New cups had been brought, and tea was served once more. Apart from hushed thanks, the awkward silence had returned to the room yet again. But this time, it was the matriarch of the Natsuki household who broke the silence.
"Frederica-sama, it's nice to see that you've gotten a little apprentice," she said, looking at Petra as she served her tea. "And such a fast learner! I'm sure Frederica-sama must be quite proud of you, Petra!"
"Ah, thank you, Rem-sama!" Petra bowed enthusiastically without dropping any of the pottery she carried.
"Ah, just Rem is fine, Petra. After all, it's been a while since I've worked as a maid."
Rem sent a pensive look at Petra, who wore the maid apparel of the Mathers Domain, just like Frederica, and of course, Ram.
Before Rem could muddle her thoughts once more, she decided to keep to the subject at hand.
"So, this is another world, is that right?"
"Yes, at the very least, that is Beatrice-chan's deduction," the green-garbed merchant, whom she learned was called Otto, responded. He was the only one in this group she did not recognize. He was the one who had informed everyone in the room about their predicament, although with Beatrice's help when needed.
"That's right, I suppose," the great spirit answered after drinking from her own cup of tea. Emilia, who was next to her, kept absentmindedly playing with her hair. If the spirit noticed it, she did not mention it to the half-elf.
"Betty should repeat that it is only a theory made from scattered facts, and as such…" The spirit avoided her gaze. "…Betty has no idea how exactly it works, or how to return you to your worlds, I suppose."
Return to their world. Certainly, her husband was a respected member of the community, Rigel needed to continue his learning at temple school, and their house would be abandoned for a while. By all accounts, she should desire to return home as fast as possible.
But…
She sent another furtive glance at Ram, something she had done extensively thus far, so much so that it was likely everyone else noticed, although no one commented on it. She was sitting in her wheelchair, similar to the other her, to [Rem], and she was grasping her hand without so much as looking at her.
She had so much to ask of her, to tell her, but every time she saw her gently holding onto [Rem], she lost all her courage to speak up. It seemed she was still a coward after all this time.
So instead, she turned to another familiar, yet unexpected sight.
"Garf, it really is you, right?" She turned to the rough blonde boy, who had been silently keeping watch over everyone in the room. "Rem was surprised to see you here in the Annerose Domain. Does this mean the Sanctuary…?"
The boy eyed her up suspiciously, as he had done ever since he met her.
"So ya knew me as well, huh?" Garfiel said, clicking his tongue. "Can't say the same fer me. Sorry."
Despite the harsh words and way of speaking, it was clear that the boy was actually regretful that he did not know her, or rather that he had forgotten her, as his current dissatisfaction was more directed at himself.
Perhaps Rem understood his feelings, as she gently smiled while she explained.
"It's understandable… But Rem's glad that you're here. Rem already apologized to Frederica…" She remembered the time that she had thought of her as a dream; perhaps it was easier to ask for forgiveness when she did. "… But Rem feels the need to also apologize to Garf too."
Garfiel looked a bit surprised as Rem recalled all the times they spent together.
"You were the closest thing me and Nee-sama had to a friend, and there are so many happy memories to recall, yet Rem still treated you so coldly… you see, Rem was annoyed at Garf for going after Nee-sama, and always sought to get in your way, to push everyone around us away…" Just like she had done with Frederica.
Garfiel gave a tsk as he looked at her. "I don't know what yer apologizin' for. Th' Garfiel who ya did that stuff with, it wasn't my amazin' self, was it?" A lot of people in the room seemed ready to jump in at Garfiel's harsh words, but he just continued. "And if someone should feel sorry, it should be me fer forgettin' everything 'bout those times."
Garfiel pointed at the girl who slumbered without change in her wheelchair. "When cap'n wakes up his girl, me and her'll both apologize fer what happened. Right now, th' only thing anyone needs t' say sorry for is…"
"… Me, fer almost hittin' yer husband. And bein' rude to ya. And… yeah, sorry. Suppose I'm still mad that yer cap'n punched mine."
Everyone stood silent for a moment, but Rem just began to lightly laugh.
"It's nice to see you've grown so much, Garf. Even if you're still the same foolish boy at heart."
Garfiel stammered while Rem let out another satisfied laugh. She was joined by Frederica, who could not help herself and laughed at her brother's embarrassment.
"Regardless of what Garf says, it's very good that you said those things to us, Rem. When our Rem wakes up, I'm sure it'll give me confidence and purpose to get closer to her."
"I'm very glad about that, Frederica-sama, and I'm sure she will be very glad too."
Still very much avoiding her sister's eyes, Rem watched her slumbering copy, still not clear on what to make of her. Or of anything in this situation, for that matter.
"Oh, there's no need to address me so highly, Rem! You said yourself that you had not been a maid for some time. And besides, and I mean no disrespect, you're now a few years my senior."
"Really, are you not saying that because you have a newer and cuter little prodigy?" Rem said in mock contempt.
Young Petra jumped and blushed at being called cute, causing the housewife and head maid to exchange knowing looks between them.
Rem took the opportunity to address the golden siblings once again. "In any case, I'm glad the two of you are safe and happy. I know I'm not your Rem, but I hope we can get along regardless."
The fate of the two in her world was unknown, but she at least liked to think they managed to survive. Still, even if they had done so, it was unlikely she was going to see either of them again. But she liked to imagine that they too had managed to at the very least, reunite as a family to one another.
"And if possible, I'd like you to get along with Rigel and Spica too. They are the greatest treasures that Subaru-kun and I have…"
Frederica smiled at her request. "It'll be my pleasure. And I'm sure Garf will also enjoy having more company." Even though he was likely trying not to show it, so did Garfiel. And he also seemed to take an interest in Rigel, eyeing him up with interest.
"Yeah, yeah. As long as ya don't cause any trouble like that other cap'n did with my cap'n, everythin' will be fine."
This actually brought a response from the mean-eyed half-oni.
"It was your cap'n that went for Dad first!"
Not expecting to be rebuked, Garfiel glared at Rigel. "Haaah? Y' got some guts sayin' those things in th' situation yer in. I already told ya, yer cap'n ain't my cap'n, so even 'f y're supposed t' be his brat, there ain't anything stoppin' me from teachin' ya some manners!"
"Garf!"
"Just cuz you're a little older than me doesn't mean you can just push Mom and me around! You don't know who you're dealing with either, maybe you'll be the one getting a nasty surprise."
Frederica began to admonish her brother for acting like a bully to their guests but was stopped by the response from the young oni boy.
To say Rigel was completely defenseless was truly to underestimate him, an oni and disciple of 'The Admirer,' although the training usually involved ways to not be directly involved with dangerous foes. And even as a beginner he could tell that Garfiel would be one such foe.
But rather than escalate the aggression more, Garfiel just let out a boisterous laugh at his words and flashed them a toothy grin.
"My amazin' self knew it. Them killer eyes ain't th' only thing y' got from th' cap'n. From yer cap'n." He quickly corrected himself. Rigel was stunned by the change in the attitude of the other boy, stammering for an answer, he looked away embarrassed with a "Whatever."
Rem could not contain a light giggle at the scene, making her son only grow more embarrassed. Rigel was not bad at making friends at the temple school, and even in the whole town considering his (in)famous status as Setsubun King, but it was also true that he did not have many friends that could be truly considered close.
And while the Garfiel from Rem's world would now be an adult, this Garfiel was still close to his son's age, so not that much older from when he had last seen him. The thought of her children playing with Garfiel just as she once had done filled her heart with warmth.
But also, with shame.
Here she was, shamefully asking for favors from the ones who in her world she had abandoned. And the worst part was she would likely be rewarded by these people from another world, because even if they knew of her sin, they would forgive her. Simply because she was also like…
Like [Rem].
Sure, the fact that she was not the same [Rem] who now slumbered was made clear enough, but the fact remained that in interacting and getting closer to her, they truly wished it to be [Rem] instead.
And her sinful heart was content with that.
She should be drowning in shame at those thoughts, and she probably was. But even so, she could not deny the desire she had to talk to the many people she thought she would never be able to see again.
Just like they wished to get closer to [Rem] through getting to know her, so did she wish to get closer to those who had been long gone through them. In that way, they were the same.
The only difference was that they truly deserved to have their wish come true. They deserved to have [Rem] awake once more, to speak and laugh along with her.
But she deserved no such things. Yet she still shamelessly desired them.
She had already been overly blessed by her family despite not deserving that either. And now she was being offered another blessing she didn't deserve either.
After all, if the other [Rem] were still remembered, how would they treat her? If she were awake, what would the [Rem] who stayed and saved her family say to the utter failure that had run away?
Would she forgive her too?
For a moment, she thought back to the foolish young girl she had been, before being saved by her husband. Of course, this was a mistaken way of thinking of her other self, who was probably also saved by her own Subaru, yet had become an even greater person and decided to stand her ground and fight alongside her love.
What would that [Rem] say to her?
She finally managed to look upon her other self without turning away in shame. Even now, her sister—[Rem's] sister—was holding onto her hand dearly, without so much as taking note of her presence.
Or at least that was what she had thought.
"It's strange for an idiot like Garf to give some insightful wisdom, but this is truly a very strange situation, so there's no dismissing the truth of his words." Ram turned to look at her. Rem was so stunned by the sudden motion that she did not have time to avoid her gaze. Perhaps that was a deliberate move from her, so as to force her to see her face as she said her next words.
"You're not my sister."
Those words were not meant to be hurtful in any way, yet they nevertheless felt like a blade was poking at her heart. If there was any solace to be found, then it was the fact that Rem knew that this truly was just not her actual sister that made that blade not pierce her heart. She didn't know if she should be relieved or ashamed of her own feelings at that moment.
Ram stood up with some difficulty, as the wounds she had inflicted upon herself had not healed yet. Or rather she had not allowed them to be healed yet.
"So… Please forgive this idiot who could not control her own feelings and attacked you, an innocent bystander. Please forgive this foolish Ram."
While speaking those unexpected words, the pink oni bowed despite the difficulty her wounds caused her in doing so.
For many members of the Emilia camp, such a sight was a new one. It was already rare for Ram to genuinely ask for forgiveness, but they had never heard of her bowing down while doing so.
Even to Rem, this was a rare sight. And one she did not deserve to witness.
"T-there's no need for sis—for you to bow your head to me," Rem said as she tentatively approached her. "Please raise your head. Rem understands Ram's—your feelings at that moment. After all, even in that terrible situation, you managed to spare Rem from any true danger."
The sister she knew was a complete master in her field. While the loss of her horn had considerably weakened her magic prowess, her skill and ability were still top-notch. And if this Ram was anything like her own, then she too was the definition of skill.
"That is not correct. What Ram did was unacceptable."
Ram straightened up, defiant in her words to Rem's reassurance.
Ram had considered herself free from the cursed thoughts that plagued her when she still had her horn. Yet this situation had awakened those despicable instincts once more, whipping her into a frenzy.
"It was foolish, shameful, pitiful. Ram failed to control her emotions and ended up hurting you, Rem." She paused after saying her name, as if considering if it was the correct thing to say. "So please, I hope you can forgive this foolish Ram."
Ram looked into Rem's eyes, hoping to decipher the feelings held deep within them. But she did not need to do such a thing.
For even now, she could feel the link between them. That fake Synesthesia. Or just that 'other' Synesthesia, because it was very much real.
When she had been healed and brought to her sister, Ram confirmed their true bond once more. But the connection from the other Rem was still constantly present in her mind.
Every single moment spent in the room with the two Rems was a moment in which her mind was assaulted with confusing feelings, feelings that did not belong to her. Because it was the first time that she actually felt Rem's feelings.
Perhaps before her sister was put to sleep and erased from her mind, the control and experience she held over this skill were more developed. As of now, however, this was the first time that the other party transmitted their sensations so pointedly.
Which is why she knew the answer before she even heard it…
"This—Rem can't accept this."
Ram made her best effort to hide her face from the other Rem. It was difficult to do with her coming closer, but she had to at least try to hold back her feelings.
"B-but… why?" Ram had never felt as helpless as she did now while looking up to Rem's face for answers.
But she once more did not get what she expected.
"Sister… Ram. I feel extremely grateful for your apology, but simply put, Rem does not deserve such a thing."
"…"
"Because Rem… she…"
"Left us all behind?"
It was Otto who spoke up.
"I'm very sorry to interrupt, but Natsuki-san—sorry, your husband—already told us something of the sort."
Just as Ram turned to glare at the merchant, Rem held her in place with a pitiful look on her face. A look of guilt.
"Yes… It's true. Sister… even though Rem knew the dangers that were coming… she still left… and because of that… because of Rem's cowardice… Sister was once more—"
Ram put a finger against Rem's mouth, silencing her demeaning tirade. Using her other hand to clear the tears that were beginning to form in the blue oni, she felt a terrible sense of familiarity with this scene, of comforting her sister.
A memory she no longer held.
"Your [Ram] sounds like an amazing sister. But the one you see before you is a failure of one." She pushed her finger against Rem's mouth again, preventing her from interrupting. "After all, even if your sister died, she did so with the knowledge and memories of you. Of Rem."
Ram lifted her finger from Rem's mouth, and she stayed stunned at her words before speaking anxiously once more.
"But… but none of that is your fault! You losing your memories is the result of the despicable actions of the Witch's Cult!"
"Then why do you blame yourself, Rem?"
Ram successfully managed to completely disarm Rem. She may be a mother now, but at this moment she felt like a little kid. A selfish, useless little kid, the one she had always been.
"If that Ram met her end, it was probably the result of the Witch's Cult's actions as well. So, by the same logic, Rem is not at fault for the fate of that Ram."
Rem was almost indignant at what Ram expressed. "H-how could you say that!? When I see you… I see my sister alive and well, right in front of me... You're the proof that Rem's weakness led to your—to my sister's demise. Just like… just like when Sister's horn was—"
Ram didn't know what to say to the self-deprecating thoughts her alternative sister was spouting. After all, these memories that Rem talked about were some that Ram was not privy to anymore.
And it seemed that even in this other world, the Witch's Cult caused her family as much despair as they did in her own world. Even now, their actions cast a long shadow onto the parallel Rem.
But the case stood that at this moment, she didn't know what she could say to Rem, who was under the belief that she owed penance over something that Ram didn't remember happening. And even if she did have memories of them, she would have asked no such thing from her. Which is why the only thing she could say to her was…
"Rem, did leaving us… leaving the people of your world behind give you happiness?"
"That's…"
Rem averted her gaze even more. Yet even if the question hurt, Ram needed to press onward.
"I cannot speak for the other me, but Ram is certain she would wish for the same things as I do. So, Rem… were you happy with your actions?"
Rem trembled. This time, not even a whimper came from her mouth.
"Please… answer truthfully—"
"OF COURSE NOT!"
Rem finally gained her will back and responded with a shout.
"You died! Sister died! I felt it! How—how do you think that makes me feel?! I felt her die! My sister! My… sister…"
The sudden outburst expended much of the energy that she was just recovering, so Rem fell to the floor to try and hide her face again.
"And yet… there's more, right?"
Ignoring her actions, Ram got close to her again and embraced her once more. Even if she was older now, Rem simply couldn't stop her head from resting on her shoulder, like she had done many times in the past.
"Those other things… I would like to hear them. Please."
Rem struggled to respond. Her mind was in such turmoil that she simply could not find the proper words.
Ram moved from close to her, probably to look at her eyes again, she thought.
"Mama…"
But instead, something else happened. A small hand delicately reached from her back. Little Spica reached around her mother's head and suddenly went for a little leap over her. Rem hurried and grabbed her stumbling daughter.
As the giggling Spica nuzzled against her mother, Rigel also reached for a hug from behind.
"M-mom… Y-you and dad, it doesn't matter what the two of you were or what you did… You both still have me and Spica… we—"
Rem interrupted him with a kiss on the forehead. She mouthed a silent 'Thank you' and turned to see Ram again. She looked pleased, and it was almost like she was the one who sent her kids to comfort her.
"Yes, I'm happy. I have a very good life now, and I'm sure you can understand, for you have seen how cute and handsome these children of mine are." This time, she gave Spica a kiss, the little girl giggling even more in response.
Ram approached her once more, and this time she tentatively reached her hand for little Spica. The little girl did not flinch at the new touch, but rather reached her own tiny hand and grasped Ram's finger with all the strength her little arm could muster.
For the first time in a long while, Rem saw her sister… She saw Ram give a genuine smile.
"Indeed, they are. Even if that kid got the evil eyes of Barusu, the part that's Rem is cute enough to make up for it."
Rigel looked like he wanted to complain at the dig towards him, but he stopped himself once he saw his mother's expression begin to fall once more.
"Yes… all this happiness, and Rem got it despite what she did… Rem got rewarded for being a failure and—"
"Rem, don't say such things! I'm sure your sister would—"
Ram tried to stop her from falling into sadness once more, but Rem managed to push her away.
"No! You're not her! Your Rem, your sister, stayed and saved you, while this Rem doomed her own sister by seeking her own selfish desires!"
"You're right. I'm not your sister."
Ram reached for Rem's head and turned her so they could face each other.
"But even if I'm not her, even if it's a lie, hear it being said with my voice. With her voice. Rem. Sister, I forgive you. And I'm glad you found your happiness."
"N-no… You can't know that… You don't even know me! You're saying those things because you forgot Rem!"
Rem realized what she had said only after the hurtful words had left her mouth. The sight of Ram's sad face, the one that had a smile just a second ago, made Rem stop in her tracks.
"Y-you're right. Ram is very sorry that she tried to impose on you." Ram stood up, breaking free her finger from Spica's grasp. "Yet, your Ram would have been joyous of you accomplishing such a happy future, of that I have no doubt. So, Ram wants you to know at least that much."
She turned around, trying to hide the tears that were beginning to form in her eyes, but Rem reached and firmly grasped her arm.
"No! Sorry! It's just—Rem… already knows that what you say is true…"
Rem managed to make her turn and look at her again.
"But even now, Rem is granted a chance to look at you… at my sister… I've been blessed once more and don't deserve any of it…"
Ram didn't know what to say to Rem to fix the situation. No matter how much she hated it, she had spoken the truth when she told her how she truly did not know her.
"Then how about you make up for it?"
Surprisingly, it was Emilia who spoke.
"If you feel like you're wrongfully taking advantage of the situation, why don't you help someone instead?"
"…help…?"
"Yes! I'm sure that Rem and… and Subaru would reaaaally love to have you and Rigel and Spica around. All of us want to get to know you."
"But I'm not your Rem… I'm not your sister…"
"But we have the same blood. Isn't that right, Emilia-sama?"
"Yes! Exactly, Ram!"
Ram used the somewhat simple logic of Emilia to speak to Rem.
"You share the same blood with my sister. As such, it would be shameful for Ram not to try and get to know you better, even if I… if I still remembered Rem, that would not change."
"So… to atone… you want me to give something back?"
"You don't need to atone! Well, if you feel like you need to do so to the people of your world, that's fine. But to us, we're just looking for you to… um, scratch our back and we scratch yours."
"A mutually satisfactory agreement?" Otto spoke in support of Emilia.
"Yes, exactly!"
Ram took the chance and moved closer.
"When my sister wakes up, I want to know what to say to her. What she likes and what she hates. What are her favorite colors. Favorite books. Favorite foods. Ram was planning on learning when she woke up, but now she wishes to have a head-start. Will you help me, Rem?"
Rem looked at her one more time. Even when she had said she forgave her, a part of her already felt saved. Once more, she was saved. And maybe she was right in thinking she did not deserve it. But if that was the case, she would make sure to be true to her word and make up for it.
And so, Rem cautiously stood up, with Spica still in her arms, and with her son beside her, she spoke to the room once more.
"My name is Rem. Rem likes the color blue. Recently, Rem has been enjoying reading old romance books again. And Rem's favorite foods are darling's… [Subaru]'s favorite foods."
She took one last look at Ram, who was now standing beside her.
"…But I've missed eating sister's homemade steamed potatoes…"
Ram looked surprised at her words until she gave a slight giggle, one that was followed by the rest of the room.
"Lucky for you, Rem, steamed potatoes are on the menu tonight."
"Thank you, Ram." She hugged her with her free arm. "And many thanks to everyone, for forgiving Rem and giving her a chance to see you again."
The room broke into encouraging cheers. From the blonde siblings she had known, to little Petra and the now relaxed merchant at her side. To the little spirit who looked satisfied with the outcome. To Emilia, who had jumped to help her even though she still had a look of trepidation in her, and to her sister, the other Ram, who had bowed and kneeled to her even though she did not need to. To all of them, Rem hoped she could earn forgiveness by helping them achieve their own happiness too.
And on that note…
"But I'll have to ask this young girl here for forgiveness too," Rem said as she knelt beside her sleeping namesake. "Forgiveness for greedily taking these moments with her loved ones while she slumbers."
Despite her somewhat playful words, it was clear that Rem did feel a bit of sadness and even guilt at being so fortunate to see Ram again, even if she was no longer 'her sister.'
"…Yet I have a feeling she will forgive me…" Rem said with a new and even bigger grin. "After all, when she wakes up, Rem will be sure to tell her all the secrets that I know on how to become Subaru-kun's number one!"
It was as if a pin had dropped in the room at that moment, as there was complete silence for a few seconds, until the voices of three girls screamed in unison:
"That's not fair!" "That's not fair!" "That's not fair, I suppose!"
"So, from now on, we'll be in your care!"
[Subaru], Rem, and even Rigel bowed to the other members of the camp.
Having recently returned from their discussion, the two Subarus realized that those left behind in the room had also engaged in a very important conversation of their own.
It was a good opportunity to get everyone on the same page and to discover that each of them had managed to reach a deal.
Considering they had both worked towards the same goal, he was pleased with the outcome.
From now on, [Natsuki Subaru], Natsuki Rem, and their children Natsuki Rigel and Natsuki Spica would become members of Emilia's camp.
Their informal agreement would see Rem return to her role as a maid, while Subaru would act as a hybrid advisor of sorts. However, these arrangements were not so rigid and served more as a means to quickly settle matters.
After all, they couldn't leave the otherworlders alone, but Rem and [Subaru] insisted on contributing in some way, making this a satisfactory agreement for all parties involved.
Now that everything was sorted out, Subaru was once again filled with burning questions to ask. From trivial matters to important ones, he was eager to inquire about various things with the other Subaru, his children, and even the other Rem.
He was looking at Rem with lingering gaze when...
"Hey, that's my wife you're looking at, punk."
Subaru jumped at being called out by the other Subaru.
"A-again with that stuff! But, uh, I didn't mean anything by it!" Subaru was annoyed but apologized nonetheless.
"Barusu is already eyeing another woman. Disgusting. And a married one at that. Go die."
"N-no, that's not— Argh!"
Rem and [Subaru] laughed as everyone teased him, but Emilia seemed to take the words seriously.
With a strong grip, she grabbed Subaru's ear, eliciting an "Ouch" from him.
"Subaru! I'm soooo mad! Sorry about that! But my Subaru also... missed Rem a lot, so he's a bit excited!" She pouted as she spoke, though there was a hint of discomfort regarding Subaru's feelings towards his own Rem, which she didn't fully understand yet.
Having Rem here likely meant that Emilia could no longer remain passive...
"So, if he ever says or does anything inappropriate to you, Rem, I'll make sure to beat him up!"
She emphasized this by flexing her arm. Though not particularly muscular, her arms concealed elven strength, and she was clearly serious.
Scary…!
"Ouch! Emilia-tan?! That was a joke, they're teasing me! In the first place I would never do something like that. And I already have my Rem, so I won't try anything with that guy's wife."
"I believe you Subaru, but the way you worded that made me even more mad for some reason!"
"Eh, Emilia-tan could you be jealous?"
"Hmph! Subaru you dunderhead!"
"Who even says that in this day and age?"
The joking may have returned, but that uneasy feeling in Emilia's heart remained.
"W-well, if it's any help, I'll also be checking that Subaru, erm, Subaru-sama contains his urges."
"Rem, if Barusu even so much as touches you, tell me and Ram will personally castrate him."
"The difference between the two of those is too great!"
Petra and Ram both send him sharp accusatory glances, although Petra's breaks into a cheeky one, Ram doesn't. She is serious.
Scary…!
"Well, you know what? I'm actually thankful that you're willing to help keep a guy like me in line, but I don't like that you don't have any trust in me!"
"Because Ram knows of Barusu's true nature as a wild and savage beast."
"Wild and savage?" "Wild and savage?"
Everyone turned to the other [Subaru] who was now scratching his cheek in embarrassment.
"Ah, sorry… I guess I have to get used to Ram's level of banter again."
"Well darling, I suppose she does have some truth about your 'wild and savage' side."
"Dear! Not in front of the children!"
Rigel made a disgusted expression at his parent's flirting, while Ram also was taken out of her strive and looked away in embarrassment, a sentiment shared by most of the room, except Emilia, who turned her head without understanding the meaning of those words.
"Ahem! A-anyway… Since we're on topic, my dear wife, don't think I'll ever be unfaithful to you, so you don't need to worry about a thing!"
"Oh, of course I know darling. But your wife is nevertheless happy to hear that!"
"Oi, what's with the difference in reaction huh?"
[Subaru] simply stuck out his tongue to mock Subaru's annoyance.
"W-well Subaru, I do trust you, but at the same time a young b- boy such as you, t-that already went to see Rem every night, well…"
Emilia tried desperately to justify her feeling despite her emotions being scrambled.
"Well, let's just chalk that up to the difference between the Natsuki-san who is single and the one who is married."
At Otto's comment, [Subaru] hummed in approval.
"Yeah, I suppose that makes sense, but if my other me gets so unanimously beaten, then I'll feel bad. Yo Rigel! Say something too!"
"If you cheat on mom, I'll kill you."
"Haha, just like that my son-"
"Your body will never be found."
"Ha… ha…"
It might have felt like a joke, but the deadpan way in which the kid said it… He was serious.
Scary…!
The boy's attitude managed to make the group laugh again, although only his father understood the seriousness behind his words.
"Oh well, I suppose it can't be helped…"
"Huh?" Rigel was a little confused by his father's sudden change in tone.
"Isn't it obvious? My son, who's already in his rebellious phase, upon seeing another 'me' who's supposed to be a hotshot hero, no longer respects his old man…"
Despite this being one of his many jests, Rigel still felt a bit sad hearing his father speak like this.
"T-that's not true! Dad, you're… you're…" He blushed slightly. "You're my dad, so I don't care about that! The other you can be a hero, a powerful warrior, a king, whatever! Even if you organize those weird festivals that end with beans being thrown at me, you're mine and Spica's dad, and that makes you the best."
"R-Rigel…"
[Subaru] was stunned by his rebellious son's heartfelt declaration. However, he quickly regained his grin and turned to his namesake.
"Well, looks like I win."
"You're correct, I concede."
Also grinning, Subaru stood up and bowed toward his older self. [Subaru] laughed and playfully lifted Spica from Rigel's arms.
"Of course, of course! I, the father of Spica, am certainly the superior one!"
"Hey, you forgot about me! And give me Spica back!"
[Subaru] shook his head and dodged Rigel's attempt to catch him, and they both began to run around the room, paying no mind to the other people present.
Rem thought back on this familiar scene unfolding in such a strange environment. At moments like this, what should she do?
"Nee- erm, Ram. Would you like to hold my Spica?"
"Ram would be delighted, Rem. But that means taking her from your Baru- from your husband."
"That girl is the second cutest thing after Betty, I suppose. If Betty holds her while Subaru holds Betty, how adorable would that look, I wonder?"
"You're a genius, Beako!"
"No fair, Subaru! I want to hold Spica too!"
"Ah, come on, Frederica-sama, I'll let you hold Spica-chan too!"
"Yo, Brotto, this looks fun! My amazing self will chase that blue-haired brat and you go after the other captain."
And so, the Miload manor experienced a day in the life of the Natsuki Household.
"So, what do you think of the way everything ended up?"
The two Natsuki Subaru's made their way outside the mansion grounds, and they had gone quite far away. It had been a while after their chance meeting and before everyone settled down. The sun still had not gone down, but it would soon.
To celebrate their new additions to their camp, an improvised party would be held, with a proper dinner, that was now being prepared by the maids, including the newest addition of Rem.
"You know, I was a little worried about Rem, but I'm glad that she managed to sort everything out on her own. My wife is awesome, isn't she?"
"You aren't trying to tease me again?"
"Not now at least."
"Then yeah. Your wife is awesome."
[Subaru] just grins, but soon his smile falls.
"Yeah… And I guess I'll have to try and tell her too…"
He did not exactly say what he meant by that, but Subaru understood.
"…Tell her about Return by Death…"
"Well, you already did and… Yeah…"
Subaru nodded and thought back. Once the meeting was over, he had managed to get Beako alone in an isolated place. She was the one on to whom he confided even his most painful secrets, those that Emilia and the others could not know. That was in part why he decided that, if anyone had to know his deepest secret, it should be her.
However, it would be better if no one but the Natsuki Subaru's knew. So, he placed his hands on her ears, and proceeded to say in a voice loud enough so that no one else inside should hear.
"I can return by d- "
Back then he had already expected it, but as he felt time around him come to a halt, he braced for a terrible hand to reach out and 'greet' him.
Although, he had also felt a bit… relieved. It was somewhat shameful but knowing that he still possessed that power after all took a little bit of worry out of his mind.
His heart on the other hand…
Perhaps the witch had also felt joy at the fact Subaru still had the power granted by her hand, a hand that reached and grasped for his heart.
And just as expected, he heard the fain whisper of "I love you" to his ear. Although that time he felt a difference. As if the whisper had come from multiple angles, perhaps from multiple different lips.
But regardless of that once time seemed to return, Subaru grunted in pain.
"Ah! Subaru, are you alright, I suppose?"
Beatrice had moved forward in worry, but Subaru quickly moved to grab her by the waist.
"Ah Beako, it's just that you were so cute my heart almost jumped out of my chest!" He said, as he spined while grabbing her. "My Beako batteries had been fully charged! Alright, with this I'm satisfied, let's go back to everyone else."
"If all that was needed was to see Betty, we could've done it with the others, I suppose." Beatrice pouted s Subaru put her down. "But… Betty is glad that my foolish contractor and that other [Subaru]'s talk was successful, in fact."
Subaru gave his spirit a great hug, "Ah Beako, you're the best!" And just like that, he had managed to hide the situation from her,
"Are you sure that it's fine? With me the possibility was of it still being there was high, but you…"
"Well, I have to try, won't I? And if it has to be with someone, the best choice is definitely Rem."
"But what if you don't have it? What if you can just say it unopposed?"
"Hey, if that happens, I can just change the subject or laugh it off. Don't worry too much."
Subaru nodded but couldn't shake his worries.
"But what about you? Are you sure you want to run the risk of experiencing… that, after so long of being free?"
[Subaru] just sighed.
"I mean, it has to happen. Whether I still have it or not, I'd rather know the answer sooner rather than later. And finding out may give us a clue about what to do in this whole situation. Even if it's scary… I have to do it…"
"Thank you."
The two fell into silence and continued walking. These sporadic conversations had been ongoing since they left the mansion.
As the sun finally began to set, Subaru realized they had wandered quite far from the mansion.
"We should head back. I'm not eager to share the deliciousness of Rem's cooking with you, but I can't be too greedy, can I?"
"Oh, you better believe I'm going to want— hmm?"
Both Subarus stopped dead in their tracks.
"Man, you guys are pretty good at this. It's like looking at myself in a mirror, like a special effect!"
Standing a short distance away was a man. He was an adult but still carried a youthful air about him. His sharp and piercing sanpaku eyes were the first noticeable feature. Following that, one might notice the ornate sword hilt and sheath at his side, or the cape draped over him that clashed aesthetically with his tracksuit. Perhaps one would also be drawn to the slender crown atop his tousled black hair.
"Unfortunately for you, this isn't the first time I've seen that shape-shifting ability of yours, so you won't trick me. Tough luck."
Though for the two Subarus, the most striking thing was...
"Though I suppose that wasn't really your intention, was it? Otherwise, you wouldn't both have copied my appearance."
...that he looked and sounded just like them.
"Another... me…" [Subaru] stood with his mouth agape.
"This is getting out of hand. Now there are two of them!" Subaru exclaimed, bewildered by his two clones.
"Sheesh, your voices really are spot-on, huh? So, what's your plan? Trying to replace me and take over the kingdom? If so, you could've put a bit more effort into it. Your friend over there doesn't even have the right hairstyle, you wannabe doppelgängers!"
The other [Natsuki Subaru] pointed at [Subaru], who was still too shocked to respond. The new [Natsuki Subaru] unsheathed his sword and assumed a defensive stance. Since neither of the other Subarus were knowledgeable in swordsmanship, so all they could make from him was that the sword was ornate indeed.
"If you're the same as that… thing, then you probably think you'll easily beat me. All I'll say is to not underestimate a student of Reinhard."
Now that Subaru looked closely, he could tell that the stance of the newest version of himself wasn't that of a complete beginner, although it was nowhere near the caliber of Julius or Reinhard.
But all these statements were starting to confuse them, so Subaru, undeterred by the sword, moved closer and asked, "Who... are you?"
He didn't ask for his name, as he already knew that. What he really wanted to know was…
"What... are you?"
The other [Subaru] also inquired of the newest [Natsuki Subaru].
"Heh, you still want to play that game? Fine, I'll indulge you."
While maintaining a stance ready to react swiftly, the newest [Natsuki Subaru] struck a pose.
"My name is [Natsuki Subaru]! The forty-something King of Lugunica!"
The sun was setting, but it seemed that for all the Natsuki Subarus, this day was far from over.
Had a rough month, so this chapter ended up coming later than expected. In any case, the newest Subaru joins the fray! And since Lustbaru is a 'normal' Subaru (at least compared to the others), he won't need to be seated down with tea to be brought up to speed. Of course, those kinds of peaceful introductions are soon going to be far behind us considering the other 'characters' that will soon arrive. Anyway, hope you liked this chapter!