The Arrival
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"Hmm? Well, I have no idea how this happened. This could be something related to cosmic collision.
Although I was getting bored,
This could be something that could entertain me more."
"..."
"Her super strength and speed? Well, I had to do something. Since Subaru--kun…no, Suzume-chan doesn't have the Authority of Death or Return By Death anymore, I needed to make sure she doesn't die so I took some inspiration from... other worlds."
"..."
"What if she carelessly dies? Well, that's the most interesting part. You see, I have altered her perception towards herself. Therefore, unlike before, she will also value her life."
"…"
"Her new Authority? Hmm… I have no idea what it is. Ugh… I want to know more of it…!"
oOo
Emilia and Suzune were walking side by side Industries there was tension between both of them. Suzune didn't speak, Emilia was afraid of her.
Suzune was trying to talk with Emilia, but for some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling of annoyance. How could Subaru Natsuki be angry with Emilia-tan? His beloved Emilia-tan, of all people? This was unsettling. So, it wasn't just her appearance that had changed; something deeper had shifted within her.
Her thoughts spun wildly, like leaves caught in a storm. She felt as though a fog had settled over her mind, distorting her usual clarity. "This isn't right," she thought. "Why am I feeling like this? Why can't I just talk normally?"
Emilia glanced at her, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Suzune, are you okay? You seem... different."
Suzune forced a nod. "I'm fine," she said, but even to her own ears, the words sounded cold and detached. She wanted to explain, to tell Emilia about the turmoil inside her, but the words just wouldn't come out right.
As they continued walking, they saw a girl with green hair sitting on a stone, looking around with tear-filled eyes. Emilia's compassionate nature kicked in immediately. "We should help her find her parents," she suggested, her voice soft and caring.
Suzune shook her head. "It's none of our business. Her parents must be around here somewhere."
Emilia turned to her, shocked. "Heartless," she accused, but didn't hesitate to approach the crying child anyway.
Suzune felt a pang of guilt. She wanted to help, to tell Emilia that she agreed, but the words got stuck in her throat. What was wrong with her?
Emilia knelt beside the little girl. "Hey there," she said gently. "It's going to be okay. Where are your parents?"
The girl sniffled, her eyes wide with fear. "I don't know," she sobbed. "I lost them."
Suzune sighed, stepping forward. She pulled out a Japanese coin from her pocket and performed the old coin trick.
"Watch closely," she said, her voice trying to sound gentle, though it came out more like a command. She held the coin between her fingers, making sure the girl could see it clearly.
The girl's eyes followed the coin, curiosity momentarily overshadowing her fear. Suzune flicked her wrist, making the coin disappear.
"See? Gone," she said, showing her empty hands. The girl gasped, her eyes widening.
Suzune then reached behind the girl's ear, pretending to pull the coin from her hair. "And here it is!" she announced, holding the coin up triumphantly.
She expected the usual reaction of delight, but instead, the girl looked shocked, her eyes filling with tears again.
Realization dawned on Suzune. Her stern expression and cold demeanor must have scared the girl.
"Damn it," she thought. "I can't even do a simple trick without messing up."
The girl started crying again, even louder this time. Suzune's frustration grew. She wanted to help, but everything she did seemed to go wrong.
"I know where she lives," Suzune finally said, her voice still annoyingly cold. "And where her parents are."
Emilia looked at her, surprised. "How do you know?"
"I've seen that peculiar green hair before," Suzune replied, her tone matter-of-fact.
Together, they escorted the little girl to a fruit vendor nearby. As they approached, the man's face lit up with relief. "There you are!" he exclaimed, rushing over to scoop the girl into his arms. "Thank you so much," he said to Suzune and Emilia, gratitude clear in his eyes. "We were so worried."
The little girl, now calmer, turned to Suzune. "Thank you, Icy-Onee-chan," she said shyly, holding out a small flower badge.
Suzune took the badge, feeling a strange warmth despite her outward demeanor. "You're welcome," she said, managing a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Emilia giggled at the nickname. "Icy-Onee-chan, huh? Suits you," she teased lightly.
Suzune tried to give her a hurt look, to show that she didn't appreciate the joke, but it came out as a hard, unyielding glare. Emilia's giggle turned into full laughter, and Suzune sighed inwardly.
As they continued their way to Roswaal's mansion, Suzune's thoughts swirled. This new identity, this new form was more challenging than she had anticipated. She had to find a way to make it work, to bridge the gap between who she was and who she had become. For now, all she could do was keep moving forward, step by step, alongside Emilia.
oOo
As they arrived at Roswaal's mansion, Suzune felt a mix of nostalgia and unfamiliarity. The grand structure stood tall and imposing, its architecture both beautiful and intimidating.
At the entrance, two maids awaited them, identical twins with blue and pink hair. Their expressions were perfectly synchronized, showing a blend of formality and curiosity.
"Welcome back, Lady Emilia," the twins said in unison, bowing slightly. "We are glad you have returned safely. We shall prepare your bath immediately."
Emilia shook her head gently. "Thank you, but that won't be necessary right now. We have a guest who will be staying with us for a while. She helped me retrieve my insignia." She gestured towards Suzune, who stood silently beside her. "Suzune Natsuki."
The maids turned their attention to Suzune, their eyes scanning her with a mixture of interest and suspicion.
Suzune met their gaze steadily, trying to suppress the odd sense of discomfort she felt. Despite her composed exterior, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth at seeing Rem in perfect health. In previous loops, Rem had suffered so much, even forgotten as her very existence was consumed.
Rem and Ram exchanged glances before whispering loudly to each other, clearly unaware—or unconcerned—that Suzune could hear them.
"Nee-sama, Nee-sama, I think our guest has stomach problems," Rem whispered, her eyes wide with concern.
"Rem, Rem, I think our guest has bowel problems," Ram echoed, her tone mirroring her sister's.
Suzune frowned, feeling a spark of irritation. "I do not have stomach or bowel problems. I—"
Emilia cut in smoothly, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Her face is just like that," she said, trying to ease the tension. "She is stone-faced but friendly."
Suzune opened her mouth to protest but found herself unable to counter Emilia's gentle teasing. Instead, she sighed inwardly, resigning herself to her new moniker.
The twins exchanged another look, this time more contemplative. "If Lady Emilia says so," Ram conceded, her tone neutral. "We will show our guest to her room and ensure she is comfortable."
Rem nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Please, follow us," she said, turning to lead the way.
As they walked through the mansion's corridors, Suzune took in the familiar surroundings, noting the lavish decor and the meticulously maintained interiors. Despite the strangeness of her situation, there was a sense of comfort in the familiarity of the place.
Once they reached her designated room, Ram opened the door and gestured for Suzune to enter. "This will be your room during your stay. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," Suzune replied, her voice still carrying that cold edge she couldn't quite shake off.
As the twins left, Suzune turned to Emilia, "Stone-faced but friendly, huh?" She sighed. "I suppose there are worse things to be called," she admitted, a hint of warmth breaking through her stoic demeanor.
Emilia chuckled softly. "I think it suits you," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You may seem cold, but I know there's a good heart beneath that exterior."
As the twins left, Suzune turned to Emilia, "Stone-faced but friendly, huh?" She sighed. "I suppose there are worse things to be called," she admitted, a hint of warmth breaking through her stoic demeanor.
Emilia nodded, her expression growing serious. "Rest for now, Suzune. We have a lot to discuss and plan for. But for now, you deserve some peace."
Suzune nodded, feeling a rare sense of peace wash over her. Despite the chaos of her new identity and the challenges that lay ahead, she knew she could rely on Emilia's support. And for now, that was enough.
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TBC
Next Chapter: Oops.