Crusch could sense when someone was in a bad mood. Her Divine Protection did wonders when it came to figuring out the certain moods and emotions of those around her.

So when she noticed the blue-haired maid sulk by her lonesome, Crusch figured that there was no harm in going to talk with her.

"Rem-san? What's the matter?"

"Eep!"

The sudden intrusion of silence by the green-haired duchess caused Rem to jump out of her skin. She calmed herself mere seconds later, but her heart was still beating fast by the unexpected entrance.

"Oh. Crusch-sama. My apologies. I did not realize you were there," Rem bowed graciously.

Crusch responded to her worries with a smile. "No. It is quite all right. There is no cause for alarm. I am just curious as to what is troubling you."

Rem blinked. "Troubling? There is nothing troubling Rem, I assure you," she waved off.

"Rem-san," Crusch folded her arms with a slight tig of her lips into a grin. "You're lying."

Rem gave a disappointed expression before lowering her gaze down to her feet. "Oh. Right. You can tell when others are lying."

"So, are you going to tell me?" Crusch asked. "Or is it something too personal? If that is the case, then I won't mind leaving you be to—"

"No no, it's quite all right, Crusch-sama," Rem interrupted. "Rem is just feeling… inadequate."

Quirking a brow, Crusch turned to lean on the building they were standing next to. "Inadequate? Care to explain?"

"It's just that… Rem isn't… compared to Sister… and Emilia-sama, even yourself, Rem is nothing."

Crusch furrowed her brows, curious to know what the maid meant. "What do you mean?"

"Compared to all of you, Rem is worthless. Sometimes… Rem wonders why she's even around. I don't do much. In fact, I usually just cause problems for everyone else. Subaru-kun's scars are Rem's fault. Sister's… nevermind. You understand what I'm getting at."

Instead of agreeing with her, Crusch frowned and placed her hands on her hips. "No. I don't."

"Eh?" Rem was caught off guard by Crusch's stern voice.

"I don't get it at all. You're saying you're below me? Your sister? Emilia-dono? That is ridiculous. What on earth gave you that idea?" Crusch snapped.

Ruffled by Crusch's questions, Rem fiddled with her fingers and stared down at the ground. "Rem is just saying… Rem often creates problems for others. The only thing I can do properly to make up for Rem's lack of ability is to protect others. No matter the cost, I have to make up for my shortcomings."

Crusch squinted at the maid before taking a step forward. "And who says you are worthless? Who criticizes your abilities? Because it's certainly not me."

"Well… that…"

"Just as I expected," Crusch spoke. "The only person who is looking down on you, is yourself."

Rem tried to say something, but nothing came out. She was speechless against Crusch's declaration. She was right. Everyone else constantly praised and adored Rem. But she didn't feel that she was worthy of such affection. Rem always felt there was something more she could do for everyone. Something that she was lacking. It wasn't until Crusch slapped her in the face with her words did she finally open her eyes.

"F-Forgive me, Crusch-sama," Rem apologized. "I-I did not mean to offend you in any way."

Sighing, Crusch rubbed at her temples. "Please do not apologize. I am at fault for forcing a confession out of you. But Rem-san, please remember. You are cherished. Your camp loves you very much."

Blushing, Rem nodded at her words. "R-Right. Rem acknowledges that."

"And…" Crusch continued. "There are plenty of others that like you as well."

Rem brushed a strand of blue hair behind her ear. "R-Rem isn't too sure about that. Sure, I'll admit Emilia-sama and Subaru-kun do like Rem, as does Sister. But outside of that, it seems rather unbelievable."

"Nonsense," Crusch chuckled. "After all, I like you."

"E-Eh?" Rem vocalized. "Y-You do?"

"Of course," Crusch took another step forward. "You are rather admirable."

"N-No. Rem isn't—"

"You're strong, loyal, honest, and hard-working. Some of my favorite qualities in a person," Crusch continued. "Not to mention your appearance."

"Rem's appearance?" The blue-haired maid was rather surprised. Very rarely did anyone compliment her looks.

"Yes. You're adorable," Crusch brushed some hair out of her face. "Honestly, you might be too cute."

"T-This is rather shocking coming from you, Crusch-sama," Rem said. They were barely inches apart now. Rem could feel her heartbeat quickening again.

"Do you not believe me?" Crusch queried. "Would you like me to show you?"

"Show… me?" Rem's face was growing red hot. Her lips became dry and her fingers began to tremble in anticipation. Just what was this feeling?

"Here. I'll show you." Within seconds, Crusch's strong, firm lips were placed against Rem's soft plump ones. She squeaked a bit in surprise, but soon melted into the kiss and welcomed the duchess's embrace.

When their lips parted, there was a hazy glint in Rem's eye. "See?" Crusch chuckled. "I like you."

"I think…" Rem breathed out. "Rem will need more convincing."

With a grin, Crusch's gloved hands cupped Rem's adorable little face, and their lips met once more.

It felt nice. Having someone else kiss you was a feeling Rem didn't know she wanted so bad until now. Even though this was an unexpected outcome, Rem couldn't deny the swelling in her heart once Crusch's sincerity fully reached her.

Besides, she really, really needed this.

Her blood continued to pump vigorously once Crusch poked her tongue inside her mouth. Giving a quiet gasp, she felt Crusch smile against her lips before she slowly reached to cup her breasts. Rem gave another quiet gasp, enjoying the sensation of Crusch fondling her.

Crusch then separated her lips before she began to kiss her jaw and neck. "Beautiful," she muttered. "So beautiful."

"C-Crusch-sama…" Rem whined. She crooned into Crusch's touch as she continued to pepper soft kisses along the maid's neck. As one of her hands slowly reached down and cupped the duchess's behind.

Rem tried responding with kisses of her own, but only really messily pecked her forehead and cheeks. Crusch meanwhile continued to kiss and suck at Rem's neck, savoring the delicious moans the maid would make whenever she licked along a sensitive spot.

"Crusch-sama… This—" Rem didn't finish her sentence as she was cut off by a moan. She found herself lost in the passion. Lost in Crusch.

But before anything more could happen, the duchess placed one final kiss inbetween Rem's chest and pulled back with a warm smile.

"Feeling better about yourself?"

"H-Huh? O-Oh… Yes." Rem's face was flushed and her hair was a frizzy mess. Meanwhile Crusch looked just as refined as ever.

"Good. I'll see you around, Rem-san." And with that, Crusch spun on her heels and left Rem to her own devices.

Rem was completely bewildered by what just happened. Was it a dream? Was it a fantasy? Or reality? Regardless, one thing remained true.

Rem did feel much better afterwards.