I do not own Re:Zero or any of the characters.
Return to the Mansion
"I'm only alive because of him," Rem said. "He stayed behind and fought them both while Crusch and I tried to escape."
"Then how did Crusch lose her memories?" Ram asked skeptically.
"We ignored Ian's orders and came back to help him so he'd live," Rem said. "And then he saved me again. I would have lost my memories, too, or maybe died, but he defended me."
Ram was silent for a long while before sighing. "Thank you, Ian. Thank you for keeping Rem alive."
"I will always protect her," Ian said. "I will never let anyone hurt her."
"Can you swear it?" Ram asked. "Can you swear to always protect her with your life as the cost should you fail?"
"I swear it," Ian said instantly.
Ram studied him for a long moment before sighing. "Keep it to a minimum around me."
Ian and Rem's eyes both widened before Rem cheered, flinging her arms around Ram, thanking her. Ram smiled, hugging her back, and nodded to Ian, who smiled and returned the nod.
"I still don't trust you," Ram said, once Rem had pulled back. "But you've risked your life for Rem's several times, and you've proven that you'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, so you have my blessing."
"Thank you, Ram," Ian smiled. "Truly."
Ram nodded and left the room. Within seconds, Rem had all but tackled Ian onto the bed, kissing him fiercely, more than a year of built up emotion flooding out of them both into the kiss. Both clung to each other tightly, desperate to be closer to each other.
"Well, if he was part of the reason the creature was killed, shouldn't he be given something as a way of saying thank you?" Crusch was saying as Ram walked into the room where most of the others were gathered.
"A sword would be the best option" Ram said. "His was broken during that last fight."
"What was so special about that sword, anyway?" Julius asked. "You seemed worried when you saw it was broken, and he mentioned some kind of power."
"It was a special kind of weapon that stabilized difficult to control powers, allowing the wielder to learn to use them properly," Ram said. "He claims he doesn't need the extra help anymore, and I'm willing to trust him, but he still needs a sword."
"Well, if a sword is going to be what we give him, it should be more than just a random blade," Julius said. "Especially given how instrumental you said he was during the subjugation of the White Whale."
"I might have an idea about that," Wilhelm said. "I was thinking we could have a sword made from the horn of the White Whale. Its horn is stronger than steel, so it would be a difficult task without the right tools, but it would be an excellent way to thank him."
"That's an excellent idea," Ram nodded. "I want to find my sister a new morning star as well, so I can help find someone to make it."
"That won't be necessary," Wilhelm said. "I'd be happy to have you accompany me, of course, but I already know who I'll ask to forge the sword."
"How are they going to forge a sword out of a horn anyway?" Subaru asked.
"Not actually forge," Julius said. "I'd imagine they'll simply carve a sword out of the side of it, then sharpen it. As durable as the horn is, once it's sharpened, it likely won't need to be sharpened again for at least a year."
Subaru nodded. "I didn't realize the horn was so durable."
"Well, it took three direct hits from Miss Crusch's magic to break it off of the weaker clone of the whale, but her magic would be able to slice through the average sword easily," Felix pointed out.
"Yeah, I suppose that's a pretty good indicator," Subaru nodded.
"Then it's decided," Julius said. "Should we discuss the state of the alliance now?"
"Give it until tomorrow," Subaru said. "Everyone's still tired, and Miss Crusch is still getting her bearings."
Crusch's face fell, but the others all nodded.
"Please, don't make exceptions for my account," Crusch said.
"It's alright," Felix said. "He makes a good point. We'll take today to rest, then discuss where we stand tomorrow."
Everyone nodded and began to disperse to do what they needed to, Wilhelm and Ram leaving to take care of their weapon shopping.
"I see," Julius nodded, Ian having just finished describing Regulus and Lye's powers, Lye only because when troops arrived to collect the body, they found nothing. "This Regulus Corneas of Greed sounds like he'll be trouble."
"As far as combat power is concerned, I'm pretty sure only Reinhard can deal with him, and depending on the limitations of Greed's powers, potentially not even Reinhard alone could beat him," Ian said.
"That is a frightening thought," Julius said. "We'll have to find a way to learn his limitations."
Ian nodded in agreement just as Puck appeared beside him. "Hey Puck."
"Hey Ian," Puck smiled. "I just wanted to so congrats on finally getting Ram's blessing."
"Thanks," Ian smiled, giving Rem's hand a light squeeze. "Now if only I could figure out why the Witch's Miasma around me hasn't faded any since that fight, I'd be happy."
"Sorry, can't help you with that," Puck said.
"I figured," Ian nodded. "Thanks anyway."
Puck saluted and disappeared again. Ian sighed, just as the doors to the room where Emilia, Subaru, Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm were discussing the state of affairs opened. They all turned to the door and Subaru smiled and sighed.
"We've decided to maintain the alliance, and we're going to head back to the village to fill Roswaal in on everything that happened," Subaru said.
Ian nodded and he and Rem headed to their room to get ready to leave. Once they finished, they spent the time relaxing outside. Then, when the sun set, they headed to bed. The next day they rose before the sun, quickly getting several carriages ready for the villagers that had gone to the capital before Crusch, Wilhelm, and Felix came to see them off.
"Good luck on your trip," Crusch said. "And thank you again for keeping me alive."
"I'm sorry again for not being able to stop him from stealing your memories," Ian said.
Crusch shook his head. "It could have been much worse. From what Rem's told me, it's only thanks to you that I'm breathing at all, so you have no reason to apologize."
Ian smiled and nodded. "Take care of yourself."
"I will," Crusch smiled, shaking his head.
She turned to Emilia and Subaru as Wilhelm and Felix both stepped up next. Both held out a sword. The one Felix offered him had a pure white blade with two round notches out of the edges near the guard, a gold hilt with a ring in the center where the grip met the cross guard, the guard curved toward the blade on the ends and ending in points then with a pair of pieces reaching down out of the back of the guard, giving them the vague appearance of slim antlers, a smooth gold grip, and a rounded point pommel. The one Wilhelm offered was entirely white with the cross guard's arms bent up and inward toward the blade for a few inches, a hilt with a ridge running up the outsides and more ridges forming a sort of ribbed grip, a flat pommel, a four inch section of the blade that was similar to the grip but with fewer ribs and sharpened, then the blade widened into a standard blade before extending out to the tip. The sword didn't seem to be metal, though. It looked almost like bone. In all, both swords were about four feet long.
"They're both beautiful," Ian said, accepting them, noticing that the one Wilhelm had given him was even lighter than his rapier, where as the one Felix had given him was barely heavier. "Thank you, but why?"
"That sword was carved and sculpted from a section of the White Whale's horn," Wilhelm said. "I believed it would be fitting, given how we defeated the whale, and that it was your plan. It's horn is roughly five times more durable than steel, so you don't have to worry about breaking it."
Ian smiled widely, nodding.
"And the one I gave you is a family heirloom of mine, but I wanted you to have it," Felix said. "I'm not much of a fighter, so I can't use it, but I figured it'd be a good backup if you ever needed it."
"Thank you," Ian smiled. "Both of you. I really appreciate it."
Both smiled and nodded and Ian climbed into the carriage with Ram and Rem, sitting between them, since they'd left that spot open, Subaru and Emilia sitting together off to the side. Otto was driving, so the rest of them were relaxing inside. Behind their carriage, five more were transporting the rest of the Irlam villagers.
"Are we taking the half-day route?" Ian asked.
"Yes," Ram nodded. "It shouldn't be long."
Ian nodded, glancing at her. "How's your mana holding up?"
Ram glanced at him before seeming to hesitate. "I'm sure I'll be fine until we reach the village."
Ian smiled. "Here."
He reached up to her forehead, beginning to transfer his mana into her. Her eyes fluttered shut and she let out a short, soft breath as she shivered for a split second before falling still. After several seconds, a small smile formed on her face, and after about ten seconds, Ian stopped, taking his hand back.
"Thank you," Ram smiled.
"After this long, you must have been just about empty," Ian said. "What was that wand you had?"
"It's made from my horn," Ram said. "Lord Roswaal made it for me to use so I wouldn't tire myself out, since the wand draws its own mana. But every time I've had to fight since you've gotten here, I haven't had the time to grab it."
"Why nod just carry it around with you?" Ian asked.
"It gets in the way," Ram said.
Ian nodded. "That makes sense."
"How does that make sense?" Subaru asked. "It's only like ten inches long."
"And she wears a tight uniform with a skirt," Ian said. "What do you expect her to do, tape it to her leg?"
"Well...no, I suppose not," Subaru said.
Ian nodded as Rem leaned on his shoulder, Ian wrapping an arm around her. Ram glanced at them but said nothing. A few hours later, they reached the village, only to find it deserted. Roswaal's group hadn't returned yet.
"Lord Roswaal and the others haven't returned from the sanctuary yet?" Emilia asked.
"Doesn't look like it," Subaru said.
"Maybe something went wrong and Roswaal's dead," Ian said hopefully.
"Lord Roswaal's too strong for that!" Ram snapped, though she didn't sound quite sure.
"I'm sure everyone's fine," Rem said. "They're probably just waiting for us there."
Ram smiled and nodded.
"Don't worry, Ram," Ian said. "No one's going to be able to kill Roswaal. Ever."
"I wasn't worried," Ram said evenly, though a hint of a grateful smile played at her lips. "Come on. We should take a moment to let Beatrice know that everything worked out while we're here."
Ian nodded and the three of them, along with Emilia and Subaru, headed to the mansion in their carriage, Otto driving it for them. Once they were there, Subaru all but bounded up to the door, banging the knocker loudly.
"Oh, Beako!" Subaru called. "We're home!"
"Yes, one moment please," a feminine voice that most definitely didn't belong to Beatrice called back.
Everyone glanced around in surprise before the door was opened by a blonde woman in a maid outfit.
"Welcome back, Miss Emilia," she said, curtseying. "I've been anxiously awaiting your inevitable return."
"Wait, Frederica?" Emilia asked.
Frederica stood up straight again, grinning and revealing a mouth full of pointed teeth. "Yes, it is I. Frederica Bau-"
"Look at those chompers!" Subaru gasped.
Ian stomped on his foot. "Stop being rude."
Emilia tugged Subaru's ear, leading him into the house as Ian, Rem, and Ram followed. Once they were all seated, except Frederica, Frederica bowed.
"Allow me to introduce myself," she said. "My name is Frederica Bauman. I worked here previously and have returned."
"Welcome back," Ian said.
"Hello again Ian," Frederica smiled.
"Now that you mention it, I was told that there was another maid who quit just before I came here," Subaru said.
"Yes," Frederica confirmed. "I merely took a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons." Frederica said. "At Lord Roswaal's request, I ended my respite and returned, only to find the mansion empty."
"Really?" Emilia asked.
"But why would Lord Roswaal have asked you to come back?" Rem asked. "Did he give you a reason?"
"If it was Lord Roswaal, then it must have been for a good reason," Ram said. "And it's not our place to question it, Rem."
"Of course, Sister," Rem said. "You're right."
"I actually wondered about that as well," Federica said. "I have no idea why he suddenly asked me to come back, only that he did. I believe there are only two people whom he trust enough to tell the intimate details of the inner workings of his mind, and those two are Ram and the Great Spirit of this mansion's forbidden library. So if Ram doesn't know, I certainly don't."
"Hold on, Great Spirit?" Subaru asked.
"Beatrice," Ian said.
Subaru's eyes widened for a moment before he nodded. "We're supposed to go and see her, right?"
"Yeah," Ian nodded. "Let's go. I have a couple of questions for her, too."
Subaru nodded and the two of them excused themselves from the room, Subaru leading Ian through the mansion to a random door, which he threw open dramatically.
"Hey, Beako!" Subaru grinned. "Long time no see!"
"Oh, it's you," Beatrice said. "No wonder the mansion suddenly seemed so noisy. Hello, Ian. Welcome back."
Subaru grimaced dramatically as Ian smiled, lifting a hand in greeting.
"Do you know about what happened while we were out?" Ian asked.
"No," Beatrice said. "I only know what I can see, and what I can see is that the thing you've had in your chest this whole time finally went and matured into a full-fledged Authority, I suppose."
"Wait, what?" Ian asked, blinking several times in surprise.
"Your power has grown into an authority," Beatrice said. "That's why the Witch's Miasma is no longer fading, as I'm sure Rem noticed, I suppose. I'm not sure if you're able to talk about it now, but I won't ask you to risk it."
"I'd rather not," Ian nodded. "Thank you for telling me about that, though. That answers one of the questions I had. Would you like me to fill you in on what happened?"
"I would appreciate it, I suppose," Beatrice said.
Ian and Subaru filled her in on what had happened while they were away, and she listened to it all in silence. Finally, Subaru held out a black book. Beatrice gasped.
"A gospel," Beatrice said before her voice took on a more panicky tone. "Now why do you, of all people, have one of those!?"
"Just consider it the spoils of battle," Subaru said as Ian took it. "It used to belong to the guy who was in charge of the Witch Cultists that surrounded the mansion."
"Petelgeuse's huh?" Ian asked, skimming through it before stopping suddenly. "Hold on..."
"What?" Subaru asked. "Did you find something you can read?"
"I can't read it at all," Ian said.
"That's because they can only be read by the person for whom they were created," Beatrice said.
"Then why'd you say 'Hold on?'" Subaru asked.
"Because this book ends," Ian said. "I don't understand why half of it is blank."
"It could mean just about anything," Beatrice said as Ian handed the book back When she spoke next, her voice was frail. "What became of him?"
"He's dead," Subaru said. "I was the one who killed him."
"Then you've left me behind, too, I suppose, Petelgeuse," Beatrice murmured.
Ian stared at her. "You're not alone, Beatrice. You won't ever be alone for as long as someone other than Roswaal lives in this mansion."
"I'm not concerned with being alone," Beatrice said curtly. "In any case, if you managed to destroy Sloth, a Sin Archbishop, then what happened to his Witch Factor, I suppose?"
"His what?" Subaru asked. "Witch Factor?"
"You seriously have no idea what it is?" Beatrice asked. "Well if that's the case, why'd you even bother to kill Sloth in the first place? And what exactly is Roswaal doing?"
"We went over this already, remember?" Subaru snapped. "Roswaal is at the Sanctuary, and I'm the one that wants to figure out what he's thinking."
"The answers you seek lie in the Sanctuary," Beatrice said. "You'll find what you seek, I suppose."
"Seriously?" Subaru asked.
"His true intentions, the meaning of the gospel, answers about the Witch Factor, everything," Beatrice said. "They're all there. If you want them, that's the place. The half-beast girl can lead you down there, I suppose."
"Now hang on a second!" Subaru said. "Why are you so willing to talk to me all of a sudden? And why do I have to go to the Sanctuary when you-"
"I am not telling you," Beatrice said flatly, eyes narrowing as her pigtails began to float and the library around them began to distort. "I have the right to refuse acknowledging your questions!" A powerful wind began to blow from behind her, trying to hurl Subaru and Ian out, though Ian used his own magic to resist it. "You've been told how to find your answers! Don't expect me to indulge you any further, I suppose!"
"Beako!" Subaru shouted. "Beatrice, please!"
"Now begone!" Beatrice ordered. "I am not a tool to be used at your convenience!"
Subaru was suddenly ejected from the room, but Ian stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her once the door had closed itself.
"I have never thought of you as a tool, Beatrice," Ian said. "I'm sorry for your loss."
Beatrice grit her teeth, hands curling into fists. "If you want to know why Roswaal does what he does, and also understand him, search his tent. There's a book there that you'll find interesting, but you won't be able to remember it normally. Once you look away, you'll forget what you learned, but I believe if you use your Authority to access your preceding memories about it, you may be able to retain the information."
"Thank you, Beatrice," Ian smiled. "Do you want anything besides privacy?"
Beatrice shook her head. "Just leave, please."
Ian nodded and walked out of the library on his own. "I'm always here if you need me, Beatrice."
She didn't respond, and he closed the door. Outside the door, Subaru and Otto were both just untangling themselves from Subaru having apparently slammed into Otto when he was ejected. Ian chuckled before the three of them headed down to a sitting room where the others were gathered.
"So, did we come up with a plan yet?" Ian asked.
Rem nodded, smiling. "We'll be spending a couple days here while Sister, Frederica, and I get several things in order. Then Ram and I will be guiding everyone to the Sanctuary while Frederica tends to the mansion."
Okay," Ian smiled, nodding. "Sounds like a plan. Let me know if you guys want some help."
"We'll manage just fine," Rem smiled. "Although, we really should do something about your clothes."
Ian glanced down as his dirty, ripped up shirt and pants, as well as the beat-up, black boots he'd gotten as a replacement for his own. "Probably should, yeah."
Rem stood, slipping her hand into his as they headed to the room where all of Roswaal's extra clothes were kept. After a few moments of searching she returned with a white full-length coat and pants, a fresh black Tee-shirt, new black boots, and a better sword belt than the faded, worn out one he wore currently.
"I tailored it all to fit you a while ago, so it should still fit correctly," Rem said.
"Thanks Rem," Ian smiled, giving her a quick kiss. "I'll be out in a minute."
Rem nodded and stepped outside, closing the door. Ian changed quickly, finding everything was a perfect fit, then stepped outside as he attached the swords to his belt, hanging the White Whale Sword on his left, and the one Felix had given him om his right. Rem smiled instantly.
"How do I look?" Ian asked.
"Like a proper ex-kinght," Rem said. "Baseless lie, though it was."
Ian smiled, kissing her, and headed back to the room the others were in, grabbing Subaru before they headed outside to train, grabbing fire irons on the way.
"Did I ever tell you how much I hate training with you?" Subaru asked.
"Well, you'll enjoy it this time," Ian said, holding his fire iron in his left hand. "I want to be able to dual wield, so I have to train my left arm."
Subaru grinned instantly. "Oh, now we're talking!"
Ian smirked and shook his head before the two of them lunged, their tire irons clashing quickly, Subaru instantly taking the upper hand.
Leave a review.