AN: And here we have the end to the island conflict. Next chapter will be back in Japan. I am also on winter break, meaning more frequent chapters. One tad thing I just wanted to say before you read this is sorry if this seems a bit rushed. I just wanted to wrap this conflict up. This is also now the longest chapter in the story, over 12,000 words. Anyways I hope you enjoy it.
Slander has always been forbidden in Rams camp. It was never tolerated. If anyone in Rams camp were to commit such a horrible deed. The consequence would be their immediate dismissal. Not one person was exempt from this rule. Regardless of their high rank or honorable reputation. Even the husband of Ram was not given a second chance.
Ram saw slander to be one of the worst offenses a person could possibly commit. Even going as far as to compare the often inconsequential act of defamation to cold blooded murder and cannibalism.
The offense itself was hard to prove. If someone were to claim that another person had committed slander against them. There will always be the question if that person was making up a false claim. There was no physical evidence. Evidence came in the form of an oral or verbal complaint that could easily be falsified.
Complaints that must prove that a person has committed the act with malice and knew their claims to be false. Again, slander was communicated verbally. Often the suspect would deny such allegations and accuse their prosecutor of slandering them.
It came down to who was the liar and who was being honest. The honest person would tell the truth, but the lair would change the story to prove their innocence. Almost always declaring that they never had malicious intent against that person. Maybe even going as far as to lie about having some respect towards that person, by speaking positively about them in front of everyone.
And who was to tell that person that they were wrong? No one, only that person knew the true intentions of their actions. It was locked in their minds, and only they had the key. Most cases involving slander come down to who can make their words sound more fancy and professional.
Ram expected slander to come from people with anger issues and jealousy. Not someone who was always considered to be an honest man, who never told a lie. Even if a sword was held to his throat. He would not mumble a single false claim against anybody.
When Ivan told Ram he suspected Reinhard and Rem to be having an affair. A tsunami of thoughts hit Ram's head. It felt like she was living in a paradox.
Rem had been loyal toward Ram, and Ivan was always honest. Two traits that would contradict if Ivans claim were to be proven false or true. Ram was going to find out the truth behind a claim such as this. She had to, she couldn't just walk away.
The longer she stood outside her bedroom door. The more Ram just wanted to collapse to the floor and cry for hours. If Reinhard had his wedding ring on, it would prove Ivan was nothing but a liar. But if he didn't… It might prove something else.
Ivan seemed confident that Ram would find Reinhards ring missing from his finger. That's what made Ram so nervous and scared. She didn't want to believe that the person she fell in love with was having an affair with her own sister. Someone Ram had known since birth, and for the entirety of her life had always considered to be the most important person in her life.
She slowly opened the door. So slowly that the door didn't even make a slight noise as it was gently moved away from its frame.
It didn't break the silence in the room. Reinhard was sitting at a small desk, writing away in a book of somesort. He had his back towards the door, so he didn't notice Ram standing there and staring at him.
She was again doubting Ivans claim. Ram knew Reinhard would never have an affair, he couldn't have an affair. Such a thing went against everything he stood for. Ram thought back on the time he asked her to marry him. Remembering that he had his eyes wide open when he chose her, and only her.
Ram would rather discover that Ivan was a liar than to discover Reinhard had an affair with her sister. Ivan being a liar would be hard to believe in its own right, but to believe that her sister and husband were having an affair. Ram didn't think her heart could handle living in that world.
That world was not the world Ram had been living in. Up to this point, Ram had been living in a world where her sister was always faithful, kind, sweet, and most importantly innocent. If Rem was anything other than that, she was not her sister. Same thing went similarly with Reinhard.
If Ivan were to be telling the truth. It would prove that Ram really never knew anything when it came to knowing who Rem and Reinhard truly were. She would have been living a lie through the majority of her life.
Ram started to think she could catch a glimpse of Reinhard's true thoughts in the book that he was writing in on that desk. Sure, she considered it a rather invasive and unprofessional move to read over someone's shoulder, but she just needed proof so her suspicions could be put to rest.
Gently stepping on the floor, she walked closer and closer to Reinhard. Trying to get close enough to read over his shoulder. Before she could make it halfway across the room, a loose floorboard creaked, sending Reinhard the alert that someone was in the room with him.
Reinhard got somewhat startled, but he instantly became calm when he looked over to find his beloved wife Ram standing there. Someone who Reinhard would never fear under any circumstance.
"Oh, hello dearest. I didn't notice that you walked in '' Reinhard greeted.
His tone alone made Ram know he was genuinely happy to see her. Adding even more fuel to the forest fire of doubt to Ivan's accusation. He even topped it off by smiling at her.
Then again, it could all be part of a manipulation tactic. A strong tactic that felt like an unbreakable spell. Ram felt it hard to even question that Reinhard was having an affair just by his behavior alone. It just seemed so genuine, how could anyone else but the Reinhard she fell in love with be talking to her?
"What are you writing about?" Ram asked. Hoping she didn't come off as invasive to his privacy.
Reinhard looked back to the journal he wrote in and gently closed it. "In no offense to you or anything, but I rather keep all the stuff I write in my journal private. Im sure you could understand"
"Are you hiding something from me?" Ram asked in a serious tone. Testing to see if he would get defensive or get nervous at her question.
Reinhard shook his head and chuckled a bit. "Not at all, I would never hide anything from you"
He didn't even get defensive. Reinhard seemed as transparent as glass, Ram felt like she could see right through him. But she saw nothing that could suspect him of having an affair. Though she still had to find out if Reinhard had his wedding ring. By this point Ram was convinced Ivan had just lied to her.
She was even starting to think of the consequences Ivan would be facing for slandering both her husband and sister.
"I believe you… Can you please show me your wedding ring?"
Holding the smile on his face. Reinhard looked down to his hand. His heart nearly dropped, when he found that his ring was missing. The beloved ring he loved with every fiber of his being had vanished, and he didn't even notice until now.
Ram saw how Reinhard's face dropped. He slowly lifted his head to look back at Ram, his smile not returning to his face. "I…I… Seemed to have lost my ring" He said, his voice sounding very confused and shocked.
The hand around Ram's heart grew tighter. She had just come to terms with Ivan being a liar, but instead it seemed that he told the truth. Not seeing the wedding ring on his hand made Reinhard into more of a stranger with each passing second.
Ram wasn't even taking into account other circumstances as to how Reinhard could possibly lose his wedding ring. The reality she was seeing play out in her head, was him handing it to her sister. Thinking Ram would be dumb enough to not notice that it was no longer on his hand.
Reinhard could see the blank look on Ram's face. A look that wasn't her normal content expression. This look carried dread and anger. The longer Reinhard stared into her pink eye, the more awkward the room became. Ram just stood there unsure of what to think anymore.
She wanted to accuse Reinhard of having an affair with her sister right at that moment. But Ram wasn't totally convinced just yet. A large part of her brain was still advocated in Reinhard's defense.
Thinking it could be possible that the ring just simply slipped off and Reinhard didn't notice, or maybe he took it off and accidentally misplaced it somewhere. Ram took into account all of these factors trying to further convince herself that Reinhard was always faithful and would never cheat on her.
But the tide was dragging her opinion to believe that Reinhard truly was unfaithful to her. Despite her attempts to convince herself that Ivan was a malicious liar.
"You lost your ring!? How did you lose it!?" Ram asked in a very agitated voice. She was trying to hold back as much anger as she possibly could. Still thinking Reinhard was still innocent of what he had been accused of doing. She was more agitated at the fact more fuel had been added to her suspicions. Suspicions that would keep her up all night until she found closure.
"I honestly don't know. I will try to look for it" Reinhard said in an oblivious tone as he stood up from his chair. Not even realizing that Ram was suspecting him of having an affair.
"Well you better find it" Ram said in a cold hearted tone.
"Dearest, are you… feeling alright. You seem agitated"
There it was again. The caring and compassionate man Ram had fallen in love with. She felt it hard not to go up and hug him for caring for her well being.
Ram rubbed her forehead. "I just have a headache, right here on my forehead"
"You should lay down and rest for a couple hours. I promise once you wake up, I will have my ring back in my possession. Dearest, I also suggest once you wake up that you finally have that talk with Subaru. Your sister really wants you to sort this out as soon as possible"
While Ram walked to bed she couldn't help but feel further more agitated hearing Reinhard talk about Rem. During breakfast he was in her ear talking about Rem, it got to the point she had to ask him to stop, politely of course. Just like with the wedding ring, this was more evidence to speculate that Reinhard was having his affair with Rem.
Ram still didn't want to believe it. She needed much more proof until she could come down to such a conclusion. Mostly because she couldn't wrap her head around the situation.
"Just go find your wedding ring" Ram said, as she laid down in bed.
Reinhard walked over to the door and opened it. "As you wish. But once again please remember the wishes of your dear sister-"
Hearing Reinhard once again talk about Rem, made Ram snap. She shot up right and looked at Reinhard with her eyes wide open. "Go find your wedding ring!" She ordered.
"... Yes dear" Reinhard said as he slowly walked out of the bedroom, and carefully closed the door.
Ram laid her back down in bed, and zoned out, staring at the ceiling for hours. She couldn't stop thinking, her thoughts kept her wide awake. At this point she was starting to be convinced that Reinhard and Rem were truly having an affair, but at the same time she wasn't. Ram didn't know if it was denial, or her being realistic. She couldn't bring herself to accuse Rem or Reinhard of having an affair; it didn't feel right. But her suspicions just kept following her, to the point she just felt like accusing them so they could give her some sort of answer.
She stared at the ceiling until she lost track of time. She just needed to take her mind off the situation. Rolling over, Ram closed her eyes and tried to drift off to sleep. It only took seconds until the darkness of her eyelids illuminated to a sight of Rem and Reinhard having an affair.
Despite it only being a picture in her mind, Ram could see it all vividly. It was even more clear then the pictures she saw in Japan. Ram could see the look of enjoyment on Rem's face, it made an internal fire start to burn. Growing larger and larger the longer she looked at the simulated love session playing out in her head.
She was so angry to the point she completely forgot that what she was looking at was only a picture in her head. Bolting her eyelids open. Ram aggressively rolled over and grabbed a pillow next to her and started to choke it as if it were a person. Having a tight grip at what she imagined was its neck. All the while shaking it violently. Nothing but pure hatred and rage was flowing through her veins. If Ram were to still have her horn, she would have most definitely entered Oni mode.
"I hate you Rem! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you ! I hate you! I hate you" She screamed out at the top of her lungs. Not caring if anybody heard her.
Eventually Ram got a grip back over herself. She picked up the pillow and threw it across the room. A few minutes went by, and Ram sat up right taking deep breaths in trying to regain control over her emotions.
"What am I doing!? Rem would never do that to me! Ivans a liar!" Ram cried out as she began to sob hysterically.
Anger was replaced by pure sadness over her confusion of what was even happening around her. Ram just wanted one definitive answer. She was in denial. Denying that Reinhard would ever do that to her. Remembering his confident and promising tone that he will withhold his vows on their wedding day.
Rem was also her sister. Being her sister meant a lot to Ram. She would do anything for her, and no doubt Rem would do anything for Ram. Having an affair with her sister's husband did not at all translate to the type of persona she had up to that point. Rem also had Subaru. Rem was crazy about Subaru, and why she would cheat on him with Reinhard left Ram completely lost.
She was going to need much more evidence in order to truly believe that Rem and Reinhard were having an affair. But this evidence needed to be much more circumstantial and believable than just a missing wedding ring.
Ram got out of bed and stormed out of her room intending on finding Ivan so he can answer to these horrible allegations against her sister.
By this point, if Ivan were to be caught lying. Ram would give him the worst possible punishment she could imagine. Might even go as far as to try and execute him for such a horrible act of slander. The worst case of slander Ram would have ever witnessed in her life.
"Hello my lady, I have something I need to discuss with you" Ivan called out at the end of the hallway.
Ram shot her head at Ivan, who immediately noticed the tears streaming from her eyes. She began to storm up to him, trying to hold back, slapping him across the face once she got close to him for destroying the perfect image she had of her sister.
"You horrible liar! You are a villain! Look what you did to me!" Ram called out to him. Holding back screaming at him.
It was coming clear to Ivan that Ram found out that Reinhard was missing his wedding ring. She was becoming skeptical of her husband's faithfulness towards her. Clearly being in the stage of denial. Which is exactly what he wanted.
"Please don't weep my lady. All will be well" Ivan said in a calming voice.
"No! You corrupted my thoughts with my own sister being a whore! Rem would never do that to me! I won't believe it!"
"Didn't I tell you that these were only speculations? I never expected you to believe it. I was just telling you what I was thinking, like you asked of me "
"I need more proof!"
"More proof you say? Well, that's something I think I can provide. Circumstantial of course"
"Just tell me!"
"I was looking for you because I wanted to inform you that I think I have an opportunity to get a confession out of your sister"
"A confession… Do you really think Rem would confess"
"Why yes, at breakfast she had the biggest smile on her face when she was sitting next to Reinhard. She was even blushing whenever he would talk to her. I took notice of this and told her to meet me outside at a set time. What I'm going to do is ask her if she has feelings for Reinhard, and what your going to do is hide behind a tree and listen to our conversation"
Ram's face scrunched up imagining how Rem would get all cuddly to Reinhard just by sitting next to her. The fact she had the nerve to do it in front of everyone made her even more agitated.
"Do you really think she's going to confess to something like that? My sister isnt dumb, she isnt going to go around and openly admit that she loves Reinhard when she already has a obvious relationship with Subaru"
"Thing is, my lady. Rem doesn't know me. She has no clue of my rank or relationship to you. She will unfold, just trust me. Come along with me now if you want an answer to your suspicions"
"Fine, this better be worth my time. I better hear her confess"
Ram and Ivan went outside and started to make their way to a location that Ivan had told Rem to meet him at. The location was rather rural, but it wasn't too far from the castle. It was a wide open space with lots of trees surrounding them.
They were right next to the water of the large sea that surrounded the island. This spot would be a brilliant place to relax and take things easy. Truly a retired elders dream. Unfortunately, this scenery was going to do little to help Ram calm her rage and sadness if she heard her own sister confess to Ivan that she slept with her husband.
Again Ivan seemed confident Rem would confess to him. He didn't seem afraid at all if she were to not confess to him. This truly worried Ram, who started to get a feeling that whenever Ivan felt confident in something it was usually always true to what he thought.
Though, she was completely unaware of his grand scheme, and what he was actually going to do once Rem arrived.
"Hide behind that tree. Your sister will arrive here at any moment" Ivan said as he pointed to a tree that was far, but close enough as to where Ram could hear most of the conversion.
Ram did as suggested and made her way to get behind the tree and waited for Rem. She kept her back straight, making sure no outline of her was visible. After a couple minutes of waiting, Ram poked her head out from behind the tree to find none other than her sister Rem walking down the trail to meet up with Ivan.
"Hello Rem!" Ivan greeted.
"Hi, umm… Why did you want me to come out here?" Rem asked curiously.
"I just wanted to discuss something with you. I chose this location in particular because of the beautiful view of the sea. Do you like it?" Ivan asked.
Rem looked out at the sea, and admired the beautiful sea, and the blue sky with the sun shining brightly. Though it made her sad, since she remembered Subaru would be forced to leave early.
"It looks nice, but… I just wish Subaru didn't have to leave so early" Rem said in a semi sad tone.
"Just keep asking Reinhard, and he will remain here. You two have formed quite the relationship. How do you feel about him?" Ivan asked. Raising his voice slightly so Ram could hear more clearly what he just said.
Rem made a slightly confused face. "Feel about who?" She asked.
Ivan leaned in "Subaru" Ivan quickly whispered loud enough for only Rem to hear.
Rem blushed. like she always did when it came to talking about her love life. "I love him with all my heart," she said in a happy tone.
Being completely unaware that Rem was talking about Subaru instead of Reinhard. Ram's heart felt like it was crushed internally. Creating a gorey mess inside her. Her entire world started crumbling around her. The wonderful memories of her wedding day became sour. The time Rem hugged her after their small fight also became sour.
Ram felt like she had been living a lie her entire life. She didn't even know her sister anymore. The Rem she knew throughout her entire life would never do anything like this. That's what she always thought.
"You love him? Is that so?" Ivan said.
"Yes, I really do love him. He does so much for me. Never has Rem been more happy in her life" Rem said. Trying her best to not get flustered. If only she knew of the malicious intent behind Ivans seemingly innocent questions.
"Does he satisfy you?" Ivan said in a seductive tone, as he nudged Rem a little so she could get his hint.
Rem's face became bright red from embarrassment. "He satisfies me just fine!"
Ram was trying to hold back slamming her own head against the tree multiple times. She thought she just heard her own sister confess in her own words to sleeping with her husband. It didn't help that Ram could see the blush on her face.
This also made Ram totally convinced that Ivan would never tell a lie. She found him quite the honest man. Even considering him to fill the soon to be vacant personal knight position.
Out of nowhere came Subaru walking down the trail trying to find Rem. He found her talking to Ivan which was oddly different from his previous loops. Then again they didn't go out exploring into the forest so stuff was bound to change.
"Hi Subaru!" Rem greeted in a cheery tone.
"Hello Rem… I just wanted to ask you about something odd I found" Subaru said
"What is it Subaru?" Rem asked.
Subaru reached into his pocket, and pulled out a ring he had found lying on Rem's nightstand, and held it out in his palm for Rem to see. The second Ivan laid eyes on it, he tried to hold back, growing a smile.
He looked over to Ram who was peeking out from behind the tree. He motioned to her to look at what Subaru had in his hand. The second Ram laid eyes on that ring in his palm, she tried everything she possibly could to not scream out in rage.
"I found this ring just laying on your nightstand. Where did you find this?" Subaru asked.
Rem walked up and examined the ring in Subaru palm. She had never seen that ring before in her life, and didn't know it had been on her nightstand.
"I don't know where I found that Subaru. I have never seen that ring before" Rem said.
"Well it was on your nightstand"
"Was it really? Rem doesn't remember putting a ring on her nightstand"
"That's weird. Well I'm going to head back now" Subaru said as he began to walk off.
"Ok, I'll come with you," Rem said as she began to walk alongside him. She turned around to look back at Ivan and gave him a wave. "Rems leaving now, see you later"
Once Subaru and Rem were out of sight. Ram made her way out from behind the tree. She walked up to Ivan and collapsed onto the ground directly in front of him. She was mentally drained from thinking that her own sister had betrayed her trust.
"Are you feeling alright, my lady?" Ivan asked.
"No! She was my sister! I never once thought Rem would do something like that ever in my life!" Ram cried out, as she began to lightly sob on the grass.
"So it seems. I personally think if someone were to be considered an unhonest person, they should look like an unhonest person"
"Why would Reinhard do that to me! Tell me Ivan! He would never have an affair, and I know it!"
"Calm now, think. Have you and your husband ever gotten intimate with each other?"
"No…Never! Reinhard never seemed like a man that would desire such a thing. He's too formal and moral. That's exactly the reason why I decided to marry him. He also loved me, same with Rem!"
"There we go. That's the problem you see. Reinhard simply had pent up sexual frustraitons with you, and all it took was your sister to make him break"
"I don't-"
"He's a man with the same sexual desires as any. Only he could tell what's going on in that brain of his"
Ram stood up from the ground, looking into Ivans eyes. Trying to detect the slightest bit of slander from his expression alone. But he stood tall and confident. His tone did not once break. Ivan was confident, and most importantly of all, an honest man.
Getting close to him, Ram hugged onto him tightly. "Once I fire Reinhard, I want you to be my temporary personal knight until I can find a replacement"
Ivan returned the hug with Ram. "I will serve you well," He responded gratefully. But he knew that work needed to be done. He needed to secure his position as her permanent personal knight.
Their moment was interrupted with the loud sound of trumpets in the distance. The sound was so loud that it could be heard from all around the island. A sound like this could only indicate that there was an urgent matter, and Ram most definitely needed to be a part of it.
A messenger had arrived on the island, sent directly from the grand council. He came with a letter that was to be given to Ram. He had heard many things about Ram from the grand council. As he stood there waiting for her arrival he couldn't help but feel somewhat excited to meet her. Truly considering it an honour to be in her presence.
He continued to wait alongside Reinhard. Eventually Ram walked in with Ivan following behind her. Ram immediately grew a frown when she laid eyes on him. He looked so innocent and formal, Ram couldn't wrap her head around the fact that this was the man who had an affair with her own sister.
The messenger had a pleasant smile on his face. A possible sign that he had good news to tell Ram.
"Hello Miss Ram. Myself and on behalf of the grand council greet you " The messenger said, as he held out the letter for Ram to read.
Ram grabbed the letter and began to read it. She found it hard to keep her attention to reading the letter. When her seemingly unfaithful husband was standing right next to her. Even though Ram was reading the words on the paper. She didn't understand what the letter was telling her. All Ram was thinking about was how enraged she was with Reinhard.
"So, how are things going on the island? Is everything going well?" The messenger asked.
"Everything is going good so far. As you know that storm kept this island safe from invasion. Though, there was a tiny falling out between Ram and her friend Subaru, but I'm doing everything I can to make it well again" Reinhard said.
Ram gripped the paper she was reading tighter and gritted her teeth. Having a deep feeling Reinhard was going to start going on about how her dear sister really wanted one of her partners to stay.
"Oh my, there's been a falling out?" The messenger asked in a concerned tone.
"Yes unfortunately. I would do anything to make things well again. Since I really care for Subaru and the wishes of Rams dear sister Rem-"
"Of course you care for Rem!" Ram interrupted angrily. Bolting her head in Reinhard's direction, and throwing the letter onto the floor.
"Dearest, are you upset?" Reinhard asked in a concerned voice.
The messenger picked up the letter from the floor. "Maybe it was the letter that upset her. I think the council is recalling her camp, and telling her to leave the governor to rule the island" The messenger said.
"I'm happy with that. Dearest, think of it. We could go back home and you could spend the rest of the week with your sister. Instead of tending to the responsibilities of being a royal candidate"
Rams face scrunched up even more. She was holding back so much rage, since she was professional and didn't want to accuse Reinhard of having an affair in public. Especially in front of an honorary messenger from the grand council.
"I swear, If you mention my sister's name one more time!"
"Not to question you or anything, but what's wrong with me mentioning Rem? She's your beloved twin sister, you love her with all your heart. And for that reason alone I love her with all of mine as well'
Reinhard watched as Ram aggressively turned her entire body in his direction, and proceeded to give him the nastiest stare he had ever received. Having a look of pure rage burning in her eye. He may be the most powerful knight in Lugnica, but this look truly unsettled him.
"I'm glad you're insane enough to admit it in front of me!"
"Dearest, please don't be upset-" Reinhard tried to calm her down, but was quickly interrupted.
"Just leave me alone!"
The messenger couldn't believe what he was seeing. Ram was seen as a professional. Seeing her interrupt her own husband in such an aggressive manner left him bewildered.
"Miss Ram, nobody in Luginica would believe what you just did. Even if I were to swear I heard it with my own ears. That was too much. You should apologize" The messenger said.
Ram stormed out of the room, knowing she was only seconds away from letting out all her pent up rage with Reinhard. She went back to her room and began to cry her eyes out. Having to yell at Reinhard was by far one of the most mentally painful things she ever had to do in her life.
After Ram left, the room was silent. Nobody understood what made Ram so upset, except one of them. Not even Reinhard understood why she was so upset. Though he had a feeling it was because he lost his wedding ring. But even then, he knew that was a far to extreme reaction over losing a wedding ring.
Still, Reinhard knew one of the first steps to resolving whatever was wrong with Ram was to find that ring. Saying his formal goodbyes and thank yous to the messenger, he walked out of the room to continue his search.
Even after Reinhard and Ram had left. The messenger was still left shocked at what happened. He didn't expect something like this to happen at all. This was far from the calm and professional behavior he had been expecting coming to the island.
"I'm sorry, but is this the same candidate whom the council considers capable? Is this the candidate who was never meant to get emotional, and never gets rattled, no matter what disaster happens?" The messenger said.
"She's changed a great deal," Ivan said.
"Is she sane? Is she losing her mind?"
"She is what she is. Even though I haven't got the slightest clue to what's bothering her and why she did what she did. I will still not say anything negative about her"
"She rudely interrupted her husband and spoke to him so harsh and with much anger"
"It's true, that wasn't such a nice thing to do. But I wish I could say that would be the last time she does it"
"Is this a habit of hers? Or did the letter make her emotional somehow, and is this the first time that she has done this?"
"It's not my place to tell you who she is. I can't tell you everything that I have seen and heard. You will learn by observing her behavior, so I don't have to tell you. Just watch her"
"I'm sorry I was wrong about her" The messenger said as he walked out of the room. Still trying to get his head around what happened.
Ivan on the other hand walked outside feeling wonderful, everything was going right. He had gotten his promotion to personal knight, which would be in effect once Ram fired Reinhard. All he needed to do now was tie up loose ends.
One of those loose ends approached him, looking rather frustrated. It was Roderigo, and he definitely didn't seem happy in the slightest.
"How are you, Roderigo?" Ivan asked, acting oblivious.
"Stop! You have not been treating me fairly. Instead of finding any opportunities for me, you instead put me off. Preventing me from making any progress. Well I'm not going to take it any longer! And I'm not going to sit back after everything you have done!" Roderigo said in an agitated tone. His face scrunching up further as he spoke. Making sure to get into Ivans face to make himself look menacing and so Ivan would take him seriously.
Ivan let out a sigh. "Will you listen to me, Roderigo?"
"I've listened to you too much! Your words and actions don't match up!"
"That's just not fair"
"It's the truth! I have no money left. You told me the jewels you brought to Ram would be enough to have her sleep with me. You told me she got them, and promised to give a little something in return soon, but nothing like that ever happens"
"Well, alright then. Fine"
Roderigo nearly pulled out his hair. Hearing his friend act so oblivious. "Fine!" he says "Alright!" it's not fine, and I'm not alright. I'm starting to realize that I have been cheated!"
"Okay"
"It's not okay! I'm going to go tell Ram my feelings. If she returns my money, I will stop pursuing her and apologize to her. If not, I will challenge you to a duel" Roderigo shouted, loudly enough to the point that birds started to flock in the distance.
"You've said what you have to say now"
"Yes, and I will do everything I just said"
"Well, all right then. Now I see that you have some guts. From this moment on I have a higher opinion of you than before. Give me your hand, Roderigo. Your complaint against me is perfectly understandable, but I still insist I've done everything I could to help you"
Roderigo let out a giant scoff. "Its doesn't look that way to me"
"I admit it doesn't look that way, and the fact that you suspect me shows that you're smart. But Roderigo, if you're as courageous and determined as I think you are, then wait just a bit longer. If you're not having intercourse with Ram tomorrow night, then I suggest you find some way to stab me in the back and kill me"
"What's your plan then?"
"Didn't I tell you that Ram and Carlos were lovers?"
"Yes you did… What about it?"
"Ram doesn't need any other man to have an affair with! It's that simple. Carlos satisfies her enough, and until he is dealt with will continue to do so. Like I once previously said, as long as Carlos remains, things look hopeless for you"
"What do you mean? Do you want me to get rid of him somehow?"
"I mean knock out his brains, so that he is finally out of the competition. Leaving Ram nobody to satisfy her lust, other then you of course"
Roderigo couldn't believe what Ivan just told him to do. This felt like an extreme measure. Not one he was really willing to take."You want me to actually kill him!?" He asked.
"Yes, if you want to help yourself. He is leaving shortly to have dinner with a bunch of locals. Once he returns back, you could catch him off guard. I'll be nearby to help you, and the two of us could handle him easily. I will come talk to you once it grows late. Just be patient"
"This better be worth it, Ivan"
"You will be satisfied, I promise you now"
The plan was almost complete. Ivan was having Roderigo attack Carlos, hoping that one of them would die. Or even better, both of them would kill each other. Every way made his gain. If Roderigo were to live he would go up to Ram and ask for his jewels back. Jewels that were never given to her to begin with. He would expose Ivan to be a liar, and the whole scheme would come crumbling down.
If Carlos were to live, Ivan would have to live in jealousy. He hated Carlos to his guts. Carlos had every charming trait in the book that makes him look more preferable for the personal knight position then Ivan. If Ivan wanted to be Ram's permanent personal knight, Carlos had to go as well.
The evening was approaching. Instead of getting on the boat and returning to the capital like Ram had ordered him to do. Subaru spent it trying to find the owner of the mysterious ring. Rem of course joined it.
Subaru had a feeling it belonged to a servant that left it there while they were cleaning the room. So they went around and talked to each and every servant, but not one recognized the ring.
Rem had sworn she had never seen that ring before. In fact she didn't even remember it being on her nightstand to begin with. Subaru didn't recognize it either. He had never seen this type of ring before.
He held it out to analyze it. The ring looked very neat. Definitely not a ring he would find back in Japan. While holding it up to the window he realized that it was growing late out, and he had not yet warned Carlos of the attack that was to take place on him.
Though he thought that he was truly the one at danger, since he was the one that got into a fight with Roderigo. Subaru would just rather be more safe than sorry.
"Hey Rem, could you please take the ring and keep looking for the owner. I need to go find Rams lieutenant" Subaru asked.
"Subaru, I would like to go talk to Nee-Sama now. We haven't gotten a chance to talk all day" Rem said.
"Well alright then. See you later" Subaru said as he went off to find Carlos.
It took him quite some time to find him. As every minute passed Subaru became more and more scared thinking he was already gone and that the attack would take place and he would be unprepared. Luckily he was able to find him just before he walked out of the castle to go have dinner with some locals.
This is where Subarus' intervention bit him in the foot again. He didn't get to use his promise of getting Carlos his job back as a bargaining chip. Meaning that it was going to be much harder to try and convince him to wear armor this time around.
Carlos was full of doubt an attack on him would ever take place. Especially since he wasn't the one who got into the fight with Roderigo. He had no malice with anybody, so he saw no reason as to why anyone would randomly want to attack him.
But Subaru pushed on, insisting that he should wear armor under his jacket. He was telling a lot of white lies, trying everything he could to convince him. After much time begging. Carlos caved into his request.
Mainly because he seemed so sincere, it genuinely worried him. He could tell by the look in Subarus eye alone, that he was scared for his life. Not the type of look someone would have if they were making a joke.
Rem on the other hand went to find her sister. She was excited to tell her all about her experiences in Japan. They definitely had a lot to go over. Rem also wanted to hear about Rams' experience being a royal candidate.
Ram on the other hand was in bed crying her eyes out. She was crying for cried to the point she ran out of tears completely. All of them were dried up on her face, or on her pillow.
She still couldn't believe Rem is having an affair with her husband. That seemed like a paradox. Reinhard and Rem were two of the most trustworthy and innocent people Ram had ever known in her life, she would of never suspected either of them of having such disgusting sexual desires.
Ram couldn't help but blame herself for being such a blind idiot for years. Maybe she could have noticed this side of Rem sooner if she just opened her eyes for once.
A knock on the door broke her out of thought. She wasn't going to answer. Nothing could make her get out of bed and talk to anyone casually, as if nothing was happening to her. Usually Ram would remain professional even if she was in the worst of moods. But today is when that persona finally vanished. She was going to show everyone her true feelings, she couldn't hide it anymore.
Ram continued to lay in bed in silence, anticipating another irritating knock on the door. If that person on the other end were just to walk off and leave her alone, that would be a dream come true. Unfortunately life is always unfair, and another ear piercing knock filled the room.
"Who's there!?" Ram called out in an agitated tone.
"Nee-Sama, can you please open the door?" Rem asked in her sweet, soft, and innocent voice. That nearly tricked Ram into believing her sister was on the other end of the door.
"Go away! Please! Just leave me alone!"
Rem couldn't believe what she just heard. Ram seemed mad at her for some reason. Up to this point Ram never got mad at her, not even when Rem got mad at her for having a mini grudge on Subaru.
"Nee-Sama what do you mean? I'm your sister, Rem. Can I please come in"
"No! Please Rem just leave! Please! My minds going crazy thinking that your a… a whore! You slept with.. I can't do this Rem. I am suffering internally right now! Just leave me be! Just know I still love you!" Ram screamed. That sentence was by far the most painful sentence Ram had ever said in her entire life.
Tears trickled down Rems face the second she heard the word her own sister just labeled her with. How could her own sister call her something so disgusting and putrid.
"Nee-Sama… Rems not a… Rem can't even bring herself to say such a word, Nee-Sama''
"You're right! My sister couldn't bring herself to say such a thing. In fact my sister is far from that word. Just go away and leave me alone! I am begging!"
"Why Nee-Sama?"
"I know about your little affair!"
"Affair? Nee-Sama, I don't know what your talking about"
"You act so innocent, to the point it pains me internally to yell at you. Yelling at you is like yelling at my sister, and yelling at my sister is like having knives stabbed into me multiple times"
"I am your sister, Nee-Sama"
"Rem, I'm not going to ask you again! Just leave me alone. I need time to get over this. The only reason I'm letting you come back near me is because I know the sister I love so much is inside you somewhere"
Rem did as her sister requested and took off down the halls crying. Ram had seriously lost her mind. It hurt Ram so much to do that to Rem, that was the last thing she ever wanted to do to her own sister. She loved Rem, even after she did something as disgusting as this. It was going to be a long road to recovery.
It was growing late outside and the night had descended. Ivan met up with Roderigo and brought him to a street Carlos would have to walk down in order to get back to the castle.
"Stand behind this wall. He should come straight ahead. Keep your sword close, and give him the biggest jab you could possibly muster. Make him cough up his own blood onto the ground. Don't be afraid, I will be right by you. This either makes us, or breaks us. Remember that"
"A…Alright, just stand by me I might mess up"
"I will be right behind you. Be bold, and get ready"
Ivan moved aside, and Roderigo waited for Carlos to make his way down the street. He had never killed or dueled anyone up to this point. The only reason he was doing it now was because Ivan gave him a good reason to do so. Roderigo really wanted Ram, and was willing to do almost anything in order to achieve that goal.
Even though he really didn't want to actually kill Carlos, he had no malice with the guy at all. Ivan had convinced him that once Carlos was gone, Ram would be in his arms. It was only one man, so it was no big deal in his eyes.
Ivan on the other hand knew for a fact Roderigo was growing impatient. If not already impatient. He wanted Ram like Ivan had promised, but he had not delivered. Roderigo was growing angry, and Ivan was running out time.
A couple minutes went by. The night seemed calm, not a single person was out wandering the street. Doubt was beginning to cloud Roderigo's head whether Carlos was going to walk down the street or not. But eventually he heard the sound of distant footsteps growing louder with each passing second.
Slowly poking his head out from behind the wall, his eyes saw the dark figure of Carlos. He felt his palms sweat as the time finally arrived to make his grand move. He took in some deep breaths as Carlos made his way closer and closer to the wall he was hiding behind.
Running off of pure adrenaline, Roderigo made a charge for Carlos with his sword in hand. Giving him the biggest strike to the chest he could possibly muster from his weak and fragile body.
He didn't feel his sword cut into flesh, instead it stopped suddenly and a faint collision noise was heard. It was the sound of metal.
"That thrust might really have hurt me if I didn't have this armor under my coat. Now let's see what you've got on" Carlos said.
He quickly reached for the sword in his holster, and drew it out. Stabbing Roderigo directly in the chest, wounding him to the ground. His sword falling out of his hand. Roderigo let out a scream of pain as blood gushed from his injury.
Ivan quickly emerged from behind and stabbed Carlos in the leg, sending him onto the ground. He quickly ran off before Carlos could catch a glimpse of him. Roderigo tried to drag his body down the street wanting to find someone to treat his injuries.
Carlos felt his leg sting from the pain. It was too dark outside to be able to see how bad his injury was. But he could feel thick liquid pouring onto his hands rapidly. "I'll be crippled forever! Help! Murder! Murder!" He shouted in an attempt to bring attention to himself.
Subaru was in the castle, when he encountered Rem running down the halls with tears streaming down her face. "What's wrong, Rem?" He asked in a calm voice.
Rem stopped in her tracks and turned to Subaru. Her face remained the same. More tears streamed out of her eyelids, knowing that she was going to have to go over the situation. The situation that hurt her so badly to talk about.
"Subaru, Nee-Sama's mad at me"
"Over what?"
"I don't know. She called me a… A"
"Called you a what?"
Ivan suddenly ran through the door interrupting their conversation. Subaru turned to look at him and was confused to see that he was slightly panicked. "What's the matter Ivan?" He asked.
"Lieutenant Carlos had been injured. I overheard his cries for help from the window in my bedroom. I came back inside trying to get a light" Ivan said, telling a lie.
Subaru turned to look at Rem. "Rem, I need you to follow him and heel Rams lieutenants leg. He could possibly die of blood loss" Subaru said.
"O…Ok, but can you please have a talk with Nee-Sama and find out why she's upset with me?" Rem asked.
"Sure" Subaru agreed.
Both Ivan and Rem went outside to tend to the injured Carlos. Subaru on the other hand had to do something to try and intervene in the fight between Reinhard and Ram. He knew the altercation was to take place in the bedroom, since that's the place Reinhard was directed to by the servant in his previous loops.
So Subaru made his way there intending on intervening and solving the mystery behind their sudden feud. But while walking there a puzzle started to be solved in his brain. The ring he possessed, he was starting to think that it could have been Reinhards.
Though it didn't make much sense, as to why his wedding ring would be on Rem's nightstand. But there was no risk asking.
Ivan and Rem slowly went outside to treat Carlos of his injury. Ivan held a light in his hand that illuminated the way. They could hear Carlos continue to cry out for help.
"Help! Isn't there a guard around? No one passing by? Murder! Murder!"
"Lieutenant, I will be right there, just hang in there for a couple more seconds" Ivan called out.
"Is that you Ivan? I'm here, I've been injured by villains! Help me!"
Ivan and Rem eventually stumbled upon Carlos who was bleeding from his leg. Covering every inch of the concrete with his blood that continued to leak out of his leg. That glistened as the light shined against its surface.
"Oh lieutenant, what villains have done this?" Ivan asked in a sympathetic tone as he knelt down to get a better look at the injury.
"I think one of them is nearby. I stabbed him. I saw him dragging his body trying to get away from here"
"Somebody help me over here!" Roderigo called out in a fit of desperation.
"That's one of them!" Carlos said.
"Such a treacherous criminal! Murderer! Villain! Stay here lieutenant. I will have Rem here take care of your injuries. Let me handle this criminal" Ivan said.
He stood up and made his way through the darkness with his light in hand. He heard the sound of people rushing over to Carlos. People who were obviously able to pick up on his cries for help. Ivan seemed to have successfully distanced himself from the attack. Since Carlos never suspected him, but there was still one eye witness that needed to be taken care of for good.
The light was able to reveal a small trail of blood on the street. That eventually led to Roderigo who was trying to drag himself along the concrete. Hearing footsteps come near to him, and seeing light shine from behind him.
Roderigo flipped his body over onto his back to find Ivan standing there. Instead of going up to help his injured friend, he drew his sword and started to approach Roderigo. It was then Roderigo finally realized that he had been used all for Ivans personal benefactor.
All the money he gave him went into Ivans pocket instead of Ram. He had lied and manipulated him to get what he wanted and now he was going to die to him after he used up all his worth.
Ivan went up and stabbed Roderigo in the chest once more, sealing his fate. "Murderous villain Ivan! You inhuman dog!" Roderigo shouted out. Not long after coughing up large amounts of blood. That would flood from his mouth and drip onto the concrete.
Reinhard had been called to meet Ram in their bedroom. He was curious as to what she wanted to talk about. Maybe he could finally gain some insight on what was frustrating her during the late afternoon when the messenger arrived. Sadly he still found no progress into being able to track where his wedding ring went. He felt like he checked everywhere.
He scanned the halls, dining room, and even went outside to see if it slipped off out there. His search had so far been unsuccessful. Reinhard entered the bedroom to find Ram looking enraged, having tears streaming down her face.
She was still suffering from the pain of having to yell at her own sister. She hated having to do something like that. She loved Rem, but an act as disgusting as this couldn't go on deaf ears. Even though Ram was infuriated at Rem for sleeping with her husband. Ram still loved her, and needed some time to get over it. Same couldn't be said about Reinhard.
The second she laid eyes on the handsome knight in front of her. She tried to hold back sobs. He looked so formal and innocent. The fact she was accusing him of an affair felt completely falsified. But the evidence that was against him was stacked to the point she couldn't help herself but feel enraged.
The wedding ring, the constant mention of her sister's name, and the most strongest piece of evidence being how Rem would talk about him and how he would satisfy her just fine. Ram tried to deny it, but she couldn't. Ivan kept convincing her that they were having an affair, and so far he had been correct in all his suspicions. Not once had he been false. He was an honest man who told nothing but the truth.
"Hello-" Reinhard tried to greet Ram, but she interrupted him before he couldn't even get a second word out of his mouth. His tone felt so wholesome, it was like a spell to her ears. "Stop… Please.." Ram said in a serious tone.
Reinhard could read Ram's expression, and he knew that the conversation they were about to have wasn't going to be pretty. Formality didn't seem like it was going to help him in this situation. Despite being rudely interrupted, Reinhard didn't even get angry in the slightest. He actually stood there waiting for what Ram had to tell him. And only would only speak when he was given permission to.
Ram took a deep breath in trying to keep her composure. "Why did you do it?" She asked in a calm voice. Hoping that Reinhard would just confess to what he had done, so they didn't have to go through the process of denial.
He just stood there, didn't say a word. His face didnt even change in the slightest. Having not even the slightest clue to what Ram was accusing him of doing. Being smart enough to know if he were to deny what he possibly could have done, it would most likely only escalate the situation further.
"Answer me. Why did you do it?" Ram asked again. This time Reinhard knew he had to say something, but he still had no idea what Ram was getting onto. He really didnt want to act dumb, but he had no other option.
"Do what, dearest?" He asked in the most formal, polite, and content tone he could possibly put on. Hoping it would be enough to help Ram calm herself down. He knew if he started to get angry, Ram would get more angry. Not that he was angry, he just knew that any aggression would result in a catastrophe.
He had learned many years ago that the key to solving a problem was keeping himself calm, so the person he was arguing with would stay calm.
Rams face scrunched up a bit hearing Reinhard play dumb and act oblivious to what he did with her sister. She just wanted a direct confession so she could finally end this whole situation.
"For what you did with my sister! I heard about your affair!" Ram said.
"... Dearest, I would never have an affair with your sister of all people. In fact I wouldnt have an affair with anybody. I have no such sexual desire"
Accusing Reinhard was ruining Ram internally. She was about to lose her mind. She kept trying to convince herself that Reinhard wasn't the charming man who was standing in front of her. But it was so hard with his tone and calm attitude. Not even getting defensive at such a serious allegation against him.
"You gave your ring, the one you told me you charrished to my sister"
"No, I swear by my life and soul that I didn't. You can even bring her here and ask her"
"I don't want to be lied to anymore. Please don't lie"
"Please Dearest, let's talk about this. I swear to you now that I never did anything wrong to you in my life. I never loved your sister Rem, except with the pure love that I feel for all people"
"I saw her with your wedding ring! You liar. You're turning my heart to stone. I saw the ring with my own eyes!"
"She found it somewhere, then. I never gave it to her. Tell her to come here and she shall tell the truth"
"No she won't. I already tried to hear the truth from her, but she chose to tell a lie. She was the one I overheard admitting it"
"Admit what?"
"That she had an affair with you. I heard it all"
"Plea-"
"I don't want to hear it anymore! I want you to leave and never get close to me again! You're fired" Ram said.
Before the situation could escalate further, Subaru barged through the bedroom door. Holding out Reinhard's wedding ring in his palm.
"Reinhard, is this your wedding ring?" Subaru asked.
Ram shot her head at Subaru. Feeling further more enraged to find out that he didn't get on the boat and return to the capital like he was supposed to. "Barusu, shouldn't you be on your way back to the capital!?"
"Yes, that is my ring. Where did you find it?" Reinhard asked. Completely disregarding the reason as to why Subaru didn't get on the boat and return like he was supposed to.
"I found it on Rems nightstand-"
"Of course you found it on her nightstand! Ram cried out, as she began to sob in her hands.
Subaru then realized that he walked in during the midst of a serious argument. Thing is, he still had no clue what it was over. "What's going on?" Subaru asked.
"This has nothing to do with you, Barusu!"
"Let's just chill for a minute, can we just go over what happened?"
"I was just in the middle of firing and divorcing my unfaithful knight Reinhard for having an affair with my own sister!"
Subaru couldn't believe what was happening. He really wanted to know how Ram came down to the conclusion of Reinhard having an affair with Rem. Subaru knew for a fact Rem would never do such a thing, neither would Reinhard. Clearly Ram wasn't too happy thinking that her sister had seemingly slept with her husband. Which was understandable, Subaru would be pretty upset himself if that had happened to him. But the only thing is, he thought this claim was a big misunderstanding. Something isn't adding up.
"Ram, why do you think Reinhard is having an affair with Rem of all people?"
"I don't know, you should ask him!" Ram said as he pointed to Reinhard, hoping that he would just confess to what he did.
Reinhard didn't even know what to say anymore. He knew if he were to deny it again, it would only make Ram more angry. But it was the truth. Something he always told. "Dearest, please calm down. I truly have no idea-"
"I don't want to hear it! Just leave! Please! I never wanted to do this to you, but I…" Ram couldn't bring herself to finish her sentence and collapsed onto the floor.
Without saying a word, Reinhard made his way out of the room. Subaru wasn't going to let him leave knowing full well of what was going to happen once he made it outside. "Wait! Reinhard, don't go!" He pleaded as he went after him down the hall.
"Dont worry about me Subaru. I'm just following orders'' Reinhard said as he continued to walk away. His tone was no longer so formal, but that was expected.
Subaru knew Reinhard was going to insist on leaving Ram alone like he was ordered to. The only way he would return is if Ram would was to recall him, and that's what Subaru was going to try and do.
Walking back into the bedroom Subaru looked at Ram with a serious expression, knowing he was on the clock to try and convince her that Reinhard was never unfaithful to her.
"Ram, why do you think Reinhards is having an affair?" Subaru asked.
"The wedding ring! Constantly mentioning my sister's name! Rem even confessed to Ivan that she had slept with him!" Ram cried out.
"Wait, she confessed to Ivan?"
"Yes! Ivan, he was the one that made me aware of those two having an affair. I didn't want to believe it, but so far he has given me a good reason to believe it"
"Hold on, Ivan was the one telling you that they had an affair?"
"Yes! He made me aware of all of this. He noticed Rem wearing Reinhard's wedding ring just yesterday, and he got a confession out of Rem!"
It was then the true super villain started to emerge in Subarus head. Ivan was the one behind this entire situation. This was a scheme set up by him. Because Subaru knew for a fact Rem was not wearing that ring yesterday. In fact, she was with him the entirety of yesterday.
"He's lying! Rem was with me yesterday, and not once did I see that ring on her finger. Also when I brought it to her attention, we spent the entire day trying to find the original owner. Don't you think if she had possessed it through Reinhard, that she would say she found it outside or somewhere else, and would insist not to look for the original owner?"
"I don't believe it! Ivan never lies!"
"He's lying now, Ram!"
Their discussion was interrupted when the man himself Ivan walked in the room. But he wasn't alone. Rem was dragged in the room by her arm. It was clear to Subaru, Ivan was handling Rem like a prisoner. Meaning that she was framed for the attack on Carlos instead of him this time around.
This only further proved Ivans guilt in Subarus mind. In fact he was most likely the one that had injured Carlos, and this was just his attempt to cover his tracks.
"My lady, Lieutenant Carlos, has been injured by villians, but not to worry. He is holding up just fine. I was also able to catch two of the supposed murderers" Ivan said.
"Rem didn't do anything, let me go!" Rem pleaded.
"Be quiet, you villain!" Ivan demanded.
Ram could only stare at her sister unsure of what she should do. Subaru on the other hand wasn't going to let Ivans scheme succeed. It was clear that he was the true criminal.
"Hold on, what gives you the idea Rem committed the crime!?" Subaru asked.
"I had a good suspicion to believe that she was guilty of the crime committed tonight. She looked so nervous. Look how pale she is"
Subaru wasn't going to believe any of Ivan's lies. "You're lying! So you were the one that told Ram all those accusations of Reinhard having a supposed affair"
"I told her what I thought. I didn't tell her anything that didn't make sense or was falsified"
"Did you say that Reinhard was having an affair or not?"
"Yes, I did"
"You are a liar and you know it! You said he slept with Rem. Did you say Rem?"
Ivan let out a sigh. "Yes, with Rem. Now be quiet"
"I will not be quiet! This was a scheme masterminded by you!" Why did you do this!?"
"Have you gone insane, Subaru? Shut your mouth and stop slandering me in front of, my lady"
"It's sad, but Ivan knows he had sex with my sister at least a thousand times. Rem confessed it, and he pledged his love to her by giving her the wedding ring that he had told me he was going to cherish for the rest of his life. You even know that you found it in Rem's bedroom" Ram said.
"Nee-Sama, Rem didn't do anything!" Rem pleaded.
"No, no this is all a lie. There is no possible way Rem would ever have an affair" Subaru said, agreeing with Rem.
"Damn it! Just shut your mouth already. Speak within the door. Nobody is listening to your made up lie, that's only purpose is to ruin me"
"No! The truth must come out! Just listen to what I have to say-"
"If you were smart, you would learn to shut up"
While Subaru and Ivan were bickering with each other, Ram's attention turned to something else. It was Reinhard's journal that was on the desk. She knew if she were to read it, that could possibly reveal the truth to what was really happening.
Reinhard said he wanted to keep everything he wrote in it a secret, but Ram needed direct evidence. There was too much talk.
Slowly waking up to the desk she picked up the journal and opened it to a random page. Ivan and Subaru were too busy fighting to notice anything Ram was doing. Subaru was insisting that Ivan was a liar, and Ivan was just doing everything he possibly could to try and shut him up.
Ram stared at the page she opened to and began to read its contents. It read: Today is a special day. A really special day. In fact this day is going to be the day I remember for my entire life. Many would tell me that I am way too young to be at this stage in my life, but I am confident that this is what I want. This evening, I will be standing in front of everyone saying marital vows to Ram. I am quite excited, but I am naturally really nervous for this occasion. I just find it so exciting that I will finally get to say I have a wife. Throughout my many years, multiple women have tried to make their way into my heart, but they all were missing something… No matter, Ram is the one. And I am confident that I would never grow tired of her, no matter what happens. That's the reason I want to marry her so early, it's because I know she's the one. Anyway, it's nearing the time of the big occasion.
Turning the page, Ram continued to read. Her hands started to tremble as she started to realize who was the real liar of the two. Next page read: Well that was a big moment. I can finally say that I myself am married to someone. It was quite daunting, but I did it, or I should say we did it. No doubt Ram was also nervous. She looked like she was about to pass out. I could see her squinting her eyes as she walked down the aisle. Quite adorable. I am lucky to have her to myself throughout the rest of myself. She once told me everyone thought she was a god that could do everything, and that her reputation is all that she stood for. Well I will be the first to say that I truly love Ram whether she has or horn or doesnt. I'm sure she would say the same about me except with divine protections. The wedding went well… I just wished my grandfather would have showed up. He can't even be supportive of me in the slightest. He just needs to finally realize that it wasn't my fault and that I would never-"
Ram stopped reading the journal and placed it back down on the desk. Her thoughts were livid. "You horrible, villainous, liar! Get your hands off of my sister!" Ram demanded as she shot her head into Ivans direction.
Just like that his scheme came crumbling down. Knowing that the situation was turning against him. He threw Rem to the ground, and drew his sword. He had to decide whether she wanted to kill Rem or Subaru. He decided on Subaru since he was the one who kept pressing him. He quickly stabbed Subaru in the chest. Missing his heart by only a few centimeters.
He took off running. Just as Carlos was about to enter the room. Carlos immediately took off to pursue Ivan, after seeing him stab Subaru. He was in disbelief that one of his honest friends did something so horrible.
Carlos was going to petition Rems' cause. After she finished healing his leg, Ivan accused her out of nowhere. He grabbed her so quickly that it made Carlos feel disgusted how he could handle a woman in such a way. The only reason he couldn't pursue him quicker was because his wife came out and started to ask him an essay of questions.
Ivan ran as fast as possible. Pushing past, servants, and guests who were all completely unaware of what was occurring. His heart rate spiked up massively, for the first time throughout this entire scheme, Ivan finally felt himself get scared and lose confidence.
For so long had he remained calm and collective as to convey the honest image he held up for so long. But all it took was Subaru and his blabbering mouth to have the entire scheme come crumbling down.
He truly was infuriated with Subaru, wishing he could kill him a thousand times over. But now isn't the time for revenge. Ivan needed to find a way to get off the island and shake lieutenant Carlos and others that were possibly still on his tail.
Running outside the castle, he began going down the streets. He still heard rapid footsteps not too far behind him. While running seemingly aimlessly he ran into the body of Roderigo who was sat up against the wall looking dead.
A couple of locals were surrounding him, but they all noticed that Roderigo was seemingly still alive. But he only had mere seconds to live, since his blood still gushed from two of his injuries. Despite the locals attempts to bandage him up.
Roderigo saw Ivan in his peripheral vision. Used his final seconds to turn his head in his direction. And give him the meanest stare he possibly could muster. Not long after raising his hand and pointing to him.
"You… You horrible murderous villain!" Roderigo shouted with the last of his breath. Not too long after dropping his arm and head, dying there on the streets.
Ivan could only stare at his former friend, with a look of extreme guilt on his face. Carlos eventually caught up with him and ackled Ivan onto the ground.
In the castle Rem was tending to Subarus' wound he received. He was lucky to not have gotten stabbed in his heart.
Ram could only stare at Subaru and feel sorry for herself. She couldn't believe she let Ivan use and manipulate her so easily. Truly thinking herself as nothing but a fool.
While healing Subarus' injuries, Rem couldn't help but cry a little. When she saw Subaru get stabbed that was by far the scariest moment of her life. Since it looked like Ivan stabbed him right in the heart. "Subaru are you ok?" She asked in a weeping tone.
Subarus' injury sealed off, and the skin returned to normal. He got up off the ground and rotated his arm feeling very relieved and happy. He was finally able to expose Ivan and his lies. "Never better Rem, never better" He responded in a confident tone.
Not too long after. Carlos returned with Ivan as prisoner. Ram had quite a few words to say to her now former ensign.
"Bring the snake forward," Ram ordered.
Carlos dragged Ivan up to the front of the bedroom, to lay directly in front of Ram. Ivan and Ram had a stare down with each other. Ram wanted to kill him for doing such a disgusting act.
"I'm looking at you to see if you have a gospel hidden in your jacket like a member of the witch's cult" Ram said.
"He indeed is such a treacherous criminal," Carlos said.
"Why did you do it!? What reason do you have? You tried to kill Carlos, and blame it on my sister! You accused both my sister and husband of having an affair! All for what!?" Ram asked. In a tone that demanded he answer to his crimes.
"Demand me nothing. You know what you know. From this moment on, I'll never say another word" Ivan said.
"Ivan, I never gave you a reason to hate me," Carlos said.
Ivan didn't say anything like he had promised. And just layed on the ground awaiting to hear what Ram was going to do with him. One thing he wasn't going to cater to was telling them the truth of his motives.
"Rem, how did you get Reinhard's wedding ring?" Ram asked in a calm tone.
"Nee-Sama, Subaru simply found it on my nightstand. We already know now that he planted it there for his own purposes" Rem said.
"What a horrible fool I am!" Ram cried out as she fell onto the bed and began to cry.
"Ram, it's not too late to make things right. Go find Reinhard and make things right again" Subaru said.
Ram completely forgot about Reinhard and where he went off to. Without saying anything she bolted up from bed and ran out of the room to go find him.
Carlos grabbed onto Ivans arm once more. "You bloodthirsty dog, you're crueler than sadness or hunger, crueler than the sea. Think of all the misery you tried to cause tonight. You are now imprisoned, you will join us in returning to the capital. I need to make sure the state knows about what happened here"