Thank you again to everyone for the support on chapter two of Re:Abyss. Sorry for the delay of the chapter but it was my birthday last week, so I decided to take some time to just chill out for a bit. Alongside that this chapter took quite a while to make just due to the sheer length of it.
Also, I had a question on how I think Nanachi would react if she ever met Subaru before he became Bondrewd.
Honestly, I imagine she would have a breakdown as well as a new weariness for the Abyss that someone as nice and Subaru could become something as monstrous as Bondrewd.
Finally, a small warning, from here on out I will be making up my own lore and backstory for this version of Bondrewd. As far as I'm aware there aren't too many details about Bondrewd's history which leaves me plenty of room to write my own ideas. Just a heads-up in case that bothers some people.
Anyway without further ado please enjoy Re:Abyss- Chapter 3.
"Are you so sure of this? His power is dangerous!" A man demanded, his voice a whisper though his tone was one of great worry. At first glance he could be mistaken to be an elderly man in his late fifties: dark brown hair now greyed with stress, wrinkles spread across his face and large dark bags under each of his dull grey eyes.
This is just one of the many symptoms of the emerald mists that plagued the lands he called home. Rapid aging, a year ago he had been a good-looking man in his mid-twenties. Now he both looked and felt decrepit.
However, if this man could be called elderly then the man he so desperately followed could only be described as ancient. His skin was more akin to wrinkled leather, he possessed no hair and his right hand held a cane to help support his light frame. Hobbling at speeds most likely to be dangerous for his frail frame the older man finally reached his desired objective. A large glass wall, placing his hand upon its reflective surface he gazed.
Finally caught up the younger of the two also gazed in. Before them was a room of white with little homely comforts just a bed and a small table. The room itself was not what drew the pair but rather the young man who inhabited it. Similar to one of his observers, the teens hair was white though the rest of his skin was youthful, fresh and unwrinkled skin. He was as clean as the white walls that imprisoned him.
The younger of the pair turned to his elder, "Patient number 6 although non hostile has been near impossible to cooperate with, what makes you think this volatile power of his will be our mystical cure?!"
"Because he is the dawn, the light that will bathe us in its warmth and save us from the darkness," the man spoke with adoration in his eyes, looking at the teen with great reverence. "As for cooperation that will no longer be a problem, he has chosen to speak to me." For a moment the younger man looked shocked, "What! But when?"
With a smug grin the elder gestures to the teen, who as if sensing their presence had stood up staring through what should be a one-way window. Yet his heterochronic eyes, one a deep brown the other a dull silver looked to them with razor sharp intent. The older of the two spoke up his voice making the other man flinch, "His demands were simple enough, all he desires in return for his cooperation is a new name."
"And that new name would be?" The younger one asks his tone curious. The elder grins before gesturing to a plaque located above the steel door intersecting between the teens room and the outside. Upon the plaque itself only a single word was written.
Bondrewd
The younger whirled onto the elder, "Have you gone mad! To give anyone such a name is sacrilege," the elder merely grinned his wizened eyes piercing his assistants' own, "I'm already dead."
The sight before Reinheart was stark, the loot house was in utter ruin far beyond reasonable repair. Feeling movement from his arm he watched the young girl, Felt rush towards the man, no giant she called Rom. Dropping to her knees she embraced his head wailing her sorrows.
Before he could react Emilia quickly made her way over to Felt, looking to comfort her. Hugging the smaller girl, Emilia spoke softly, "He was like family to you wasn't he." Sniffling Felt hiccupped, "Y-yea he's always looked out for me even when I was little," she whimpered. "I understand," Emilia coaxed, "I also have someone like that though he's really lazy and never around when I feel I need him most." Looking at the silver haired elf, Felt crying calmed, "Why? Why did you help me, I stole from you, I left your friend to those muggers? I've caused you nothing, but trouble so why did you save me?" Emilia smiled kindly, "Between you and me, I just like helping people. You have to keep it a secret for me though ok," she said seriously, her tone leaving no room for objection.
Bondrewd watched from the side-lines, content to merely observe the touching moment between the two girls. "It seems you had no need of me after all," Reinheart walked over his expression of great sadness. Once he was within arm's reach of Bondrewd he bowed low. "I ask that you both accept my forgiveness for my slothful display and accept my thanks for protecting these two young women."
Bondrewd was more than aware of Reinhearts self-deprecating nature, he had once used it to control Reinheart bending the world's most powerful hero to his will. Through with every passing day Reinhearts strength waned until even he the legendary Sword Saint died ironically enough at his own blade, the legendary Dragon Sword Reid.
Perhaps a different method was required, one shown to him through his greatest success, Nanachi. He had expected both Reg and Riko to abandon them once they had served their purpose, once the debt had been repaid and Mitty's final rest complete he had awaited with bated breath for Nanachis own flesh lamp to flicker out. But it never did, instead of abandoning Nanachi to the dark, they lifted them up onto their level. They worked together and sought to bring the best out of each other. Maybe, he could learn from them and try something new.
"There is no need to bow Reinheart, I asked many for help, but you were the only one to answer the call. That in itself speaks to your incredible loyalty to duty." Bondrewd praised. "That being said even if I did not need saving there is someone who does," he gestures to Felt. "There is more to that child, her hair, her eyes, they are similar to that of the royal family are they not?"
Eyes now wide in alarm, Reinheart prepared himself to question the young girl when with surprising force Bondrewd grabbed a hold of his shoulder stopping him. "Now, now before you rush over there might I suggest you take a second to think. She has just lost someone very important to her and must be handled tactfully."
Taking a deep breath Reinheart nods his head. He slowly approaches inwardly gulping at the thought of making the wrong impression. Finally, within speaking distance his sight fell upon them only to find Felt handing over a Dragon insignia the jewel of which glowed a bright ruby within Felts hand.
"It must be fate," he uttered, his voice shaky. The sound drew the attention of both Emilia and Felt. Kneeling down onto one knee he looked at Felt eye to eye. "Lady Felt I know this is sudden, but would you perhaps consider coming with me to the Astrea residence?" Both girls were shocked, Emilia being the first to recover spoke first, "Sir Reinheart I have already offered Felt here refuge at my benefactor's residence."
Hearing this Reinheart shook his head gravely, "I'm afraid that is no longer possible." Before they could shout in protest he gestured to Emilia's insignia. "The glow of the insignia designates one as a candidate of the Royal Selection and candidates are forbidden from interacting with each other until the summit in two weeks' time."
"But how can I be a candidate? I was born in the slums raised by old man Rom." Felt was panicked, so much was going on all at once. Gently Reinheart placed his hands on her shoulders, "I believe it may have to do with your bloodline, but to confirm I ask that you return with me. We can find those answers together," he pleaded gently.
Felt glanced to Rom for a few seconds before looking back at Reinheart, "Fine I'll go with you, but before any of that dragon candidate crap you have to help me bury Rom," she looked at Reinheart her crimson eyes clashing with his blue. Reinheart looked slightly affronted at the rather crude language before his gaze softened, "Of course," he smiled hoping to alleviate her worries.
"Lady Emilia!" A woman's voice called; a cloaked figure rushed into the building before pausing at the collection of people.
With a sheepish look Emilia stood up before shyly calling back, "Oh, hi Ram."
The road to Margrave Mavers domain, although only around five hours, still felt long and stiff. Ram was at the front steering the carriage, it was the late evening the air crisp with the slightest draft of icy wind. Within the confined space of the carriage sat both Emilia and Bondrewd. They were directly opposite each other with only the delicate glow of a few candles merging with the bold embers of purple from Bondrewd's mask.
After Ram's bold entrance the knights had been called and a full search of the compound was made underway. Unfortunately, there was not much to find in terms of evidence of who hired Elsa, eventually Reinheart took Felt to the Astrea compound and Emilia herself had invited Bondrewd to return with her to the Mathers domain. After all, it was likely that Margrave himself, Roswaal L Mathers, would want to reward the man responsible for saving his benefactor. In addition to this Emilia just wanted his company to last longer, he was strange yes, but his kindness endeared her, and his mystery intrigued her.
She had hoped to use this trip to her advantage and learn more about Bondrewd. Unfortunately, she had little she could think to say and Bondrewd himself had remained silent. His posture was straight, and he made little movement, for a while now Emilia had been debating whether he was asleep or if his patience was that finely tuned.
Amidst the silence Bondrewd finally spoke up, his sudden voice echoing across the carriage walls and causing Emilia to jump at the unexpected sound. "Tell me, what is it you hope to achieve running for the title of king?"
Tilting her head Emilia thought carefully, "I want to make a kingdom where everyone is equal," she looks to the side, a look of guilt spreading across her face. "And I want to repay a debt, to save someone who I wronged." Nodding to herself as if pleased by her cryptid answer, her gaze returns back to Bondrewd.
For a moment she worried the silence would return, and internally panicking that she had said the wrong thing she spoke up hurriedly, "Of course if you want to know more of my plans, you'd have to join my camp." Again, awkward silence descended within the carriage and Emilia's mind assumed the worst, "What did I just say? How can he take me seriously after that? He'll think I'm just trying to force him into my camp." Were just a few of Emilia's self-deprecating thoughts.
For a few more agonising seconds Bondrewd remained silent, Emilia right at the precipice of a mental breakdown when Bondrewd began laughing. "You are truly adorable; you know that right." He teased, Emilia's face turning bright red. Sputtering, she snapped back, "Teasing me again, and after I just offered you a place in my camp." She crossed her arms turning away with a huff, "Perhaps I should retract my offer, I don't know if I can work with someone so fickle."
"A shame, it would be my honour to join," Bondrewd responded sincerely. Freezing in place she looked at him as if he'd just said something crazy. "You would consider joining me, a half elf?" She was no fool. To join her camp was political suicide her resemblance to the Witch was just one unfortunate set back. She was inexperienced, possessed no traceable noble blood and she was a demi-human competing for a throne in a dominantly human kingdom. There was a reason she had no knight; none would be willing to serve her. Compared to the others she had nothing, only the backing of a single Margrave who in of himself was considered strange.
"Why?" She asked quietly the only word that came to her mind in her state of shock. "Because you are just like me, you want to help people." His answer was simple, yet Emilia couldn't understand it. No one's motivations were that simple, even her own 'kindness' stems from a desire to prove to people that she isn't the Witch to show them that she is her own person.
"But my reason for attending the Royal Selection is really selfish," she insisted. She thought for a second that Bondrewd was looking directly into her eyes. "There is nothing wrong with being a little selfish, you must 'have' to gift after all." The two stared at each other until Bondrewd offered his hand in the position of the universal handshake. Trying not to appear eager, Emilia reached forward grasping his hands with her much smaller ones.
"I want you to help me with my scientific research, in return I can help you with your goals. Then we can help everyone else and our selfishness will become our kindness." Smiling her eyes slightly glazed with tears, Emilia answered, "Yes let's help each other." Mentally she couldn't help but cheer, after so long she had finally found someone who didn't judge her or treat her differently for her looks or royal status. There was Puck but he was her contracted Great Spirit and father figure to Emilia it wasn't the same she craved acknowledgement, to be treated normally.
With a sudden jolt the carriage stopped, and Ram's monotone voice spoke from outside the carriage door, "We are here Lady Emilia, please vacate yourself and the homeless man you brought with you from the carriage."
Opening the carriage door, Bondrewd stepped out first. Turning around he offered his hand to Emilia. Smiling, the half elf took his hand with a small thank you before hopping down onto the pathway.
In contrast to the confined carriage and the worn-down loot house before it, Mathers mansion as befitting his status as a Margrave was massive and luxurious, the very middle looking as if it were a mini fortress. Alongside this were two more buildings slightly encircling the middle like a pair of wings. Walking up the stone steps the trio approached the large oak doors. Entering the mansion Bondrewd was introduced to the familiar hallway and even more familiar, the blue haired maid standing at rigid attention.
Even to a blind man it would be obvious the two maids were twins, other than their differing hair and eye colours with Ram possessing pink hair and red eyes and the other possessing both blue hair and eyes they were practically identical with the same small stature and pretty faces.
"Rem, Ram is happy to see," Ram spoke up her previously cold gaze now warm as she embraced her sister. "Rem is happy to see you too sissy," Rem replied, her hug practically an embrace as she peered over Ram's shoulder to glare at Bondrewd.
"So, she has already sensed it." Bondrewd thought with admiration. "She'll be looking to kill me as soon as possible; a demon's nose is truly spectacular." Giddy with excitement, Bondrewd was quick to introduce himself. "My, my I see this mansion has no shortage of beautiful women, I am Bondrewd please treat me well."
Quickly the twins embraced each other Rem speaking up first, "Sissy could it be, that you and Lady Emilia have brought back a disgusting degenerate looking to subject us to his perverse fantasies." Hugging her sister tighter Ram retorted, "It would seem Ram will have to be more vigilant to protect her adorable sister from Lady Emilia's new dog and his fiendish desires."
"You too stop teasing him like that, if it wasn't for him, I would have been in real great danger," Emilia admonished. The twins bowed before turning to Bondrewd, Rem speaking first, "Rem apologises for her crude remarks." Immediately following her sisters' apologies Ram spoke next, "Yes Ram's sister apologises for calling Lady Emilia's dog a disgusting degenerate."
"Wait that just means only Rem apol-," Emilia was again interrupted by Bondrewd's laughter, placing a hand to his helmet Bondrewd gave a final wheeze before speaking up. "There is no need to trouble yourself Mili, I don't mind their banters in the least."
Tilting her head Emilia curiously looked to Bondrewd, "Mili?"
"A new nickname, it's a sign of our new friendship," Bondrewd replied, although his features were hidden by his helmet Emilia got the sneaking suspicion that he was grinning.
With a faint blush Emilia turned to the twins, "Please show Bondrewd to an available room, as my saviour and as a new member of my camp he must well respected and cared for." Her voice, although a bit shaky at first, was quick to steel itself. The maids bowed again, "As you wish Lady Emilia, Rem please show our guest to one of the available rooms.
"Yes sissy, please come this way," her voice, although respectful, was underlined by a cold hatred. She hid it well behind a mask of emotionlessness, but to Bondrewd who was familiar with Rems every expression knew she was angry no enraged would be a better word. It was unlikely she would attack yet but Bondrewd would have to tread carefully for the foreseeable future.
Along the hallway of doors Rem seemingly chose one at random, opening the door for him she gestured inwards to a small quaint room. The bed was already made, and the nearby desk was already equipped with a small stack of paper though no ink pot was in sight.
Entering the room Bondrewd turned to the maid, "I thank you for your help Rem." For a moment it looked as if Rem wanted to say something before, she caught herself.
"Goodnight," was her frigid reply, she closed the door quickly, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.
"Love…me."
A voice echoed in his mind stirring him from his slumber, it had been a long time since he had truly slept, commonly he would simply switch bodies when his current one had grown too exhausted. Now however, he was confined to single form and had little choice but to indulge into its primal needs. And in his new vulnerable position he had heard it. That voice he hadn't heard in so long, it was similar to Emilia's own though far more possessive. "It's been a while, Satella." Bondrewd thought to himself.
With a sigh he stood up approaching the door he was about to grasp the handle when he felt it. A sensation that could only mean one thing. "It's been so long hasn't it, Beako," he thought to himself. With a twist he opened the door, stepping forward he found himself not within the hallway but instead a large library.
"The audacity! To enter Betty's forbidden library so nonchalantly, I suppose." Hearing this, Bondrewd turned to the sound of the voice. Sitting at a small table directly opposite the door was what appeared to be a young girl. She had golden hair curled either side of her head into spirals though they were also not to dissimilar to drills, her eyes were a bright blue though her pupils were pink and seemingly shaped like butterfly's her dress was red and well-made giving her the appearance of an elegant noble complete with her somewhat snobby look as she peered at Bondrewd.
Bondrewd on the other hand knew better, he heard the concealed sound of hope in her voice and the longing in her eyes. She wanted him to say something, no not something there was only one thing she wanted him to say.
"I am that person," he said. For a moment the two stared at each other. Beatrice's face morphing from irritation to shock to hope all within the span of a few seconds.
"P-pardon?" Her voice was a small whisper as she gazed at him. "Could it be?" She thought, had that person finally arrived? If that was true then she hadn't been forgotten, mother hadn't abandoned her. She grabbed a nearby black book gazing in its contents excitedly only for that excitement to come crashing down her elation turning to ash.
"There is nothing written is there," his voice broke through her state, looking up she glowers at him before slamming her book closed. "Mother has not acknowledged you; I suppose." She raises her hand ready to use her magic to force him out of her library, "Betty will not be deceived by you, in fact."
"You've been lonely, haven't you?" His response made her pause, using this opportunity Bondrewd approached his voice adopting a gentler tone. "I understand, you have sat there for so long waiting for 'that person' to appear but I'm afraid 'that person' can never choose Betty. It must be Betty that chooses 'that person.'
"Then why? Why did you lie to Betty? You…you said you were that person," Beatrice's eyes glistened, tears freely spilling down her face. "Because I want you to choose me, I want to become that person for you." Beatrice stared in disbelief, her voice cracking in sorrow as she asked her next question, "But why? Why do you want to help Betty? You don't know me, I suppose!"
"Because I do know you, you are Beatrice, an artificial Great Spirit tasked with protecting the forbidden library. I know you like sweets but pretend you don't, I know you prefer cats over dogs and have a particular fondness for stroking Puck's fur." He paused temporarily Beatrice's mind racing with the swathe of information Bondrewd knows about her. After leaving her to her own thoughts for a couple of seconds he spoke again. "As for why that's quite simple," held out his hand offering it to Beatrice. "I need your help Beatrice."
"Y-you need Betty's help, I suppose?" Gaping at him Beatrice stood still clutching at her book. "Indeed, I need your help to save them." Confused by his answer, Beatrice asked, "Who?" Perhaps a lover, or a friend she thought to herself but the answer she received shook her to her core bringing with it the memories of an age long past of a young woman who stood as he did, talked as he did and dreamt as he did. The woman she called mother… the Witch of Greed Echidna.
"Everyone." A single word that carried such weight, to even think of such a thing. The hubris the sheer greed of such an endeavour. "Your face, let me see it I suppose." Her request came as even a shock to her. Could she really choose this man, this man who reminded her so much of her mother?
He knelt down before softly reaching for his helmet, she waited with bated breath as the purple light vanished. With a small hiss he lifted the helm above his face. She gasped at his appearance. His face was littered with scars and his right eye was a dull red, most likely she reasoned he was blind in that eye. The left side of his face however made her pause, it looked as if a strange combination of crystal and fungi was growing, culminating together to form a multi-layered bug like eye in his left socket. What drew her attention the most was his hair, snow white just like Echidnas and his eyes though certainly different in outward appearance inwardly they contained that same yearning hunger. That unquenchable thirst for knowledge, to Beatrice they were similar, how could he not be what his mother envisioned the one who would inherit the Forbidden library and continue her work. How could he not be 'that person' chosen by Echidna or by Beatrice it didn't matter. Closing her eyes, she reached forward. She felt only air a cold reminder of the loneliness she had felt those four centuries then just as she was ready to withdraw her hand, she felt it, another hand engulfing her own. Hesitantly she opened her eyes looking up to Bondrewd, his hand wrapped around her own. A contract between them was formed and the loneliness that had plagued her so long finally faded.
The formation of a contract between human and Spirit was a tiring task particularly if the Spirit in question was a Great Spirit. Bondrewd slowly closed his eyes and slept for once his dreams not of regret or misery but of a shining hope for the future to come.
"Wake up already I suppose!" Hearing the shout of Beatrice Bondrewd awoke, in front of him Beatrice stood her arms crossed staring him down at him pout on her face. "Typical as soon as you get your way and contract Betty you go straight to sleep, I suppose!" Slowly Bondrewd stood up the audible pop of well rested bones following suit, reaching down he picked up his helmet before equipping it. The helmet as if sensing contact with its master hummed before the visor reignited with purple light.
"Ah my apologies Beako." Reaching forward he pats her head, "You are just too adorable you know that right." Huffing Beatrice attempted to hold the front of disinterest in Bondrewd's affections but her slight leaning into his head pats were a clear sign of her approval. "Hm, as Bettys new contractor I will allow you to call me that. But stop treating me like a child I am over four hundred years old, I suppose!"
Much to her annoyance Bondrewd just seemed to ruffle her head, "Now, now Beatrice you are still only young you must learn to enjoy yourself and make the most of your newfound freedom."
Before Beatrice could argue further, she sensed a call desiring to meet her. Sighing, she waves her hand at the door, "It seems someone wants to meet with us, I suppose." Offering his hand for her to grab which after a few seconds she did. Just as he was about to open the door he paused, "For hundred years that must have been lonely," his voice she noted it was if he knew that same pain. There was still much she didn't know about him: his origins, the Witches scent that clung to him like a vice and something else, something that resided deep within his soul.
Her train of thought was ruined by the sound of silver bells. "There you are I've been trying to find you all morning!" Emilia had her arms on her hips looking like a mother scolding her child, a strange considering Bondrewd towered above her but that didn't seem to give her pause whatsoever. What did give her pause however was the sight of both Bondrewd and Beatrice holding hands.
"Hm Beatrice what are you doing with Bondrewd," Puck asked, floating down from atop Emilia's head. "Hmph Betty has finally decided to choose a most fortunate contractor in fact." Beatrice proudly proclaimed her childish features swimming with pride.
"That's incredible you were able to contract with Beatrice." Emilia gushed unspoken awe in her voice as she spoke up after Pucks' shocked silence. "Come now, there was not much done on my end. I'm just the lucky contractor." Bondrewd teased his words making Beatrice puff her chest out further.
"Come now Bubby our contractors are needed at the dining hall we must escort them I suppose." Beatrice held out her left hand expectantly for Puck to land and subject himself to her cuddling. "Right." Puck muttered breathlessly accepting his fate as he floated down into Beatrice's grasp.
When the four of them finally arrived, a feast had already been laid out across a large table. Standing at the head was a tall man who could best be described as colourful: he had blue hair, heterochromatic eyes one a bright green the other a shining gold, most peculiar of all however was clown make up further exemplified by his jester costume. Anyone not acquainted with the strange man might mistake him for a lord's jester. Though on closer inspection one could see the intellect contained within his eyes and aura conveyed a feeling of great power. Roswaal L Mathers Luginica's most powerful mage and court wizard.
The two stared at each other. Roswaal for a moment looked shocked before cooling his features. "Interesting, so he was not expecting my appearance." Bondrewd thought tactically. He had to handle him carefully Roswaal could be both one of his greatest assets and one of his most irritable setbacks.
"The tome did not mention he would look like this!" Roswaal thought ever so slightly panicked. Had the path already diverted, the tome had predicted a young teen utterly head over heels for his silver haired charge. Instead what stood before him was a man, armoured and while he seemed affectionate towards Emilia, he was not so obsessive as to cling to her every word or proclaim his interest at every opportunity. Did this mean the path was already voided? No Roswaal thought to himself, it was too early yet the two clearly got along so it was not out of the realm of possibility for them to develop closer together.
"Well it is a pleaaaasure to finally meet the one responsible for savvvving Lady Emilia," he gestured to one of the seats along the table, "Pleeeeease take a seeeeat." Three of them obliged, the final one being Puck simply decided to remain in Beatrice's grasp. "I am Margrave Roswaal L Mathers the lord of this lovely mansion." After his introduction he turned expectantly to Bondrewd. "A pleasure to meet you, I am Bondrewd the Novel." Nodding his head Roswaal scouted the table, noticing the appearance of a certain blonde-haired spirit.
"It pleeeeases me to seeeee you have finally left the library to mingle dear Beatrice." Roswaal smiled at Beatrice who in response only huffed, "Hmph Betty is merely fulfilling her duties as a contracted spirit in fact." At this revelation Roswaal paused momentarily, "Hooow splendid." His heterochronic gaze lands on Bondrewd, "In a such a short amount of time you have saved my chaaaarge and broke deeeear Beatrice from her sheeell, such actions are surely wooooorthy of reward." He opens his arms wide grinning across the table, "Choose anythingggggg, if it is within my pooooower to grant consider it yours." Bondrewd considered his words carefully before shrugging, "As of now I have no wishes, if I may I would like to hold onto that request." Roswaal nodded, "Pleeeease take all the tiiiiime you need. Now then Lady Emilia has infooooormed that you have joined our lovely little group."
"Yes, that is correct, I believe a lot of good can be accomplished working for Mili here," Bondrewd replied. "Then you are aware of the Kingdom's current predicament," Roswaal questioned. He needed to know how much Bondrewd knew going forward.
"Strange of you to ask but yes I am aware of the royal family's unfortunate passing," Roswaal's eyes narrowed, his reply all things considered was reasonable. But there was something off about it, a subtle note only perceptible to Roswaal. "He knows," was all he thought.
"Say Bondrewd why are you still wearing your helmet? Don't you want to eat?" Emilia looked at Bondrewd with concern. "There is no need to threat Mili. I have already eaten my full, my body digests foods much slower than normal."
"Afraid your ugly mug will make everyone sick," Puck chirped up mockingly. Chuckling Bondrewd snatched the spirit from Beatrice's grasp making pout before chucking him to the corner of the room, "Come now we shouldn't allow pets at the dinner table."
"Oh, it is on!" Puck charged Bondrewd only to be caught again this time by Bondrewd's tail, "Easy now, it seems you'll have to be punished." Dipping his finger within a glass of water he began sprinkling it at Puck.
Squirming Puck yelled out "Hey stop that, Lia please help your poor father out here!" The only response he got was her giggling as she watched the spectacle.
Off to the side-lines the twin maids watched, "Typical trash always breeds more trash." Ram scathingly comments watching as Bondrewd's and Pucks bout made the table a tad messier. It was only a bit, but any extra work was enough to put Ram in a bad mood. Rem on the other her previous cold gaze had warmed slightly at the sight. Rem didn't know much about Beatrice, but she was sure she wouldn't contract just anyone let alone a witch cultist. "Perhaps I was wrong." She thought as a few giggles slipped through.
For the next three days Bondrewd had spent his time in the library studying the numerous texts left by Echidna. She had learned much during her time and he was confident her work would be the catalyst to his success.
"Beako fetch me the book on powdered Pyroxene if you please," at his command Beatrice ran off into the sea of books before returning with the desired tome. "I have it, though I have already read it many times, I suppose. I could tell you everything in this tome without your need to read it, in fact."
"As expected of my adorable assistant, however I require the book so that I may analyse the diagrams," Bondrewd acknowledged. Beatrice nodded her head in understanding. For her it had been the greatest three nights since she had first been tasked with guarding the forbidden library. It was just like it was with Mother. She beamed as she watched Bondrewd work. That joy quickly turned to annoyance as she felt the tell-tale signs of being summoned.
"Betty is need elsewhere I suppose," she growled irritated at having been interrupted. "Come now Beako there's no need to sulk, I will accompany you," Bondrewd reassured.
With a smile Beatrice activated her door crossing before leaving the library. That's when they heard it.
"Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" A wail of anguish.
Quickly both spirit and contractor made their way down the hallway, opening the door in front of them they entered to see a shocking scene. Rem seemingly asleep on her bed, beside her was Ram sobbing as she clutched at her hand. Leaning against the wall of the room was Roswaal his expression grave and by the door stood Emilia her hands held to her mouth in shock.
"It's some form of weakness, likely the cause of a curse," Roswaal muttered without his usual accent. Bondrewd watched him carefully, he was genuinely mournful the potential loss of Rem had hurt him. "How marvellous," Bondrewd thought of a new plan to make use of this information already forming inside of his head.
"A curse you say," Bondrewd says, catching the attention of the room. Desperately speaks up, "If you know something, please save her!"
"I assume the curse has already settled, meaning it cannot be removed by conventional means?" At Bondrewd's question Roswaal nodded. "You seem well versed in curses," Roswaal noted, his eyes narrowing.
"Curses have been an obsession of mine for a long time now as it stands, I can delay the effects of the curse but if we are to remove it properly, we must kill the one who afflicted it." He informed the small group of people.
Calmly he approached Rem before activating his power Cor Leonis. It was a power he had long ago mastered and the secret final ingredient to his cartridges. With it he would take half of her burdens from her easing the effects of the curse. If what he believed to be true, then splitting the curse in this way should weaken its connection to what Bondrewd knew was a witch beast.
He reached forward caressing her flickering light before coaxing off the seeded darkness introduced by the curse. He grunted as he felt his own body infected with the curse. Dying of weakness was certainly a horrible way to go, he new from experience. "It is done," his voice came out, straining. Emilia and Beatrice looked at him with concern.
"Thank you, Bondrewd the Novel," Roswaal spoke with sincerity, his eyes looking warmly at the two sisters. "Rem you're going to be ok just wait for your older sissy ok she'll make it all ok." Ram hugged Rem tight and Roswaal's eyes seemed to warm even further as they beheld Ram's happiness.
"Ah so the sisters are not loved equally," Bondrewd thought, his analytical gaze piercing through Roswaal's normally hard exterior. In the past Roswaal had sacrificed the twins before but that was only when he was sure Bondrewd would be forced to redo. Now when such an option might not be available, he cracked, and his true affections showed themselves.
If the near death of Rem was enough to reduce him to this state, then what kind of effect would the threat of Ram's life have? Abruptly he turned around and started walking towards the nearby door. "I must retire for a while, Beako would you stay here and help poor Rems suffering for me."
At this Beatrice frowned, "Fine but only if Betty's contractor promises he will be fine without her, I suppose." With a throaty laugh Bondrewd gives her hair a final ruffle before limping out the door.
"Let me help," Emilia grabbed his arm before wrapping it over her shoulder. "My many thanks Mili," Bondrewd huffed. After a few minutes they finally reached his bedroom door, opening it Emilia let go of his arm.
"Will you be ok?" She asked in concern, noticing Bondrewd's still limping form. "There is no need to worry, a couple minutes and I won't even feel it," waving her concerns away Bondrewd limped in his bedroom before slowly closing his door giving Emilia one final thanks.
Now alone Bondrewd straightened himself, his limp no longer present. "Now then I am most curious of what new direction this will take me," Bondrewd says aloud, reaching into his coat he pulls out one of his old relics and unnamed knife for which blood can never stain.
Back in Rem's room Roswaal couldn't help but smirk, "Even though he found this solution he intends to redo and perfect it. Fantastic he is perfect, soon I will kill it. I will carve the dragon's heart from its body and I will finally be reunited with teacher again." He thought giddily.
Bondrewd plunged the knife into his throat, his vision fading more and more before he was once more welcomed into the embrace of death.