisting Rem like this now, YN was determined not to recreate the bathing room hoist and balance dance. Gently helping her upwards, the two exchanged a brief moment of looking at themselves in each other's eyes. Stepping down from the log, YN offered his hand once more to assist Rem down off the log now. Taking his hand once more, the blue haired maid elegantly descended down off the log.

Going to release her hand, YN found that he could not free it. Looking down, he saw Rem's hand still holding on.

YN: Rem, you can let go—

Turning to meet her face, Rem's could not look YN in the eye as his face began to turn more and more red.

Holding her hand back now, YN changed what he was saying.

YN: Is everything okay?

Rem: Ummm, Rem was... was just wondering if it would be okay if... okay if we just kept holding hands... Rem is always anxious YN-kun might start walking too fast and Rem can't keep up, or if she trips over something, then YN-kun would be there to catch her from falling... but mostly...

With Rem's eyes coming to meet YN's finally during this very grade school feeling confession, she gave her true reasons for why she clung to YN's hand.

Rem: ...Rem would just like to continue to hold YN's hand.

Gripping her hand back, YN agreed.

YN: Of course. Let's go, Rem.

Rem continued to act as YN's guide as the two walked hand in hand in the forest, making sure each piece of the barrier was intact and functioning. Having checked all the points, it was beginning to be early afternoon finally as the two stepped back onto the main road leading back to the mansion from Arlem.

Still a good distance away from the mansion, YN had thought that now, with his hand in Rem's, would be a good time to ask his question.

YN: Not to kill the mood, but I really have something serious to ask, Rem.

Walking to Rem's immediate left, YN could see her blue eye turn to meet his look, briefly looking down at their held hands before answering with a slight dash of red on her cheeks.

Rem: Yes?

YN: What—

YN paused, he hasn't entirely thought on how he should ask her.

If I just say 'What are we?' that'll sound way too direct. I've gotta remember, it's only been, what? Not even two weeks for Rem? Feels like it's been close to a month for me though...

YN: What— err.

Stumbling on his words, he felt his held hand be slightly squeezed. Looking down at the hand holding his, he looked back up to Rem. With a tilt of her head and a smile, Rem encouraged him on.

Rem: Take your time, YN-kun.

Steeling herself, YN answered with new found confidence in his voice.

YN: Rem, I'd like to know, what are we to each other?

Looking down and forward, the blush on Rem's face became much more flushed, a slight smile adorned her adorable face as she thought for a moment before turning to face him. A strong emotion was welling up on Rem's eyes before she answered.

Rem: Rem had hoped to ask YN-kun that very same question not so soon from now...

YN was silent, ready to let Rem continue, as he could not tell what she had meant by that.

Rem: To Rem, YN-kun is a very caring, patient, loyal, and honest person. YN-kun has selflessly helped almost everyone Rem knows. And YN-kun has helped Rem more times then she can count.

Bringing her free hand up her chest, Rem continued, her voice getting softer.

Rem: YN-kun says things to Rem sometimes that makes her heart incredibly weak. YN-kun always knows exactly what to say to Rem. Over the next few days, Rem had hoped to gather her words in a much more meaningful way then she is now, but to answer YN-kun's question now... Right now... Rem and YN-kun... The one thing Rem is certain of, is that YN-kun is Rem's hero. And Rem will do anything for her hero...

YN hadn't expected the answer he had gotten from Rem.

Her 'hero?' I wouldn't say I did anything 'heroic' though...

With Rem pausing, YN replied.

YN: Hero or not Rem, I promised that you could lean on me, that you could rely on me. And that means I'll do anything to let you do that.

Rem: YN-kun promised Rem that we could lean on each other. Rem can do that because YN-kun is Rem's hero... Is YN-kun saying that he can lean on Rem because of?

YN: I just need to know Rem... what, do you think we are? Or can be?

Stopping, Rem turned to face YN. Taking her free hand and grabbing YN's other free hand, Rem placed all four hands together, and looked down at them while she answered.

Rem: In truth, YN-kun must remember, Rem and him are fellow workers at Roswaal-sama's mansion, and that of Nee-sama's reaction to anything... That was why Rem was going to ask YN-kun in the next few days, after Rem could make sure nothing bad could happen.

Looking up to meet YN's eyes, Rem continued.

Rem: But all that can wait. Rem needs to know what YN-kun wishes to ask of her now.

YN: Rem. Above all else, above working together, above living with each other, above what anyone else's feelings, above relying on each other, above you seeing me as your hero, and above all other promises, do you think there's a way for us to be something more?

Rem was silent for a moment, a surprised look grew on her face before it began to be washed away with a stark crimson coloring growing from her existing blushes to her entire face.

Drawing them closer to each other, but still holding YN's hands the way she was, Rem leaned her head on YN's chest like she had done before.

YN: Rem?

Shaking her head against YN, Rem spoke, her voice slightly muffled from it still being pressed against his chest.

Rem: Rem had guessed what YN-kun was going to ask, but she did not expect him to ask in such a moving manner, in a way that would make Rem's heart ache so much.

Taking a step back again, Rem recollected herself.

Rem: To answer YN-kun's question though...

YN could feel the cold sweat begin to grow on his brow, a nervous feeling like he had never experienced before began to grow.

Rem: Rem wishes for nothing more than that. Rem would stay by YN-kun's side as long as he would have her.

With a swelling amount of joy growing in his chest, YN could hardly keep his shaking in check. It was like nothing he had ever hoped to feel.

YN: Rem, I—

Shaking her head to cut him off, Rem interrupted.

Rem: YN-kun, we'll begin to worry the others if we take too long to return, we must also regain our composure before doing so. Let us talk more about this tomorrow, when we both are free.

Nodding, YN and Rem dropped their previously free hands and continued onward to the mansion, still each holding the other's hand like originally.

Having walked for several minutes in quiet, yet joyous silence, they each struggled to regain their composure, especially since they kept stealing glances of each other while walking. With the mansion beginning to crest above the horizon on the road, Rem decided to change the topic, if not only to distract themselves from each other before arriving back.

Rem: On the subject of promises, Rem believes there is one she's owned from YN-kun.

Raising an eyebrow, YN replied.

YN: Oh? I do?

Nodding, Rem raised their held hands upwards, as if prompting YN to remember.

A promise... Oh that's right.

YN was immediately reminded of the promise he has made Rem during the mabeast fiasco.

YN: I know there's a lot of questions you want to ask me right now, and I want to ask you a bunch too, but we both know we don't have the time. So when this is all over, let's talk, okay? I'll answer anything I can, I promise.

Feeling a stiffness in his back realizing exactly what he promised, YN tried to ready himself to dodge questions if need be. He didn't know to what extent he could say anything without triggering a consequence from the Witch.

Rem: How did YN-kun and Subaru-kun know there was going to be a problem in the village?

Oh, this won't be an easy one.

YN: Me and Subaru investigated some occurrences.

Tilting her head at the rather broad answer, Rem moved to more in-depth questions.

Rem: What about the curse? Where did the idea come from to search for curses?

YN was silent before answering, sweat started to form on his brow.

YN: B-Beatrice had mentioned them once to Subaru.

While not entirely a lie, she had, just not in this loop.

Feeling the hand that held his slightly tighten, Rem brought her free hand to her chest, and looked to YN with a worried expression.

Rem: YN-kun, please, there's no need to hide anything from Rem. Rem trusts YN-kun, but there's one thing Rem must know...

Please don't ask. Please Rem, please don't ask what I think you're going to ask.

In a shaky voice, Rem asked.

Rem: How did YN-kun know about the Witches scent on him and Subaru-kun? And how much does YN-kun know about the Witch?

YN immediately gulped down a lump of fear. The worst possible questions Rem could ever ask him had been spoken.

Now having reached the gate to the mansion, Rem and YN stopped, hands still held, but looking at each other with worried and stressed faces.

YN: I...

Slowly, YN's hands began to tremble. Just thinking about the pain a confession might bring him sent him into this state.

His heart rate picked up, his breathing, his sweat on his brow, all of these were completely evident to Rem. Yet—

Rem: Please YN-kun, trust Rem, like Rem trusts YN-kun.

YN could intentionally give a botched confession, and while that would take some explaining to Subaru, the biggest problem is how Rem would see it. The smell obviously enrages her. Refusing to explain the smell's origin and then increasing its presence could be perceived as anything from mocking to a threat.

I don't ever want Rem to think I'd do either of those to her...

Reaching a head where he could no longer stand the cocktail of emotions that were spinning around in him, YN answered as honestly as he could.

YN: Rem, I'm so, so sorry...

Rem looked on to YN, a look of all hope being lost began to form on her face, leaving dread in its wake.

YN: I can't tell you... I really can't.

Looking downward, Rem was silent.

The blue hair maid continued to hide her face from YN, staring at the hands they still had in each other's.

Slowly, but surely, the hand that held his began to let go. Feeling the lack of tension from her fingers, YN's mind began to panic.

No. No no no. Nonononono!—

YN: Rem! It's not that I don't want to! It's just that I can't—!

Before he could finish, Rem dropped her hand and immediately turned to continue walking through the front gates of the mansion.

YN remained frozen in spot, his hand was held out, still warm from her touch, and still facing the way he had, only his head craned around to see the maid walking away, towards the mansion.

Letting her get several paces ahead of him, YN finally commanded his body to turn and follow hers. He dared not call out to her as right now, her mental state was unknown. Was she sad? Or angry? YN did not now.

Closing the distance to only a few paces behind her, he could have easily walked back up next to her, but as of now, he did feel worthy to walk behind her himself. Fighting back tears and clouded thoughts full of failure and worry, the two ascended the steps up to the mansion's front door.

Reaching the main door, Rem stopped before opening it, letting YN catch up to her.

Halting just behind her, YN slowly walked to Rem's left, as from that angle he could at the very least see her current expression.

Getting to her left, YN could only observe Rem staring straight forward. A cold expression adorned the former loveliness in eyes.

Mustering his courage, YN spoke.

YN: Rem—

Rem: Rem will retire to her room for the remainder of the evening. Nee-sama will look over what other tasks she will require of YN-kun and Subaru-kun tonight and tomorrow. Please don't concern yourself with Rem.

Grabbing the handle to the door and swinging it open, Rem immediately marched to the stairs and upward to her room while YN watched from the door frame.

Immense feelings of anguish and failure began to fill YN.

Please forgive me, Rem. Please.