Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 15: The Planning Party Commences

The following morning as the morning sun rays scattered throughout the bedroom, Subaru was sleeping calmly in bed. Beatrice however, had already changed into a deep red pouf style dress with white trim along the hem. The dress had unusually long transparent fishnet sleeves that added a red tint, which Beatrice found to be fun when swinging her arms. As she knelt next to the bed, the high cut skirt revealed her white frilly stockings and claret shoes. The small spirit had her hair down and her cheeks puffed as she made small groans every now and then. Subaru stirred as he heard the groans and felt an unfamiliar pressure on his face. As the boy opened his eyes he saw Beatrice's face wearing a frown as she tapped his face with her outstretched index finger. Subaru yawned and addressed Beatrice who continued her poking.

Subaru: "Beako… is there something you need?"

Beatrice: "Up."

Subaru: "What?"

Beatrice: "Get up, I suppose."

Subaru: "Isn't it just now morning?"

Beatrice: "Grr… just get up and entertain me, I suppose. I am quite bored, in fact."

Subaru glanced around the room and noticed that several articles of clothing were scattered on the floor. It appeared that Beatrice had been awake for quite some time getting ready. He grabbed Beatrice's hand to end her poking attacks and sat up on the bed.

Subaru: "Someone is excited… You look really beautiful today,Beako."

Seemingly ignoring his compliment, Beatrice pulled her hand from Subaru's and placed her clenched fists at her side before turning her head and speaking.

Beatrice: "I am not excited, in fact. This is just how one must behave when entertaining guests, I suppose."

Subaru: "Adie lives here and I wouldn't call Niki a guest. Just admit it, you're excited about planning for the festival."

Beatrice: "Lies."

Subaru: "Fine, I see that you are full of energy this morning. Give me a minute and I'll get dressed."

Subaru rose from the bed and walked over to the wardrobe. As he was selecting clothes, Beatrice made her way towards the door before turning to face Subaru. This caught his attention and he called out to Beatrice.

Subaru: "B-beako? You aren't going to watch me change are you?"

Beatrice scowled as she blushed at his question. She almost looked ready to abandon what was on her mind and storm out. After a few seconds, she blurted out a statement.

Beatrice: "You said that I looked b-beautiful, I suppose. T-thank you, in fact!"

With that, Beatrice dashed out of the room leaving Subaru to change. He rubbed his palm on his forehead as he voiced his thoughts to the empty room.

Subaru: "Whew… she gets worked up about the most random things. I guess she really is excited for today."

Subaru smiled to himself as he put on a red tracksuit and headed downstairs to join Beatrice. He found her waiting for him on the couch in the tea room. As he approached, he heard a soft clattering sound and saw that Adella was preparing tea. Subaru took a seat next to Beatrice as Adella maneuvered an ornate tea set to pour tea for the three of them before speaking.

Adella: "Oh my, I hadn't expected to see you awake as well, Master Subaru."

Subaru: "Yeah, Beako, who is not excited at all, woke me up early."

Adella: "Is that so? I was certain that Miss Niki would have to wake you up. I'm glad to see you so motivated, Lady Beatrice. Fufufu."

Beatrice: "Whatever, is breakfast ready, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Manners, Beako. Niki isn't here yet."

?: "Aww did ya miss me? I haven't even been gone that long!"

To the trio's surprise, a small cat girl had stepped in from the foyer and joined in on their conversation. All eyes turned toward Niki who waved her hands in protest.

Niki: "What's with the looks? Wasn't there breakfast?"

Subaru: "Beako was just asking about that."

Niki: "That's my best friend for ya, mister! Della, I know ya made somethin' tasty. Onward!"

Niki raised her index finger towards the dining room as she flamboyantly marched forward. Beatrice quickly stepped forward with uneven strides to match pace with the cat girl. Subaru felt a smile spread across his face while he observed the childlike scene unfold in front of him. He wasn't alone, as Adella relayed the same sentiment as she moved to follow the unlikely platoon.

Adella: "They are undeniably excited today. Let's be sure not to spoil their expectations."

While Adella continued to the kitchen, Subaru caught up with the others at the dining table. Niki was hunched over in her seat with her arms outstretched across the table kicking her legs while being berated by Beatrice for her manners when Subaru took a seat beside Beatrice.

Subaru: "You know, Beako, you really shouldn't be lecturing anyone on manners…"

Beatrice: "Hmph! Betty has the best table etiquette, I suppose!"

Subaru: "Is that so? Then why is your dress flipped up like that?"

Beatrice's eyes deepened with surprise as she alternated leaning from side to side and inspecting her dress. After finding no imperfections in her appearance, she folded her arms and made her most intimidating face as she quietly stared needles into Subaru. In return, Subaru offered a tender smile which only served in making Beatrice blush. Seeing an opportunity for teasing, Niki rose from the table and chimed in.

Niki: "Is this how ya flirt now? I figured ya'd sneak away for some private goo goo eyes. At the breakfast table of all places… so much fer manners, huh?"

Beatrice: "Irk! W-we are not flirting, in fact!"

Adella: "Yes, Miss Niki, I believe this is part of the game Lady Beatrice plays with Master Subaru. They both tease and smile affectionately at each other while vehemently denying any act of flirting. Nowhere in the castle is safe from their unbounded love, I'm afraid.

While a flustered Beatrice protested Niki's evaluation of the situation, Adella had returned with a large tray of plates. Making her way around the table, the head maid delivered a large porcelain dish containing an oversized omelette to each person before taking a seat with her own breakfast.

Beatrice: "U-unbounded l-love!"

Subaru: "She does have a point, Beako. I guess we have kinda been laying it on thick…"

Niki: "Duh… More importantly, what is this, Della!?"

Beatrice: "Don't just brush-"

Adella: "It's an omelette. It's whipped eggs with milk that I filled with meat and vegetables."

Beatrice: "Don't ignore-"

Niki: "Meat?"

Beatrice: "Cut it-"

Adella: "I made yours fish if that's what you are asking."

Beatrice abandoned her attempts at interrupting. Her brow furrowed as she puffed out her cheeks and stared at the two girls as she waited.

Beatrice: "..."

Niki: "Yummy! Yer the best!"

Beatrice: "..."

Adella: "Why thank you. Oh, Lady Beatrice, did you have something you wanted to say about the omelette?"

Beatrice: "Grr… If Betty is to be disregarded, maybe she will leave, I suppose!"

Adella: "Oh? Must you? I had prepared bear claws for later, but I'm sure we can eat them…"

Adella let a mean-spirited smile creep across her face. The smile was abruptly replaced by a look of confusion when Beatrice immediately snapped back.

Beatrice: "I have no need for any trophies, in fact!"

The direct refusal of sweets alarmed both Adella and Subaru. The latter made an exasperated face as the truth of the situation dawned on him. Subaru leaned over and whispered to Beatrice.

Subaru: "Beako, you do know what a bear claw is, right?"

Making a frown, Beatrice confidently responded.

Beatrice: "Of course Betty does, I suppose."

Subaru: "Then you know it's a pastry…"

The spirit's face went blank as she considered the new information. After hesitating for a few minutes, her tone became less threatening and more apologetic. She cleared her throat and addressed Adella.

Beatrice: "I will accept the bear claws, I suppose."

Meeting her with a bright smile, the head maid responded in an oversweet voice.

Adella: "Thank goodness, I was worried that you were upset with me, Lady Beatrice."

Beatrice: "N-no, I suppose. Is our… conduct causing issues for you, in fact? If so, I'm sorry..."

This time, it was Adella who was taken aback by Beatrice's honesty. The head maid raised her gloved hands in front of her chest in concern of the small spirit. Beatrice had dropped her gaze in what could have been described as shame. Adella softly spoke as she exhaled in defeat.

Adella: "That won't be necessary, Lady Beatrice. I was simply teasing you, but… perhaps I went too far... So please don't look so dejected."

Beatrice slowly raised her head at Adella's admission and greeted her with a smug smile. Her eyes burned with condescension as she giggled at the apologizing maid. Adella, realizing that Beatrice's facetious gambit had paid off, felt an unusual warmth on her cheeks as she was now flustered.

Beatrice: "Hehe… did you think that Betty was sad, in fact? Maybe this will be a lesson to not tease me so much, I suppose."

Subaru: "Wow, Beako. I don't think I've ever seen Adie make a face like that..."

Adella: "I-indeed. Lady Beatrice can be quite cunning at times. I will have to think of new and creative ways to tease her from now on."

Subaru: "I don't think that was the take away from all this…"

Niki: "Done!"

All of a sudden, the sound of a plate hitting the table distracted the group from their conversation. Attention turned to Niki, the source of the interruption, as she pushed her empty plate away. Small remnants of breakfast littered her chin as she made her proclamation. Having not touched their meals, the group was met with a wave of beratement from the small cat girl.

Niki: "Ya haven't even touched yer food!? Come on!"

Soft laughs echoed from the dining room as the others relented and hastily finished their breakfast. Afterwards, the group retired to the tea room to discuss ideas for the upcoming festival. Beatrice was seated on the couch with Adella to her right and Niki to her left. Having the most experience with festivals, Subaru was elected to lead the discussion and sat in a chair across from the couch as the three girls awaited his instruction.

Subaru: "So did anyone have any ideas upfront?"

Both Niki and Beatrice raised their hands. Subaru motioned towards Niki before she blurted out her idea.

Niki: "Fish!"

Subaru: "Fish? Like a food stall?"

Adella: "I think a lot of stalls will probably be food oriented. If we want to stand out, we should probably focus on a game or event."

Beatrice slowly put down her hand after hearing the consensus on food.

Subaru: "That's a great point… So any ideas for a game?"

Once again, Niki's hand shot up as she almost fell from the couch.

Subaru: "Anything not fish related…"

Niki slowly lowered her hand as the girls giggled at her. She fidgeted with her tail before angrily outbursting.

Niki: "Oh yeah!? Well I don't see ya comin' up with any ideas!"

Cowering from the outburst, Beatrice gingerly rose her hand.

Subaru: "Beako?"

Beatrice: "U-umm, we could read a story, I suppose. The children might like that, in fact…"

Adella: "Hmm, that could work… but it's not very exciting…"

Beatrice nodded in agreement yet her eyes looked slightly downcast. The group looked on in puzzlement as they searched for a possible solution. After a few moments, Subaru broke the silence with his new idea.

Subaru: "Well, if a story is too boring… What about a play? It wouldn't be hard to make a small show for the kids."

Adella: "Hmm, a play could be interesting. Do we have a script?"

Subaru: "Not currently, but we could wr-"

Adella interrupted Subaru and rose to her feet leaning forward towards him. The head maid's eyes flashed and she brought her palms together in front of her chest before continuing.

Adella: "Perhaps I could be of service?"

Subaru: "Ehh…"

Given the overly enthusiastic reaction, Subaru was tempted to give in. However, he remembered the type of reading material that Adella had provided Beatrice before. Fearing yet another embarrassing misunderstanding, he suggested a quick alternative.

Subaru: "Fine, you can write and direct. But, I think we should each submit an idea and vote on what the story will be about."

Adella narrowed her eyes at the suggestion, but nonetheless relented before quickly retrieving a small stack of paper and four fine sticks of charcoal. After the items were handed out Subaru addressed the group.

Subaru: "Okay, so let's take a few minutes and write down our best idea for a story. Then pass them to me and I'll read them out loud before we vote."

The group nodded in agreement as they set to work. The first to pass their paper forward was Niki who had taken mere seconds to scribble down something. Subaru scoffed before directing his attention to his own paper. Beatrice nervously bit her lip while staring at the blank page. In contrast, Adella was speedily filling out the page whilst periodically giggling to herself. After a few minutes, Subaru and Adella had added their pages to the stack and all eyes turned to Beatrice. The small spirit had turned a telling shade of pink as she adamantly attempted to hide her page.

Subaru: "Beako, we are waiting on you…"

Beatrice: "Betty has no concern, I suppose! Besides, this idea takes time because it is the best, in fact. Yes, the best!"

Subaru: "If you say so…"

Hiding his sarcastic eye roll, Subaru put out his hand while Beatrice finished writing. After she shakily handed in her page, Subaru shuffled the stack before pulling one from the top and proceeded to read it aloud.

Subaru: "B-bubby?"

The group looked at each other with puzzled faces with the exception of one clearly flustered spirit. Beatrice silently bristled with surprise upon hearing her submission read so soon. She gazed at her knees while seated and the pink from her cheeks rose to her ears. Niki broke the awkward silence with a childish laugh.

Niki: "Haha! All that time and that's ya got? 'Best idea', Pffft!"

Beatrice turned her head to face Niki with a nasty grimace on her face. Seeing the impending brawl and not wanting to waste anymore time explaining Beatrice's answer, Subaru pulled the next page from the stack and began to loudly read.

Subaru: "A valiant prince has rescued a beautiful princess. What started as love, soon turns to lust when...Erk! Adie, I am not reading this!"

Subaru began to blush while he raised his voice toward the giggling head maid. His outburst drew the attention of the other girls and Beatrice tilted her head in puzzlement before speaking.

Beatrice: "L-love turns to l-l-lust, in fact? Is that so, I suppose…"

Adella: "Indeed, I find in my novels that it is the only natural recourse for entangled hearts. First, accepting that new riskier highs must be attained to keep the love passionate. Then, comes fun things like roleplay and subjugation…"

Waving his hands wildly, Subaru interjected.

Subaru: "Beako, please disregard everything! Adie! What weird ideas are you trying to teach her!"

Adella: "Just simple knowledge."

Subaru: "Simple for who! None of that is true. I'm banning your play entirely!"

Adella: "Master Subaru! Why must you attack me so? I only endeavored to produce a story that was both interesting and entertaining."

Subaru: "That is only entertaining for you! Banned."

Adella slumped into her seat, clearly defeated while Subaru exhaled loudly in exasperation. After a few moments, he reached for another page to continue the exercise at hand. Yet, after seeing what was crudely scribbled on the paper, he dropped his face into his palm.

Subaru: "Niki, what is this… I mean, I know what it is, but why?"

Holding the page so that the girls could view the cause of his confusion, Subaru eyed Niki with obvious annoyance. Instead of writing, the page contained a primitive sketch of what appeared to be a large fish surrounded by dancing cat children. Niki excitedly smiled at the reveal much to everyone's chagrin. Subaru began to open his mouth to berate her, but was interrupted by a resounding whacking sound. A firm karate chop impacted Niki's head by none other than Beatrice.

Beatrice: "My idea was bad, in fact? Your idea isn't even an idea, I suppose!"

Niki: "Owwie! Ya are too violent around here! I thought it was a good idea…"

Beatrice: "You cannot be serious, in fact!"

Subaru: "Yeah… I gotta side with Beako on this. Did you really think that was an idea?"

Niki: "Well… I couldn't think of nuthin'! I only know nursery stories and stuff from the village. I figured that ya would know better stories… I'm not a dummy!"

Subaru: "Well, I guess that makes sense…"

Beatrice: "Well, I think she's a dummy, in fact. At this rate, we won't have any ideas, I suppose..."

Niki: "Rude! How could ya best friend? Besides, what about mister's idea? Maybe we are all dummies!?"

Beatrice: "I am not a dummy, in fact! Though, I doubt Subaru came up with anything, I suppose…"

Adella: Now, now, Lady Beatrice. Shall we see what Master Subaru has written? It may indeed surprise us."

Adella deftly snatched the remaining page from Subaru's hand before he could react. She snickered at him as he broke eye contact nervously and started to shuffle in his seat. The head maid flipped the page and began to read his idea to the others.

Adella: "An evil monster is attacking the kingdom. With no hope in sight, a hero arises in the form of a magical girl…"

Adella trailed off reading the rest silently to herself before suggestively smiling at Subaru and declaring.

Adella: "Why, if this isn't love, what is?"

Subaru: "W-what!?"

Subaru, who had turned a deep red from embarrassment, combatively replied to Adella's puzzling question. In response, Adella passed the page to Beatrice and Niki before gleefully continuing.

Adella: "Who does that main heroine sound like to you? How brazen to write a play that explicitly includes your lover as the main character."

Beatrice finished reading the summary and looked up to meet Subaru's gaze. As if his embarrassment was contagious, the small spirit also started to blush. After shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Beatrice addressed Subaru.

Beatrice: "Is it true, in fact?"

Subaru: "No! I just thought that a magical girl story would be cute!"

Niki: "So it is about her! Maybe we should just set up a booth for ya two to flirt in?"

Beatrice: "So I am cute, in fact?"

Subaru: "No! I mean, yes! Wait… Adie, please help!"

Adella: "Fufufu, this is too good to pass up Master Subaru! Is Lady Beatrice cute?"

Subaru: "O-of course…and maybe I was thinking of her when I had the idea? I didn't do it on purpose though!"

Beatrice fidgeted as she tried to turn away from Subaru's words. However, she was met with a hug from Niki who tried to pull her cheeks.

Beatrice: "Shtap it, I shuppose!"

Niki: "But yer so cute when you get embawwassed!"

Niki continued to make cooing sounds while speaking in a baby voice. With the brainstorming session now thoroughly derailed, Adella cleared her throat and offered a solution while motioning toward the girls.

Adella: "Well, all of the fun aside, I can surely write a good play with this idea. We have our magical girl and our evil monster right here, after all."

Niki: "Hey!"

Taking her outrage as an opportunity, Beatrice broke free of the cat girl's embrace and continued to listen to Adella's plan while pinning Niki down and covering her mouth.

Adella: "I think it's perfect. Lady Beatrice can help us out with costumes, correct?"

Beatrice: "I can, I suppose. Although, I may not have anything that would suit a monster as gross as this one, in fact"

Niki: "Mmhmm!"

Subaru: "Who is 'us'? Beako and Niki are the only ones who need costumes, right?"

Adella: "Why… Who would our hero rescue, if not a beautiful damsel in distress?"

Subaru: "Let me guess, that's you, right?"

Adella: "Oh, me? I guess I'll have to direct and play an important role…"

Subaru: "You are so transparent…"

Adella: "Fufufu, whatever could you mean?

Subaru: "Sure… So should I pick a role, too-?"

It was at this time that Niki, who had been struggling to free herself from Beatrice's restraint, came tumbling off of the couch onto the floor. The girl rolled forward and landed on her back looking up at Subaru.

Niki: "Err… I think ya may hafta change those plans…"

Subaru: "What do you mean?"

Niki: "Well… I kinda forgot that we gotta build the stall… Now we gotta build a small stage! So… I may have volunteered ya to do that… today..."

Subaru: "What!? When were you going to tell me that? That is a huge amount of work!"

Niki: "Not to worry! Yer supposed to go to the village and see Ricardo. He's our lumbercat! Yer gonna help get the lumber today. Then ya can build leisurely over the next two weeks. The whole village pitches in on the buildin' so ya should be fine!"

Adella: "Sounds like you found your role in all this, Master Subaru! Meanwhile we can try on costumes and practice lines."

Subaru: "Ehh… I guess so…"

Beatrice: "I can stand to have some peace for the day, I suppose."

Niki: "Day… Oh yeah! He's gonna have to spend the night. Something about workin' from midday into the late evenin'. Kobe says yer welcome to have dinner and stay at the lodge."

Subaru: "When were you planning to tell me this! I'm going to have to leave right now to make it!"

Niki: "Oops! I guess I got distracted by breakfast…"

Beatrice's eyes flickered with worry as she glanced between Niki and Subaru before announcing her decision.

Beatrice: "Then I shall accompany him, I suppose."

Subaru: "Beako…"

Adella: "While this is sudden, we do need you here to get started on the other preparations. Besides, absence makes the heart grow fonder, Lady Beatrice. Maybe you two could use some time apart?"

Beatrice: "A-apart?"

Niki: "Well, Della did say I could stay the night before. So I guess yer tradin' mister fer yours truly!"

Subaru: "See, Beako? Everything will work out!"

Beatrice made an audible gulp as Subaru dashed upstairs and Adella traveled to the kitchen. After some time, the group reconvened in the foyer to see Subaru off. The boy in question stood by the door with a small bag and was grinding his fist into Niki's head playfully.

Subaru: "Niki, you need to get better about remembering things…"

Niki: "Sorry, mister…"

Subaru: "Just do me a favor and take care of Beako…"

Niki: "Niki is on the case! Just make sure she doesn't fall fer me…"

Adella stepped forward and took Subaru's place, grinding her fist into Niki's head before speaking.

Adella: "Such a mouth on this one… I packed you a lunch, Master Subaru. While inconvenient, you should look at this as a way to make more friends within the village."

Niki let out a small groan while Subaru placed the newly acquired lunch in his bag. Seeing that it was properly stowed, Adella leaned in to whisper to Subaru.

Adella: "I'll keep an eye on her, but please do say a meaningful goodbye."

Subaru: "You're putting us in one of your romance fantasies again, aren't you?"

Adella: "My, my, nothing gets by you…"

Pulling Niki by the wrist, Adella gave Subaru a wink as she left the foyer with the cat girl in tow. Subaru glanced over at the silent Beatrice as she kicked her leg dejectedly.

Subaru: "Beako, you gonna be okay?"

Beatrice: "I don't know what you could mean, I suppose. It's just one night, in fact. I should relish the vacation."

Subaru: "Will you really, though?"

Beatrice: "...No"

Subaru was shocked by how quietly she had answered as her gaze met the floor. The thought that they had not been apart a single night since entering this world filled Subaru's mind. A small pain tugged at his heart and he noticed that Beatrice had wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to hide her worry. Subaru thought that she must have had the same realization as him earlier when Niki first mentioned him spending the night. Without the luxury of time to beat himself up, Subaru did the only thing that he knew would comfort the small spirit. Placing his arms around Beatrice, he lifted her into a warm embrace. Her small frame shuddered from surprise, but she was glad to replace her arms with his and caressed his neck in return. Delicately running her fingers through his hair, Beatrice indulged herself by nuzzling his cheek. She wanted to mentally record the feeling of his features so she could think back on them later. After a few silent moments, Subaru returned her to the ground and they whispered a few words quietly in each other's ears.

Subaru: "I'll miss you, Beako."

Beatrice: "I'll miss you too, in fact… That hug should be sufficient, I suppose. But… please do hurry back home to Betty."

Wishing to send Subaru off properly while trying her best to suppress the familiar feeling of loneliness, Beatrice mustered up her most dazzling smile. Seeing her smiling gently at him, Subaru couldn't help but offer his brightest smile back to Beatrice. With encouragement like that, nothing could keep him away. So with that, the couple went their separate ways. Yet, a strong connection filled both hearts with a promise to return to each other as soon as they could.

Chapter 15 End