Chapter 11 (I See Everything)
Ram laid down in bed exhausted at another day of attending royal meetings, alongside her loyal knight Reinhard. This election process has been very exhausting, and boring. Though Ram had to admit being with Reinhard made the process kinda worth it. She didn't know why, but she just enjoyed being in Reinhard's presence. It gave her a feeling she only really felt around Rosswal
Ram loved the feeling of the soft fabric of the bed against her skin. Her body felt totally relaxed. She loved the bed Reinhard provided. It was by far the most comfortable thing she had ever laid on. Ram eventually found her eyelids getting heavy
She got up, and changed out of the dress she was wearing, slipping into her nightgown. Ram was not big of a fan of wearing that dress everywhere she went with Reinhard. It was very awkward to walk around in high heels. Ram tripped multiple times when she first started wearing high heels. She eventually grew accustomed to wearing them, so it didn't happen as often anymore
Reinhard would always help Ram back on her feet whenever she would fall. He always held his hand out with a smug smile on his face. Ram enjoyed looking at his handsome smile, she even found herself smiling back sometimes
Ram walked back to the bed, and threw the covers over herself. She laid her head back on the soft pillows. Sam closed her eyes, and eventually drifted off to sleep
The sound of a loud explosion filled Rams ears. Her eyes bolted open, as she sat up right on the bed. Swinging the covers off of her body. Ram stepped out of bed, and made her way out of her room to investigate the loud noise
She slowly creaked the wooden door open, and peaked her head out. Looking down the long, dark, dimly lit corridors. She noticed the door at the end of the hallway was opened slightly. Ram could see a bright light emitting from the doorway. Ram swung open her bedroom door, and walked down the hallway
The corridors were only lit by the moonlight that shined outside in the night sky. The notable absent sound of crickets, along with the small creeks in the floor made things a little bit unsettling
Ram felt like she had been walking for ages. She didn't remember the corridor being this long. Ram eventually made it to the door down the hallway. Her hand gripped the doorknob tightly. She slowly opened the door that lead to the foyer
She immediately noticed that the foyer's carpet was completely drenched in blood. Her body began shaking, She slowly looked up to find a dead body laying in the center of the room. The room itself was completely painted in blood, every inch of carpet or paint was covered in blood
Rams breathing grew heavy, she began hyperventilating. She stepped forward to get a good look at the body on the floor. The corpse was completely mangled, its intestines, and organs splattered all over the place. Ram put a hand over her mouth, she felt sick. Ram swallowed the vomit in her mouth, as she examined the corpse. The corpse was so mangled it was almost completely unrecognizable
The only thing that made it recognizable was the face that remained untouched, but was still drenched in blood. Ram stopped dead in tracks the second she saw the red hair on the head of the corpse. She knelt down and wiped the blood from its face to the point it was recognizable. It was her knight Reinhard
Ram covered her face with both of her hands the second she noticed Reinhard's distinct facial features. She smudged a little bit of Reinhard's blood on her face. Tears started streaming down Rams face, as her shaking increased
She stepped back from Reinhard's corpse. Ram was terrified
"What monster did this!?" Ram said to herself, her hands still covering her face. Reinhard was the strongest and toughest knight in the world. To see someone who held that title completely mangled to the point he was barely recognizable was completely terrifying
Ram couldn't move anymore. She lost all motor functions. The only thing she could do was stand there and sob in fear
A door across from Ram started to creak open. Rams eyes stared at the door, tears still leaked from her face. Fear and anticipation grew larger the longer she stared at the door. Eventually the door completely swung open, and outcame a tall figure
"M...Master Rosswal" Ram called out weakly the second she caught a glimpse of a makeup covered face and tall posture
Rosswal stepped forward. Fully revealing himself to Ram who stood there in complete terror. A sinister smile came to Rosswals face as he eyed Ram from head to toe. Ram looked to Rosswals hip, and noticed the black book held by his side, his gospel
Ram could not believe Rosswal was capable of doing something like this. How was Rosswal able to take down the strongest knight that ever lived? None of it made sense
Ram collapsed to her knees on the blood stained carpet
"Hello, Ram" Rosswal said in a sinister tone that was full of evil. Rams silent sobs grew louder, she shut her eyes tightly. She felt the tears stream down her hand
"Why!" Ram cried out, completely lost of every other word. Ram could feel that death was coming her way, she just hoped that it was painless
Ram wanted to spend her last moments alive knowing the reason behind her death. Rosswals smile faded from his face. A blank expression replaced it
"You know why" Rosswal said in a very serious and aggressive tone. Ram lowered her hands, and opened her eyes to look at Rosswal. Tears still blurred her vision, as her body continued to shake uncontrollably
Ram shook her head. She didn't understand what Rosswal was talking about. What could she have done to garner something like this? Rosswals facial expression grew annoyed
"You swore an oath of loyalty. You swore to serve under me, no matter the circumstances. Do you think I am a fool, Ram?" Rosswal asked standing by the doorway
Ram sobbing continued, she could not find an answer Rosswals question
"Do you think I am just going to let you walk off, and betray me. Not thinking anything of it" Rosswal questioned again keeping the stern and emotionless facial expression
"Betray you…?" Ram whispered out in confusion
"Yes! Betray me, you were my head maid. I expected better from you. You should know that better than anyone else. This further proves to me that I have been used for you and your sisters benefactor!" Rosswal said slightly shouting in a voice full of anger
"What do you mean, Master Rosswal! I...I never…."
"You knew you had a choice when it came to participating in the royal election. You knew that I wished for Emilia to ascend to the throne. You knew you swore loyalty to obey my wishes, yet none of that was taken into consideration!" Rosswal shouted
Ram always had a deep feeling Rosswal would be upset that she entered into the royal election. She didn't know he would go this far
"T...The royal insignia chose me!" Ram shouted out
"You still could have withdrawn. All you had to do was withdraw, and you would have completely avoided this reality! Instead you decided to follow through on your ignorant, and selfish desires!"
"Why did you have to kill Sir Reinhard!" Ram shouted back at Rosswal. Ram got up on her feet, and walked over to Reinhard's dead corpse. She knelt down, and stared directly at his face
Rams head dropped onto Reinhard's body, as she started to sob uncontrollably
"Why couldn't you just kill me instead, and let him live. He never did anything wrong, he was completely innocent! He doesn't deserve to die like this!" Ram cried out
"It's simple, Ram. He would just get in the way of things. I also wanted to make sure you knew the emotional and mental consequences of your actions!" Rosswal shouted back
Ram stood back up, and turned to face Rosswal
"I never intended to betray you! If only you knew the battle I faced, when deciding to partake in this election! I hoped to answer back to a calm and understanding Master. Not an evil and sadistic monster!" Ram shouted
"What are you talking about!?" Rosswal responded. Rams posture stood tall, she wanted to make sure Rosswal heard every word she had to say next
"I loved you! Was it not obvious, you saw my loyalty towards you! The amount of times I told Barusu off for talking about you behind your back is countless! I wanted to stay by your side, and serve you forever!" Ram cried out. Rosswal didnt move, his facial expression stayed to same
"I would even… Give up my own virginity, or anything else I had to offer!" Ram cried out again breaking into more tears, and collapsing back onto the floor
Rosswal began to walk towards Ram. His facial expression still remains the exact same emotionless form. Ram shut her eyes tight and clenched her teeth, awaiting execution for her crimes
Rosswal stood over Ram, and picked up gently. Ram flinched the second she felt Rosswal grab her. Ram couldn't believe she was actually in Rosswals arms. She opened her eyes, her sight immediately catching glimpse of Reinhard's corpse
Ram saw a large blade extrude from her chest. She began to cough up blood as her vision began to blur. She continued to stare at Reinhard's dead body. Ram did not feel any pain as the blade was pushed further in
"Rosswal…?" Is the only thing Ram could mutter until her vision was fully engulfed into the darkness. Ram could taste the flavor of her own blood on her tongue
Rams vision grew pitch black, she could not see anything except a dark void. She still felt someone hold her tight. The loud sound of crickets filled Rams ear drums. She could feel someone breathing down her neck
Her eyes slowly lifted open, she was still in bed, as if she never left. Something was off though. Why did she feel someone clinging onto her from behind? Ram could feel there strong arms wrapped around her waist
Ram turned her head back to reveal who was grabbing onto her, and cuddling her like a teddy bear or stuffed animal. Ram got a glimpse of Reinhard's flaming red hair. She couldn't believe it, Ram was actually getting cuddled by a royal knight.
She felt a small smile grow on her face, she was glad to be awake from that nightmare. Ram enjoyed Reinhard's warm embrace. She knew she truly needed it after that horrible nightmare she just went through
Ram felt tears well up in her eyes, as her small smile transformed into a wider one. Ram actually enjoyed being held like this. Under any other circumstance Ram would have freaked out, but since she had a nightmare combined with the person who was laying next to her. Ram was content, and at peace
Her eyes looked out the window, the sun was slowly ascending over the horizon. Ram felt the tears trickle down her face. She was enjoying this moment more than anything.
When Ram awoke again, Reinhard was missing. Ram was a little disappointed, she was hoping that he would stay next to her
It was now the next morning. The sun shined through the window, illuminating the room. Ram got out of bed, and exited her room. She made her way down the halls, walking to the dining room. Her mind drifted to the nightmare she had last night. It felt so real, too real. In fact Ram had a hard time believing it was even a dream at all
Ram eventually reached the dining room door. Reinhard sat at the table ready for breakfast to be served. He heard the dining room door creak open. He turned his head, and eyes caught sight Ram standing at the doorway with a light smile on her face
"Good Morning, Miss Ram" Reinhard greeted. Ram walked over to him, and sat closely next to him. She went in for the biggest hug imaginable. Reinhard felt Ram cling on tight, as she snuggled her head in his chest
"Thank you.." Ram said, her words somewhat muffled by Reinhards shirt. Ram was kind of embarrassed to look at Reinhard
Reinhard smiled brightly, he didn't except Ram to actually enjoy him cuddling with her last night
"You are more than welcome, Miss Ram" Reinhard said.
"Why... Did you do that for me?" Ram asked still not looking up at Reinhard
"You see Miss Ram. When I was walking past your room, I overheard you mumbling something. Normally I would just walk away, and not think anything of it. But I heard something that caught my attention. You said something like… "Why did Reinhard die'' or something of that matter?"
Ram got even more embarrassed. She had no idea she talked or mumbled in her sleep. She wondered how many people knew about it, but decided not to tell her
"I got curious, and let myself enter your room. I saw you tossing and turning. You seemed troubled…. I just…. Hated seeing you like that, and decided to give you some… Comfort" Reinhard explained. He covered a hand over his face, getting a little embarrassed at what he just said
Ram got flustered and buried her face deep in Reinhard's chest, her face going red. She never had anyone do that for her before, not even Rosswal
Breakfast was eventually served. Ram and Reinhard sat across from each other as they ate. They suddenly heard a loud knock on the front door. The knock was so loud it could be heard throughout the halls, and corridors. Reinhard stood up from his chair
"I will answer that. I will be one minute Miss Ram '' Reinhard said as he started walking out of the dining room. Ram nodded and continued eating
She then remembered the nightmare she had, and how she saw Reinhard's dead corpse in great detail. That image is forever engraved in her mind. Unlike most people who forget about their nightmares with ease. Rams nightmare stuck with her greatly
Ram could not help herself, she needed to know who or what was at that door. Ram stood up from her seat, and walked out of the dining room. She walked down the hallway, and to the foyer. She stopped dead in tracks when she heard a familiar voice
"Why hello there Sir Reinhard. I came here to have a word with Ram" Rosswal said
Ram immediately ran out to the foyer, and saw Rosswal with his creepy smile standing by the door. His wouldn't of been so unsettling, if it wasn't for that nightmare
"May I come in?" Rosswal asked. Reinhard stood back, and let Rosswal into his domain.
"Sir Reinhard, would you please excuse me and Ram for a couple minutes?" Rosswal asked all formal. Reinhard smiled and nodded, he walked out of the foyer, while passing Ram he noticed her unsettled and almost afraid facial expression
Subarus voice played in Reinhard's head
"Just be on the lookout for anything weird"
When he entered the hallway, Reinhard walked back to the door that led to the foyer. He pressed his ear on the door, listening in on the conversation. He knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but it was for Rams protection. Reinhard had been warned by Subaru to keep a close watch on Rosswal
"Are you alright Ram, you don't look so good?" Rosswal said, showing a bit of concern in his voice
"Oh, everything is fine Master Rosswal. What is it that you needed to tell me?" Ram asked. Rosswal smiled brightly, though not sinsterly
"It has come to my attention that you Ram, have been entered into the royal election," Rosswal said, getting closer to Ram
"I am so sorry Master Rosswal!" Ram blurted out apologetically bowing. Rosswal kept his smile
"Don't be sorry Ram, though I am a little… frustrated that… I lost one of my loyal maids. I still understand your circumstances completely" Rosswal said. Ram relaxed a little
"Thank you Master Rosswal" Ram said a little relieved at his response
"Anytime, but…." Rosswal turned away from Ram. Rosswal pulled out a book from his jacket, and looked at it. Ram leaned over a bit to get a glimpse of the item in his hand. It was his gospel
"Ram, you and I are already aware that you swore loyalty to me, right?" Rosswal said, finally turning to look at Ram, placing his gospel back in his coat. Ram nodded her head
"Of course Master Rosswal" Ram said in a formal tone
"Good… Now I want you to ascend to the throne," Rosswal said. Ram got confused
"Master Rosswal I thought you wished for Miss Emilia to ascend to the throne?" Ram responded
"You two will run on your own separate platforms. You see Ram, Emilia is a half elf, that resembles the witch of envy. Because of this feature, she is pretty unfavorable. You on the other hand Ram have no such features, so please Ram. I suggest that you keep your candidacy away from Emilia. We would not want your platform to get ruined over being all friendly to a rival candidate, now would we?" Rosswal asked
"Not at all Master Rosswal" Ram said
"Good, I think me and you have an understanding of where we stand on your candidacy. I wish you luck Ram, I really do. Just know you have my full backing" Rosswal said. Ram smiled a bit, she was glad Rosswal supported her candidacy
Reinhard was listening intently in the hallway. Reinhard had been aware of Rosswals backing of Emilia. To see her thrown out, and replaced by someone Rosswal considered more favorable, really didn't sit well with Reinhard. Reinhard was beginning to think Ram was being used
The door to the hallway suddenly swung open. Reinhard stood there with an agitated expression on his face
"I think you should leave" Reinhard stated as he shot a death glare to Rosswal. Rosswal frowned a bit, he knew Reinhard was listening in the entire time, and caught onto his plan
Reinhard and Rosswal had a strong stare down. Rosswal then put back on his cheery innocent smile
"As you wish" Rosswal said walked out of Reinhard's domain. Reinhard didn't take his eyes off him until the door closed. Rosswal left, but Reinhard's expression remained the same. Like Subaru, Reinhard had a feeling Rosswal was up to no good
Reinhard and Ram went back to eating breakfast. Ram was in a better mood knowing that the nightmare she had was no longer of concern. In fact it seemed like the roles had switched. Reinhard was now the one skeptical of Rosswal
The rest of the morning was standard. Reinhard had to go on patrol early in the afternoon, and was preparing to do so. He had his kight suit on, looking formal as always
"Alright Miss Ram. I will be back sometime in the evening for a short while. I then got to take off to another meeting, for a short bit. Anyways I will be back" Reinhard said. Ram nodded
Reinhard began his patrol, it was rather uneventful, but it gave him time to dwell on things. Reinhard remembered Rams nightmare. He never bothered to ask Ram what she was dreaming about, but one thing did peak Reinhard's curiosity.
Why was his name mentioned? Reinhard didn't remember clearly, but he remembered Ram mumbling his name, and said something about him being dead. Most of the things Ram said during her nightmare was random gibberish that could not be deciphered
"So did she have a nightmare about me being dead?" Reinhard thought to himself. He was confused. Ram left him no clues he thought, at first
Reinhard remembered when Rosswal showed up to his domain. He remembered when he passed by Ram when he was leaving the foyer. Ram looked scared for some reason. Why was she scared to see Rosswal? Whenever Ram would talk about Rosswal to Reinhard. She would always talk about him in a very formal manner. Reinhard knew loyalty had been installed in her, but that begs an answer to why she seemed so scared
It didn't make any sense. What maid is afraid to see their master? Reinhard remembered hearing Ram apologize immediately and hastily after Rosswal brought up her candidacy. He remembered that Ram mentioned Emilia, and how Rosswal previously wished for her ascension to the throne
It was slowly starting to make sense to Reinhard. Ram was afraid of Rosswal, because she felt like she went against his wishes being in the election. That would explain her uneasy nature around him, but that still doesn't explain the dream she had
"What does Rosswal want from, Rams candidacy then?" Reinhard remembered how Rosswal changed his backing from Emilia to Ram. The reasoning behind it was a little unclear, but Reinhard was able to put together a theory as to why
Emilia was unpopular among the people for resembling the witch of envy. Rosswal wanted Ram to stay away from Emilia because making her associated with someone who was compared to the witch of envy could plummet her popularity
Ultimately Rosswal chose to back Ram because she was the more favorable and promising choice. Meaning Rosswal was taking advantage of Ram, and her loyalty to him
"Why does Rosswal want Ram to ascend to the throne? What is he looking to gain from this?" Reinhard questioned. He just didn't understand his motives. Rosswal clearly wants a candidate under his backing and influence to ascend to the throne. Reinhard knew he had to dig deeper if he wanted to know the truth. There is just not enough evidence to draw a conclusion
The stare down with Rosswal also stirred Reinhard the wrong way. He could see that Rosswal was unhappy to see Reinhard stand in front of him. He knew Rosswal was aware that Reinhard had been listening in. Reinhard knew he was an obstacle to Rosswals grand plan or whatever he had going on in that mind of his
Reinhard knew he could hold the power to completely destroy his Rosswals scheme, or whatever he was planning. Reinhard didn't trust Rosswal one bit
He needed to do a little investigating. Subaru warned Reinhard that Rosswal was planning something. If Reinhard had not listened in on that conversation he might of thought nothing of Rosswal
Reinhards patrol wasn't anything special. He wandered the streets, and kept his formal demeanor. Dusk was eventually set to settle. Reinhard was almost ready to head back to check on Ram
When Reinhard turned a sharp corner he walked directly into someone. Both of them fell off their feet, and onto the ground. Reinhard got up back on his feet
"I am so sorry, are you alright?" Reinhard said as he turned to face the person he laid on the ground. Reinhards face went blank when he saw Rosswal on the ground in front of him
"Oh it's quite alright, my apologies for running into you" Rosswal said as he got up. Rosswal put on a smile, while he brushed himself off
"What are you doing here?" Reinhard asked his face remaining stern and serious
"Business that's all" Rosswal responded. Reinhard nodded and let Rosswal pass him by
Reinhards eyes got a glimpse of a mysterious book on the ground. He noticed it shared similarities to that of a gospel that was found on members of the witches cult. Reinhard bent down and retrieved the book off the ground
He stared at the cover in confusion. "Is he a member of the witches cult?" Reinhard asked himself
Before he could open the book, it was snatched from his hands. Reinhards head turned to Rosswal who stuffed the book back into his jacket
"What is that book about?" Reinhard asked bluntly in an almost demanding tone
"Just something a woman in my life gave to all," Rosswal said. Before walking off disappearing down the streets of the capital
Reinhard was almost totally convinced it was a gospel, but he also could be wrong. He needed to find someone, who would tell him the truth to what was in that book. The fact Rosswal snatched it from him only fueled the fire to his suspicions
Reinhards curiosity peaked more than ever. He knew that answers he was searching for could be within that book. How was he going to get a glimpse of it? Maybe someone else knew what was in that book. Someone that was close to Rosswal. A light bulb went off in Reinhard's head
He could talk to Ram, and maybe he could get answers to what that book was about. Ultimately leading him closer to the answer to his main question. Reinhard walked off back to his domain. Hoping to retrieve the answers to all the questions the buzzled in his head
Reinhard walked back into his domain, and set out to find Ram. He wasn't sure how he was going to approach this. He didn't want to be blunt, but he also wanted answers
He walked up to Rams bedroom door, and knocked lightly
"Miss Ram, do you have a moment to talk?" Reinhard asked. The door eventually opened slowly. Ram stood there on the other side
"Of course Sir Reinhard, is there something wrong?" Ram asked. Reinhard shook his head
"There is nothing wrong, it's just that…. I am confused about something" Reinhard said. Ram nodded and invited him into the room. Ram sat down on her bed, and looked up at Reinhard
"Miss Ram, I just wanted to know how you feel about Rosswal. If you don't mind me asking" Reinhard aked
"What do you mean?" Ram asked a little confused at the question Reinhard asked her
"Earlier today you seemed a bit unsettled, when you saw Rosswal in the foyer" Reinhard said. He was hoping he wasn't being too straightforward with his questions
"I assure you Sir Reinhard, Master Rosswal is nobody of concern. My mind was just wondering about some strange reality" Ram said
Reinhard stood there not knowing what to say next. What reality was she talking about?
"The truth is, you know that I was the head maid of Rosswal. I was just a little concerned he would be upset about my departure from the mansion. Myself and my sister were valuable employees. I swore an oath of loyalty promising to serve under him no matter the circumstances. He saved me and my sister long ago, and I am forever grateful and indebted to him" Ram said
"He saved you?" Reinhard asked curiously
"Yes, he saved us from an attack by the witches cult in our village. Without his help we would have died there" Ram said. Reinhard nodded in acknowledgement
He was even more lost now. If he were a member of the witches cult why would he let Rem and Ram live, why would he save them? This was not making any sense at all
"I see. Rosswal so far as rubbed off on me to be a bit mysterious and odd really"
"Sir Reinhard there is absolutely nothing to be concerned of, Rosswal is a great ally of ours and he is now backing my claim to the throne" Ram said
Reinhard was now left with even more questions than he previously went in with. The answer seemed so out of reach. Reinhard was convinced Ram was being used by Rosswal for his own mysterious gains. It just was not making sense
He knew Ram was not at all aware of this. Loyalty was installed into her heart, she couldn't even bring herself to question her Masters motives. Reinhard wasn't sure she was even aware of his motives behind him backing her candidacy
"Thank you for talking Miss Ram, if you vouch for Rosswals backing then I shall condone it" Reinhard said. Ram smiled, she was glad Reinhard was going to trust Rosswal. Really the truth was he wasn't
"Anyway, I am going to be heading to that small meeting, it should be starting soon. I will be back in a couple hours'' Reinhard said as he started walking off
"Wait" Ram said as she got up off the bed. Reinhard stopped and turned to her. Ram approached him still keeping the smile on her face
"You have some dirt on your suit, Sir Reinhard" Ram said as she started to brush his knight outfit off. Removing every spec of dust. Reinhard smiled at her
"There, you are good to go. I personally make sure my knight makes himself look presentable in public" Ram said, as she walked away with a smug smile on her face. The same type of smile Reinhard would give her whenever she would trip on high heels