You and Subaru went back towards the mansion once the guests left.
"Hey (Y/N), what were they here for? I kinda forgot that you know the future, but I remember now! Tell me what's going on!" He pleaded, not patient enough to wait a few minutes longer.
You sigh, and roll your eyes. This man had the audacity not only to use the most expensive tea without permission, but he kept on (very clearly) showing off his affection for Emilia. With all of this, he still acts like you owe him something.
"You've waited this long, so I won't say anything. Roswaal should explain everything once we get inside." Subaru reacts by gasping, and your eye starts twitching.
"WHAT?! Why won't you tell me? It's exactly because I've had to wait this long that you should tell me! What kind of person keeps secrets from his friend?"
Bruh. Who doesn't keep secrets? The people that talk about everything are the ones that are weird.
"All the normal ones, and especially the angry ones." When you said this, Subaru's dense self was confused.
"You're angry? Why?"
Before your frustration could unleash itself and cause you to injure Subaru, the mansion doors were opened by Rem. "Subaru-kun! (Y/N)! Roswaal-sama has requested that you meet with him at once in the dining hall."
You take a deep breath, and smile. "Sure thing. We'll be there soon." You turned to Subaru, and in a low voice, added, "See? You're just about to find out, so chill out." You picked up your pace, and fast-walked into the mansion, not waiting for your partner.
Time Skip
Everybody, except for Beatrice, was now in the dining hall. Roswaal stood and cleared his throat. "As you all know, we just had a veeeery important visitor. For the person who doesn't understand his purpose," his eyes went directly to Subaru. "He came here to inform us that Lady Emilia has been summoned to the capital for the Royal Selection. Before you can ask, no you cannoooot go with her, Subaru."
"WHAT?!" Subaru stood up from his seat, and yelled unnecessarily loud. "First off, why would you assume that I would demand to go, and second, how dare you not let me go?! This is an important thing to Emilia, so I want to be there to help her!"
Rem came in to help Subaru. "Roswaal-sama, there are many people in the capital that helped Subaru. He can go and thank them while he accompanies Emilia-sama."
Subaru gave her a thumbs up. "Nice, Rem!" He directed his attention back to Roswaal. "She's right, you know. Some people in the capital were a big help to me, so I need to let them know that I'm alive and well."
Roswaal grinned, as if this amused him. "Subaru-kun, I will let you know that we planned on you going to the capital to receive treatment from Felix, one of the people who were here earlier who also happens to be one of Lugunica's finest water magic users."
"You mean that cat-girl? She can heal people?" interrupted Subaru.
Everything went silent, and you coughed. "Umm... I hate to break it to you, but Felix is a guy."
...
"TRAP!" As soon as he exclaimed this, you hit Subaru on the side of the head.
Everybody seemed confused at that term, but Roswaal continued where he left off. "Like I was sayiiing, you were only going to get your damaged gate healed, but nooow, I will let you accompany Lady Emilia, who is the reason that you were going to get healed in the first place."
Subaru used this as an excuse to shower Emilia with more praise. "Really? You got that healer just for me?"
You clench your fists under the table. So far, you have tried to avoid eye contact with Ram, who was sitting by Roswaal. As if her presence wasn't stressful enough, Subaru kept going on with this 'me' crap. Not once has he mentioned you in his argument to go to the capital. It really shows where his priorities are.
Emilia, unaware of your rising irritation, blushed. "W-well, it's partly my fault that you haven't completely healed yet. Consider this as me repaying a debt."
Before Subaru could talk again, Roswaal cleared his throat again. "Now, we can't forget about (Y/N)-kun, can we?"
You shrink away as everybody's gaze was directed toward you. Not because you were afraid of the attention, but because the elder maid finally looked at you. You still haven't mentally prepared for any interaction with her.
"He will also go to the capital, but I hope that he will do me a favor and accompany me instead."
That word. 'Favor'.
You sigh. It is obvious that you can't object to Roswaal's invitation, but you kick yourself for making that deal with him. This contract might be a pain in the butt soon in the future.
On the other hand, you would have a much needed break from Subaru, who will definitely spend all of his time fawning over Emilia.
"Of course, I don't mind at all." You glance at Subaru, who had a guilty look on his face. It seems that he only just now realized that he neglected to think about you while he was complaining.
Roswaal nodded his head slowly. "Good. Nooow, prepare to leave. Ram, you will stay and tend to the mansion."
Time Skip
The following day, you are sitting in a carriage being steered by Roswaal. Subaru, and Emilia were ahead of you in a carriage that Rem was steering.
Right after receiving information about how today was going to proceed, you immediately went back to your room. You were getting tired of people, so you took a much needed break. While you were in your room, you managed to find your phone, which you had completely forgotten about.
You also studied the basics of language by yourself by repeating what you had written when Ram was teaching you.
Now, you had your phone, which was on 28% battery, in your pocket in case you might need to use it for some reason. Other than that, you had no gear. Not even money.
You sat silently in the back of the carriage as Roswaal followed Rem's lead. "(Y/N)-kun," said Roswaal.
"What?" you reply.
"When weeee get in the capital, you will stay with Rem in the room that we have prepared. You are not to interfere with Subaru's plans."
You scrunch your eyebrows. "Why? Can't I at least go around the capital and thank the people that helped me?"
His reply was instant. "No. I do not need you to change the events that are already set in motion. Subaru-kun needs to infiltrate the castle and interject and babble on about Emilia-sama. He needs to be able to defy her will in order to achieve his goals, and I will not have you ruining this." His voice was no longer playful, but the serious voice that he used more in season 2.
"What if I do interfere? You can't force me to do all of that just because you taught me one spell. That isn't equal trade."
He turned back, not even bothering to look at the road. "Of course it is fair. I taught you the basics of magic, so you will cooperate to complete the basis of my plan."
You were about to argue about that, but Roswaal continued. "Before you can argue that those are two completely different things, the basics of magic that I taught you will lead to you learning many different spells that you will eventually find useful. This is very fair."
You open and close your mouth, but no words come out. There is no way for you to argue with this logic, so you reluctantly submit to Roswaal. "Fine. But what keeps me from interfering? If I want to make a change, I will definitely have to do something that is contrary to whatever 'favor' you ask of me."
Roswaal's grin widened, and his face was that of a madman's. "Then I guess you will have to find out." He turned back around, and you couldn't help but fear this man in front of you.
All of a sudden, you heard yells from the carriage in front of you.
"SUBARU!"
"What's happening?!" you say to no one in particular as you rush to Roswaal's side.
The sight that met you left you in disbelief.
Subaru...
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOU IDIOT!" you yell. Subaru was being dragged across the road, barely holding on to a rope that was attached to the back of his ride. Emilia was leaning out of the window, trying to grab him while Rem made an attempt to stop to stop her ground dragon.
You shook your head, and made your way back into your carriage. Just as you were about to go back, you felt a hand on your shoulder.
"Remember this. Do not disobey me." Roswaal threatened.
You gulp. "Sure thing," you say in a shaky voice, dreading the next arc that was about to begin.
Time Skip
You were dropped off at a fancy looking building, and you helped take the very little luggage to everybody's room.
"Bye guys. See ya later!" cackled Subaru.
"Goodbye," called Emilia.
You sigh. It was just you and Rem now, as Roswaal left as soon as he stopped the carriage.
"Well Rem, what should we do? We probably have a few hours until anybody comes back."
She put a hand to her chin. "I would usually suggest that we clean, but there is nothing to clean up as of yet. What do you usually do in your free time?"
This made you think. Back in your world, in the very little free time that you had, you watched anime or read some manga. "Well, I would usually read, along with some other things."
This gave Rem an idea. "I'm sure that my sister hasn't finished teaching you about our language yet, so why don't I help you?"
You consider this, then accept. "This seems like a good option. We can kill some time while still being productive."
If this was just about anybody else, you would be reluctant to be spending so much time alone with them, but Rem was an exception. She wasn't a person that was constantly scheming, lying, and being annoying. She was just plain wholesome, and that is exactly what you need right now.
She spent the next three hours helping you write the alphabet. You actually made good progress, and by the end, you were actually able to write everything with minimum struggle.
"That's very good (Y/N)! In just a week, you have learned the alphabet! The next step is being able to read different combinations of these letters, but that's a lesson for another time." Rem smiled as she congratulated your effort.
You couldn't help but smile with her. She truly does radiate happiness. If only she would love me. She would be perfect, but of course Subaru had to steal her first.
As you were falling into depressing thoughts, the door opened. Subaru and Emilia entered.
Subaru set down a bag of appas, which were definitely from Mr. Save Point Guy, or whatever his name is.
"Welcome back!" exclaimed a cheerful Rem.
Subaru nodded his head, and continued his conversation with Emilia, which you couldn't hear before they came inside. "But that's why you should let me go with you!"
Emilia was visibly irritated by his stubbornness. "That's exactly why I can't take you! You'll just end up pushing yourself too hard again. I don't want to let you do that."
Subaru shook his head violently. "No! You don't understand! If I have to push myself for you, then I would gladly do so without a second thought!"
"Absolutely not!" she argued. "No using magic or pushing yourself until your body is healed, okay?" She looked at you too. "The same goes for you. I won't allow you to-"
"There's no need to worry about that. Trust me," you interrupt.
Emilia looked surprised for a second, then recovered. "See, Subaru? Be more like (Y/N). I can trust him. Now, you need to show me that I can trust you."
Without waiting for a response, Emilia left. Subaru sighed, and turned to you and Rem. "You know, there are many people in the capital that consider Emilia as an enemy. That's exactly why I need to stay close to her." He looked troubled, and Rem picked up on it.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
Subaru stared into her eyes. "I'm going to save Emilia, and to do that..." he kept staring deep into her eyes, and it made Rem fidget.
"It makes me uncomfortable when you stare at me with such imposing eyes..." she muttered, with a blush forming on her cheeks.
You sigh. You wanted to keep Subaru from making a fool of himself, but Roswaal had told you not to interfere with anything that Subaru does. That, and he had it coming for himself.
"Whatever. If anybody asks, Rem and I were so focused on my studies that we didn't notice you leave."
He grinned, and gave a thumbs up. "I knew that I could rely on you!" With this, he dashed out of the door, and slammed it closed. What you didn't hear was him mumbling, "I'm such a scumbag for relying on them all of the time."
Once he was gone, Rem tapped on your shoulder. "(Y/N), Roswaal-sama left me a message, and told me to tell you about it only after Emilia-sama left for the castle."
"Oh?" You raise your eyebrows. This is definitely something that you had not expected to hear.
Rem nodded her head. "He said to head to the castle. Tell the guards in the front, 'I am the clown's fool', and they will let you in. Once you get in, wait outside of the throne room. When the ceremony is over, the doors will open and you are to meet with him as soon as possible."
Your eyes twitched. Not only did Roswaal make secret plans, but he also just made a fool of you.
"Let me guess, he didn't want me to go with Emilia or Subaru, but he had a reason for me to be at the throne room, correct?" You ask Rem, not sure if she knew the answer.
"I am very sorry, but I do not know. I was just ordered to deliver that message." She smiles apologetically, genuinely regretting that she couldn't tell you the truth behind Roswaal's actions.
You shake your head. "It's fine Rem." You look around the room, and decide that there is nothing that you need to take that isn't already on you. "Well, I guess that I'll be going."
Time Skip
You are now outside of the castle, panting and drenched in sweat.
I think that running here was a bad idea. Why in the world did I let myself do this?
You slowly walk up to the front gate, and you are confronted by two guards. "What is your business here?" one of them asks you.
After taking in a deep breath, you reply, "I am the clown's fool."
You swore that one of them snickered, but you let it go. Running around the capitol didn't leave enough energy to care anymore.
The guards opened the gate, and let you in. Once you were inside, one of them pulled you to the side. "The ceremony has already begun, so don't interfere with it. Just go straight until you see the doors to the throne room. When you see them, you can take a seat in the hallway and wait until the doors are opened."
He pointed to the direction of the throne room, and you thanked him as his partner was closing the gates.
Two minutes later, you arrive at the doors. You looked up and down them, admiring the workmanship of it. The large doors were decorated with what seems to be gold, and the decorations must have taken days to perfectly create.
You take a seat in an ornate chair, and sighed in relief. This was the most comfortable thing that you've sat in your entire life, and it was direly needed.
Before you could settle in, there were footsteps coming from the corridor that you had just passed through. You look up, and smirk.
In front of you is Felt, the newest candidate for the next ruler of Lugunica. It was odd seeing her in this dress, but it was nothing new.
On the other hand, she was very surprised to see you. "(Y/N)! What are you doing here?" she asked.
"I'm here because Roswaal asked me to come. Other than that, I have no idea what it is that I'm going to do." You straighten yourself up, showing Felt some respect.
"Hmmm... Well, good luck for whatever you're doing. I have to go inside as a candidate, even though I don't really want to be one! The nerve of these people!" She huffed, then threw the doors open.
You heard a general gasp before the doors closed, sealing off all sound coming from the throne room.
Let me see... The next person coming should be Rom. I don't know if he stops by this room, but he definitely goes into the throne room and gets carried out.
Right on cue, the giant suddenly came around a corner, and quietly made his way into the room you were in.
"What are you doing here, (Y/N)?" he whispered.
"I'm here because somebody asked me to come." You decided to change your explanation slightly from what you just told Felt because repeating yourself is annoying.
"Is that so..." He looked around to make sure that nobody else was near. He came close to you, and dropped his voice to the lowest possible level. "I'ma rescue Felt. You wanna help?"
You shook your head. "Sorry, but I can't. I made a promise to be here, so I can't run away or get kicked out. Sorry."
He nodded his head knowingly. "I understand. Well, do you mind closing your eyes? I can't have any witnesses seeing me break into this next room. If all goes well, I can rescue Felt and have nobody see me doing it."
His logic confused you, but you complied. "Fine." You closed your eyes, and put your hands over your eyes for good measure.
His footsteps grew further away, and then you heard a large 'clank!' Then, there were some shuffling noises, and you heard Rom grunt a few times. Then, there was another loud 'clank', and then everything returned to silence. The whole process took several minutes, so you were surprised that nobody else came and saw whatever it was that Rom was doing.
You peeked through your hands, and could no longer see Rom.
This is so boring. I already know what's about to happen, and I can't even do anything. If only I hadn't made that contract with Roswaal. I wonder what would happen to me if I broke it...
By the way that he reacts any time that me disobeying is brought up, I would think that something terrible would happen. Of course, this might just be to fool me again. It might be a farce, but at the same time, he might be serious.
You groan. I wish that I could redo that day. Now there's nothing I can do to change that. Even if I were to do something like kill Subaru, I wouldn't remember anything, and I would just make him my enemy. That's definitely not an option as of right now.
I wonder when they wil-
'BOOM!'
The walls shook as you heard a large explosion from inside the throne room.
Well, that's either Rom or Reinhard. I should be seeing them soon.
Sure enough, Rom was soon escorted out by two knights. You wave him goodbye, and the motion caught somebody's eye.
"Who is that sitting beside the door?" asked Reinhard.
You stand up and walk into the doorway as Rom was taken out of sight. "It is me, (Y/N) (L/N). I was asked to wait outside of this room until this meeting was over." You stand up straight and don't act tired because there are a lot of important people watching you now, and you don't want to create a bad first impression.
"Well then, come in. I see no reason why you cannot," Reinhard responded.
You look at Roswaal, and he nodded his head slightly. You walk forward, and the doors close behind you.
One of the elders sitting at the front of the room spoke up. "Now that you are in here, please reintroduce yourself, and state your affiliation."
You keep on walking until you are standing slightly in front of the candidates, and you take a deep breath. You don't like talking to big crowds, and the pressure is slowly getting to you.
You exhale, and say, "My name is (Y/N) (L/N), and I currently work for Lady Emilia."
Hey guys, I hope you liked this chapter.
The next part is going to be painful to write. I don't look forward to re-watching Subaru's breakdown, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
By the way, if you have any critiques or suggestions, feel free to let me know! I'm still trying to grow as a writer.
With this said, see you next week!