Subaru steps into the bathroom and walks to the sink, placing his hands along the outer edges; he balances himself and stares long into the mirror. His eyes are heavy, and his features pale.
"So much for a good night's rest," Subaru mutters, a hint of bitterness in his voice, as he reminisces about the unexpected bliss of a peaceful sleep he experienced the first night he was back in Japan.
His head dips forward, and his thoughts drift back to him and Ram leaving the convenience store the night before.
"What a stupid idea," he says to himself, "Of course it wouldn't work." He says bitterly.
"How will I get us home? It's not like I stumbled into Luginica by accident, so there has to be a way back, right?" He says to his reflection.
He takes a deep breath, and his muscles tense with frustration before relaxing. "Satella…where are you…?" he softly asks.
His hand anxiously taps the sink while his thoughts sift through potential possibilities, but nothing sticks and every idea lands him back at square one.
"C'mon, Subaru— think!" he says with frustration.
He steps away from the sink and paces around, "If mentioning Return by Death won't activate the taboo, maybe it's because I'm too far from Lugunica, and Satella just needs time to find me?" He says to himself, briefly recalling when he spoke openly of his authority to Ram outside the convince store. It was shocking that nothing happened despite telling her he could Return by Death, which had unsettled him to no end.
Subaru stops. A lingering thought he kept pushing away slithers into his mind, and like a snake whispering temptation in his ear, he wonders if killing himself will reset before he found himself in Japan with Ram.
"I-It could work," he says aloud and takes a deep breath. "I mean, I should still have my ability to Return by Death, right?" He looks at his reflection as if the Subaru staring back will answer.
He glances at his dad's straight razor resting on the sink. The sharp edge's siren song hums softly, and the determination in his eyes stares back at him in the blade's reflection.
"A deep diagonal cut would work," he says, walking to the blade and picking it up. He rolls up his sleeves. Past scars glare back at the boy. He swallows hard. All it would take is a deep laceration up and across his radial artery. He will feel guilty, of course, knowing that if he kills himself and successfully loops back, his parents will be alone again. But he believes they'll move on because, at the moment, all he can think about is Emilia and the others. All he has to do is make one cut, and Subaru will be back in Lugunica.
The razor's blade touches flesh, and just as blood starts to bubble toward the surface, his hand stops and starts to shake. "Dammit, c'mon!" He cuts deeper but suddenly stops and drops the straight razor.
"Why…? Why can't I do it!?" he asks angrily, slumping to the ground.
Subaru curls into the fetal position, and he softly cries to himself.
"Satella, why, where are you?" he digs his chin into his chest and wallows in his grief.
After what feels like an eternity lying on the cold linoleum floor, his tears eventually stop, and he sits up. Standing to his feet, Subaru walks back to the sink and looks at himself in the mirror, "Don't worry, Subaru, they'll come for you." he tells himself. "Emilia and everyone are looking for you!"
He takes a couple of deep breaths, "Alright," Subaru says, splashing water on his face. He practices smiling and rehearses a reassuring rebuttal to any potential questions from his mom or Ram.
"That should work," he says and finishes getting ready before leaving the bathroom.
The door shuts behind Subaru, "So where to, Mom?"
Naoko, Ram, and Subaru walk down the street toward the nearest train station. After learning that Subaru had lost his phone, they both agreed it was time for an upgrade, with Naoko suggesting she and Subaru take the train into the city to purchase a new one. The initial plan included only Naoko and Subaru, but after he returned home with Ram, to his parents' surprise, Subaru's parents agreed to let Ram stay.
Naoko looks at Subaru and says, "I thought about it, and I think we should check out the central shopping district today."
"Really? What's wrong with the mall? From what I remember, there is a cell phone store there." Subaru suggests.
"Well, it's been so long since you and your mom had gone shopping together, so I wanted it to be special."
The sincerity of Naoko's words stings Subaru slightly, knowing he has been responsible for shutting his parents out.
Subaru only nods and looks away. He feels guilty, knowing he will leave them again.
Ram looks his way, "Barusu," she says, "Ram appreciates Naoko-san taking the time to show Ram around; the least you could do is not look so depressed about it." Even though Ram is unaware of what's on Subaru's mind, she refuses to let him look so depressed.
"I'm not depressed! I'm perfectly chipper!"
Ram stares at Subaru momentarily, "Okay, if you say so." she finally says and looks away from him, leaving Subaru speechless from her unusual reply.
"I-I'm serious," he says, "I'm not depressed."
Ram looks back at him, "Barusu, why are you trying so hard to convince Ram that you're okay? If you say you're fine, then she believes you."
Subaru stops walking. "Wait—who are you, and what did you do with Ram?" he says and catches back up to her.
She sighs, "Is it so hard to believe that someone as adorable as myself is also understanding, or is Barusu so used to my forked tongue that it brings him comfort? How deplorable. Please seek help."
Subaru snaps his fingers, "Now there's the Nee-sama I've come to grow and-"
"If you finish that sentence, the next opportunity Ram has at pushing you into a mud puddle, she will."
"What an oddly specific revenge. Are you suggesting that you and I will share an umbrella?"
"A what?" Ram asks, raising an eyebrow.
Subaru stares at her momentarily before realizing that she might have never heard of an umbrella, "Oh, well, an umbrella is a way to keep yourself dry from rain. Typically, one person would use it, but I've seen couples sharing one before." He laughs, "The joke was me and you sharing one."
Ram looks at Subaru like a putrid scent of death and decay wafted around him.
"Okay…Okay, I'll stop." Subaru concedes with his teasing when it's clear his joke crashed and burned.
"Thank Od, please never speak again."
Meanwhile, Naoko laughs, enjoying watching her son interact with Ram.
"What so funny?" he asks.
"Oh, just how you two get along like an old married couple who can't stand one another."
"You couldn't be more wrong, Naoko-san."
Naoko stares at Ram and grins, "Okay if you say so."
Ram shakes her head and looks at Subaru accusingly. "What?" he asks.
Ram doesn't reply and walks faster to get in front of him, "Hey, what did I do now!?" Subaru asks, chasing after her.
They soon reach the train station, and after Naoko purchases tickets, they stand on the platform. Ram looks around her and up and down the tunnel. She looks at the tracks and Subaru.
"Barusu, what is this place?"
"Oh, I forgot, you have never been to a train station."
"Ram's amazed at how little you remember."
Subaru takes a defensive stance: "I remember a lot of things! Also, you can't expect me to give you a rundown on everything."
Ram crosses her arms, "Instead of coming up with excuses, why not answer Ram? You're being petty."
"Well, just wait, and you'll get your answer."
Ram scrutinizes Subaru before turning her attention back to the train tracks. Meanwhile, Naoko continues to listen in and wonders more about Ram.
"Ram-chan, have you never rode in a train before?" Naoko asks, her question sounding ridiculous to her as she says it.
Ram turns her attention to Naoko and starts to answer her, but Subaru jumps in, "Ram doesn't get out much! S-So she wouldn't have ridden a train, right Ram?"
Subaru gives Ram a pleading look; she sighs, "Yes, Barusu is correct. Ram mostly stayed in Roswaal-sama's mansion and only left to visit the local village."
Ram's statement raises more questions than answers, but rather than press the subject, Naoko simply smiles and says, "Okay. Naoko looks back at the tracks."
Subaru sighs and leans close to Ram; she leans away when he gets close.
"Look, just go with the flow; you'll know what a train is when it arrives, so please stop acting like a weirdo."
"Ram isn't a 'weirdo,' and if Barusu were more forthcoming about trains, she wouldn't have had to ask that question."
"I'll explain when it arrives. In the meantime, try to fit in. I don't know if you've realized it, but we are getting a lot of stares."
"Ram has noticed and doesn't care, but she is surprised you do."
"I'm not saying it bothers me, but I don't want to arouse too much suspicion."
Ram thinks about his words, and considering she is in a new place, she accepts his suggestion. "Very well, Ram will wait for the train."
Subaru flashes a thumbs up and a smile, "That's what I wanted to hear!"
"Barusu, you're acting suspicious; please try to blend in more." Ram grins mischievously.
He chuckles slightly, "Oh, you're right. Sorry Nee-sama."
Naoko looks back and smiles, happy to see them getting along, even if she finds their relationship odd.
After their brief conversation, they all wait in silence. Growing impatient, Ram taps her foot, waiting for the train to appear. Ram takes a deep breath and turns to Subaru.
"Barusu, Ram, where is this—" Just as she is about to say 'train,' a loud horn stops her from talking, and a flash of silver streaks by, causing Ram to jump slightly as the train grinds to a halt. She didn't realize it, but Ram clung to Subaru's sleeve and looked at the stationary train with a look of bewilderment.
"Don't worry, Ram; Barusu will protect you from the big scary train."
Ram looks at Subaru and then the placement of her hand. She quickly retracts her grip, opens the purse Subaru purchased for her at the mall, pulls out a handkerchief, and wipes her hands clean.
Subaru chuckles, "C'mon, let's get on before the doors close."
Ram doesn't look at him, feeling embarrassed by her shameful display. She glances at Naoko, who is looking at her and grinning. She looks away from her, and they get on the train.
On the train, Ram sits closest to the door, with Naoko beside her and Subaru across from them. She takes a few deep breaths.
Subaru stares at her. She feels him looking, and Ram stares back. Subaru sighs, "Okay, look. Think of the train like a dragon carriage, but faster and capable of covering longer distances in half the time."
Several people look at Subaru and Ram, including Naoko, as they listen to Subaru explaining something as familiar as a train. Ram ignores the odd looks from bystanders, caring little about how others perceive her, but she doesn't reply to Subaru's explanation and remains silent.
Subaru shakes his head, "Alright, next time, I'll be more forthcoming about anything that may appear strange or—"
Ram casts a glance silently, asking him to drop the subject. Subaru picks up on it and sits back. Soon, the train doors shut, and it starts to move.
She tenses when she feels her body sway as the train propels itself down the tracks. Subaru looks at her but doesn't say anything, not wishing to make an awkward situation any worse.
"So, Ram-chan, what kind of phone do you have?" Naoko does her best to fix the awkward air between them. Ram looks down, unsure how to reply. Already feeling like she had made a fool of herself, Ram didn't wish to reveal that she didn't understand her question.
"Ram doesn't…" she says under her breath with unwarranted shame.
Naoko notices her down-and-out expression and runs a hand across her head. Ram flinches slightly and looks up, "Well, I guess we'll have to get one for you too." Naoko says with a serene smile on her face.
Ram sits up, "No, it's quite alright. Ram doesn't require this phone-metia, Naoko-san. Ram is already infringing on your family, so it's unnecessary-"
"It's okay, Ram-chan. I don't mind. Besides, considering how forgetful my son is, I'll be at ease knowing I can call you when he doesn't answer. So please, think nothing of it."
Ram wants to continue protesting, but Subaru stops her.
"I would give it a rest; when Mom has her heart set on something, it's unlikely that anything can change her mind. She can be pretty stubborn."
"Oh?" Naoko responds, turning her attention to Subaru, who sits across from the two, "I would argue that you are more stubborn than me. Why remember when you were a little kid, and I had to give you that suppository—"
"OKAY! OKAY! Good grief, Mom! I'll die from embarrassment if you keep talking!"
Subaru's face turns several shades of red, and he stands, waving his arms around to keep his mom from finishing her statement. Several bystanders, who couldn't help listening in, snorted in amusement from the comical routine.
Ram was among them. "Naoko-san, if you have any more embarrassing stories about Barusu, Ram would love to hear them."
"Oh, I have a lot of cute stories about Subaru! I'll even show you pictures of him as a child!"
Naoko claps her hands excitedly while Ram glances at Subaru with a sly grin. He sinks in his seat, "I'll never recover from this!" he says, dropping his head between his legs.
Naoko and Ram stare at Subaru momentarily before looking at one another and giggling.
The rest of the train ride is unremarkable, and soon, the conductor announces that they are arriving at their intended destination.
The three get up from their seats and leave the train. Following closely behind Naoko, they emerge from the train station amidst a bustling crowd. Ram stares at the dense traffic of shoppers moving here and there, feeling anxious from being surrounded by so many people. She has been to the capital several times and has drifted amongst the crowds of people and demi-humans busily shopping.
Still, compared to the shopping district of Subaru's home world, with its endless rows of stores with signs she couldn't read, automobiles blaring in the streets, and pedestrians moving single file like a colony of ants, made Lugunica look similar to Arlam's modest farmers market. Had Ram been alone, she may have retreated to an alley to catch her breath.
"Are you alright?" Subaru asks, catching a glimpse of the girl's nervous expression.
Ram straightens up, "Ram is fine, Barusu. You need only concern yourself."
"Alright, but don't push yourself. You look timid."
She glares at him, "Ram is fine and is the least bit frightened."
"I never said you were scared, but it's okay if crowds bother you. To be honest, I'm not much for them either."
Naoko turns to the girl, "Don't worry, we aren't going far, and we can always take breaks."
"You both make it sound like this is some endeavor for Ram. She keeps telling you both that she will be fine."
"Well, if you get tired, we can find a nice bench." Subaru suggests, "Nothing wrong with a break now and then."
Ram doesn't push the subject further, and the three start walking. She sticks close to Subaru as they follow behind Naoko. He glances at her occasionally, ensuring she isn't falling behind. Ram catches on and looks up at him.
"What is it, Barusu?" she asks, not disguising the annoyance in her voice.
"Well, I was wondering how you're feeling. It's been nearly two days now, and without any mana infusions, I couldn't help but wonder if you were hurting or feeling overly fatigued?"
Ram stares momentarily and shifts focus, "Didn't you say that Ram shouldn't worry about a lack of mana because it's nonexistent here, and her body has no reason to utilize it?"
"Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say mana doesn't flow in my world like Lugunica, but as far as I know, no one ever used mana here."
She looks back at him, "Then what's the problem?"
Subaru scratches his nose, "Well, it was only a theory, but I still worry that you are over-exerting yourself and that maybe this is too much for you. I mean, it's a stark contrast to Lugunica, and well, what I'm trying to say is-"
"Barusu, Ram keeps telling you she is okay. Granted, she is still adjusting; her body doesn't hurt like in Lugunica, nor does she feel exhausted. So you have no more reason to worry about her."
They stare at one another before Subaru looks relieved, "Yeah, I suppose you're right. I know you're capable; sorry for worrying too much."
Ram flashes a hidden smile, "Barusu should worry about how we will get home. In the meantime, Ram will be fine." She likes the idea of returning to familiarity and hopes that whatever plan Subaru comes up with will get them both back home.
"You're right about that. Don't worry! I'm already formulating a plan!"
This time, Ram reveals the smile she kept at bay: "Good, Ram hopes your plan bears fruit."
Subaru smiles once more and looks ahead. "Now I just have to find a way home…" he thinks, not knowing how to do it.
Naoko stops in front of a store, "Here we are!"
The three stand outside the mobile store Naoko had mentioned to Subaru. It possesses all the usual signs of a typical electronics store, so to the average customer, it is entirely ordinary; however, Ram is motionless while gazing upon the neon-lit signs and window decorations of people talking excitedly into tiny alien devices with profound confusion. Not taking her eyes off the store, she questions Subaru about the store's purpose.
"Barusu, what exactly does the merchant sell?"
"Oh, well, I guess you could call them metias?" Subaru explains cell phones in the simplest terms. Ram rubbed her chin methodically like a detective investigating a crime scene.
"So it's a device like a magic mirror?" Ram asks.
Naoko butts in, "Ram-chan, sweety, do you not know what a phone is?" She asks, realizing why Ram looked confused on the train, believing at the time that she simply didn't own a phone.
Ram looks at Naoko's pitiable stare and averts her eyes, "Ram hasn't-"
Subaru quickly comes to her defense: "Mom, I didn't want to say anything, but, uh, Ram grew up in a sheltered home, so some of the things we take for granted appear strange to her. I'm sorry for not mentioning it, but it's a sensitive topic for her."
After her trepidation with the train earlier, he kept thinking of a way to explain to his mom why Ram is so ignorant of basic technology. He had failed to come up with anything plausible until now when the words seemed to escape from his mouth magically. Subaru inwardly kicks himself for not thinking up this excuse for Ram sooner.
Naoko accepts Subaru's reasoning and covers her mouth, "Ram-chan, I had no idea! I'm sorry for sounding so insensitive!"
After understanding what Subaru was trying to accomplish, Ram bowed, "It's alright, please excuse Ram's questioning."
Naoko waves her hands in protest, "No, no! It's my fault, so don't say anything about it!" She faces the store, "Instead, let's go inside and find you a phone too!"
"No, it's really alright, Naoko-san. Ram has already stated she will survive without one."
Subaru places a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly, "Just give up, Nee-sama. I already told you you would be hard-pressed to change her mind."
Ram looks at the placement of Subaru's hand and then back at him, "Barusu…"
"Oh, crap! Sorry!" he says, quickly removing his hand.
Ram brushes her shoulder off and sighs, "Very well. Since Naoko-san insists, Ram will pick out a phone."
"Excellent!" Naoko celebrates and takes Ram's hand, "Let's go and find something that matches your cute hair color!"
"Naoko-san, this is really…"
Subaru stands with his hands on his hips and watches the two girls rush into the store. He smiles, "I guess Mom has really taken a liking to Ram…" His thoughts drift to Emilia, and he feels a slight pain in his chest. "I wonder what she would have thought of Emilia-tan if she had come with me…"
He doesn't dwell on the painful subject too long before hurrying after Ram and Naoko.
Subaru and Ram sit on a bench and stare at the thin rectangular phones in their hands. After shopping for phones, the three venture to a nearby park to take a small break before going home. Naoko had volunteered to purchase ice cream for the trio, leaving Subaru alone with Ram.
The phone shopping had been a great success, with Naoko taking charge and assisting them both with picking out phones. Subaru wondered when his mother had become so tech-savvy. Naoko smiled and reminded her son that as a housewife, she has a lot of time on her hands to learn about all the latest trends. Subaru was grateful, considering he was out of the loop regarding technology, but was a bit embarrassed, considering his mother knew more about what's in style than he did. But considering he had been in a medieval-like world for the past year and a half, it made sense he would be so behind the times.
"I still don't understand why Mom insisted on a smartphone. A flip phone would have been just fine. Is something this advanced really necessary? It feels like a small computer!" He says to himself as he plays around with the phone.
Ram looks up from her new phone, still confused about how to operate it. "Computer?" she asks.
"Oh, it's sorta like a large metia that can connect to other metias or play games."
Ram continued to stare at Subaru, "Games?"
Subaru scratches his head, "You know, it might be easier to show instead of tell. I have an old one in my room. You've probably seen it, I'm sure."
"Barusu, Ram is already forced to sleep in your bed, and the only thing she has seen is your perverted statues that resemble Emilia-sama."
"First, no one is forcing you to sleep in my bed, and I'm pretty sure Mom has washed my bedsheets. Second, those are valuable figures gifted to me by my parents, and they hardly equal her beauty."
Ram looks back at her phone, turning it around and inspecting it, "Well, regardless of your strange fetishes-"
"They're not fetishes!"
Ram sighs, "Well, either way, remember, Ram grew up sheltered; it's wrong of Barusu to assume she knows what a computer even looks like."
She smirks as she says this. Subaru rolls his eyes, "Sorry, but I had to come up with something."
Ram places her phone in her purse. "Well, maybe next time, Barusu should warn Ram."
"Yeah, I'll do that. Anyway, once I figure out how this phone works, you want me to help you with yours?"
Ram looks at him, "What's the point? Isn't Barusu coming up with a plan to get us both home? Why should Ram worry about how a phone works? Also, she can't read the menus, so what good would your help be?"
Subaru thinks momentarily, "Oh yeah, you can't read kanji? I know! How about I help you learn to read and write? You know—like you helped me?"
Ram stares at Subaru with visible confusion. "Barusu, what are you talking about? Ram doesn't recall ever teaching you how to read or write, though she probably should have because you are illiterate."
"What do you mean, remember, you had me read children's stories and practice writing i-scripts?"
Subaru chuckles to himself, and Ram continues looking at him, "Barusu, Ram recalls that when Emilia brought you to the mansion, you had a child's understanding of reading and writing, and that's all."
Subaru rebuts Ram's statement but recalls his first days at the mansion and remembers that Ram had taught him to read and write in previous loops. After making it through the hellish situation, the most Ram had done was reprimand him on his penmanship and only touch on the basics when he had a question.
"Sorry, I am mistaken then," he says, shifting the subject.
Ram doesn't press him any further, finding the whole topic absurd. However, she didn't outright refuse his offer to teach her to read and write his native language.
"I'm back. Are you two getting used to your new phones?" Naoko asks, returning with three ice cream cones. She hands an ice cream cone to Ram, who stares at it.
"You know what ice cream is, don't you?" Subaru asks, already enjoying his cone.
Ram scoffs, "Of course, Barusu, can't Ram have a moment of silence for once?"
"What?"
"Nothing, you idiot."
"How am I an idiot?"
Ram doesn't answer and proceeds to lick her cone. The shudder of a camera goes off, and she looks toward Subaru.
"What was that just now?" She asks, and Subaru holds up his phone. A picture of Ram with a piece of vanilla ice cream smeared next to her mouth is displayed.
Ram's face reddens, "Pervert."
"That was the least bit perverted!"
Ram doesn't answer and turns away to finish her cone in peace. Meanwhile, Naoko smiles at the two of them.
"Whatever. I'm sure Emilia-tan would find the picture cute and not perverted. Maybe even Rem would, too!"
Ram tenses as she listens to Subaru. She turns to regard him for a moment. "What now?" Subaru asks.
Ram turns back around, "Nothing, Pervarusu."
"Fine! I'll delete the picture!"
She faces him, "Delete? What do you mean?"
"Well, I can permanently remove a photo from my phone."
"Don't."
"Why? You want me to keep the picture now?"
"No, but Ram doesn't like the idea of her deletion in any capacity."
Subaru stares at Ram blankly: "Ram, you don't believe you'll suddenly disappear if I delete the picture, do you?"
Ram's face turns a tiny shade of red, and she sits up and turns away from him, "It might have crossed Ram's mind."
Subaru pockets his phone, "Alright, I'll keep the picture then."
"Good. If you take any more of me, Ram will delete you. "
"Okay, I'm pretty sure you threatened my life just now?"
She turns to regard him once more, her expression serious.
"Alright, I won't take any more photos of you without your permission. How's that?"
"Good. All is forgiven."
Subaru exaggerates a sigh of relief.
Having not said a word, Naoko says, "Well, how about we head back after our ice cream break?" She suggests and continues to enjoy her cone while looking at Subaru and Ram sitting on the park bench.
"Yeah, I'm surprisingly beat!" Subaru says and quickly finishes his ice cream. Once completed, he looks at Ram. "You ready to go home, Ram?"
Ram looks at Subaru, "No, unlike Barusu, Ram prefers to savor her ice cream treat."
Ram goes back to enjoying her ice cream cone, taking the extra time to avoid another embarrassing mishap. Afterward, she stands and flattens the creases in her skirt, "Okay, now Ram is ready."
"Finally!" Subaru stands, "Well, let's head home then."
The return trip was quiet. That wasn't to say animosity or awkwardness existed among them; it was simply a comfortable silence. Ram sat peering out the window while Subaru was opposite her, playing with his phone; it didn't take him long to figure it out. Naoko had dozed off while returning home and rested comfortably in the seat beside Ram. She woke up when the train entered the station, and the three continued their trek home.
The sun hung low in the sky when they walked through the door. Naoko excused herself and started dinner preparations with Ram, who insisted she help. Subaru didn't wish to interrupt and sat with his father, who watched television. It was a perfectly ordinary evening and dinner with conversations light. Soon, it was close to bedtime.
Subaru stood in the bathroom brushing his teeth. He glances at his dad's razor briefly before returning to staring at his reflection. His thoughts are a whirlpool of possibilities. Finishing the nightly hygiene ritual, he spits and inspects his features before yawning and exiting the bathroom. Stepping outside, he immediately bumps into Ram.
"Whoa, Ram! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Subaru holds a hand to his chest to catch his breath.
"Barusu, we need to talk." She wastes little time, her pink eyes looking into his. Subaru swallows; the tension in Ram's face leaves little guess about the subject.
"Alright, let's talk."
"Not here. Let's step outside; Ram doesn't wish to disturb Naoko-san or Kenichi-san."
Subaru momentarily wonders why they need seclusion: "I don't understand. Are you planning on yelling or something?"
Ram considers this, "No, but she would prefer it be us without any potential interference."
"I'm pretty sure my parents are asleep."
Ram doesn't reply and walks to the door, putting on her shoes.
Subaru sighs and follows after her. He puts on his shoes and opens the door. They leave the house into the night for a conversation that would change everything.
Lugunica
Emilia, Beatrice, Garfiel, Otto, Rem, and Spica exit the dragon carriage. After Subaru and Ram's disappearance was determined, Emilia wasted little time and sent correspondence to the capital. She had written to Felt requesting assistance with locating Subaru. Felt wasted no time and wrote back immediately, offering her aid in the search. Emilia also sent similar letters to Anastasia and Priscilla, asking for their assistance. She would have written to Crusch, but the duchess is still stricken with the dragon blood curse and is too weak to assist. Emilia wishes to visit her, but her priorities revolve around Subaru.
Considering the relationship Subaru had established with both royal candidates, they agreed and began their search and would report their findings should the two turn up.
The gate to the Van Astrea estate opens, and Grimm silently greets them. He leads them to where Felt is waiting, and Emilia wastes no time getting down to brass tax.
"And that's where we're at," Emilia says to Felt, who sits with her arms crossed and a sour look on her face.
"That's strange; I don' see Nii-chan runnin' off, especially with Ram, so the situation definitely smells like shit."
Reinhard coughs, "Felt-sama, I understand you are worried about Subaru, but I must remind you of your language."
Felt waves a hand, "Yeah, yeah, ladies don't say words like 'shit' I hear ya. But still, what do you think about the situation, Rein?"
Reinhard rubs his chin, "It's extremely odd, and before our meeting, I've sent several of Lugunica's knights to scout the area around the Mathers' domain, but when they returned, they offered little news about their disappearance."
Emilia shifts slightly, "Yes, and worse, Beatrice can't feel her contract with Subaru, and Rem cannot establish a link with Ram."
Felt looks momentarily surprised and looks to Beatrice for confirmation, "Is that true?" she says.
Beatrice harrumphs, "Betty wouldn't phrase it in a way that suggests Subaru has ended her contract with her, I suppose. But rather, she can't locate him. But that doesn't mean she won't find him, in fact."
"The whole situation feels like Vollachia all over again," Otto suggests, "We had trouble then, too."
Rem looks down at Spica, who sits on her lap. Since Subaru's vanishing, Spica had practically joined Rem's hip more than she typically was. Rem hated seeing the girl worry, and even though some part of her was annoyed with Subaru, she knew he wouldn't leave her, Spica, or Emilia. Also, the fact that Ram is missing troubles her. She learned more about her forgotten sister since the two were reunited and knew she was strong. Rem believes she would have fought tooth and nail if something foul had befallen them.
"I don't believe Nee-sama or Subaru would leave without saying anything, but I also finds it unlikely that someone kidnapped them."
Garfiel leans in his chair, "Then how the hell else did they leave?"
Rem looks away, "I don't know, sorry."
Garfiel sighs, "It's alright, but still, Ram's tough so whoever is behind this picked the wrong girl. Also, the Cap'n's with her, and there ain't no way he will sit around and do nothin'! I bet he is already workin' out a plan home!"
Garfiel's faith in Subaru is inspiring, "I think so too, Garfiel. I reeeaally believe Subaru is okay."
Felt sits forward, "That's great 'n all, but let's be realistic. Rein has been having knights search for them, and from what I've heard, Ana and that tramp, Priscilla, haven' found 'em either!"
"Then will have to keep trying, Felt! I won't let anything happen to Subaru!" Emilia's eyes sparkled with determination.
Felt signs and smiles, "Well, no matter what, you have my and Rein's support!"
"Yes, which raises my next concern. Have you two been aware of any witch cult activity lately?"
Spica tensed a little; Reinhard caught her uncomfortable shift. He had heard rumors about the girl but was still in the dark about who exactly she was, especially about Subaru and Rem. Felt had joked about the two having a child together, but seeing her now for the first time, it is evident that the crude joke was nothing more than Felt sorting fact from fiction. He didn't dwell on her too long before turning his attention to Emilia.
"No, though it's possible they could be involved somehow. The Sin Archbishop of Lust is still at large, but other than her, both the archbishop of Wrath and Gluttony are being held in confinement."
Spica grits her teeth slightly, and Rem strengthens her grip. Reinhard stares at them. "I'm sorry, but I am curious, Emilia-sama, who is this young girl?"
Emilia looks at Spica and back at Reinhard, "She isn't important, but Subaru and Ram are. So please, let's stay on topic."
Reinhard bows slightly, "My apologies."
Emilia stands, "But since you mentioned it, please take me to Wrath. I wish to speak with her."
Members of her camp gasp and stare at Emilia with uncertainty. Felt leaps from her chair, "Nee-chan!? Are you for real? She hasn't caused trouble since we returned from Priestella. What could she possibly offer in Nii-chan's search?"
Reinhard considers her: "Emilia-sama, with all due respect. I don't see how questioning the sin archbishop of Wrath would bear fruit. She is too unstable to provide any help, and it's unlikely she is involved with Ram and Subaru's disappearances.
"Betty agrees, I suppose." Beatrice stands also, "We would be wasting our time, in fact."
Emilia looks at them, "I still want to try. If the witch cult is involved, maybe she could give us something to go on. Also, it shouldn't be all of us going to see her. So Beatrice will come with me, and the rest of you, please stay here."
"I can't do that!" Garfiel says, "What if she tries somethin'! I can't face the Cap'n if somethin' happens to ya!"
Emilia smiles, "Don't worry, Beatrice and Reinhard will be with me. So please stay here."
Garfiel slumps, "Fine, I'll stay behind, but if somethin' happens, don't hesitate and get outta there!"
Emilia nods and looks at Rem. They both lock eyes for a moment. The silent exchange exists between them only.
"Alright, I'm ready." Emilia looks at Reinhard, "Take me to the Sin Archbishop of Wrath!"