Chapter 116: Another Go-Around

As gentle rays of light pierced through the moth-eaten curtain of the dainty little shack YN and Subaru had to be held up in while they remained hostages in the Sanctuary, the dust danced about in the illuminated air.

YN had gone to bed before Subaru, and by the looks of things, he had now also woken up after him.

By the unmade and empty bed, it's clear he's already left.

Shivering from the cold morning air, YN stood from his own bed, and stretched. As he was upright though, he felt a cold sensation run down his chin, next to his mouth.

Drool. Again.

I used to not have this every morning...

Another odd "habit" of sorts he had picked up while in this new world, it had originally stemmed from Rem waking him each morning, gently running her fingers through his hair as she laid on top of the covers next to him in her nightgown.

Each morning she would come to be by his side as the very first thing she'd do every day.

But where the routine had been forced to end, the habit persisted.

From the very moment YN awoke each morning, he was forced to remember that Rem was no longer here with him.

Rem...

As his stretch ended, a feathery, lightheadedness plagued him. Stumbling on his back foot but catching himself by falling back onto his bed, the loud *creak* of its frame served as a substitute for his own self consciousness nagging at him for his poor self-care as of late.

Low blood sugar...

YN had gone the entire previous day without having anything to eat, spare a bite of breakfast Frederica had used Petra to guilt him into having prior to departing for the Sanctuary. Before that, he had had even less in the form of dinner the night before.

It's just not the same...

Without Rem's love imbued in it, YN found he was simply too spoiled to stomach anything less.

As his fingers wiped away the sandman's gifts in his eyes, he took a deep breath and stood with better stability this time. Walking to the window, he peered outside.

The Sanctuary was just as he remembered it; drab, overgrown, rundown, and half-full of people who no longer wished to be here.

Outside, the leaves of every plant, rock, mushroom, and wood surface was coated by the morning dew. It was sunny, as the lush tree canopy from above let very distinct rays of light shine onto the ground from the morning sun, much like the moth-eaten curtain had let rays of light into the shack. All around, the light refracted off of drops of dew, sending sparkles of light as they fell from each blade of grass or leaf upon the trees.

While the scene before YN was picturesque and lush, saturated with deep greens and tones from all over the spectrum, to him, it all remained washed out, and much of it gray. Just as the light of his life had been taken from him, so too had the joy of colors been done away with too. The near monotone landscape hid any beauty that YN may have otherwise been able to see in the Sanctuary, but now in addition, that same gray-scale only served to make the place look that much more dreary. It wasn't a pleasant place to be in at all.

Knowing there was a great deal to do today though more than likely, YN splashed his face with water from a nearby washbowl before leaving, hoping to dignify himself somehow.

Subaru might be at that cathedral with the other villagers... I'm sure he went looking for a free meal.

While undoubtedly sure such a large group of people would need to be fed, it only made sense that an impromptu kitchen had been devised for them in their time of hostage here the Sanctuary.

I guess I could start looking for Subaru there... I've got nothing else I can do...

Setting out, YN took an early morning walk. With his blood flowing, he could only hope this would help to subdue the painful thoughts he had every morning he woke up now.

Rem... I miss you so much.

Reaching the cathedral where the villagers-turned-hostages now took their room and board, YN had not seen a single soul on his way there. It was a stark contrast from feeling so isolated just moments before, but as he came into view of the hastily assigned housing, he was welcomed with warm faces.

Quickly ushered inside, the Arlem villagers were quick to praise him and thank him again for coming to their aid alongside Subaru and Emilia. They recounted how he had helped defend the village during the mabeast incident, and how they were still appreciative of his efforts.

I didn't really do much... It was all Subaru's doing... Not to mention—

While they hadn't meant to, their words cut YN like he was ribbon. No where in their praises was Rem ever mentioned.

I shouldn't be surprised... Of course they wouldn't remember all that she did...

As the back-patting reached a fever point YN thought he could tolerate any more, the clang of metal could be heard as two pans were beaten together. Food was ready.

Quickly a line formed for the meal, of which this finally let YN avoid any more uncomfortable time in the limelight. That was, until the one in charge of serving the hungry villagers saw who they all had huddled around.

With ladle in hand, the mother of one of the children rescued during the mabeast fiasco recognized YN. Gesturing to him with a serving utensil, she called him to the front of the line to get his share of soup first, as was what was called for to someone who they remembered had helped them so much. Everyone in the queue of course agreed with this, and with YN's great reluctance, obliged. As the entire line stepped back one person, YN had his bowl filled, and not wishing to keep any of the hungry mouths behind him waiting any longer, took his seat far from where the others had taken their bowls.

Sitting by himself, YN looked back as the long line was slowly dealt with. One by one, each of the villagers had their wooden bowl filled from the communal soup pot.

As he looked down into his own bowl, YN recounted how this child's mother had been known for being one of the village's best cooks.

While visiting the village in the time after the mabeast fiasco and before their departure to the Capitol, YN had stayed away from any attention the villagers might have given him, only so he wouldn't take them away from Subaru's own clique. It was always a point Subaru made when visiting the village with Emilia, so YN wanted Subaru to be able to have that all to himself. And after all, YN already had Rem, which is all he would ever need. Occasionally even, the Twins would be more talkative when running errands in the village because of all this as well.

Oftentimes during anyone's visits, this child's mother would give various treats or morsels to any of the Mansion's residents, and every time they would mention how good they were. In one of the rare occasional times YN had spoken to the village children, one of them had boasted how talented their mother was at cooking, and that they'd learn to be just as good one day.

To say the least, it was clear the meal before him was of as best quality it could be, given what was available. And to YN's observations, none of the villagers seemed the smallest bit squeamish in eating it. Yet as he tried to—

It's just so... *Sigh*.

In addition to his lack of color in his vision now, so too was the lack of taste in anything he ate.

I don't think I'll ever be able to get over not having Rem's cooking... I can tell this is well made... it's just that I'm too spoiled now.

Dancing his spoon around in the food before him, YN felt it would be disrespectful to not eat it, as surely food was hard to come across while in this situation.

Who knows what they have to do to get this food too. It's either rationed to them, or they have to go collect and find it themselves.

The villagers after all, were hostages, much like he himself was.

Letting his mind dwell on Rem, YN felt the sorrow of his loneliness creep into his soul once more. As he observed what must now be habit to the villagers, living each day like this, his body ached with sadness at Rem's memory.

Rem...

Sinking into his own dark pool of regret and anguish, one sight snapped him to. As he had been staring down into his own reflection in the soup, the light above him dimmed, and the voice of a silver bell startled him back to reality.

Emilia: YN?

Looking up, the silver haired girl blocked the ray of morning light that had illuminated his table. Seeing she was acknowledged, the half-elf took a seat across from him, placing her bowl down as well.

Emilia: Is everything alright?

YN: I'm—

I really shouldn't bother Emilia-sama with my problems. She's got the whole weight of the Sanctuary on her shoulders.

While in truth, he wanted to be honest, just so he could speak about Rem, —the desire stemming from wishing to proliferate her reality, YN quickly considered the greater good.

YN: —just tired.

While not a lie, Emilia could tell that was factual by the look on his face. But she could also see that wasn't the only thing going on.

Yet, respecting his answer, Emilia decided to move to warmer topics, not wishing to agitate a friend so early in the morning.

Emilia: I see. I heard from Ram that Subaru wasn't the only person to come rushing into the Tomb worried about me.

Saying that with a smile, she showed she appreciated the gesture of doing so.

YN: I did, yes.

Bluntly acknowledging her thankfulness, his reply was followed by Emilia's ears and cheeks turning a shade of pink in embarrassment.

Emilia: I also should apologize for how I must have looked and sounded when I woke up... All I remember was being reaaaaaally scared...

While Emilia had been clearly disturbed from whatever was ongoing in her Trial, YN could tell part of what weighed so heavily upon her now was how he had seen her in such a distraught state.

Failing to bring a spoonful of soup to his mouth in hesitation, YN instead answered the worried half-elf.

YN: I could tell that was a moment between Subaru and you... Besides, I was so distraught after waking up myself I didn't stick around too long, nor do I remember much.

Trying to make her feel better by feigning a tad of ignorance, it wasn't entirely untruthful. There seemingly was an air of misrememberance that seemed to be intertwined with his thoughts regarding what he felt upon waking from his own Trial, a feeling he couldn't explain.

As Emilia had gone to take a sip of her own soup, she stopped.

Emilia: ...'Woke up?'

Puzzled as to why he would, or even could say that, Emilia set her spoon back into the bowl.

Emilia: ...I thought from what Ram had described, you weren't injured from the Tomb... Was there still enough pain that you passed out?

YN: 'Pain?' No... I didn't have any pain.

Confused as to why Emilia was seemingly confused, YN saw her adjust how she sat as she regained her composure.

Emilia: ...Then... why did you pass out?

Bluntly asking as if trying to confirm something, YN honestly answered her.

YN: The Trial.

Seeing her amethyst eyes widen, it almost looked as if Emilia was going to fall backwards from where she sat before quickly leaning back in. Rocking both bowls, but not causing any to spill their contents with this sudden motion, had her hair not been tied back, it surely would have found itself in the soup as well.

Fully in surprise, Emilia was speechless for only but a second before asking in a hushed, but rushed tone, her burning questions.

Emilia (whisper): —! How—? How did you know about the Trial? How were you even able to experience it?

While her eyes were filled with wonder, not unlike Rem's would be when YN would prattle on and indulge her curiosities regarding his old world, he could only offer Emilia a shrug in reply.

YN: I'm not entirely sure why it happened either...

Looking down at the table, with how Emilia moved her eyes, it seemed like she was really trying to fathom just how it was YN had been able to take the Trials.

Emilia: Did... Did Subaru also take it? —The Trial.

Having to shrug again at the poor girl who was only looking for answers, YN felt guilty denying the girl any information.

YN: To be honest, he hasn't told me either way... I haven't gotten a good opportunity to talk to him one-on-one since the Trial either. But I want to assume since he hasn't said anything to me as of yet, I might have to say he probably didn't—

Voicing his doubt that Subaru had managed to take the Trial, what halted his words was the sad complexion on the half-elf's face that was now overwhelming.

YN: Emilia-sama...

Perhaps stemming from having heard others who did not have the same pressure as her had preformed better, YN could only assume his words had greatly wounded her, and sowed the seeds of discouragement.

Shit... Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned having taken the Trial at all. I'd hate being responsible for Emilia-sama's lack of motivation going forward.

Yet, as he wished he could say something to remedy the situation, he found no words he believed would work. Speechless, Emilia had begun to lazily stir the bowl of soup before her, surely letting her melancholy drive such somber actions.

Emilia: As I'm sure you could tell... I failed. Maybe the barrier is already lifted and they don't know it? I suppose I'm no longer needed now then...

As the emotional sting of inadequacy was dealing it's heavy toll on the poor girl, YN realized she had assumed one very incorrect thing.

YN: Emilia-sama, I think you're mistaken. I failed the Trial as well.

Lifting her head back up at hearing that, a bit of twinkle returned to vision. While not enough for him to assume she was joyed at his failure, rather he knew her seeing his vulnerability made the wall before her that much less formidable; she wasn't alone in her struggle.

Emilia: I... I see. That's surprising to hear. I wouldn't have thought you'd fail it too.

YN: I think I failed pretty hard. I was pretty disoriented following it.

Taking solace in the fact someone could sympathize with her on its difficulty, the half-elf was able to smile just a bit, fully regaining her confidence for her attempt that would surely be again that night. Seeing her do this, YN did his best to emulate Subaru, trying to capitalize on building Emilia back up as she recovered.

YN: Emilia, if there's anyone who can beat the Trial, I think you're still the best shot we have. Something tells me it's not an event I could easily face again...

While unsure why he felt this way, it just seemed natural he wouldn't be able to best it. He himself didn't understand where this feeling came from, but he could only surmise it had to do with being tied to Return By Death.

Maybe since I'm not from this world, I'm oddly compatible with the Trial, but also incomparable at the same time.

Unable to draw a concrete reason though, his words did however have a positive impact on Emilia.

Emilia: And here I was thinking I might have been able to ask you to liberate the Sanctuary had I kept failing.

Shaking his head at that notion, YN denied being that person.

YN: I know you've got this. But if I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to ask.

Smiling at the warm gesture, Emilia's mood seemed to be improving considerably.

Emilia: I reeeaaally appreciate your kind words, but I just don't think there's anything, —not even Subaru, could do to remedy this...

Trying to quickly brainstorm a winning idea, YN could only come to one conclusion.

YN: Would not even talking about it help? The Trial involves your Past, right? I'm sure the memories are painful... but I'm also sure leaving it all bottled up inside isn't healthy either.

Trying his best to be supportive without prying, Emilia continued to smile while she shook her head at him.

Emilia: It was my past, yes. But it's all a bunch of really painful memories I can't directly recall having... It's hard to explain, so I really can't... I'm sorry.

Fidgeting her hands together on the table top as if embarrassed and frustrated, YN tried to fan her sorrow away again.

YN: No no! It's fine. I wouldn't want to force you to try too hard.

Bowing her head to him, she responded.

Emilia: I appreciate you wanting to help me.

Looking away after saying this though, she continued.

Emilia: Umm... Can I maybe ask what made your Trial so difficult though?

Somewhat surprised to hear an interest be taken in his experience by Emilia, YN decided to indulge the half-elf, if only so maybe she could compare and contrast their two experiences, perhaps picking up a strategy through new insight that she could use to overcome her Trial.

YN: Well, I guess since we both took the Trial, we know what it entails. Was there something specific you wanted to know?

Emilia: Hmm, I guess I didn't have anything exactly in mind about the Trial itself... rather I just have no idea what your own past is like. I have a lot about mine I can't remember... but you and Subaru both have never shared any of that history with me. So really, I'm just curious.

Saying this as she slowly circled her utensil in the bowl of soup before her, YN read between the lines of what she said, and could tell that Emilia just didn't want to feel left out. He also noted this sounded like a longing to forget about her own past, responsibilities, and expectations for just a little bit.

The relief of meaningful conversation with a friend is what she sought.

I guess I can humor her, if only so it'll ease her mind. But as for telling her exactly what my Trial entailed...

There was that issue still.

I can't tell her I'm from another world, especially since I know Subaru hasn't.

Not about to open such a large can of worms right here and now, especially out from underneath Subaru, YN decided on a middle ground; tell her, but just don't tell her too much.

Rubbing the back of his neck nervously, he treaded a narrow path.

YN: It uhhh, took place right before I got here—, here in the Kingdom, that is... It was before I met Rem, or you, or even Subaru...

Thinking he shouldn't divulge too much more regarding his background, he hurried his own description onward.

YN: I was at a kind of low point I guess... Things sort of just weren't working out for me anywhere I went or tried to do. So when I suddenly found myself back where I was before coming here, I panicked.

Emilia raised her head slightly at the end of what YN said.

Emilia: You were... aware you were in the Trial?

YN: Not quite. I just knew something wasn't right. I think for some reason that's why I failed so badly…

Wait, why do I think that's the reason I failed?

Nodding at what he said, as if processing it, Emilia relayed her own experience while YN himself tried to rationalize in his own mind why he had come to his earlier conclusion.

Emilia: When I took mine, I only realized after I was awake that I had been acting as if I was completely unaware that I was undergoing the Trial. I don't think you're supposed to know at least... Maybe I'm wrong though. But—

With a hand to her chin as she said that, her expression changed back to curiosity as she further inquired about YN's specific experience.

Emilia: —if you were aware you were suddenly very far from here, is there a reason you couldn't have just traveled in your 'khar' to return?

Stirring the soup in front of him, YN answered under his breath.

YN (whisper): If only it were that easy...

Emilia: Hmm?

YN: Where I come from, is very far away. Father than the distance between where me and Subaru are from at the very least.

Emilia: ...How far is that?

Trying to comprehend the distance, YN did his best to try and describe it.

YN: Where we're from, even though its probably a great distance, we at least can still see the same stars in the night sky if we both looked up. But we're each so far from home here, they're completely different.

Emilia: It's that far, huh?

YN: Yeah... And to tell you the truth, we never intended to come here either. It was all accident, really. A very complex one, but an accident nonetheless.

As he wondered if he had said to much here now, YN tried changing the topic at hand.

YN: I suppose this also explains why we're both pretty ignorant of things and customs, even those known and practiced in all the nearby holdings.

Allowing new light to be shed on themselves, YN could tell Emilia at least felt appreciated since all this was finally being shared with her. But in truth, YN did feel somewhat guilty.

I've pretty much said we're from another world without outright saying it at this point...

As the two remained silent for a brief exchange, YN did see the other side of his guilt though.

Although, it's fairly obvious we're from super far away, and I just explained to Emilia why that is. I doubt it's something we can keep hidden forever.

Yet as he thought about the implications of this information being known, what brought him back to this though, was the expression of melancholy returning to Emilia's face as she took a sip of soup from her utensil.

YN: Is there something else bothering you?

Setting her utensil down, the silver haired girl took a deep breath, as if expelling some great worry burning inside her.

Emilia: Will... Will there ever be a day where either of you leave? —Either back home, or somewhere else?

YN slowly shook his head in denial as he dispelled the poor half-elf's anxiety.

YN: No. —Never, if I have my way at least.

YN looked up and past where Emilia sat. High above them in the rafters of the cathedral the dust danced about in the air, turning various hues of colors from the aged and broken stained glass facade the sun's light shone through.

YN: Rem is the reason I'm staying. She's the person who gave me the reason I have to get up every morning. She's the one who's helped me so much since I've arrived, and she's the very first friend I can say I made since arriving in this land.

Returning his gaze to Emilia, she could see the determination in his eyes.

YN: I know I'm going to need to do a lot to wake her back up. And I'm sure helping you win the Royal Selection is part of that. So don't worry. I'm not going anywhere, and I'm sure Subaru won't be either.

With such a conviction being stated, while it put Emilia's worry at ease, it still made her feel guilty.

Emilia: I must apologize again... I appreciate you saying that, but it's only made me realize that the longer it takes for me to pass the Trial, it's making you wait longer on helping Rem, and it has her stuck here...

Not wishing to burden her though, YN shook his head at that notion, and hoped to lessen any worry she thought he had about Rem.

YN: It was unavoidable. But at the very least, we don't need to worry about Rem immediately, she's back at the Mansion being taken care of.

Sending a shock through the silver haired girl's senses, this tidbit of information startled her enough to make her eyes wide.

Emilia: What? How did Rem get back to the Mansion?

Having thought Emilia had definitely been informed of this development, YN retold her of the emotional conversation he'd had with Ram, and how he was given special permission to take Rem back to the Mansion and return. Emilia breathed a sigh a genuine relief hearing that.

Emilia: I'm reeeeaally glad Rem won't have to endure being here. It's probably a huge relief to you to, isn't it? I know you and Rem were really close...

Solemnly nodding to Emilia, YN hadn't thought of how he'd respond to that before they were interrupted.

Emilia: Oh?

Subaru: Ahhh Emilia-tan, how good it is to see your smile first thing in the morning!

Taking the seat right next to her at the table YN also sat at, Subaru seemed as cheerful as ever as he now joined the two.

Not wishing to garner any attention here, YN recomposed himself to hide the fact he was stuck thinking of Rem again.

Emilia: You seem rather excited... Where were you this morning?

Taking a large sip of his soup, Subaru answered her.

Subaru: Holding a meeting, strategizing. I've got a pretty spectacular game plan in place now.

Finishing his share of the meal fairly quickly, Subaru scraped the bottom of his bowl with his utensil.

Subaru: Ahhh, but I got here too late because of that it seems... This was the last of the grub they had in the pot.

Seemingly frustrated at his lack of nutrition, YN couldn't help but stare down at his untouched bowl. Sighing to himself, YN picked the bowl up and poured his contents into Subaru's own.

Subaru: OH! No way!

Going to town on the helping meant for YN, it really wasn't any loss to him.

YN: Oh well, at least now it won't go to waste.

Resting his elbow on the table and looking away, YN did so to avert Emilia's critical gaze of him. By this point, she was aware from Frederica and Petra that he wasn't eating much at all, and was rightfully upset with him for giving up food.

But, regaining all of their attentions, the black-haired boy set his now empty bowl down onto the table with a clang of satisfaction.

Subaru: So, me and Otto hashed out the details, but I think you're all going to be on board with this...

Going on, Subaru went on to explain the finer points of his grand plan he had hatched up to his two tablemates.

Three mornings had now passed since learning of Subaru's plan, and for the first time, everyone had seen the results of its fruition.

After negotiations with Garfiel and Ryuzu, with the assistance of Otto Suwen, Subaru had managed to secure the release of the Arlem villagers, on the single condition that the key Camp members of Emilia remained behind. Touting a potential increase in success should as many stresses be lifted off Emilia as possible, the pressure of mounting failures the past few nights to pass the Trial was seemingly part of this decision.

As late morning approached, Subaru and Otto were preparing for the departure of the villagers back to Arlem. With lament from Otto being unable to be introduced to the Margrave being met by Subaru's own frustration of missing out on marching everyone out of the Sanctuary in one large, victorious parade, it was Emilia who had come to join the send off group.

Thanking Subaru for his efforts, Emilia was about to see them off before she mentioned suspicions of Frederica. Putting a hand to his chin, Subaru mulled over theories he had to push off from days prior, if only to concentrate on more pressing problems.

Subaru: Ram did think she was potentially against the notion of the Sanctuary being free... We'll have to see what she does next.

?: If she is truly to be counted as one of Emilia-sama's enemies, she will have fled the Mansion by now.

Approaching the group of three by the carriages, Ram, with YN by her side approached.

While he had intended to assist Subaru in preparation, the pink haired maid had pulled YN away before he was given a chance. Her purpose had been to have him alongside her with a brief meeting with Roswaal. With the Margrave being bedridden still, Roswaal requested that Ram go in his place to see the villagers off. Stating that it "greatly pained" him to not be in attendance to their departure, he did say there was another purpose to his summoning of them, namely for why YN was also called.

Subaru: Oh. Ram, what'd you stop by for? Was YN with you the whole time?

Ram: Roswaal-sama has assigned us both tasks that require us to attend your send-off. Ram is here in place of Roswaal-sama, who offers his most sincere apologies for being unable to see the villagers off. As for YN—

YN: —A message.

Getting both Emilia and Subaru to raise their brows and briefly look to each other in surprise, Ram added some much needed context, and how it played into their most recent discussion among themselves.

Ram: If Barasu is concerned as to where Frederica's loyalty truly lies, he should heed this information.

Subaru: 'Where her loyalties lie...'

Ram: Yes, Emilia-sama is forthright in her suspension, Barasu—

Turning a side eye to YN, Ram also now addressed him too as she continued.

Ram: —and YN both would do well to learn from it.

While his message contradicted his own feelings on the matter, YN still did not have the same suspicion of Frederica like the rest of the camp now seemingly had.

Something would have shown me by now that Frederica wasn't a good choice to leave Rem with. I have to trust that someone Rem never said anything bad about, and knew for so long is a trustworthy person.

With Rem never having mentioned anything negative whenever Frederica had been briefly mentioned, YN had to rely on that. Rem once more was his Oracle going forward, and as vague of an idea he had drawn from, he had no other way to navigate the future ahead with so little to go off of.

On top of his limited knowledge of Frederica from Rem, he also had to trust his own initial judgment of her character. She had not given him a reason to distrust her, and had herself expressed her thanks in him taking good care of Rem, even now as she too was under the effects of the Authority of Gluttony.

Yet, despite all this, Ram and him disagreed heavily on whether or not she deserved trust now. YN knew Ram was a woman who needed proof of something to not be skeptical of it. He knew this extensively from the Loop where Rem had been subjected to the powers of the White Whale, erasing her existence from the world in a much more cutthroat matter as Gluttony had.

Emilia: What does this message entail...?

Eager to move the conversation along, Emilia desired to hear what it was.

Taking a deep breath, YN stepped forward, cleared his throat, and paraphrased Roswaal as best he could, lest Ram reprimand him for "disgracing his words" or whathaveyou.

YN: Ahem... 'Trust in Beatrice.'

Garnering only a handful of blank-faced blinks from Subaru, he was left momentary speechless.

Subaru: That's... cryptic.

YN: Hey now, don't shoot the messenger boy. But—

Looking to Ram as if she'd be able to provide better context, Subaru spoke over YN.

Subaru: 'Beatrice' though? She's hard enough to find, let alone—

Ram: —Barasu, hold your tongue. Let YN finish.

Nodding at the pink haired maid, YN looked back to Subaru.

YN: I brought up the same point earlier too. According to the Big Man himself, you only need to say 'Roswaal has ordered you to answer my questions.'

Subaru: ...And that'll solve everything?

Subaru inquired essentially if his leg was being pulled. Yet, before YN could answer, Ram had.

Ram: While Ram was not told the specifics, Roswaal-sama indicated that the situation should change once Beatrice-sama hears that request.

Subaru: ...It's as easy as just saying that? She'll just open up?

Utterly unconvinced of the possibility, Ram huffed from the same sentiment.

Ram: What is Ram to know? Besides, this would all depend on Barasu regardless.

Turning about on her heel, Ram went to leave with this, seeing it as a futile effort of sorts, as discussing such a matter was even more bothersome.

Ram: YN, please ensure Barasu does not leave before Garf can guide him from the forest. He'll be lost if he goes ahead alone.

YN: Sure thing.

Scratching the back of his head at her request, YN found it odd.

I never needed a guide to exit the forest when I took Rem to the Mansion...

But, left alone with Emilia and Subaru now, the half-elf voiced her worries that were now growing at a fever pitch.

Emilia: Subaru... YN... I think Roswaal is up to something serious... I'm not sure how much we can believe in his loyalty...

Agreeing with a nod from both of them, it felt like all three of them were standing on shaky ground.

YN: Low and behold... We can only trust ourselves.

Subaru: Yeah... He's definitely hiding something. Ram just has to go along with it.

Sensing the tension shared by them all, Emilia reached out and grabbed each of their hands in her own.

Emilia: Whatever happens, we can always count on each other, right? That's what friends do.

As the two boys each found warmth in Emilia's words of reassurance, it served well to keep their moral from reaching rock-bottom.

YN: Yeah. Of course.

Subaru: Anything for Emilia-tan.

Nodding to their shared understanding, the half-elf smiled at the mutual agreement before dropping YN's hand, and taking both of Subaru's.

With a small shock to this action, Subaru's face sparked a tint of blush before he realized what the silver-haired girl's intentions were.

Emilia: May the blessings of the spirits guide you.

Lowering her head and closing her eyes as she did this, she reopened them to look back at her self-proclaimed knight with a bashful expression.

Emilia: Don't do anything rash, okay?

Subaru: I'll do my best.

Foregoing a promise, Subaru stepped up onto the seat of a nearby ground dragon carriage as Emilia let go of his hands.

?: Alright, nows that I'm here, we can get a move on.

Just as Subaru mounted the carriage's seat, a *thud* could be heard from above where he sat. As everyone looked up, the golden-haired boy that was to be their guide had finally shown up, choosing to ride atop the vessel.

Standing high above them, arms crossed, he looked down at them all.

Garfiel: C'mon then. 'Günther's porridge slides down the hill.'

With a saying of unknown origin highlighting that they were wasting daylight by remaining here, Subaru turned back to Emilia once more.

Subaru: —I'll be back, don't you worry. Good luck, Emilia-tan.

Smiling warmly at his kind words, Emilia stood to YN's side as the carriage pulled away, Otto at its helm.

As Subaru waved goodbye, he cupped his hands to yell one final remark.

Subaru: YN! You better shower Emilia-tan with praise when she passes her Trial if I'm not back yet!

Raising a hand up high with a single thumbs up on it, YN agreed. Rounding the first in many bends of the road back to the Mansion, the boy who could cheat death itself had departed.

Happy trails.

Night had just fallen upon the Sanctuary. Attending to Emilia's side just as Ram did, YN had watched the half-elf ascend the stone steps of the Witch of Greed, —Echidna's Tomb for what would be her fifth attempt at the Trial.

By this juncture, Garfiel, nor Ryuzu would stay in attendance for its completion. And for the first time, neither did it seem Ram would until she explained herself.

Ram: YN, Ram would ask you to assist her in attending to Roswaal-sama. If we are quick, we will be back before the results of Emilia-sama's Trial are apparent.

In other words...

"If we hurry, we'll be back in time for a frenzied Emilia to wander out of the Tomb and to make sure she doesn't fall down the steps."

Alas, YN was in no position to deny Ram. For related reasons or another, the oni had insisted YN follow her around all day, helping and assisting her with any little task.

She's been keeping a keen eye on me...

While at first thinking her habit of being the one between her and Rem that worked far less was simply manifesting itself, YN had begun to notice Ram stealing quick, short glances at him. While not the look of suspicion like they'd been when he had arrived alongside Subaru at the Mansion for the first time, they nonetheless were looks of curiosity. But to how innocent they were, YN could not tell.

Now helping Ram with Roswaal, it was just one of the many things he had spent the day assisting the maid with.

Ram had taken to performing the more critical, but also skilled tasks only she could do at this moment for her employer.

And for once, that wasn't simply brewing tea.

As YN handled that, Ram had set about changing the many bandages out on Roswaal's still injured body. Carefully undressing the wounds and applying fresh cloth that had been dampened in a medical salve of some kind, YN watched how gentle her movements were as he waited for the tea to soak in the water he had boiled.

Seeing him so intensely watch her, Ram had in rare form looked away, almost as if she had an air of bashfulness to her.

Ram: YN, any longer and the tea's flavor will be overpowering for Roswaal-sama. Please serve it to him as his wound dressing is almost complete.

Nodding as if to confirm he was ready to receive the tea himself, Roswaal welcomed YN closer.

Gently letting the tea flow for the pot, YN carefully let the tea flow out, much like he'd seen Rem go about it for when she poured tea for just him.

Taking the hot cup into his hands, YN turned to begin his careful walk over to Roswaal when—

YN: —Ack!

Rocking his entire system, YN felt his heart be compressed, causing an immense pain to radiate all through his body. As the sensation of extreme discomfort shot out of his chest and into the rest of body, he stumbled while still mid-turn.

Only just managing to catch himself, YN had spilled the content of his glass meant for Roswaal.

Ram: YN? Are you alright?

YN: —Tch...

Still unsteadied from the pain, it had been so sudden and unexpected YN hadn't realized what had happened.

If I didn't know any better... That felt like a Consequence...

Unsure why, from what, or where the pain had come from, YN sought to correct his blunder.

YN: I-I'm sorry, I'll clean that up.

Grabbing the teapot once more, YN went about pouring another cup of tea.

Roswaal: Ah, I think it's these terrrrrible dilapidated floors. They're so uneven. It was luck before one of us tripped.

Finishing one of the last bandages on her Employer, Ram agreed with him.

Ram: Yes, it is unlike YN to be a klutz. Only Barasu would be as incompetent enough to trip over flat ground.

As their voices of judgment, or really, lack thereof, were heard, YN had to focus his entire psyche on this new cup of tea to keep it from spilling.

Why... Why am I shaking so much?

Unsure if he was becoming ill or not, YN tried to steady his hand at pouring his tea until—

YN: —Gah!

Before he had managed to recover from the last "hit," another wash of pain radiated out from his center. Being less of a "slow burner" kind of pain, this pain had come sharply, as if stabbed by a blade.

*Crack!*

The sound of breaking pottery dully echoed in the room as the tea pot and cup fell to the floor, much like YN had.

Ram: YN!

Quickly finishing her already mostly completed bandage, the pink haired maid rushed to YN's side, kneeling down beside him as he rolled in residual pain.

Roswaal: Oh? Is everything not well?

Laying next to a puddle of tea on the floor, YN's head spun in pain as Ram begged him to speak.

Ram: YN! Answer Ram! Are you unwell? Are you hurt?

Wrestling with the pain of such harsh back to back blows, it was at least with the more painful second one that YN realized what this was from.

That's definitely a Consequence... No doubt about it.

With two consecutive punishments via the terms of Return By Death, YN knew what the pattern meant.

Two in a row... That's a sign. Subaru would only let that happen if something was wrong.

Something very, very wrong.

As his mind shoved the pain and worry off to realize what this could mean, and what he needed to do now, Ram had grown inpatient with his ignorance of her pleas.

Ram: YN. Answer Ram.

Shaking his shoulders back and forth in a way to get his attention but not further agitate whatever injury he had now, Ram demanded YN speak.

Finally getting his attention, the maid could immediately tell just by the look in his bloodshot eyes, not all ways well.

But what Ram could also tell, was that it had little to do with him.

YN: T-The Mansion...

Ram: —?

Tilting her head at such a strange thing to bring up, Ram was caught off guard by YN suddenly standing.

Ram: YN, what do you—?

YN: —The Mansion! It's—!

Patting around his body, searching for something, YN didn't need to look around for long. Pulling them out of his pocket, he had summoned his car keys to his hand.

YN: Ram we gotta go! There's something wrong at the Mansion!

Further surprising the maid, she found it unlike him to suddenly disregard the mess from the spilt tea, but for whatever reason he had, he now was speaking of more alarming things.

Trying to convince her of something he wished was obvious, Roswaal now had decided to chime in.

Roswaal: Myyyyyy what could be occurring at our residence?

For whatever reason, hearing Roswaal respond in such a way really ticked him off.

I don't really like that tone he's using here... It's like he somehow knows how serious this is but doesn't care...

Unable to devote any mental capacity to the suspicious aura Roswaal now gave off, YN simply didn't have the time.

It's gotta be Subaru trying to warn me! There's no other excuse for why there'd be two Consequences like that!

Stumbling towards the door, YN's one track mind could not think of anything else.

Rem is there... Damn it! I should have gone along! I've gotta get there and make sure she's okay!

With a mounting pile of worry and stress compounding in his mind, YN fumbled with the door before throwing it open and nearly again falling down the stairs to the outside.

Ram: YN! Halt!

Giving chase, Ram was keen on finding out what had all of a sudden gotten into YN.

Quickly catching up to him, Ram had tried to place herself before him to stop his motion, but could tell such an action now would only garner her nothing unless she used strength she wished not to subject upon YN.

Ram: What is the meaning of this?! Please—!

With an air of desperation entering the pink-haired girl's voice, the sharpness of the emotion in her voice and the sudden tug on his wrist from her hand had managed to finally get YN's attention off his worries.

Ram: —tell Ram what's wrong...

Hearing a soft undertone not unlike Rem's own, much like when she had pleaded to him to speak on the details of his death she had last caused, YN felt his nerves calm some, if only because of his priorities.

YN: I can't explain how Ram... But we've got a problem at the Mansion. There's trouble there.

Only managing to imprint confusion into the stew of emotions he could see in her crimson eyes, YN pulled ahead with the girl in tow to the one vessel that could get him to Rem's side the fastest with.

With the craft in sight, Ram poured questions on, still completely dumbstruck at how quickly YN had come to such a sudden conclusion just because he collapsed a few times.

Ram: YN, explain to Ram this instant why he has decided there's danger at the Mansion? Just what has caused—

Halting her words, they had arrived to where YN had been pulling her off to. Jumbling in his hands, he tried twice to get the key into the lock of his car, dropping them as his hands still shook from a mix of worry and a residual discomfort from the Consequences.

As Ram saw how uncoordinated YN was, her words had been cut off from her immediate assumption he wasn't in the right state of mind to operate what she thought was still a rather complex machine.

Ram: Are you even coherent enough to captain this craft?

Just as YN had managed to get the key in and turned, he pulled the door open only to stare back at Ram, knowing she was right.

YN: Do—?

Stopping his own words now, YN was reminded of the reality he lived in. He was about to ask Ram if she'd be willing to drive, however the only other person from this world that knew how to was Rem. Remembering just how talented Rem was and how much he appreciated and loved that about her, the feeling compounded with the other stresses currently in his mind, making him extremely dizzy all of a sudden.

Pinching the bridge between his brows, Ram folded her arms in response.

Ram: Ram will take that as a 'no.'

Knowing he had a better chance at there being actually nothing wrong at the Mansion, versus getting his car there in one piece if he drove there in the condition he was in now, YN weakly looked back at Ram.

YN: I don't think I could convince you to try and learn how to use this on the fly, could I?

Wincing through the pain, YN lazily dangled the keys at Ram.

But, before she could answer, a new voice approached.

?: Any reason you's not there for the Princess-sama's twial?

Arms crossed as well, YN turned behind himself to see that yet another obstacle had presented itself.

Stood before his car, was the golden-haired youth.

Without another word, YN opened his car door and stepped inside, firing up the motor. But before him, Garfiel still stood. Rolling down his window, YN protested his obvious intent to stay where he was.

YN: There's a whole lot of trouble I gotta go deal with...

Garfiel: Pfft.

Showing him his indicative indifference to his plight, Garfiel went on.

Garfiel: Yous left enough already. It's high time you got used to knowing how the caged bird sings. No one's leavin' here tonight. 'You can blindfold Quilshira but ya can't keep em' from seein'.'

Backing up his defiant stance with another of his complex idioms, Garfiel laid out where he stood and what he was and wasn't going to allow.

Keen on making YN back-down, he knew a fight wasn't what needed to happen right now.

YN: R-Ram! Can you convince him to—?

Garfiel: —Ohhhh no. I'm not gettin' swayed so easily like that. 'Specially since yous the one who reeks of the Witch's Miasma.

YN: —!?

His eyes open wide at such a thing being known, YN's mind now raced with a thousand questions as to how Garfiel could know and say that.

He can't—?! How?! How would he know that?!

Too panicked from the Consequences, what they meant, his mind lingering on memories of Rem... and now this? All the ability to critically think was going out of his head.

In pure desperation that maybe he could catch Garfiel off guard and outrun him, or maybe even call his bluff at stopping him, should that exist, YN knew all bets were off, starting now.

Mashing the accelerator down, his tires spun on the damp, leaf covered ground they were on before gaining traction and launching him forward.

As Garfiel sidestepped, YN thought he had actually managed a successful getaway until—

*CREAK*

Just as the rear of the car passed where the shark-toothed boy had moved to, the car was yanked to a complete stop, just as it had gained its forward momentum.

Nearly managing to get YN's face to implant itself into the steering wheel, Garfiel had effortlessly grabbed the back bumper of the vehicle and halted it. As his wheels spun and dug holes under themselves, trying to get traction of any kind, Garfiel decided to make a point know.

Garfiel: Just what I was waiting for...

Letting a toothy grin go wide across his face, he summoned his strength.

Garfiel: —a reason to smash this thing!

Roaring with his muscles, Garfiel overpowered the thrust and weight of the car to pivot where it faced. Turning a near full ninety degrees, Garfiel lined the car up with a nearby, gargantuan tree trunk, and let go.

Between feeling the sudden stop of the car and the bizarre movement from the rear, YN hadn't realized where he had been pointed to.

Letting the car go with its wheels spinning and its engine revved up, the car rocketed forward for only a moment before its motion was stopped again, this time from the front, and much more permanently.

Only seeing the tree's bark covered trunk for mere fractions of a second as he approached it, all went dark as YN saw his glass windshield shatter, and the splintery mass of wood fly towards him.

With his head pounding, vision blurred, and ears ringing, YN began to claw his way back into consciousness.

The inside of the newly crashed car was filled with white steam pouring in from the air vents, and the smell of various leaking chemicals and oils filled his nose with an unpleasant smell.

Everything inside had been thrown forward to the dashboard. Spare change, stray receipts, old bits of trash that had been wedged under the seats. All of it had been projected forward as the inertia of the car met the mass of the tree.

Ultimately in one piece though, and through the buzzing of his hearing, YN could hear a familiar voice yelling out in protest.

Ram (muffled): Garf! What could possibly possess you to believe this was as rational course of action?!

Garfiel (muffled): Ahh quit yer naggin'. Myself is only doing what's got to be done.

Following his reply, YN heard the sound of creaking metal off to his side where the door was. As a golden-haired vestige moved about on the other side of the fogged up window, it was suddenly made clear with the departure of the door entirely.

With little effort, Garfiel had ripped the crunched metal door right off his hinges, the tearing metal making an awful sound.

Garfiel: Hah! See, Ram? He's fine.

As his voice now sounded clear, just as he appeared, Garfiel reached for YN who was still incapacitated despite now being free.

Getting a good, up close look at YN, Garfiel mumbled back to Ram.

Garfiel: He is wakin' back up though. Can't have that.

Ram: Garf! Ram has seen YN harmed enough. Anymore and she will need to force your hand to be gentler.

By the way the two spoke now, it seemed as if Ram had placated to Garfiel at this juncture.

I'm sure the first time she got him to back down was just out of respect... But if push comes to shove, it just shows Garfiel can't be reasoned with...

While it did saddened YN to hear Ram go along with this, he knew she had no other choice.

If she tried to step in and help, she'd only get herself hurt...

YN: Gah... Tch...

Hiking YN up and onto his shoulder, Garfiel jeered back at Ram, as if he'd been waiting for this moment.

Garfiel: Oh don't worry, I'll be real gentle with em'.

Seeing Garfiel's other hand in his peripheral vision, it was the last thing he did.

Like turning out a light, Garfiel knocked YN unconscious with a strike to the head.

YN: — — —

Sent to the realm of no thoughts and no worries, YN had become a true hostage now. He was unable to imagine what sort of things would be there when he awoke.

The Mansion... Rem...

Drifting about in the sea of inky black nothingness, YN's consciousness struggled to maintain itself. His thoughts were wild and scattered as even now, his body ached in pain from the Consequences and the car crash.

Yet, as he lost track of time, slowly but surely his mind came back together when all of a sudden, the sensation of pain vanished. It had not come with the release of relief and comfort however, rather it was now the complete lack of any feeling whatsoever.

Like the final piece of a puzzle being put together, it seemed as if YN's mind had reconstructed itself. He realized he was now able to think complete and lucid thoughts once more. Accompanying the sensation though, was the feeling of weightlessness.

Why does this feel so familiar?

Trying to understand the sensation, or really, the acute and distinct lack thereof, it was all even more suddenly washed away.

His weight turned in and up on itself. The whole front of his body was bearing a load. The musky smell of damp earth seemed to fill his senses of smell, and even taste.

He felt cold, like he was being exposed to the elements. But, amidst these feelings and on pure instinct, YN moved his head, and used his mouth to eject the fowl taste inhabiting it now.

And to his surprise? He felt the feeling of lifting his head and spitting, just like normal.

What the hell...?

His eyes tightly shut, he forced his mind to open them to observe whatever it was going on around him.

Yet as he opened them, only more darkness met them.

Blinking a few times, he tried to decide which was darker between having them opened or closed. As he pondered that question though, sounds now entered his hears.

?: Nmmmm... Heeeeh...

?: *Cough* *Cough* *Cough*

With the sound of someone whimpering, barely audible and muffled, it was overshadowed by the echoed gag of someone gasping for air.

Alarming YN, he forced the rest of his body to separate with whatever dank and damp surface it felt glued to. Pushing himself upward, he finally sat up, which caused his body to finally learn of its true orientation.

Rubbing what felt like more damp earth from his eyes, it was then he saw it.

Before him, slightly ajar, and from where the sounds were coming from, was a large, but damaged ornate door. Framing it, were the large, earthen walls of stone he recognized.

YN: No way...

Speaking under his breath, the owner of the whimper, and the one currently coughing violently for air were suddenly identified in his mind.

That's Subaru and Emilia just past that opening... Which can only mean we're back in—!

—The Witch of Greed's resting place. Echidna's Tomb.

Dumbfounded, the only logical chain of reasoning was the correct one; Subaru had perished from whatever, or whoever he had encountered in the Mansion, and the respawn point had changed.

Making it out of the Tomb before Subaru and Emilia once more, many of the same conversations occurred, spurred from the same reactions. Granted though, rather than Ram stepping in to relay he should keep quiet about any Trials, YN and the maid simply exchanged a knowing glance, as if they both knew of it as an unspoken rule.

Yet, with so little conjecture outside, and Subaru being able to sooth Emilia much more effectively this time around, an impromptu meeting was called for all to be in attendance.

Even at the combined protest of Subaru and YN though for Emilia's sake, Garfiel still demanded a meeting take place now. With Ryuzu agreeing and Ram unable to use any sort of bargain chip in this instance, the group of seven split into two.

Ram, Ryuzu, Garfiel, and Otto went ahead to prepare the house that had been set aside for Emilia to host this meeting. Presumably grabbing extra seating and moving some items around, this left YN and Subaru to ferry Emilia at a slower place.

The half-elf, still distraught and with many dried tears on her fair skinned cheeks, had put an arm over each of the two who stayed back with her. Even while supporting her, the poor girl was still mentally exhausted, and about halfway to the meeting area, had passed out.

As a rare opportunity to converse openly had now shown itself between the two wayward traveling companions, they took care to cautiously use it. Speaking softly as to not rouse the silver-haired girl, the two touched on only the most important topics before they raised any suspicion with how late they would be to the meeting.

YN had started off on how he felt the two Consequences one after another, to which Subaru acknowledged that he had indeed done that as a way to signal YN. It was then that YN nearly had dropped Emilia's arm off his shoulder as he was gobsmacked upon learning who had killed Subaru.

That Bowel Huntress is back?! Why now?! Why?!

Wanting to limit any possible wasted time though, Subaru had to strong arm YN into keeping his surprise under wraps for now, but did go on to say he felt the same way.

Moving the topic back to YN's account of things, he went on to say that while he tried to leave and see what was going on with Subaru, Garfiel had prevented him from doing so. He told Subaru of how the shark-toothed youth had made him wreck his car, and of how was knocked out.

When Subaru inquired about what had happened after that though, YN couldn't say, as he had awoken back in the Tomb upon the Reset. As the two worked out the times, it seems to line up that while YN had been rendered unconscious, Elsa had managed to kill Subaru.

Realizing it may have been useful to know what Garfiel had planned for YN when he had woken back up, that unfortunately was still unknown.

Subaru questioned YN on if Garfiel had actually killed him while trying to knock him out, to which he replied he was confident he hadn't died. After all, he hadn't gone to the white "waiting room" he was accustomed to seeing whenever he died before Subaru would in a given Loop. Even without ever having to explain the endless expanse to Subaru, he at least took YN's word that he hadn't perished.

Arriving to the house though, their time to speak drew to an early close with Otto waiting by the open door. Everyone inside was definitely interested in figuring out the oddities of Emilia's first Trial attempt.

YN: —Tch...

Unable to discuss the one thing he felt was truly important right now, YN cursed the bad timing.

I wanted to let Subaru know that supposedly Garfiel can smell the Witch's Scent like Rem can... But hopefully that can wait.

With the seating set out, lights lit, and tea being brewed, the discussion was set to begin.

Sat around a simple table, Subaru, Otto, and Ryuzu welcomed a newly roused Emilia to sit with them. Ram stood at attendance between Subaru and Emilia, although behind them, whilst Garfiel did the same behind Ryuzu.

At least she's feeling better...

Hearing the half-elf apologize, YN took his spot while Subaru had been the first to reassure Emilia she wasn't the burden she thought she was.

Preferring to stand to Ram's own flank, YN simply stayed posted up against the wall, arms crossed much like Garfiel's were.

There's a tense atmosphere here...

While it was unlikely for anything violent to occur here, it seemed either "side's" toughest muscle wanted to be in a place where they could react the quickest and with the most amount of time.

But as YN and Garfiel seemingly were sizing up one another from across the room, Subaru's yelp in pain drew their attention back into the ongoing conversation. Receiving a harsh poke from Ram's wand for his uncouth flirtation with Emilia, Ram went ahead with her most charming self to offer comfort to Emilia.

Scumbaru...

Somewhat amused at his fellow wayward traveling companion's boldness, Emilia followed up the attention by thanking him, Subaru, and Ram's regard for her condition. Professing that she was fine now, Emilia wanted to move the conversation ahead, perhaps not wishing to waste Ryuzu or Garfiel's time.

But, getting right into it, the silent-until-then Merchant spoke up.

Otto: The Trial ended in failure, did it not?

Without needing a direct answer, the answer to his observations was apparent with Subaru, Emilia, and YN looking away or downward.

While this was no surprise to either Ryuzu or Garfiel, the Merchant went on with the topic regardless.

Otto: There's also the matter of YN-san and Natsuki-san remaining unharmed after emerging from the Tomb...

YN: — — —

Subaru: — — —

Both silent in immediate response, YN knew the question was more directed to Subaru than to him. But as he awaited for Subaru to answer, YN couldn't help but notice his words were being greatly anticipated by the golden-haired youth across the room from them.

Something tells me he won't like any answer we give him...

As the silence grew longer with no one answering, YN couldn't tell if there was any difference in the way Garfiel was acting.

If he can smell the Witch's Miasma on us, we must really stink about right now...

Doing the math, YN figured they at least had to be on three levels of Miasma currently.

Two botched Confessions and a Return... If Rem was still awake, she'd be having a full blown panic attack...

Somewhat relieved that Rem wouldn't be so concerned, part of YN still missed the great worry and concern she would have for him in times like these.

What I would give just to see her again, especially after a Return...

With Rem occupying his mind, and the idea of compounded levels of Miasma on him, YN couldn't help but be reminded of what that meant in the Loops he'd spent trying to survive arriving at the Mansion with Subaru.

Rem acted pretty hostile at first to so much Miasma in that one Loop, and maybe rightfully so...

Not wishing to lay any blame on the woman he loved, even if she had done what she had done, YN mulled over how this came back to Garfiel.

—So is there a reason Garfiel isn't acting that much differently? Is he less sensitive to it?

While YN had begun to contemplate just how Garfiel was able to smell it, he had begun to go over how he and Rem differed or were similar.

They're both Demi-humans, but I'm sure it's because of Rem's horn that—

Subaru: —About that actually.

Hearing Subaru suddenly respond sharply to things being said during the meeting YN was zoning out from, he at first was startled thinking Subaru was responding to his own thoughts. But seeing that obviously wasn't the case, he realized the context in which Subaru was speaking now.

Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

Subaru: *Sigh* You all saw pretty plainly how the Tomb lit up when YN and I both ran inside. The answer should be pretty obvious.

As the black haired boy spoke with conviction, Ram looked to YN just as he had looked to her.

Shit, that's right, Ram thinks it's a bad idea to say anything about the Trial. Subaru should know that too... I told him the very next day in the last Loop.

Conveying the notion it was simply too late to stop Subaru, YN and Ram had been able to make a mutual understanding that saying anything specific about his own Trials should be taboo just off the shared look alone.

I should have asked Ram to stall for us in here... Me and Subaru definitely needed to talk more before getting into a meeting like this.

Seeing the maid close her eyes, her mind dwelled on her own internal frustrations with Subaru. Ram should not have placed the same kind of faith she reserves for YN with Barasu. Truly this a blunder of her own making.

Knowing YN had perceived how keeping the subject of their own Trial's a hushed subject would have been beneficial, Ram lamented her forgoing of making Subaru realize that beforehand.

To YN and Subaru though, this go around of not having the luxury of a "no rush" start right after a Return like they did in Crusch's Manor when they were still facing the Whale, Sloth, and the thieves, was a rather fickle circumstance. Things were already off to a bad start, but were now only set to get worse.

Subaru: We took the Trial ourselves. And at the very least, one of us passed it.

Perhaps trying to keep himself from sounding as if he were gloating, he turned around as he stood from his chair and gestured to YN. Responding with only a begrudged nod, the room was enamored in surprise.

Ram: — — —

Ryuzu: —?!

Otto: —!

Garfiel: —Huuuuh...?!

Emilia: Subaru... YN... B-Both of you..?

While having her reaction be the only real one that differed dramatically, Emilia's also stemmed from the fact her Trial had been so traumatic. Such a harrowing experience was not something she wished upon people so close to her.

Subaru: I'm really sorry to drop such a bombshell on you, Emilia-tan, but it's the truth.

Weakly smiling, trying to comfort the distraught girl, Subaru knew full and well what saying this might do to Emilia's emotions, yet he was no stranger to saying such things to her.

Before anymore conversation could be had though, it was Ram who stepped in, asking the question that had arisen in everyone from the way Subaru had announced such news.

Ram: 'At the very least' one of you had passed? Barasu, you should 'at the very least' be honest with your failure and 'at the very least' give YN the recognition.

Subaru: Geez... Ram...

Feeling as if his answer actually stemmed from some kind of cope or complex Subaru was trying to mask, he could only wince in response to the pink-haired maiden's critique.

YN: Well, if you really wanna know, I failed it too. So I'll let you all figure out who it was that passed their's.

Hearing from Subaru of what had occurred to the best of his memory regarding his own Trial, YN and him had spent most of what would have been the day before last in the previous Loop discussing their own experiences in the Trial. Consequently though, Subaru had not picked up on the fact there were small holes in YN's memories, especially in regard to meeting the Trial's proctor.

Ram: Barasu... passed it?

Emilia: Suba...ru?

Left with such a surprise revelation, Subaru did not wish to throw his friend under the bus.

Subaru: —A-All I was, was lucky. What happened in the Trial was something I knew I had to face sooner or later... rather now, it ended up being sooner. A lot sooner than I had hoped it ever would... Ya know?

While not quite accurately describing the feeling he was trying to convey, Subaru did his best to make it sound like he had an advantage; his point in not throwing YN under the bus for failing, but also making it sound as if it were still a difficult, and arduous mission to overcome. All to keep it from sounding like Emilia was struggling with something easy in reality.

A fine, linguistic path Subaru tightrope-walked in doing so.

With a brief silence falling over the gathering, it was broken by Ryuzu putting one of her small hands to her equally small chin, although it was still blocked by the large collar or shroud her coat had.

Ryuzu: So Su-bo and Y-bo managed to not only become eligible for the Trial, but Su-bo passed it whereas Emilia-sama did not... This makes things very complicated for us.

Sensing this conversation was set to turn more sour, Ram relied on her wit to turn the tide.

Ram: While it is certainly complicated...—

Bowing as she spoke out of torn, especially towards a superior of hers, Ram courtly spoke further.

Ram: —if we are to believe what YN says of Barasu's Trial, it is nothing short of a monumental accomplishment. One that should spell the lifting of the Barrier.

As Ram spoke that though, the determination in her voice trailed off as she shared another glance with YN. Just from that, Ram could immediately realize such a notion was too good to be true.

Garfiel: 'Afraid not. Me and Granny here still feel the Pact. 'Meanin the Barrier is still hangin' around.

Turning her attention to Subaru, whom she thought she should rather direct this frustration to than YN given the circumstances, Ram glared a look of contempt at him.

Ram: It seems as if Barasu lied to YN about passing his Trial. Ram shall punish you severely for this.

Subaru: That shouldn't be the first conclusion you come to since he said it!

Managing to get a rise out of Subaru, YN did step forward with more information.

While he knew not of how Subaru was privy to this other than it must be information revealed to someone who passes the first Trial, YN spoke of how there were two more Trials that needed to be passed in order to break the Pact that touched all who were of mixed blood in the Sanctuary.

Seeing all those here accept the fact, YN could only hope to vouch for what Subaru had told him of in the last Loop.

But as Ryuzu, Ram, Otto, and Garfiel could only mull over that in their heads, the revaluation hit someone especially hard.

Emilia: — — —

Someone who especially did not need the extra pressure.

Emilia: T-Two—? Two more?

As her voice shook, the worry and pain on the poor girl's face was too much for Subaru to bear. Going down to one knee from where he stood next to her, Subaru took one of Emilia's nervously shaking hands in her lap.

Subaru: Emilia-tan. I have an idea. Although you may not be a big fan of it... will you hear me out though?

With a delayed nod of approval, the soft words of her self-proclaimed knight did seem to quell the silver-haired Candidate's nerves.

Subaru: Let me take the Trials for you. If I can bear the burden for you, I'll endure it.

Emilia: —!

With her amethyst eyes going wide in surprise, Emilia was speechless to the suggestion.

Well, if Subaru can manage it... I hadn't even thought of that as a possibility.

Seeing this as a shortcut, or rather, even a cheat code to solving the Sanctuary problem, YN couldn't find fault with this.

Subaru has been looking for a way to show Emilia-sama how he feels for her. The Whale and Witch Cult attack stuff was proof enough sure, but now it'll be something all on his own that she can watch him do. I think this will be a step in the right direction for them.

Subaru: I have no idea what your past entailed, but if it's enough to make you cry like you did... I want to be the one reach out and help you.

As Subaru spoke to Emilia from the depth of his heart, YN sympathized heavily.

If Rem had to do the same thing, I'd want to help her just as much as Subaru wants to help Emilia-sama right now.

For a moment, Subaru broke eye contact with Emilia to look at YN. As if trying to gauge how this sounded to the others in the room, he first and only sought his trusty wingman's opinion on it to save time. Getting a slight, but solid nod from him, Subaru continued, full speed ahead with his idea.

Subaru: —And if this frees the Sanctuary, that's just the icing on the cake, isn't it? So please, Emilia-tan... Let me help you like you've helped me.

With a face full of sincerity and near childlike innocence, Subaru awaited his request of goodwill to be approved.

You've got this!

Silently cheering on his friend, there was a moment more of silence as they each now awaited a response from the silver-haired girl...

Emilia: — — —

Yet, going from her straight face full of surprise, Emilia quickly bit her thumb nail and turned her head away, as if she could not answer him.

Subaru: —?

His smile wearing away, everything else about Subaru remained the same as the drastic change in body language from Emilia left him clueless as to what this meant.

Garfiel: Ya went and got ahead of yerself. My self was tryin' to stay quiet but ya clearly don't get it.

YN & Subaru: —?

What could Garfiel have to say about this? This isn't his business, he can butt out.

Garfiel: Me and Granny? We're not comfortable with anyone but the Princess-sama takin' the Trial.

Subaru: —Huh?!

Distraught, Subaru seemed outwardly surprised by this answer, as if he had good reason to suspect the opposite.

Subaru: Wait—Hold-on—Stop. Why are you of all people saying that?

That's strange... I can't imagine why they'd be against it.

Hearing his friend's choice of words towards Garfiel, it further fueled the possibility in YN's mind that perhaps Subaru had indeed heard the opposite of this in the previous Loop. As he tried to think of what could have caused such a drastic change, he could only hinge the theoretical difference on one thing.

I wonder... was his answer influenced because now the Scent of the Witch on us is stronger after the Return?

Mulling over what could be the cause of change, Garfiel and Subaru went back and forth a few more times until Ryuzu also spoke back up. Going on to explain how they only wished to obey Roswaal's wishes given how important the Sanctuary was to him, and how it was to be properly incorporated once the Barrier was disposed off, the small pink-haired elf helped Subaru realize that everyone would only accept Emilia liberating the Sanctuary, but for various reasons.

None of which though, seemed to be of the best intentions.

With the conversation breaking back into Subaru and Emilia, it was essentially Subaru trying to reassure Emilia he had offered to take it in her place out of care, not because he saw her as "weak," "unworthy," or any other negative connotation she tried calling herself.

While YN felt bad for the girl, why with her low self-esteem being the root of herself viewing Subaru's offer the way she did, he couldn't help but feel frustration from that as well.

I wish Emilia-sama would realize Subaru is only trying to do his best for her. I can understand why she might get this perception, but she should also know if he really thought she was weak, he wouldn't support her being King in the way he does.

As the conversation between Subaru and Emilia only turned more emotional, it was clear a break down was inevitable. Already still shaken from her recent failed Trial, Emilia's raised voice was shaky with tensions of trauma, where as Subaru's was that of a bleeding heart, trying desperately to help despite his own frustration with how things were already unfolding in this Loop.

But as he could understand why Subaru was also getting upset with Emilia drawing a different conclusion to what his was, YN couldn't help but realize this was something he never had to worry about with Rem.

Even if at first Rem suspected something negative from me, she'd always ask me what my real intentions were before reaching a conclusion.

One of the many things YN loved about Rem, was how considerate she was, which was one key thing that helped the two be so strong together.

She wouldn't act like this.

Feeling his heart ache for the one who held it, YN's mind began to sink into its usual void of sorrow and loneliness with Rem not at his side. With the colors in his vision somewhat dulling further, the intense conversation went on.

I miss Rem...

Yet, as the shouting was reaching a fever pitch with Emilia's trauma seemingly coming out in her arguments, what had been responsible for YN breaking his trance of deep thoughts was his noticing of Ram's swift moments. Pulling his mind back to the present, he saw her silently traverse the room and reach the flank of Emilia.

With the growingly unstable girl having stood up only a moment ago to more strongly voice her arguments, Subaru failed to notice the shorter maid in the midst of emotional words being thrown about.

As Emilia had begun to speak of what sort of cruel consequences awaited her if she continued to hide away and make Subaru deal with all her problems, Ram nodded to YN from behind her.

Ram's gonna do something.

Again, as if silently communicating, YN approached Subaru's flank while Emilia was on the cusp of sobbing out her responses. Tapping lightly on his shoulder and speaking into his ear, he could only take an educated guess as to what Ram had planned.

YN (whisper): Get ready.

Without even a moment for Subaru to question what YN meant, he saw Ram step in.

Ram: —That will be enough for tonight, Emilia-sama...

Holding her bare palm before Emilia's face, the half-elf's amethyst eyes quickly filled with drowsiness before shutting.

Emilia: —Ah... Ahhhh...

As if going entirely limp, the silver-haired girl began to fall forward as her consciousness was robbed of her.

Subaru: —!

Reacting quickly though, Subaru stepped forward with his hands out, and caught the falling girl as gracefully as he could manage. Subaru looked Emilia over only briefly in his arms before he turned his head back upwards to the one responsible, her palm still out before as it had been in front of Emilia.

Subaru: ...What was that about?

Ram: Emilia-sama's behavior required Ram to step in, so I used a calming scent on her. Does Barasu think Ram was too forceful?

I hate to admit it... But that may have been the right call.

Subaru and YN could only draw the same conclusion, ultimately. Had not Ram used such a technique, Emilia may have disgraced herself in this breakdown before people who were, in the end, her captors.

Subaru: —Tch... No. You're right. I'm sorry for causing this...

Taking it on the chin, Subaru accepted responsibility for having gotten such a reaction out of Emilia.

Ram: Did Barasu have the title of Emilia-sama's guardian bestowed upon him in the Great Spirit's absence?

Subaru: That's not what—...

Ram: —Are you not apologizing on her behalf?

Ram laid on belittlement after belittlement to Subaru. While he may have deserved a little of that for continuing to push the idea to Emilia that he could take the Trials, he at least had not acted as badly as he may have in the past.

YN: Ram...

Almost managing to startle her, Ram kept her composure but halted her criticism nonetheless.

Garfiel: —Bah. I'm thinkin' we're through here.

Letting his annoyances be known, Garfiel turned towards the exit with Ryuzu. Speaking over his shoulder as he held the door open for the tiny elf, he concluded this meeting.

Garfiel: We'll stop by to have another word with the Princess-sama tomorra'.

With that, Garfiel had exited the borrowed residence, but not before getting one last word in.

Garfiel: If she's even up to it. Tch...

YN let the door shut and a moment of silence pass before being the first to speak up again.

YN: What an ass.

Ram: *Sigh*

Exhaling her own built up tension, Ram wordlessly took Emilia from Subaru's arms.

Ram: Barasu, Ram will tend to Emilia-sama, but will require help in making her bed.

As Ram went about recruiting help, Otto stood from his seat and headed towards the door. Removing his hat, he halfway opened the door with his back to it, and excused himself as politely as he could, not wishing to linger in what was clearly devolving into inner-camp dialog.

But before Subaru could assist Ram, he had another idea as he looked at the recently shut door.

Subaru: Sorry, can I be selfish and ask YN to help you?

Ram: Is Ram even surprised?

Ram tilted her head in annoyance, but in the end, her not denying him was just as good as an approval.

With that, Subaru nodded and departed the residence as well. Only receiving a single glance from Ram, YN set about doing what Subaru had been tasked to do.

Ram moved Emilia to the only other room in the rundown hovel while YN worked to prepare Emilia's bed. Returning shortly, the maid put the unconscious girl to rest whilst YN moved the furniture and chairs back to their proper spaces from how they had been arranged for the meeting.

Taking a brush to Emilia's long, silver hair, Ram finally spoke back up as YN pushed a table back towards the wall.

Ram: Why is it that YN defends Barasu when he's clearly causing a fuss?

Struck by the sudden question, YN knew this stemmed from his choice to speak up after Subaru caught Emilia after she was put under.

Ram: Ram understands Barasu is YN's friend. She does not wish to cause conflict in this matter, but he must understand that if it is not Ram who puts Barasu in his place, no one else will. Such continued bravado will only cause a repeat of what happened at the Royal Selection Conference.

While Ram was aware of Subaru's feats in what had occurred between his most shameful display and now, YN knew she was unaware of how he had gotten to the "now."

YN: I won't say what he did now wasn't undeserving of you stepping in, but...

She has no idea what he went through to get here in the first place...

And in truth, Ram wouldn't ever be privy to that information, not even in a second hand way as her forgotten twin had been.

No. Not at all.

Ram: —?

But—

YN: —Subaru has improved. —And then some.

Letting his tense handhold of the table be released, he turned to speak to the maid directly as he grabbed a set of chairs to be moved as well.

YN: If he hadn't, can you really say it was like him to apologize rather than just lash back out at you or Garfiel?

Without an immediate word of reply, Ram concluded her brushing of Emilia's hair. Setting the brush into the drawer of a nearby nightstand, Ram peered out of the dark window that looked outside to the other ramshackle huts of the Sanctuary.

Ram: Ram must admit that YN has a point. However—

As YN set the two chairs down, Ram had a sudden change of mind, and moving quickly, she reached for and grabbed his hand.

YN: —?

Spontaneously in her grasp, and taking him to the front door of the shack, Ram looked back to YN as she opened it, knowing he was clueless what her intention was now.

Ram: —before Ram must confer that, there is a much more pressing conversation we need to overhear.

With a small flick of her finger, Ram used a hint of her Wind magic to extinguish the few small candles that had kept the room lit since the departure of Otto, plunging it into darkness so Emilia could sleep.

Leading YN on, he had barely been able to close the door behind them as Ram pulled him ahead, much less gently than Rem ever had.

In less than a minute, the two had gone from conversing calmly in Emilia's hovel, to few dozen paces away from it in a rush to hear of some conversation YN knew nothing about. Being pulled onward, he could only watch on as Ram's peach hair swayed from side to side as he was towed behind her, all culminating in an experience that was very familiar to him.

Is this just a thing oni women do?!

Staying silent, Ram had been forced to keep YN from speaking anymore as she placed a hand over his mouth. The two had gone off into a nearby thicket in the direction Subaru had, and were now in the midst of listening in on a conversation that was clearly meant to be secret.

Subaru had chased after Ryuzu and Garfiel in hopes that he could ask them a few questions in private. While the maid and groundskeeper had taken cover behind a nearby tree, it was still close enough to hear the topic at hand.

The exchange was brief. Ryuzu had gone on to better explain their disapproval of Subaru taking the Trial in Emilia's stead, whilst Garfiel reiterated his own personal opinion of not being able to accept it should Subaru liberate the Sanctuary. With Ryuzu apologizing for closing the door on what could have been a simple solution for him, the two departed back to a more populated area of the sleepy nighttime village.

Scuffing the ground with his shoe, Subaru looked up at the unfamiliar starscape above him. Here, the thick branches of the overhead canopy were sparse, and the heavens above were visible. Silently reflecting to himself now with his hands in his pockets, he finally mumbled to himself.

Subaru: That guy's a real prick... Shame that I'm in such a bad mood now, I can't enjoy the starry sky.

With perhaps that sentiment only being recognized by YN knowing that this was a hobby Subaru fondly enjoyed, he found it odd he'd do outwardly say that to himself if not for a reason.

Subaru: So—

Looking down from the heavens, Subaru turned his graze to vaguely in the direction Ram and YN were observing from in the shadows.

Subaru: —whadja' think of all that?

Shit, he saw us.

Thinking their ability to stay hidden had been thwarted, YN sighed behind the hand that still covered his mouth and went to show himself from behind the tree they were in.

Yet, as he took a single step, Ram pulled him back. Looking at the maid, she said not a word, but YN understood the faint bit of starlight reflecting off the oni's crimson eyes that she was still staying hidden for a reason.

?: ...If I'm being honest?

Feeling the hand on his face tense slightly at the sound of a new voice, it was one both YN and Ram each were familiar with.

As the two looked to the source of the voice, the recognizable, green tunic'd merchant stepped out from behind what they thought was a long unused and abandoned outhouse.

Otto: Their reasoning seems quite sound.

Scratching the back of his dusty-gray hair out of slight embarrassment that his eavesdropping had been discovered, Otto readjusted the hat upon his head as he approached Subaru.

Otto: Even if Natsuki-san's actions are claimed by Emilia-sama like the Whale was... will everyone truly see it all as her accomplishments? She needs people to support her, not someone who is capable of doing things for her.

Watching as he sighed, Subaru slumped his shoulders. Seeing this though, Ram removed her hand from covering YN's mouth, and moved forward, as if planning on joining the conversation.

Subaru: I get that, I get that... It's just that—

Ram: '—Barasu doesn't think Emilia-sama can overcome the Trial?' Hmm?

Somewhat managing to get both Subaru and Otto to jump with the introduction of her voice completing Subaru's sentence, he exclaimed his surprise.

Subaru: Ram?

Emerging from the brush just behind her too, YN gave a casual wave to Subaru as he entered the fray as well.

YN: Yo.

Subaru: —tch.

Put off by the sudden gathering of people who had in fact, come right out from the woodwork, Subaru looked around frantically as if expecting the likes of Roswaal and Garfiel to show up as well.

Subaru: —What's the point of having a conversation out here if everyone is just going to hear it anyway?!

Otto: Well... Weren't you going to share this sort of stuff with your camp anyway?

Subaru: S-Sure... But—

Ram: —Then is this not more efficient? Or should we all go back into hiding and just eavesdrop as we were?

Subaru: I think I'd just find you all again pretty quickly...

Ram: Hah.

Subaru: What? You don't think the one person who's the best at finding Beako in the Mansion wouldn't be able to find you just as well?

Ram: While the Merchant is skilled enough at staying hidden, he was still noticed by Barasu, that much is true. Ryuzu-sama relies on Garf to find such things normally as well. At the very least, the Merchant going unnoticed by him is proof Barasu is smarter then Garf, that much Ram will admit. Yet when it comes to Ram, having stayed unnoticed until revealed only shows how dull Barasu is compared to her.

Putting herself on airs, Ram pushed out her chest and gestured towards herself with great pride, all whilst Subaru lazily looked on, experiencing another bout of Ram grandstanding at his own expense.

YN: *Sigh...* Anyway—

Trying to move the discussion forward, YN stepped into the middle of the group.

YN: We know it's hard to expect such huge feats to be performed in such a short amount of time, that being said, we shouldn't drag our heels on this either. We need to come up with a plan regarding Emilia-sama and the Trials.

Otto: I must say, I agree with YN-san.

Nodding in agreement, Subaru elaborated further on that idea.

Subaru: Right now, there's a real big strain on everyone's minds right now. All the extra food having to go to the Arlem Villagers from the Sanctuary can't be sustainable.

Ram: Yes... Although she hasn't mentioned it to Roswaal-sama yet, Ram believes this will be an unavoidable conflict.

Subaru: Which is why I wanna do something about that now.

YN: What do you propose?

Creating an opening for Subaru to explain the same plan as the last Loop, and get it off the ground sooner this time, YN stepped back, and let Subaru sway Ram and Otto's opinions on the matter.

Maybe at least with Ram on our side, she'll help convince Roswaal sooner.

With all said and done on that though, Otto retired for the evening, whilst Ram informed YN and Subaru both that Roswaal was still awaiting them, keen on wanting to know what became of the Trial.

Reaching the hovel the bedridden Margrave now resided in, YN prepared for an all "not-too-dissimilar" conversion with the man who lacked his usual clown-make-up.

As he stepped inside, he knew more or less already what lied in store...

Roswaal: Ahh, Subaru-kun! —And YN-kuuuuuuuun. You two look like you're here for a rather serious taaaaaaaaalk.