-Rem and Ram's Room-
"Roswaal…that's a name I haven't heard in a long time." Echidna says. Her tone of voice indicates she is maybe feeling a little nostalgic.
Upon hearing this, Rem recalls how Roswaal behaved when Echidna was mentioned back in his room. He had an unusually high opinion of her. Despite this, he's never once mentioned her before today. She hypotheses that it's because she's a witch. Considering the reputation of the Witch of Envy and the Witch's Cult, Echidna would most likely never be welcomed by society.
Why does Roswaal know about her? From Rem's limited knowledge of the Witch's, none of them have wandered the world in at least the last couple hundred years. And yet, Roswaal speaks of the Witch of Greed as if she's a close, familiar friend. Since Roswaal is in his late 20's to early 30's, there's no way he could have ever met her.
Or perhaps, he's met with her like she's doing now? Speaking with her spirit in her own dream-like world. But that wouldn't make sense. He got rejected by the trial and he suffered quite heavily for it, if his bandages were anything to go by.
And so, she asks the logical question.
"How do you know my master? For some reason, he talked about a filthy creature like you in such a positive light."
"Some women cannot appreciate natural beauty at its finest." Giving a long sigh, Echidna, who is leaning against the only windowsill in the room with her legs crossed, swaps which leg is in front and which is behind. "But still, this is quite peculiar. He should have passed ages ago, and yet he's the master of two cute maids and is the sponsor of that thing for the throne." Her voice rapidly becomes bitter towards the end. Did he finish that spell I tried to make? Echidna wonders.
Being called cute by this witch does not make Rem feel happy in the slightest. Similarly, she doesn't appreciate the fact she referred to Emilia as only a "thing". It's as if she doesn't view her as a person. Her voice takes on a new form of disdain, yet it trembles ever so slightly "How…how do you know me and Nee-sama are maids? And that Roswaal-sama is sponsoring Emilia-sama? Who are you?"
"I've already told you. I'm the Witch of Greed, Echidna. I simply wish to expand my knowledge of this world. Any and all topics qualify. In order to set up your trial, I had to get to know you, don't you agree?"
"Get to the point." Rem bluntly demands. She has no time to perform guess-work in determining what the main point Echidna wishes to reach is.
"Fine." Looking disappointed that she quickly shot down the opportunity to guess what she meant, Echidna says, "I read your memories."
"...you what?"
It was a simple four word statement. However, each and every one of those words physiologically slammed right into Rem's body.
"You understood what I just said. How do you think the very room we are standing in right now was formed? How about your village? The villagers? The Witch Cultists? Your mother and father? Your precious sister? Everything was recreated with pinpoint accuracy based on your memories of the past."
Rem slowly takes in the words Echidna is saying and begins to understand what she is saying. Well that's not true. She already understood from the very start. She merely wanted to deny it, but now she cannot. Not with this much evidence being laid right in front of her.
"You truly are a witch, aren't you?" She tilts her head downwards, refusing to look her in the face. Her bangs on her left side shift slightly and cover her left eye from sight. Neither of her eyes can be seen when viewing her straight on.
"What else would I be? I can see you're disturbed about my ability to read memories. Do not worry, I only examine the memories of the individuals partaking in the trials. Additionally, I only take the memories necessary for the trial."
"That doesn't make it any better! You took my and other people's memories without permission! That's an invasion of privacy! You know the exact history of me and my village, when I haven't even told Subaru-kun about it yet!" She shouts before fixing her hair, vastly disappointed in the fact this witch knows more about her past than the love of her life does.
"If it makes you feel any better, I also looked into Subaru's memories when he took his trial."
Rem is shocked by what Echidna admitted to so casually. However, that shock quickly gives way for righteous anger.
"You…!" She nearly slaps Echidna's idiotic smiling face but barely manages to restrain herself upon realizing something. "Subaru-kun took a trial? Like I did? What happened in his?"
"When I said you could ask me questions, I didn't mean you could ask so many at once. What am I going to do? Well, yes he did. He took a trial like you have. As for what occurred, I'm sure that kid would be happy to tell you the details."
"I realize I've gotten side-tracked, so let's go back to the original topic. That book he had. Why…does he have one? He's…not a Witch Cultist, right?" Rem cautiously asks after accepting the answer regarding Subaru. Usually if she ever saw such a book with anyone, she'd automatically assume they were part of the Witch Cult without question.
However, this is Roswaal we're talking about. He isn't exactly a stranger to her or Ram. They've lived in the same mansion for several years now as his servants. She has cared about him quite a bit as the years passed by, especially considering he was the one who saved their lives. However, she has almost always interacted with him in a polite, formal, and slightly aloof way. She never grew close to him like Ram did, nor did she have any desire to.
"If he was one, what would you do?" Echidna, ever desiring knowledge, asks.
"..." Rem remains silent. Roswaal has never shown any signs of being a Witch Cultist. He's always been kind and courteous to anyone he has met. That includes her, Ram, Emilia, Frederica, Beatrice, and Subaru too. It was hard to imagine him maliciously plotting anything. But still, that didn't mean she was above not doubting him whatsoever.
Eventually she replies with, "As long as he isn't planning anything malicious, I'd hand in my resignation and serve Subaru-kun and Emilia-sama."
"I see. It's been a very long time since I've last seen him, so take this as a presumption, but I believe he's not a Witch Cultist."
"You say you haven't seen him in a long time, but how long has it been exactly?"
Echidna looks up and sighs lightly, as if trying hard to recall. "In the Castle of Dreams, concepts such as time take on a new meaning. I feel like I've been there for thousands of years, yet I also feel like it's only been a short time since I've left the mortal world."
"You're not making any sense." Rem says with irritation.
"I don't know precisely when I last saw him, but if I had to estimate, it has been two hundred years at the least. The time gap may be much larger than what I've stated."
"H-How? No, that can't be possible. Roswaal-sama is in his late twenties. We must be speaking about two different Roswaals."
"If we are speaking of a different Roswaal than the one I knew, then I'm sorry to say I have no idea what his motives are. However, the book he was holding is undoubtedly the Tome of Wisdom."
"The Tome…of Wisdom?" Rem repeats slowly, having never heard of this title before.
"Yes, it's a book that knows everything about the world. It contains vast amounts of knowledge that almost no one could ever handle."
"Everything about the world? Even when exaggerating, you know there's a limit to how far you can go before you sound completely ludicrous." Rem scoffs.
"You doubt me, the Witch of Greed with knowledge beyond the biggest stars in the night sky? I don't exaggerate my words, it's too cumbersome. All my words are spoken accurately and precisely."
"Suppose I take your words at face value, that would mean Roswaal-sama would die from information overload. As he's alive and well, there's no feasible way that the book he was holding is the Tome of Wisdom." She states with confidence.
"That is true. What he holds is an incomplete version of the Tome of Wisdom. Only a tiny fraction of the book's original knowledge is within it."
"Is that so? What does this incomplete book do?"
"Whatever goal the holder wishes to achieve, the book will tell them accordingly how to achieve it, alongside with telling a small portion of the future as necessary."
"Tell…the future? Hold on, but that would mean…"
"Hm?" Echidna watches Rem with newfound excitement. When it came to obtaining knowledge, there was nothing quite like the feeling of using said knowledge to make a groundbreaking discovery. A eureka moment, as it is called. Echidna would often live for such wonderful moments of discovery.
"I don't know for certain, but it's possible…it's possible Roswaal-sama knew that our village was going to be ravaged in advance. I need to go!" Rem quickly opens the door out of her room, but she is greeted with a pure white void that extends endlessly. Nothing exists within this dimension besides her, Echidna, and the room they are in.
She turns around, "How do I leave?"
"Do not worry about that. Are you finished here?"
She thinks for a moment if there is any unfinished business she wishes to wrap up first. One thing pops up in her mind, "I don't want to forget what has happened both here and the last time we met. As much as I would actually like to do so, I can't pass up what I've discovered. There are questions I must ask Roswaal-sama. So, let me remember what has happened here."
"If I am to do that, I'll require payment."
"...what sort of payment?"
"I think I'll take that." Echidna points to the pink flower ribbon tied into the left side of her hair.
Rem steps back and looks apprehensively at her. She shouts with extreme disapproval, "No way! Nee-sama gave this to me! I'll never hand over something as precious as this to a witch like you!"
The Witch of Greed gives a relaxed smirk in response to her behavior, "Do not fret, since this place is within another dimension entirely, it'll still be with you when you return to the real world."
Hearing this, Rem relaxes just a little, "But why this specifically?" She points to the ribbon.
"Hm…because of the sentimental value it holds. Your sister is really precious to you, isn't she? She gave that out of heartfelt love for you, and I find that sort of thing wonderful. It would do no good to trample upon such feelings. This payment is basically recognition of her existence."
Approaching Rem, Echidna touches the flower ribbon with her right hand. The former braces herself, both at being in such close proximity to the witch and the expectation for her to loosen and remove the ribbon. Yet it never happens.
"Done, payment received." Echidna confirms.
"What…" Rem is fully confused on what just occurred. She merely touched it and that was it. Suddenly a wave of nausea starts to come over her.
"Ah yes, one last question before you go, will you be participating in the second trial?" Echidna asks as she falls to the floor, having trouble bearing the nausea.
"Erm…yes. When…is it?"
"Tomorrow night is the earliest you may take it. Remember, it is a special trial tailored specifically for you. I'm looking forward to seeing how you handle it. Will you come out proudly with your head held high, or will you be in utter despair and run away? My lips tremble with excitement at the thought of it." Echidna puts a finger to her lips and smiles.
The world suddenly becomes very hazy and everything begins to fade in and out of existence. Rem's consciousness also slowly betrays her as she slowly shuts her eyes. Her last thought is, Damn that witch.
-Outside Trial Ruins-
A few minutes have passed by since Rem entered the ruins to take her trial. In the meantime, a small girl by the name of Ryuzu Bilma approaches Subaru, Emilia, Ram, Otto, and Garfiel to tell them why they can't take the half-bloods through the barrier while they are unconscious.
Simply put, if they try to go through the barrier, their body and soul will separate entirely. The body will go through the barrier while the soul is forced to stay behind. Everyone comes to the conclusion that that method is basically the same as killing a half-blood outright. Otto is the most freaked out by this revelation.
Since that option is obviously a bust, they bounce right back to plan A, taking the trials.
"I jus' don't understan' it! It's sup'osed to be only mixed-blood's that can enter! Teh fact this rando' nobod' an' Rem can take the trials is crazy!" Garfiel cries out. He has been in the Sanctuary for quite some time now and he has fundamentally known only half-bloods can take on the trials. So to see two non-halfbloods be able to take on the trials just like that is quite unsettling for him.
"It's been troubling me as well. Rem and I are twins. We are of the same blood, yet she is able to enter while I cannot." Ram says thoughtfully. She then turns to Subaru with an expectant look on her face. "Barusu, you were likewise able to enter the trial despite the fact it should've rejected you. Do you have any idea why that's the case?"
A bead of sweat drops down Subaru's forehead. Of course he knows exactly why he and Rem were able to enter. For attending Echidna's tea party, she granted the two of them the special privilege of participating in the trials in spite of the fact they are not halfbloods. Though considering her mysterious aura that Subaru can feel from her, he's not certain that it's the only reason.
However, even if he knows this, it's not like he'll readily share it. Especially considering there are a multitude of people here he barely knows. Garfiel and Ryuzu he literally met today. He's been traveling with Otto for a little while now, but he's still not entirely sure of his motives. He is certain at the very least that Otto genuinely wants to be a proud and successful merchant.
Perhaps he'd tell Ram the real reason later, but for now:
"I don't know. I was just as surprised as everyone else when we approached the ruins and it started to glow. Perhaps Ryuzu knows?"
If Crusch was present, then he'd immediately be called out for his lies due to her Divine Protection of Wind Reading, which is capable of sensing out the emotions of others around her, and thus able to detect lies. Thankfully, she is not present, and Subaru is successfully able to deflect the questioning off of him.
With all eyes focusing on Ryuzu, she only slowly shakes her head, "Unfortunate as it is, I also have no idea. I am equally as surprised as the rest of you. It is obvious a special exception was granted to the two of you. But as for how or why, I do not know."
After she finishes her explanation to the disappointment of everyone besides Subaru, the glow of the ruins fades away. It has been continuously glowing over the entire period that Rem has been taking the trial, the time period being about five minutes so far.
"Did she fail too?" Otto looks over the ruins with a frown.
"Nah, 'f anythin', she likely passed teh trial!" Garfiel replies with optimism.
Confirming Garfiel's suspicions, a blue-haired maid slowly comes into view as she walks out of the trial ruins.
Everyone attempts to read her expression to guess whether she passed or not. Everyone's interpretation is different, but the general overall consensus without actually saying it out loud is that they see an air of seriousness surrounding her, as if she's resolved on something.
"Rem-tan!" Subaru calls out to her. "How'd it go? You seem to look alright."
Her head sharply turns upwards upon hearing her name being called. She was likely in deep thought just now, and Subaru had ruined it.
"Oh? Everyone's still here? How long was I in there for?"
"About five minutes. I'm not sure how long these trials are normally supposed to last, so I wasn't sure if you had passed or not. Everyone was worried about you. Looking at you now, it appears that you have, am I right?" Otto replies and then asks.
Her face changes to one of shock for a moment before nodding, "Yes, I've completed the first trial with no problems. Thanks for the concern everyone." Rem gives a small bow of gratitude towards everyone. Was she really in there for only a couple minutes? The trial felt like it took several hours to complete. Has her sense of time completely gone cuckoo?
Ram breathes a sigh of relief. "I'm relieved to hear that. Were you able to learn anything from the trial? What did you see?"
Rem looks over her a bit more intently than she intends. Having just come out of the trial seeing her sister lose her horn all over again and now seeing her all grown up all these years later, living a happy and healthy life free from the burdens of expectation her horn gave her, a multitude of emotions wells up within her that she could never properly explain even if asked to.
Without saying a single word, Rem envelopes her in a tight hug and begins to cry softly.
Fully not expecting this whatsoever, Ram returns the hug and asks with deep concern, "Are you alright? I know you passed but…what exactly did you see? If you can tell me that is, I don't want to pressure you."
A few silent moments pass before she replies, "No, you're not pressuring me. Let's just say, I overcame a part of my past I've needed to overcome for a long time now."
It's quite vague, and anyone would instantly become lost as to what she means by that. However, the pink-haired oni knows. She knows all too well what she is referring to. And in response to what she said with such sincerity, she smiles perhaps the biggest smile she has in years.
Rem. I'm so glad. I was worried that you'd never push past the guilt you've felt for not saving me or anyone else that day. It looks like my worries were for naught.
Rem feels an invisible warmth spread throughout her body, as if her body is being enveloped in soft, warm clouds. Her lips form into a smile just as wide as Ram's. I'm sorry that you had to wait so long Nee-sama. I'll be the little sister you can one day look back and say "Yes, I'm proud of her".
The onlookers all watch in silent awe as a beautiful bond between sisters grows closer than ever before.
Subaru in particular is amazed at seeing how tender the older sister is. Ram is usually lazy and demeaning towards others. But she really does have a soft side towards the people she deeply cares about. He notes this internally while softly grinning.
-Roswaal's Room-
Roswaal lays quietly on his bed musing over the events of the day with a serious expression.
Suddenly, he hears knocking coming from the bedroom door.
"Come iiiiiiin."
"Excuse me." A feminine voice sounds as she enters the room.
Roswaal knows the voice all too well and widens his eyes slightly before narrowing them, making a "Hmmm" noise.
"Rem, it's soooooo nice to see you, but isn't it quite late? Shouldn't you be in bed soon?"
"Indeed Roswaal-sama. I will do so shortly. However, there's been something pressing on my mind that I'd like to talk with you about. Sooner rather than later."
"I seeeeee, what is it you'd like to discuss with me specifically? I know it was quite a shock earlier when it was revealed that the Sanctuary is Echidna's graveyard. And I'm sure you've got loooooots of questions about that, but let's put that on hold for now. Is what you're wishing to discuss unrelated to that?" He gives an expectant smile, which offputs Rem slightly in a way that it never has before.
"Actually, I have two things I wish to talk about. First, why did you make it sound like we had no herbs left to brew Emilia-sama tea when we actually did?"
"I was unaware we had leftover stock. When Emilia-sama failed the trial Ram came back here and searched the kitchen for herbs just in case. Loooooks like she was right to do so!" He explains proudly.
Rem makes a small nod, accepting the explanation. "I see. As for the other subject matter, I may not be authorized as your maid to question you in such a way, but please allow me to ask."
Roswaal nods, looking rather interested in what Rem has to say. "Go on."
Rem, suddenly growing very nervous, steadies her breath to prepare to say her next words.
-Hallway to Roswaal's Room-
Meanwhile, right outside the room in a small hallway, Ram is walking along.
Barusu sure has a knack for tiring me out regardless of what he does. Despite his annoying presence, it is reassuring he and the others are here now to assist with taking care of the villagers. Perhaps Emilia-sama will be able to free the Sanctuary. That is, if she really puts her mind to it and doesn't slack off in her efforts. Yawning lightly and putting a hand to her mouth, she has these various thoughts floating throughout her mind.
I hope Rem will feel brave enough to tell me what happened in that trial. Even if I understand the general framework of what she went through, I have no idea of the intricate details that made her act the way she did.
Shoving that thought aside for now, as she intends to have Rem come to her when she feels comfortable about it, she prepares to enter Roswaal's room for her nightly routine of having mana injected into her body.
Due to having lost her horn, Ram is no longer able to efficiently gather mana from the surrounding environment. So, to compensate for that, Roswaal has routinely poured mana directly into her forehead right where her horn once was every night, barring occasions where he had to step out of the mansion for a few days for business reasons.
These mana sessions are very important to Ram. Not only in that this is the only way she can gain mana in order to defend her master and sister, but also that these sessions are the only times she can get intimate with Roswaal. Being the second most important person to her after Rem, she cherishes any moments she can with him.
She reaches the door and raises her hand to knock, but before she can complete the motion, she hears a few voices speaking within the room.
"Are you aware of a book called the Tome of Wisdom?" Ram hears this question asked. If it had been any other person, she would've likely barged in and grabbed the person by the cusp of their shirt, demanding how that person knows of the existence of that book. However, she shudders in place instead, hearing Rem of all people in the entire world ask that question.
"H-How…did she hear of that book?" The pink-haired oni stands in place, uncharacteristically stuttering lightly. "Roswaal-sama told me to never let her know of its existence…"
Unlike Rem, Ram is fully aware of the Tome of Wisdom's existence. She discovered it by accident a few months into working at the mansion. Upon confronting Roswaal about it, he revealed the truth regarding his role on the attack on their village. Basically, he was informed by the Tome of Wisdom beforehand that the attack would occur. However, the book told him to not prevent it from happening and instead save only Ram and Rem. He followed the book diligently, and let everything occur as it was stated to occur. Ram became enraged knowing that he could've prevented the attack from happening and saved numerous lives, but chose not to.
-Flashback Start-
-Roswaal's Office in his Mansion-
"WHAT?! You…you…I can't believe you. You'd choose to follow some lousy book over saving our village?! You could've been a hero! Praised by society! Given numerous awards! And yet you…yet you…" Ram shouts at a man in front of her wearing a clown-like getup with makeup for additional effect.
"It haaaaad to be done. As explained before, I must follow the Tome of Wisdom to the letter if I wish for my ultimate goal to be achieved. I've waited for a very long time now, and the pieces are finally starting to come together. It'll still be quite a while before I can accomplish my plans, but I won't allow them to be disrupted now." Roswaal explains calmly, unperturbed by her fury.
"You selfish bastard! You'd allow an entire village to burn and all of its people to die just for your selfish plans to be achieved?! You're a monster!"
Roswaal loudly sighs as he turns behind him to look at the moon. As it's nearly a full moon, a lot of moonlight pours into the otherwise dark office. "To some I may be a monster. And peeeeerhapes that is what I need to be. For the one I care about most, I'll become a monster to the entire world if need be."
"Who in this world do you care about so much that you'd be willing to go so far?!" She demands to know.
"It is toooooooooo early to talk about her now. When the time comes, I'll tell you more about her. Now, don't you have someone that you care deeply for with all your being, like me?"
"I love my dear sister Rem to death. That I can assure you. But let me make this clear. Even if I love her to death, I would never go as low as you to pointlessly sacrifice innocent lives just to achieve something for her sake."
Roswaal nods with a smile, approving her answer, "I see, that is quuuuuuuite admirable."
"You have no right to say that!" She barks back.
"But would you sacrifice your life for her if it was to help save her?"
"Absolutely. That isn't even a question." Ram answers with such resolution that Roswaal can't help but be a little shaken up about it. But in the end he smiles proudly.
"Ram, as you now know about the Tome of Wisdom, I'm going to have you assist me in achieving my goal."
She crosses her arms, "And if I say no?"
"Then your little sister may be forced to take an early rest-huh?" Feeling a sharp cut suddenly come across his right cheek, he puts his right hand to it and finds a little blood pooling onto his fingertips. Looking behind him, he finds a cabinet sitting on the floor cut cleanly in half, the documents within it are shredded in half as well. Turning his head back around, he finds Ram with her right arm outstretched, her palm facing him. A look of utter disdain on her face.
"How dare you…how dare you treat my precious sister as a hostage!" She stomps her foot in a fit of rage.
Despite the light injury, Roswaal's mouth returns to form a smile as he addresses Ram, "I wouldn't suggest doing that if I were you. Without your horn, you could never hope to defeat the best mage in the kingdom of Lugunica.
As much as Ram wanted to refute him, she is aware of how he was able to kill off all of the Witch Cultists when he went to retrieve them, something she couldn't do. Gritting her teeth and looking down towards the floor in shame at being unable to do anything. Though after a few seconds, she gets an idea.
"Roswaal. If I assist you with whatever goal it is you wish to achieve, can I guarantee something aside from Rem's life being safe?"
"Oh, liiiiiiiike a contract? I was thinking the same as well. As long as it is reasonable, you can wish for anything you'd like and I, Roswaal A. Mathers, can guarantee it'll be done."
"In that case. After you achieve your goal or the world fails to go in the direction your Tome of Wisdom predicted, then I get to do whatever I wish to you. Whether that be killing you, forcing you to work for me, or anything else I wish."
Roswaal mutters a "Hmm" for a few moments before nodding, "A faaaaaaair request. Then let it be done. However, before we do, I'm going to mention one last thing ."
"And that is?" Ram asks, feeling a hint of dread within her heart.
"Do not mention anything we discussed tonight with Rem. Not the Tome of Wisdom, nor our contract. Promise me this Ram. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee her safety."
With a reluctant sigh, she nods. "I promise." Internally, she thinks, I swear I'll get my revenge against you Roswaal. For letting my parents and the villagers die, I'll never forgive you. You'll pay for this!
-Flashback End-
That happened a long time ago. Roswaal-sama has grown much kinder since then. I don't believe he'll do anything to her. But still, I…I don't know. Maybe I should go in just in case. Ram stands by the door, conflicted on whether to go in and interrupt or not.
Against all odds, Ram's hatred and anger towards Roswaal greatly declined as the years went by working for him. He took good care of both her and Rem, not discriminating against one or the other like the villagers did. In addition, she greatly appreciated and even began to enjoy the mana infusion sessions she'd get nearly every night from him. At some point, deep feelings of admiration and love for the Margrave began to blossom within her. Now, whether those feelings came about as of a result of truly loving him or because of her dependence on him, she doesn't really know. But what she is certain of is that she no longer loathes him like she once did. Quite the opposite.
As long as he doesn't harm Rem, she's willing to do anything for him. Whether that is to assist him further in his plans, even if she still isn't fully aware of what said plans are, or something else entirely.
-Roswaal's Room-
To Rem's question, Roswaal stares at her with a neutral expression for several seconds. Eventually, he says, "I have no idea what you are talking about."
There is a knock on the door.
"Come iiiiiiin."
Ram enters and says, "I'm here for the mana infusion."
"Nee-sama?" Rem is a little surprised to see Ram come in, but she realizes that this is typically the time Roswaal and Ram perform this routine. "I'm sorry, I forgot you two did this around this time."
"It's no problem. Sorry for interrupting your conversation with Roswaal-sama, but you look tired Rem. I think it would be best if you turned in for the night."
"I am a little sleepy, but…"
Ram walks by her sister. As she does, she quickly whispers in her ear, "Please don't ask him about it again."
"Wha…" Rem is about to speak further, but she sees the pleading look in Ram's eyes and shuts her mouth.
"I'll excuse you two then, goodnight." Rem leaves the room.
Ram breathes an internal sigh of relief. Feeling something on her left shoulder, she turns in that direction to find one of Roswaal's hands on her shoulder.
"You did good Ram. I don't know how she heard about it, but I presuuuuume you didn't tell her, correct?"
"Of course I didn't. I'm not certain how, but I believe something in the trial showed her the Tome of Wisdom, since she's never shown any sign of knowing it until tonight."
"The trial hm? Just hooooooow did she become qualified to take it?" Roswaal genuinely asks.
Ram shakes her head, "I don't know, I apologize. However, Barusu also somehow became qualified to take it despite not being a halfblood. It's like they were granted special permission."
Roswaal furrows his eyebrows in thought before looking up towards the maid closest to him, both literally and emotionally. "Ram."
"Yes Roswaal-sama?"
"Prevent Rem from taking the second trial."
Ram narrows her eyes, "Why should I prevent her from taking the second trial? What about Barusu?"
Roswaal puts his hands together thoughtfully, " I am quuuuuuite certain Subaru-kun will pass splendidly. Unfortunately, I have a feeling if Rem undergoes it, then she'll come to comprehend something she would've wished she never had."
"I understand. For the sake of the well-being of my sister and wishing to obey your orders, I shall do as you ask."
"Thank you."
Sitting in front of Roswaal on the bed, Ram leans her head towards him so he can start the mana infusion process.
-Subaru's Room-
"Subaru-kun, are you in here?" After lightly knocking on the door numerous times and getting no reply, Rem slowly opens the door to his room to see if he's sleeping. Sadly, she spots him nowhere. Not in the bed, nor elsewhere in the small bedroom that was assigned to him.
After meeting up with Roswaal for the first time and before Emilia took the first trial, Ram took it upon herself to assign temporary living quarters for everyone who arrived. There is a fairly spacious house near the home Roswaal is staying in that has multiple rooms that can be used as temporary bedrooms. Thus all of the newcomers; Subaru, Emilia, Rem, and Otto are placed in this house, each with their own bedrooms. Thankfully they were all furnished with beds, nightstands, and a handful of other pieces of furniture beforehand.
Closing the door, she heads for the room he'd most likely be in, Emilia's. Just as Roswaal feared it would happen, Emilia failed the trial and needed to be given herbal tea to calm down from the trauma she endured. She's yet to awaken from the peacefully induced sleep the tea put her in. Since Rem faced her past in her trial, she figures Emilia must've gone through a similar trial. As she failed, Rem is greatly curious as to what exactly has happened in her past for her to have such traumas. Surely it couldn't possibly be any worse than what she went through, right? She silently gives her sympathy.
While she is concerned about Emilia's well-being, there are many other things that are taking higher priority within Rem's mind. Such as her conversation with Roswaal. He straight up denied knowing anything about the Tome of Wisdom. She may be easily fooled at times, but she cannot convince herself that she didn't see that book being held within Roswaal's coat.
When the Witch Cult originally attacked and he saved them from tragedy, she never spotted such a book. Though that can easily be attributed to the fact she was solely focused on Ram due to seeing her horn be cut off before her very eyes. This time, knowing what happened to her, she decided to focus her attention elsewhere, and it just so happened to be Roswaal. Her first thought was simply to dismiss it as some sort of illusion. However, the day of the attack played out with frighteningly pinpoint accuracy that she couldn't ignore it. Echidna's answers only further solidified the evidence.
Roswaal denying knowing anything about it is already very suspicious in and of itself. However, what Ram said to her only increased her level of anxiety. Why did she say she couldn't talk about it with him? And why did it sound like…she already knew about the Tome of Wisdom?
Roswaal-sama and Nee-sama. What…are you two hiding from me? Why do I doubt you two? Especially Nee-sama? I've always looked up to her as the perfect elder sister and yet I now begin to doubt her? What sort of little sister am I, to be apprehensive like this? Nee-sama would never hide something this important from me.
There's a long pause in her thoughts as she comes closer to Emilia's room. Reaching it, she softly knocks.
That Witch told me the second trial is special. Specifically made for me. Why did she do that? What will I learn? Will I finally learn what ails Subaru-kun? Will I learn what is going through Roswaal-sama's head? I don't know, but what I do know is I'm going to head into that trial with everything I have. I'll give it my all to help the people I love.
-Emilia's Room-
Hearing no answer on the other side, she slowly creaks open the door, attempting to make as little noise as possible. She inches her way into the room.
The room is as dark as night, but enough light from the hall enters the room to illuminate two figures.
Rem smiles warmly at the scene. She whispers softly to herself, "Oh Subaru-kun, you really do know how to make Emilia-sama feel loved."
What she sees is Emilia sleeping peacefully upon a small bed. To her right is a small wooden chair, currently seating a snoring Subaru. Upon closer inspection, she notices that his face is slightly contorted.
"Nightmares again…" Rem mumbles regrettably. Taking an upwards glance towards the bed, she notices just how close Subaru's left hand and Emilia's right hand are to touching one another.
She watches in silence for a few moments before sighing as if she'd just lost in something, "Just this once, for Subaru-kun's sake."
Leaning over the bed, she gently picks up Subaru's hand and overlaps it with Emilia's. She even takes the extra step to loosely interlock their fingers together.
The results are almost instantaneous. Subaru's contorted face relaxes naturally into a more neutral expression. His lips occasionally move upwards, showing how content he is.
"Goodnight Emilia-sama and Subaru-kun." Rem says softly to them both. She's pleased with the results of her interference, but she'd be lying if she said she didn't wish to be in Emilia's position right now.
Still, this much satisfies her for now, and she leaves the room with a small smile on her face.
-Rem's Room-
Changing into her blue nightgown, Rem eases herself into her bed and stares blankly into the ceiling. Seemingly thousands of thoughts regarding Subaru, Roswaal, and Ram run rampant. The secrets they have, the goals they wish to achieve. Rem's beginning to understand that much more may lie beneath the surface than what she originally thought.
In spite of this, she attempts with all her might to steel herself for the bumpy road ahead. No matter what she may face in her trial tomorrow, she's prepared to go at it with everything she's got.
With that overwhelming sense of determination, Rem slowly closes her eyes and goes to sleep, awaiting a new day and a new trial.
-Author's Corner-
A/N: Not too much to say this time other than figuring out how I want arc 4 to flow has been difficult, but an interesting experience nonetheless! I remember originally watching season 2 and being a bit overwhelmed by all the different plot points at once that ultimately all come together in the end. I hope in my interpretation of arc 4 I can simplify things across the board a bit, but still keep all the characters relevant and active in the plot.
One more thing. I want to make this known ahead of time since some people may not like it when I do it, but for this fic I plan on retconning something involving Rem and Ram. I won't mention what it is, but you'll know it when you see it. And this retcon will play a pretty large role in the plot. I think it'll be a great opportunity to explore their dynamic and bond as sisters some more. Anyway, I just thought I'd give a heads up about it.
demon god noir: Thank you! Also thanks for letting me know about the new account.
Maximum Rhapsody: We'll see once Subaru dies. As far as I'm aware, there's no way to regrow an oni's horn once broken off. Otherwise I'm sure Ram would've had her horn grow back at least a little by now.
Deathenglegamers1144: I'm happy to hear you loved the chapter! I think if Rem had failed the first trial, she'd been more like how Emilia was when she failed initially. Crying and begging for someone to make it stop. Though if the trial somehow broke her in a way that she could trust no one but Subaru (not even Ram), then I think maybe she'd turn yandere in a way.