Glass of Appa Juice, Sir? Chapter 2, a re:zero fanfic

A.N.: Hello again! As promised, here is the second chapter, and its a... a little bigger than the first one. Thank you for the kind reception the story has received for the first chapter! I hope you'll continue enjoying the story as it goes on!

"Natsuki Subaru enters the scene!" The exclamation followed the sound of the front door swinging open, startling Harisson out of his task; The glass he was cleaning very nearly falling to the ground, only caught by the reflexes of someone who'd done this many times before. "Oops... sorry, a bit loud there." The black haired youth, who'd struck some strange pause the moment he'd opened the door, was now busy rubbing the back of his neck with a slight blush of embarrassment. "Hope I didn't scare ya!"

"N...no, it's all right, just surprised me a little..." Harisson froze as he looked at the younger man.

Impossible.

Incomprehensible.

"I..." Harisson couldn't get the words out of his mouth, his eyes wide as he stared just a little above their head at the black number.

Four.

That... that wasn't possible. His blessing must be wrong. Had to be.

"Huh. So that also hasn't changed. Good to know." The youth mumbled to themselves. Harisson perhaps would have noted the oddity of the choice of words were he not busy staring at the black number above the head of the young man. In his life, he had only ever seen two different numbers appear in black above people's heads. Zero, and one. And the latter only above people who'd just died... and only two times in his entire life.

So how. How, by the Od, did this kid have a black four floating ominously above their head?! "Hope I didn't scare ya!"

"I..." He gulped. He couldn't just... he couldn't just ignore that. That was... "Sorry, sir... Natsuki, right?" The youth seemed surprised, frowning.

"Nevermind no changes..." He shook his head. "Yes, I am Natsuki Subaru! I am broke, no longer jobless and hopeless beyond repair! Nice to meet ya!"

"Mister Natsuki. Harisson, nice to meet you too." He answered. His tongue felt heavy. "I... I know this is probably going to be a weird question, but..." He took a deep breath. "Have you died before?" Subaru stared back at him, their expression hesitant. Harisson immediately regretted asking. Oh by the Od, what kind of question was that, great job Harisson you absolute... "Nevermind that sir, I apologize." He cleared his throat, trying to dissipate the awkward atmosphere. "I... I'm assuming you came for the delivery right? I'll just fetch that for you." With that he quickly retreated to the back of the shop, cursing his impulsive question. Who started a conversation like that?! And all because of a number... his blood grew cold at the thought of it. Four. Four deaths. What did that even mean? How did one die more than once? If there was such a thing as resurrection magic... he hadn't heard of it.

Soon, he returned with two heavy bags. "Here you go sir. Apologies again."

"Nah, no worries." The youth gave him a grin. "It just caught me a little off guard is all. Those are pretty heavy aren't they?" Harisson cocked an eyebrow, happy to take any distractions from his embarrassing blunder.

"Good eye there. Yeah they're pretty heavy. I'd struggle to carry both myself."

"Ha! Don't underestimate a neet with too much time on his hands!" Subaru grinned, lifting both of the bags with some effort. As he made to turn around, he asked: "Say... what made you ask that question anyways?" Harisson stammered.

"Ah... it's... um, it's my divine blessing." Subaru turned around, looking curious. "It allows me to see how many times people have had a near brush with death. And, well... how many times people have died. As numbers above people's heads." Subaru blinked, before tilting his head to the side.

"...huh. That's a weirdly specific blessing." Harisson sighed, flopping on the counter.

"I know right?! The sword saint gets to be a walking natural disaster, and I get to know useless information." Subaru chuckled.

"Reinhardt is pretty ridiculous, that we can agree on." Subaru grinned. "Anyways, so I'm guessing my amount is unusual?"

"You could say that." Harisson mumbled.

"How many does it tell you, if I may ask?" Harisson stared at the number floating above Subaru. Taunting him. An impossibility.

"Four." Subaru nodded to himself.

"Huh. Well that's something." Then, as if coming to a decision. "Alright! If I make it past the fifth day, I'll come back and we can have a chat about that power of yours." Harisson blinked, watching as Subaru turned around and started walking out of the inn.

"H...hey, wait a minute! What does that even mean?! Fifth day?! Chat?!"

"Have a nice first day Harisson! Talk to you later!"

"N...no, it's all right, just surprised me a little..." Harisson froze as he looked at the younger man.

Impossible.

Incomprehensible.

"I..." Harisson couldn't get the words out of his mouth, his eyes wide as he stared just a little above their head at the black number.

Five.

That... that wasn't possible. His blessing must be wrong. Had to be.

"Well, glad to see that hasn't changed. Hey there Harisson!" The innkeeper blinked, confused.

"I'm sorry, have we met before?" He asked, brought out of his staring contest with the ominous number number floating above Subaru's head. Five. Od, he'd never seen anything besides zero and one... what the hell could a five mean?!

"Eh, don't think so! Feels like we've met a couple times before though, doesn't it?" Harisson blinked. When Subaru mentioned it.

"...Huh. I suppose so." With that, they turned away. "I assume you're here to take the delivery for the mansion?"

"Yup!" Subaru chirped, leaning over the counter. "I just started working there as a butler! I don't remember mentioning that though." Subaru said somberly. Harisson froze in his movements.

"...You haven't." He noted. And yet he'd instinctively... huh. That was odd. "Well I just assumed, since I was expecting someone to come pick up a delivery, and your outfit..."

"Guess that makes sense." The black haired young man stared intently at Harisson's back as he went to grab the two bags of supplies. "So, recently moved here huh? What prompted the move?"

"Ah, a distant relation decided to take a different opportunity in the capital. They were looking for someone to take over, and I've been training to be an innkeeper for a while." He smiled softly. "It just kind of worked out."

"Huh. I see." Subaru nodded to himself. "So, no plans regarding the mansion then?" Harisson turned back to Subaru, blinking.

"The mansion?" Subaru winced, shaking his head.

"Nevermind, ignore that. Just... chasing strings." Harisson frowned. Now that he looked closer at Subaru...

"Do you want something? On the house." Subaru seemed caught off guard.

"Oh, I don't drink alcohol..." Harisson shook his head at that.

"No no, I don't think alcohol is a good idea here anyways. I was thinking maybe some Appa juice, just something to have before heading back? Those bags are real heavy." His eyes glanced at the slightly shaky hands of the young man. "Give you a little time to relax as well."

"...You know what? That... that doesn't sound too bad." Subaru let out a sigh, sitting at one of the stools. "I just hope nee-sama won't yell at me for being late or something."

"Nee-sama? You have a big sister, mister Natsuki?" Harisson asked as he grabbed a glass, pouring some juice in it. Subaru choked, rapidly shaking his head in the negative.

"No, no no...no! She'd kill me if she heard you say that." Harisson frowned, his eyes glancing at the number above Subaru's head. The mention of death was a heavy reminder of its presence. "She's one of the maids at the mansion... I just kind of call her that. There's two of them, and she's the older one." Harisson nodded. He didn't really understand, but it wasn't his place to pry.

"I see sir." He answered, handing over the glass of cold juice.

"And come on, I already told you, call me Subaru. Mister and sir are too formal." Harisson hesitated.

"I... did you? It does... does sound familiar..." He mumbled, not noticing how intently Subaru was staring at him. "My apologies then, Subaru." The aforementioned Subaru grinned at that, taking a sip of the juice.

"Hm! That's actually really good!" Subaru's eyes widened. "You sure that's apple juice?" Harisson shook his head.

"Appa juice, si... Subaru."

"Oh come on, same thing!" Subaru sighed, drinking the rest of the juice. Harisson noted with some satisfaction that his hands weren't shaking quite as badly as before. "Anyways, I should probably be heading to the mansion. They'll be waiting for me." He smiled sheepishly at Harisson. "I don't have any money on me,but I'm sure I can bring some with me next time I visit..." Harisson raised a hand, interrupting him.

"I told you, it's on the house. Consider it a first customer discount." Subaru frowned.

"Huh... but then why now, and not..." Despite himself, Harisson felt compelled to answer.

"You looked like you could use something to cheer you up." He wasn't sure why he'd said it. Why he felt like he needed to answer. One thing for sure, he instantly regretted as he looked away awkwardly, missing the surprised look Subaru sent him at the answer.

"...Oh." A soft chuckle. "You're a good guy after all, aren'cha innkeep? Man, and here I was suspecting that you... nevermind." Harisson frowned, looking back to find the butler walking out of the inn. "Have a nice one. Keep safe yeah?" Harisson glanced at the numbers above Subaru's head. A red one and a black five.

"I feel like I should be telling you that..." As the door closed, he cursed. He hadn't even had the chance to ask about the impossible number.

He'd have to ask next time the butler visited. He'd make sure he'd have a glass of appa juice ready as well.

Harisson was absentmindedly filling a glass of appa juice when the door swung open.

"Natsuki Subaru enters the scene!" The exclamation followed the sound of the front door swinging open, startling Harisson out of his task; The glass he was filling very nearly falling to the ground, only caught by the reflexes of someone who'd done this many times before. Some of the juice spilled on his sleeve, making him curse in annoyance "Oops... sorry, a bit loud there." The black haired youth, who'd struck some strange pause the moment he'd opened the door, was now busy rubbing the back of his neck with a slight blush of embarrassment. "Hope I didn't scare ya!"

"N...no, it's all right, just surprised me a little..." Harisson froze as he looked at the younger man.

Impossible.

Incomprehensible.

"Man, I'm glad to see that hasn't changed. How's it going, Harisson?"

"I'm alright si..." He frowned. "Sorry. I..." He shook his head. It didn't feel right calling the person that had just entered sir. He wasn't sure why, and wasn't that the damndest thing.

"Ah, just call me Subaru!" The black haired youth grinned. "Anyways, it's the first time we meet, but it feels like it's the..." Subaru frowned. "Huh. Missed you in the last one. So fourth time!" Harisson blinked in confusion.

"...I see?" He really didn't. "Would you like a glass of appa juice? On the house." Subaru blinked in surprise.

"Eh? You... you made a glass of appa juice?" Harisson frowned, looking down at the glass. He wasn't sure why Subaru was questioning it, but now that he mentioned it... why had he filled the glass? It just... it had just felt right to do. "Well, don't mind if I do!" With that, the butler confidently strode into the inn, grabbing the glass of juice and bringing it to his lips. Harisson blinked as two more people stepped into the inn, instinctively standing a little straighter at the sight of the maid uniforms they wore. Those must be more staff from the Margrave Mansion. Once more, he found himself questioning why he hadn't felt the same urge to check his behavior when Subaru had stepped in. Despite having never met them before, he'd just felt... familiar. And yet, his gaze couldn't help but flicker at the number above the boy's head. A red one, and a black seven. Somehow, it felt wrong. Well, more wrong than the impossible already was. Like Harisson had missed something.

"Barusu. I know that working hard must be a new thing for you, but you should not seek comfort in alcohol." The maid with red hair spoke up.

"Sister, sister. It's such a tragedy." The one with blue hair spoke up. Harisson blinked, examining the new arrivals closer.

Both of the girls looked nearly identical save for the color of their hair at a first glance; Same haircut, same clothing, similar poses and manners of speech. A closer examination quickly revealed some key differences however; The color of their eyes were identical to that of their hair. The red haired girl seemed also a tad more cutting in her speech. There were further differences, but Harisson refused to bring himself to make the comparaison.

"Oh come on, don't immediately assume the worst! It's appa juice, appa juice!" Subaru protested, thrusting the glass towards her.

"What terrible manners Barusu. And right in front of the owner of the establishment as well." The red haired maid answered without missing a beat. Subaru gasped.

"Ignoring my defense and immediately going for another strike! As expected of nee-sama!" Harisson blinked as the maid turned to him.

"My apologies sir. Barusu here has the manners of a dog, and the preferences of one as well."

"Hey!" Harisson blinked, shaking his hand.

"Ah no, it's quite alright miss. Or should it be my lady?" Harisson grew flustered. "I... I'm sorry, I haven't had much exposure to the nobility, I'm..." He found himself floundering more and more under the scrutinizing gaze of the red haired maid.

"I am Ram. You may call me Ram." Harisson nodded, relieved. "And this is Rem. You may call her Rem." The blue haired maid gave him a small bow accompanied with a half smile. "We serve the Margrave mansion as Lord Roswaal's personal maids."

"Ah, nice to meet you then." Harisson answered lamely. Should he add a measure of respect? Would it be disrespectful to the lord if he did, showing deference when it should be reserved to them?

"I get the feeling you're overthinking something right now." Subaru commented. "Anyways, that appa juice is amazing. Are you sure there's only appl... appas in it?"

"Quite sure Subaru." Harisson eagerly took the save for what it was, shifting to a more comfortable subject. "It's a matter of storage, quality of the batch and a few other details I'm sure would bore you."

"Mah, if you say so." Subaru took a sip from the juice as Ram cleared her throat.

"I am to understand you have taken over the establishment from Aris, yes?" Harisson immediately straightened himself.

"Y...yes miss! I have your supplies in the back, I'll go grab them right now." The maid nodded, looking around with a critical eye. Harisson grabbed the bags, dragging them out one by one. His gaze found itself drifting back to Subaru's numbers. Hesitation gripped him. Should he mention it? Bring it up? The presence of the two maids made him hesitant. What if he embarrassed himself in front of the lord's staff on his first day? What a way to start the week... And yet. Concern welled within him. This surely couldn't be normal. His blessing could be wrong, but it had never been before. And... something whispered in the back of his head. Pushing him to trust in himself. Ghost reactions. "Here you go miss Ram." The red haired maid nodded as the blue haired maid walked up to the counter, lifting both bags without breaking a sweat. Harisson found himself staring in awe.

"Thank you mister Harisson." The red haired maid nodded.

"W...wow." Harisson gulped as Subaru chuckled.

"I know right? Man, not even giving me a chance to look cool." He stretched. "Anyways, time to head back. Thanks for the drink Harisson. I'll pay you next time."

"I already told you. It's on the house." Subaru blinked, before chuckling, raising his hand.

"Right, right. Thought you'd forget." Harisson went to grab the hand, before frowning as he looked at the other hand.

"Hey, did something bite you?!" He exclaimed, going to grab the hand. "Shit, it's fine I'll go grab some alcohol and we can disinfect th..." Subaru giggled, pulling his other hand back.

"Ah don't worry, just some dog bite from one of those brats' pet. I'll be fine! Some healing magic and I'll be right as rain!" Harisson frowned.

"You need not concern yourself with Barusu. He simply annoyed an innocent puppy enough for them to react appropriately." Ram bluntly said. Harisson winced at the harsh words.

"Ah, I see... Well, make sure to avoid doing that again I guess." He wasn't happy leaving it alone, but he knew when people wanted him to leave well alone. "Do you want me to get you something as well?" He asked, turning to the sisters. Ram shook her head. Harisson wondered if there was a reason the blue haired girl wasn't speaking much. In fact, now that he thought about it, she'd spent more time staring at Subaru with a contemplative expression than anything else...

"No thank you. I am afraid we must attend to our duties in the mansion, and it would not do to indulge." She shrugged. "Perhaps in our time off." Subaru glanced at her.

"You take time off?" Ram ignored him, turning away from the counter.

"Barusu. We're going back to the mansion." She gave a very slight bow to Harisson, who instantly felt awkward not knowing the appropriate response. "Thank you for your time and indulging Barusu here. I apologize for any misconduct he may have."

"Ah no it's fine, seriously. Thank you for your business, and you're welcome here any time." Harisson answered as they walked out. A sigh escaped him as the door closed. He hadn't really gotten a chance to approach Subaru about the anomaly of the numbers above his head. Damn.

Next time for sure.

He frowned.

Wait.

When DID he tell Subaru the drink was on the house?

"And then... can you believe it! They told me that one of the royal candidates is a Vollachian! A Od be damned Vollachian! I mean, what is the world coming to?" Harisson nodded at the villager as they ranted. Even he knew about the royal candidates; It was all people talked about these days. Especially in the previous inn he worked in... people liked to talk politics when they got drunk. It involved a lot of ranting. At least this one was only expressing concerns, not slurs. He'd heard enough of those to last him a lifetime.

"Ah, it does seem odd allowing foreign actors to get access to the throne..." Harisson commented. "But hey, they've got to know what they're doing right? Besides, just because she's a candidate doesn't mean she'll win."

"Ugh I hope not." The man sighed, barely heard over the clamor filling the inn. For a first day, it was going pretty well, Harisson judged. The advantage of the place being well known around here. People had trickled in throughout the day, for drinks and for food. Harisson found himself slightly overwhelmed regarding the latter, struggling to make enough meals for all those who'd requested them by himself. A soft smile came to his lips as he watched the villagers cheerfully discussing and laughing together, having gathered many of the tables together in one large banquet. Aris had been right. These were good folk. "Think you can serve me another one?" Harisson tutted.

"Come on, you've already had two solid ones. Don't want to overdo it." The man sighed.

"Haaa... you're right. Don't want an accident in the fields." Suddenly, the door slammed open, Harisson jumping slightly in surprise as a disheveled woman entered the inn, looking frazzled. The villagers grew silent as she entered, looking at her.

"The children!" She cried out. The atmosphere instantly grew tense. "The children are gone!" Harisson's eyes widened in shock as the man in front of him cursed, immediately rising to his feet as many others did.

"Oi, what do you mean the kids are gone?!" One of them shouted.

"We can't find them! They're just... gone!" Curses and shouts as people began running out of the inn. Harisson stayed frozen, unsure what to do. Lights began dancing outside as people headed out of their homes with torches, shouting and calling out to the children. One of the villagers who had stayed behind walked up to the counter, their expression grave.

"Harisson. I assume you don't know anything?" Harisson gulped. As the newcomer, of course he'd be suspected of something like that happening.

"I..." The old man patted him on the arm, his expression softening a fraction.

"Now now. Don't worry yourself too much. Aris vouched for you, and around here that means something. We're just trying to make sure we get as much information. No one thinks you did something here." Harisson let out a shaky breath, his hands clenching in frustration. Children were missing; The parents were probably terrified out of their mind, the villagers hadn't hesitated to go out in search of them and here he was, scared for himself. How pathetic was he?

"No sir. The last I've seen them was when they stumbled here when I first arrived, and last I heard about them was when Subaru came in with the Mathers maids. Apparently he got bitten by a dog from one of the children." The old man sighed, shaking his head.

"That's as much as we know. Thank you Harisson." Harisson couldn't help but feel disappointed in himself for not knowing more. His eyes narrowed as he pulled out his keyring, opening the secret compartment beneath the counter under the curious eyes of the old man. Harisson reached in, pulling out the weapon hidden inside. It felt unnatural in his hands; He'd never wielded one in his hands, and even he could tell his hold on it was clumsy and amateurish. The sword was no great work of art; Likely bought from one of the numerous merchants who passed through the area. But it was better than nothing.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to help more. I'll go and help with the search!" The old man hummed.

"So that was what he hid in there... Do you know how to use it?" Harisson blushed, looking down.

"N...no. But I can't just... stay here and do nothing!" A cry caught both of their attention, no word being exchanged as they rushed outside, Harisson holding the broadsword in his hand in a vice-like grip. The thing was heavier than he'd expected. It didn't take long for them to see where the shout had come from; There was a gathering by the edge of the forest. Harisson felt his stomach sink. Aris had been painfully clear when he'd been showing Harisson around. No going into the forest, under any circumstances. And if he must, he must absolutely not go past the barrier generated by the magical stones placed on the trees. The reason was simple.

Mabeasts.

The name alone was enough to send shivers down his spine.

"What is going on?" The old man demanded, one of the villagers turning to them.

"Ah, it's Subaru! He and the blue haired maid from the mansion just ran into the forest, they think the kids went in there!" Harisson felt his blood run cold. The old man cursed, shaking his head.

"Damn it all! So there's nothing we can do huh?" Harisson looked at him in surprise.

"Nothing?! We can't just... stand here and wait!" The old man gave him a stern look.

"Then what? We rush in after them? We're just civilians. We will be slaughtered by the mabeasts." Harisson clenched his teeth.

"What about Subaru and Rem then?" He wasn't sure if this was the appropriate way of addressing the people working in the mansion, if he was supposed to use honorifics or not. He was too agitated to care.

"The maid will be capable of fighting and know some magic. As for Subaru, I am sure he has something up his sleeves. He'd be inside to run in otherwise." The old man lowered his eyes. "We must put our trust in them. If we go in, all we will do is give them more people to protect and make their work harder. Let them focus on the children." Harisson stared angrily into the forest, before his body sagged. He'd never felt so powerless as now before.

"There's... there's got to be something we can do." He whispered. The old man nodded.

"We will establish patrols. Make sure that if the children somehow make it out without the help from those two they are found." The villagers started dispersing, discussing with each other and shouting instructions as many began standing guard at the edge of the forest, peering into it. Frustration was clear to read on their faces. Harisson inwardly cursed his own weakness.

"Understood. Where do you want me?"

Something emerged from the woods. Harisson wildly raised his sword, hoping he looked more intimidating than he felt, before letting it fall with bone deep relief at the sight of the blue haired maid charging out of the woodline. The sheer joy he felt seeing her carry the missing children was almost enough for him not to take note of just how fast she was moving, or the fact she was carrying every single one of the children by herself.

"Miss Rem!" He exclaimed, grabbing the attention of many of the other villagers who quickly gathered around them as she jumped over the fence into the village. His eyes widened at how pale and still the children were.

"The children have been cursed." She wasted no time in explaining as the villagers grabbed the children off of her. As she handed the last one off, she turned around. "Make sure they're taken care of. Get someone from the mansion here and they will be able to help." Another villager called out.

"Wait, you're not going back are you?" She didn't answer, simply rushing back into the woods. Harisson cursed, turning to the other villagers.

"Someone go to the mansion and tell them what's going on! I'll make some room in the inn so they can check on them all at once!" It was all he could do. It would have to be enough.

"Out of the way, I suppose." Harisson jumped at the voice behind him. He'd been keeping watch over the children placed onto the various beds they'd dragged from the rooms up in the inn and placed within the main hall, all clustered together. Turning around, he found himself faced with a peculiar sight.

A young girl, who couldn't have been older than ten; Twelve if he was being extremely generous, dressed extremely extravagantly. Somehow, it did not seem excessive on her. Her blond hair was made in a long drill-like shape, her eyes had pupils the shape of butterflies. Overall, Harisson could guarantee this was by far the most eccentric looking person he'd ever met. Let alone child.

"I'm sorry?" Was all that came out of his mouth, so baffled he was. The child huffed.

"I said out of the way, I suppose. Betty needs to check on the children." His eyes widened.

"Oh, you must be from the mansion! I am so sorry miss, right over here." He gestured to the cluster of beds. The child nodded, seemingly satisfied.

"Hmpf. Some respect for Betty at least, I suppose." She stepped up to the children, looking down at them as her hands shone with magic. His eyes widened. So young, yet already able to use magic?! The people from the mansion were truly amazing. He looked down at his hands.

Well, he was of no use here.

Maybe he could cook up some meals for when the kids woke up. He doubted they'd gotten dinner before they disappeared. As he headed to the kitchen, he nodded to himself. Perhaps another for the maid and Subaru, whenever they came back. Oh, and for the parents of the children. The poor souls had been so thankful to see their children back, yet so devastated seeing them in this state... They'd been kept out of the inn to avoid any interference for when the healer would arrive. He had to admit, seeing a ten year old as a healer was surprising, but he knew better than to question it. Mages were incredible. Perhaps he should make a meal for her as well. She could probably use the energy once she was done healing...

By the time the healer was done, the parents had been allowed back in. The children weren't conscious yet, sleeping peacefully unaware of how close their lives had come to being snuffed. Harisson could see the bright red one above their heads. It brought forth an anger he hadn't known he was capable of experiencing. These were children. They weren't meant to be in danger, let alone in such mortal danger his power judged it a near brush with death. He took a deep breath. Calm. They were live. That was what mattered. The parents had taken their children back home, the healer sitting by herself in the middle of the now empty inn.

He walked up to her, placing down a plate of hot food in front of her, eliciting a look of surprise on her face.

"Thank you very much for your help, Miss healer. Without your help, things could have gotten really bad." He smiled at her. "You saved those children." The healer kept holding his gaze before looking away.

"Hmph! Betty only did as she wished to, I suppose. It would have been inconvenient to have things get messy." He chuckled at her abrasive behavior.

"Well, regardless of intentions the result is the same. Thank you." She glanced at him, frowning.

"Hm." She looked down at the food. "Betty cannot eat this."

"H...huh?" He looked down at the food, surprised. "Oh, damn do you have allergies?! Gah I knew I should have asked, it's just been such a rush tonight and I forgot, I am such an idi..."

"It is not that, in fact. Betty is a spirit. She does not need to eat food." Harisson gaped at her, his face turning a bright red.

"O...oh, I am so sorry miss spirit!" A spirit?! He didn't know those could take human form... oh Od, was she actually a child, or was she merely choosing this form?! This was deeply embarrassing. "Um, can I get you anything else? I don't... I am not sure what spirits eat..." He was spared the embarrassment of an answer as the door slammed open, the blue haired maid rushing inside. Harisson cursed as he looked at her; She was covered in wounds and blood, a vicious looking mace and chain in one hand, the other supporting a deeply wounded looking Subaru on her back. He looked like he'd been viciously mauled, bite marks all over his body bleeding heavily. Harisson felt he might throw up as he looked in horror at the mangled boy.

"Lady Beatrice! Please, you have to help him! Subaru, he..."

"Bring him over here I suppose." The spirit spat out, her eyes narrowed. Harisson watched as they laid Subaru on the table, blood pooling on and under it. A trail of it reached his foot, making him take a step back as he left behind a bloody print. His breath grew ragged, his eyes wide as his heart accelerated. Panic was threatening to overwhelm him the more he looked at Subaru's injured form. "Snap out of it, I suppose!" He let out a gasp at the spirit's waspish answer. "Bubby will be here soon. Subaru will be fine." Harisson nodded, turning to Rem. She was also injured, though compared to Subaru's none of it looked life threatening at least. Harisson did his best to not look at the angry red two above his head.

"Miss Rem, would you like something to drink, or to eat whilst Lady Beatrice takes care of Subaru?" He asked, both out of concern and trying to do something to keep himself occupied. Away from the panic and the anxiety. She stared at the boy's form, biting her lower lip before seeming to register his words.

"Oh. Rem is fine." Beatrice cursed as she continued healing Subaru. "Lady Beatrice?"

"The boy is cursed. Heavily so." She sighed. "I cannot undo it, I suppose." Harisson felt his head spinning.

"H...huh? But you just did with the children!" He cried out. "Why is it different now?!"

"The complexity of the curse. There isn't a single one, but many dozen, all entangling themselves in each other. I cannot undo them, not even with Bubby's help." Rem gasped.

"There must be something! Anything!"

"Well, I suppose the death of every single ulgarm in the forest would be sufficient." Beatrice commented off handedly.

Harisson wasn't listening. His ears were ringing as he stared at the body of the black haired youth. The boy was going to die. Cursed by mabeasts. This... this was cruel. Too cruel. This wasn't right! He barely registered the blue haired maid arguing with the spirit before storming off, her mace in hand. The spirit let out a deep sigh as the continued healing the boy.

"Betty would like some privacy. She cannot focus on healing him if people are going to barge in and out of the building." Harisson blinked.

"Ah, right. Yes, there's rooms upstairs, some of them still have their beds." Betty gestured to Subaru.

"Carry him upstairs then." Harisson didn't question her. He lifted the boy, ignoring the blood smearing on his own clothes. Desperately closing himself off to the pale expression and deathly still body in his arms. The wounds were closed off at least, so there was no risk of blood loss, although the injuries still looked quite severe. Laying him on a bed in a comfortable room, he stood back as Beatrice continued healing Subaru. "You may want to wait downstairs. Bubby and his contractor will arrive soon. Send them here when they do."

"Y...yes my Lady." Was this the proper address? He hoped so. She didn't answer.

When Lady Emilia arrived, Harisson was ashamed to say he'd been scared.

A half-elf with silver hair and purple eyes. Everyone knew what that meant. Harisson had heard the stories. It was impossible not to. The ruckus her selection as a royal candidate had been intense. It had been a rough week at the inn he'd worked at back then.

His first reaction when she entered the inn had been fear. A dread in his entire body, a terror that the witch would strike him down where he stood. He took a step back, hitting the back shelf behind the counter.

Then, he noticed the sheer concern on her face. It had been the first cause of hesitation on his part. Second had been the rush she'd been in when he told her where Subaru was.

This... this didn't fit with the idea of the witch. He knew she wasn't the witch of envy. He shivered at the thought of the wicked monster. Of course she wasn't. If she was, the world would have ended already. But it was impossible not to draw comparaisons. And Harisson, shameful as he was, was not immune to being influenced by the opinions of those around him.

Still.

That expression of worry, yet filled with determination...

He shook his head.

He didn't know the girl. It wasn't fair of him to judge her like this.

He wished it was that easy to cast aside his fear.

He spent over half an hour gathering the courage to go upstairs, making a meal as a way of subtle apology for his initial reaction to her. He knew she'd noticed his fear. He'd seen the hurt and resignation in her eyes. And yet, she hadn't called him out on it. Hadn't even seemed angry. Just... used to it.

Somehow, that made him feel far worse than any words of insult she could have come up with.

He didn't know if half-elves ate differently to humans. Should he use different ingredients? Would it be offensive of him to do so? He sighed, shaking his head. He would do a regular meal. Then, if it turned out she didn't want it, at least he could take her scorn as punishment. Anything but that hurt again.

Steeling himself, he slowly climbed the stairs up to Subaru's room, finding Emilia holding Subaru's hands in her own, magic flowing into him. For a moment, Harisson stared in wonder at the sight. Then, clearing his throat, he stepped inside.

"E...eh?" Lady Emilia startled, turning towards him with tired eyes. He frowned. The task looked to be far more taxing on her than on Lady Beatrice.

"Sorry Lady Emilia. I just..." He floundered with his words. "I... I thought you could use a hot meal, I'm... I'm no mage, but I assume it's a tiring task to use magic." He took a breath, calming himself, hating the surge of instinctual fear he felt as those purple eyes landed on him. The desire to run, to flee, to escape. Quickly, he placed the plate on the table next to the bed. "If there's any issues with it, just leave it to the side and I'll clean it up later." With that, he turned on his heels and almost ran out of the room, trying desperately to calm his beating heart, all while cursing himself as he descended the stairs. Stupid. Stupid! He hadn't even apologized for his earlier reaction!

He collapsed onto one of the bar stools, sighing as he laid his head in between his hands.

"Don't look so pathetic." Harisson jostled at the words, looking with wide eyes at the spirit standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"L...Lady Beatrice!" He rose to his feet, giving a short bow. "I am sorry, do you need anything?"

"Apologize not to me. You have not offended Betty directly I suppose." She harrumphed. "I am going to get some fresh air. The boy's remaining injuries can be handled by the girl."

"Oh, of course." He hesitated, before calling out. "Would you like a drink of appa juice before leaving?" She hesitated, before eventually shrugging.

"Hm. It makes no difference to Betty." Relieved to be on familiar grounds once more, he quickly filled a glass before walking up to her and handing it. The spirit stared at the glass for a moment before taking a cautious sip. She seemed surprised. "This is... adequate, I suppose."

"I am honored." He grinned, relieved. "Thank you for all you've done today, Lady Beatrice." He walked back behind the counter, continuing to prepare the meals for the other villagers. "I know you said you don't eat, but you're clearly capable of doing so." She cocked an eyebrow at him as he gestured to the glass of appa juice. "You're always welcome here, no charge."

"That is a poor way to run a business I suppose." She answered, looking away. He shrugged.

"Well, maybe. But I can't ignore what you've done for the people here either." He chuckled. "Can't put a price on lives."

"...Hm." She hummed, walking up to the door. As she made to leave, she hesitantly called out. "Thank you for the drink, I suppose." With that, she closed the door behind her before he had the chance to answer. A small smile spread across his face. Then...

"I hope she brings back that glass at some point."

By the time Harisson came back from distributing the meals to the various families of the village, Subaru was gone. He'd gone to check upstairs in the room, only to find a sleeping Emilia and an empty bed. He also noted the empty plate with a tinge of both happiness and shame. Daring not to wake up the royal candidate, he instead walked out looking for them, only for his eyes to go wide as in the distance massive explosions engulfed portions of the forest. Fear spread through him; The last thing they needed was a wildfire... Only to see the flames vanish. Magic, it must have been! No normal fire behaved that way.

Ram came and picked up Emilia later on, scarcely giving any room for Harisson to ask what was going on or how anyone was. Left in the dark, frustrated and worried, Harisson did what he did best in these situations: Threw himself into work with the hopes that it would distract him from his fears.

Later in the day, people gathered in the inn to celebrate the safe return of the children. From there, Harisson managed to uncover what had happened in the forest through rumors and conversations with the villagers; Though he knew likely many of the events were somewhat distorted and exaggerated, it was better than nothing. It seemed that Rem, Ram and Subaru had headed into the forest, dealing with the mabeasts with the help of the finally returned Lord Roswaal Mathers. Though there had been many injuries, everyone was safe. No one had died, and the curses had been lifted. Harisson could have collapsed there and then in sheer relief. Thank the Od for the timely return of Lord Roswaal. That explained the fire as well. Even Harisson had heard the stories of the power Lord Roswaal wielded.

He'd tried to offer free meals and drinks for the whole village with the celebrations, but had been firmly told off. As much as he tried to convince them, they would not hear it and paid for their share. Harisson was grateful for that, but still felt a little miffed. He sighed fondly as he wiped off one of the tables, watching the last of the villagers leave, calling out a goodbye to them.

It had been a rough day to say the least, though a great one with the celebrations. He hadn't even slept last night with all the commotion from the disappearance, and then spent the whole next day serving foods and drinks and participating in the celebrations. He could feel how exhausted he was. Perhaps an early night would do him good. He could finish cleaning tomorrow.

"Merchant located!" The familiar voice caught his attention as the door to the inn opened. Harisson blinked in surprise.

"Mister Natsuki?" He glanced out the window. It was pitch black outside. "Shouldn't you be resting right now?" Subaru gasped, pointing at Harisson.

"Oh come on! Did the progress bar reset or something?! It's Subaru! Su-ba-ru!" Harisson sighed.

"Subaru." He grabbed a glass, filling it with appa juice, setting it on the counter. "My point still stands." The black haired youth walked up to the counter, grabbing the drink with a thankful grin.

"Oh come on, I couldn't let my favorite merchant get too worried about me! I hear you saw me in a pretty bad state." Subaru winced at Harisson's expression as he said that. Harisson glanced at the numbers above Subaru's head.

A red two and a black seven.

No change since the last time at least. Not that these numbers were any less concerning than before...

"You could say that. I'm glad to see you are doing better si... Subaru." He quickly corrected himself under the surprisingly effective glare.

"Yeah, nothing can keep me down for long!" He chuckled darkly. "Still, I wanted to ask..." Harisson blinked at the serious tone, worry rising within him. Subaru slammed both of his hands on the counter. "How come Beako gets to have free drinks AND food?!" Harisson stared at Subaru, his brain drawing a blank at the betrayed tone. "I thought I was your first customer! I was so smug to her about getting a free drink and then she tells me she got a free meal AND a free drink, and has the audacity to smugly 'hmph' me!" Subaru grabbed Harisson by the shoulders, shaking him in despair. "How does my pride recover from that?!" Harisson continued staring at Subaru, even as he was getting shaken back and forth. Then...

"Pft..." Harisson tried to hold his laughter in, but couldn't. He laughed, loud and clear, his eyes tearing at the sight of the outraged Subaru.

"Hey! It's not funny!"

"I'm..." He snickered. "I'm sorry, you were just so serious..." He snorted, giggling to himself. "Fine, fine. I think you've earned it anyways."

"Wha... seriously?" Subaru blinked. "I was mostly joking. You don't actually have to." Harisson shook his head.

"Please. From what I understand, you played no small part in ensuring everyone came home safe and sound." Harisson softly smiled. "There are parents right now who get to hold their children in their arms because of you mi... Subaru. That is no small thing." Subaru's eyes widened as he let go of Harisson.

"I...um, yeah that's right! I..." Subaru stammered, making Harisson chuckle at the attempt at confidence.

"So, going forward, drinks and food are on the house." Harisson glared at the butler. "And I won't take no as an answer. Had enough of that nonsense today. I didn't even manage to stop Pettra from paying for her glass of appa juice." He sighed. "So I guess that's two of us that got humiliated by children today." Subaru smugly looked down at Harisson.

"Mine is actually super old, so it's worse for you." Harisson rolled his eyes.

"Yes yes, whatever. So. What will you have?" Subaru chuckled awkwardly.

"Ah, I actually promised Rem I'd be at the dinner tonight... so I'll have to pass today." Harisson laughed it off.

"It's fine, it's fine. The inn isn't going anywhere."

"Sounds good to me." Subaru stretched. "Welp, I best be off. Don't want to worry Emilia-tan!" Harisson tried not to flinch at the name, his shame rising once more at the forefront. As Subaru began walking off, he called out. "Oh, and Harisson?"

"Yes, Subaru?"

"What do my numbers say?" Harisson's eyes went wide, the glass he was holding falling to the floor. Miraculously, it didn't shatter.

"I... how do you..." He gulped. "...two and seven." Subaru seemed surprised.

"Two huh? I thought... nevermind. At least the seven sounds about right." Subaru opened the door to the outside. "Well, till next time!" Harisson continued staring at the door as it closed, frozen in shock.

How?

How did he know?

And most of all...

Why was he so unsurprised?