-Subaru's Temporary Room-
Next Morning
Sunlight slowly creeps into Subaru's room through the singular window located on the north wall. As it slowly makes its way across the sky, the sunlight changes position just enough to eventually land directly on his closed eyelids.
"Hmm. Hrmgh…" He mumbles incoherently as the sudden brightness increase registers in his brain, causing him to quickly awaken. Quickly covering his eyes with his left arm from the intensity of the sunlight, he moans a bit more before sitting up.
Looking over himself, he finds that his mood is more elevated than usual and is not feeling his usual groggy self.
"Huh, I'm feeling strangely good this morning. I didn't really have any nightmares at all last night somehow. Maybe that's why I'm feeling so great? But how did my nightmares go away like that? I've been having them for several nights in a row now."
Maybe Ferris healing my gate had something to do with it. Oh well, no use dwelling on it now. Lots of work to do today!
Stretching his limbs and yawning one last time, he slowly gets out of the bed and prepares to head out for the day.
-Crusch's Mansion Front Gate-
A carriage is prepared for Subaru and the gang to head out in by the front gate of the mansion. There are a handful of other carriages surrounding it, as unbeknownst to them Otto and the rest of the villagers followed Emilia's carriage to Crusch's mansion.
Emilia freaked out upon Crusch and Wilhelm explaining that to her soon after she woke up. Thankfully they were able set up a temporary residence for all of the villagers to reside in for the night. Emilia offered to do anything in return for their extreme generosity, but Crusch refused, stating it was in return for their help healing her and the other soldiers.
"Thank you for hosting us Crusch-san, we appreciate it." Emilia offers her gratitude. "As well as for taking care of the amount of guests we had with us. Again I truly apologize for that."
"Stop apologizing. It was my pleasure to assist you after you came all this way to help us with the treatment and healing." Crusch smiles warmly. "I wish you safe travels ahead Emilia-sama." She puts out a hand.
Emilia grabs it and shakes it, symbolizing the continuance of their alliance. "You as well Crusch-san. Next time we meet, I won't just be the one who always needs saving. I'll help you properly."
"I look forward to it." She turns to Subaru and Rem, who are standing next to Emilia. "Natsuki Subaru-sama and Rem-sama, thank you two very much for helping heal and transport the soldiers. I'm sure they are all very appreciative, even if many of them cannot say so."
"It's not a problem. I'm just glad there's still a chance to wake them up someday, even if that day is far off from now. Also, just Subaru is fine." Subaru responds.
"Alright Subaru-sama."
"You're a dear friend of mine Crusch-sama. I'll always lend a hand when you need it, presuming I'm not too busy attending to this guy." Rem nudges Subaru lightly on his side.
"You make it sound like I'm a burden!" Subaru complains, though his grin betrays him.
"I-I'm sorry Subaru-kun! I didn't mean it like that, you're not a burden at all! In fact, it's a privilege to attend to you!" She hurriedly explains the misunderstanding.
He gives her a pat on the head. Sighing, smiling, and shaking his head, he says, "You take me too seriously sometimes. I know you didn't mean that."
When you say such worrying things like you can meet with a witch or confusing things like you can return but without finishing your sentence and your stench increasing, how can I not take you seriously? I'm really worried about you, so that's why I'm going to try to find any answers to your relationship with that witch as soon as we return! She answers in her mind. Obviously she can't say this aloud without arousing his suspicion.
Crusch holds out a hand to Rem first, who shakes it in return. She repeats this for Subaru, who responds in the same way.
Getting into the carriage that Otto is driving, the three board it. Crusch, Wilhelm, and a few soldiers with them all respectfully bow as they leave the premises.
-En route to Arlam Village-
Not long after boarding the luxurious carriage that Otto is now driving that was provided by Crusch, he makes his feelings about being left behind by Subaru yesterday very clear.
"Natsuki-san! I'm begging you, please don't ever just run off on me like that again! You could've given me a warning at the very least! It was difficult just to keep up with you!"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry. You know that Crusch-san and her army got attacked. Wilhelm-san asked us to help out."
"NOW I know!" He shouts, "But I didn't then! You could've at least told me! Do you have any idea just how important speaking with Emilia-sama's sponsor is for me?! My job, no, my life is on the line here!"
"Don't worry, we'll make sure you get to speak with Roswaal, but for now, goodbye!"
"Wai-!"
He slides a piece of wood shut between the only empty space between the two of them, cutting off communications to the extent a single piece of wood between them can do.
Seeing Subaru so nonchalantly dismiss his concerns like that makes Emilia chuckle with amusement. It spreads. Subaru starts laughing upon seeing Emilia chuckle, and Rem giggles upon seeing Subaru laugh.
A fourth giggle is heard inside the carriage, which causes the three of them to quit laughing immediately.
"What's that noise?" Rem asks suspiciously.
Subaru, listening closely, hears just a little bit more giggling before it comes to a sudden stop. He smiles devilishly. "I think I know who it is."
There are two long seats in the carriage, each covered with fancy looking blue cushions. They all decided to sit on one side, leaving the other vacant. Underneath these seats is simply empty space that could be used to store small items if need be. Since the two seats are not far apart from each other, it takes a good amount of effort to see under them.
Figuring the stowaway is underneath one of the two seats, he quickly darts down to the ground and shouts, "Found you!"
"Eeeeeeep!" The figure shrieks as it reflexively jolts and bumps its head roughly on the wood above. "Owww!"
"Sorry, but that's what naughty girls get when they sneak onto a carriage without permission!" He states in a teasing tone. "Come on out now." He says more seriously.
She dejectedly does so while rubbing her head. Emilia and Rem are surprised to see one of the village kids aboard.
Emilia asks, "Petra-chan? What are you doing in here? Aren't you supposed to be with the other villagers? You're going to make them worry!"
"I…I told them I got permission to join you guys, so they already know I'm here."
Subaru bonks lightly on the head.
"Ow! I was already hit once there!" She complains.
"Little liars deserve to get punished." He says in his teasing voice again. "Why didn't you just ask to ride with us?"
She twiddles her fingers, "I thought you guys might say no…"
"Aw geeze, why would we refuse someone as cute as you. Right?" He looks to Emilia and Rem for reassurance.
"Right. You can ride with us, but make sure you apologize to the people you lied to later." Emilia says.
"I agree with her." Rem says.
Subaru sits down in the same place he was previously. Meanwhile, Petra manages to squeeze between him and Rem, much to the latters' displeasure.
"Um, Petra-chan? I was just sitting there." Rem says.
"And? You guys have gotten to be really close to him already. You don't mind if I get a turn, right?" She gives a suspicious glare to Rem.
"Not really, but…aren't you hugging him a little tightly?" She notices Petra clinging onto Subaru's arm.
She sticks a tongue out at her, "I'm not gonna lose to you! You hear me?"
Everyone is surprised by how aggressive she is to be close to Subaru.
Already getting an idea of what his precious girls are thinking, Subaru quickly attempts to rectify the situation, "She's just a kid! Don't take what she says too seriously. You just have to smile and laugh off what the kids say."
This does not have the intended effect on Emilia. She displays a firm expression, "No way. Even if she's a kid, I can't take you having such a lackadaisical attitude about her feelings!"
"Who says lackadaisical these days?" Wait, the better question is why in the world do I know what lackadaisical means? He wonders, as the word simply means to lack enthusiasm and determination towards something.
"You're teasing me again!" Emilia pouts.
"I'm not a kid either!" Petra pouts as well, marginally loosening her grip.
"Sorry Petra-chan. I need to thank you." He rubs her head, to which she responds with a smile, "You kept your promise to not leave Emilia-tan alone."
She's just a child, so why do I feel like I have a new competitor? Rem wonders. It's not a pleasant feeling.
As they travel throughout the day, Subaru, Emilia, Rem, and Petra all casually chat with one another about various topics. Such as Emilia resuming her studies for the royal selection. Subaru returning to work at the mansion, hoping to improve enough to the point that even Ram would have to sing his praises. Rem is looking forward to cooking various new dishes for everyone to try, primarily Subaru. She keeps that last part to herself. As for Petra, she has a request for Rem.
"Rem-chan, I have a question."
"Yes? What is it?"
"Could I work as one of Roswaal-san's maids?
This question comes off as quite unexpected for everyone.
"I'd have to ask Roswaal-sama for approval, and he'd likely want to meet with you, but it's possible. It's also something to discuss with your parents. But why? It's a lot of work to be a maid. You'd have to know how to clean and cook at the least." Rem answers.
"Also, didn't you want to be a seamstress at the capital? It's kind of early for you to think about getting a job." Subaru adds on.
"I don't think I'm cut out to be a seamstress. I have been seeing you and your twin work from time to time and I find what you do to be really admirable! I already help my parents with the cooking and cleaning, so there is no problem there. Even if it's just temporarily, I really want to be a maid!" Petra is practically pleading at this point.
Rem is still a little puzzled, not seeing why she wants to be a maid so badly by that explanation. Regardless, she shrugs and says, "Think on it for a week and talk to your parents about it. If your parents approve and you still wish to do it in a week's time, then come talk to me. I'll send in word to Roswaal-sama about your potential employment."
"Thanks Rem-chan!" She jumps onto her and gives her a big hug, which she awkwardly returns.
With Petra's head currently behind Rem, she cannot see that she is secretly maliciously grinning. Don't think you've won yet! With this, I'll be able to spend more time with Subaru in the future.
Several Hours Later
It is now evening with the sun beautifully setting over the horizon, giving the sky a lovely orange hue.
"We're approaching the village!" Otto announces from the driver's seat, encouraging everyone to look out the windows at the familiar landscape of the forest right before entering the village.
-Arlam Village-
As soon as they arrive, everyone realizes just how deserted the area is.
"Where is everyone? It's so empty here." Petra says as she looks around, trying to see if there is a single soul in the village.
A villager runs towards a section of the village and searches it. A minute later he returns and reports, "No one here either."
"W-What's going on?" One of the kids anxiously asks.
Subaru, Emilia, and Rem all look on with concerned expressions on their faces.
"So Ram and the others still haven't returned from the Sanctuary?" Emilia asks the obvious question.
"Seems that way." Subaru replies sadly. "By the way, do you know where it is? All Ram told me about it is that it's located in Roschi's territory."
"Huh?" She gasps, "I thought you knew where it was!"
"Why would I know where it is if I've never been there before?"
"It's been a long time since I've been there, but I believe I know where it is." Rem says.
"You've been there before Rem-tan?"
She nods, "Roswaal-sama took me and Nee-sama there from time to time when we were younger."
"Well, what are we waiting for? We should get there as quickly as we can. What if they're in trouble?"
"I understand your concerns Subaru-kun, but I believe that would be a bad idea."
"Why?"
"It's getting late and nighttime is a prime time for the Mabeasts prowling in the forest to attack. We'd be endangering ourselves if we left right away. Let's return to the mansion for now and rest. We can leave in the morning."
"Hmm, good call. Let's go then. Emilia-tan, Rem-tan! Otto, you come too!"
"M-Me?!" He exclaims, looking over a carriage.
He smiles and nods, "Yep! Don't be scared after coming this far!"
-Roswaal's Mansion-
"Alright Otto, take the carriage and ground dragons to the back and let's go on up." Subaru says as they travel down the last road before the front door.
"Ok!"
They stop and Subaru, Emilia, and Rem step out. Otto goes to do as he is told.
"Wow, it feels like forever, but we're finally back!" Subaru says. Despite likely not being his permanent residence, he's come to treat the Roswaal mansion as his real home. He's made so many memories here with Emilia, Puck, Rem, Ram, Beatrice, and even Roswaal.
"It's great to be back again." Rem says, having similar if not even stronger feelings than Subaru about how special and memorable this place is to her.
"I haven't been away from here as long as you two, but it's always nice to come back to such a comfy residence." Emilia says, putting her hands together in reminiscence.
Otto returns and they climb up the stairs. As they approach the door, Subaru tries to open it, only to find that it is locked.
"Weird, I don't remember locking this on the way out. Did we get robbed or something?"
"Beatrice-san stayed here, so I don't think we need to worry about that. Maybe she'll answer the door if we knock." Emilia says.
"Well, I don't know anyone else who lives here aside from Ram and Roschi, and they are both at the Sanctuary. So she'll have to answer if we want in."
"Not necessarily." Rem says.
"Huh?" The three look at her curiously.
She brings out her Morningstar, which terrifies Otto.
"W-What is that thing?!"
"My Morningstar, we can use this to break down the door if necessary. We can always order a new one. Roswaal-sama is quite wealthy after all."
"Let's not!" Subaru quickly axes that idea. "We do not need to resort to something like that so soon. Let's just knock and see what happens."
Emilia does just that and they wait for several seconds.
"One moment please!" An unfamiliar female voice responds.
While Subaru may have not recognized who spoke on the other side, Rem certainly did, as she quickly asks in a panic, "S-Subaru-kun? Can I please go um…that way for a bit?" She points to her right.
"Um, I guess, but why?"
She does not have any time to reply before the door opens. There stands a tall female with long pale golden hair and green eyes. Her attire consists of a maid outfit that completely matches Rem's in design.
She closes her eyes and bows while lifting the hem of her dress, stating formally, "Welcome home Emilia-sama." For butlers and maids, this method of welcoming important figures home is fairly standard all throughout the world. Not just for Roswaal's mansion.
"Oh, Frederica!" Emilia exclaims.
"Yes, it is I Frederi-" She stops herself mid-introduction as she spots a familiar face standing right by her.
"Remy-chan!"
"Remy-chan?" Subaru repeats, totally confused.
Frederica rushes over to Rem and with her above-average strength, lifts her up as if she were a feather.
"F-Frederica-san! Put me down please!" She pleads, completely embarrassed. Nooooo! Why did this have to happen in front of Subaru-kun?!
Tightly hugging her waist, she does not listen to her plea. "It's been a while since we've seen one another! How've you been? Have you been eating well?"
"Y-Yes! Now please put me down!" She struggles, pushing against her and flailing both her arms and legs, to no avail.
"Only if you say the magic word!"
"Please?"
"Nope, try again."
"Please and thank you?"
"Not even close, think hard now!"
Forcefully inhaling and exhaling with much noise, Rem responds in a defeated tone, "Nee-sama."
"Good girl!" Finally setting her down, Frederica grins as she pats her head a couple of times.
Blushing, she pleads with a groan, "Please don't do that again. Especially in front of the others."
Finally seeing that Rem did not actually enjoy their overdramatic reunion, she tilts her head down sadly and apologizes for her behavior.
"Umm…Rem-tan, who is she? I think Emilia-tan said her name is Frederica?"
"That's me!" She grins at Subaru, showing him her full set of canine teeth.
He leaps back in fright, "Those teeth are scary!"
Emilia pinches his ear and gives a disappointed look, "Subaru. That was rude. Say you're sorry."
"Sorry." He inclines his head slightly downward with an ashamed look on his face.
Rem sighs and says, "Let's do introductions inside."
-Guest Room-
Rem leads everyone to the guest room, which, due to its multitude of couches and chairs surrounding a small wooden table, is the perfect spot for any discussions that need to take place between multiple individuals.
Everyone takes a seat except for Frederica as Rem encourages her to introduce herself.
She politely bows to everyone, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Frederica Baumann. I was employed here in the past."
"Oh yeah, now that you mention it, I heard Rem-tan and Ram say a maid quit right before I came here."
"I didn't quit. I merely took a leave for a little while for personal reasons. About two weeks ago, Ram sent me a letter asking if I could come back and assist her with her duties."
"I was wondering why you returned. Now it makes perfect sense." Rem says.
Subaru gulps as he prepares a question, "Can I ask how bad it was when you returned?"
"The kitchen and the trees were in quite a desolate state. Plates smashed, cups cracked, tree limbs all over the place. Dust piled up badly in a few areas. It was quite a mess."
"Are you serious?" Subaru shivers hearing that description. He looks over to Rem to see her doing the same thing. This is what they would've come home to had Frederica not arrived?
"I'm afraid so." Emilia replies. "Sadly I have no knowledge of how to upkeep a mansion like this so I couldn't really help her. Roswaal often left for many hours every day. And you know how Beatrice-san is."
"Yeah…so it got devastating enough to where even Ram realized she couldn't handle it all on her own."
"Nee-sama may view herself rather highly, but she does know when to rely on others. Though I must say it does come rather late sometimes."
"Remy-chan? I've never heard you speak so low of your sister before. Did something happen between you two?" Frederica worriedly asks.
"I simply speak the truth. I highly respect Nee-sama. However, that doesn't mean I'm not willing to point out any flaws she may have."
"But…but you two used to be so in-sync with one another! It was so cute hearing you two finish each other's sentences and complimenting each other all the time!" Frederica cries, missing the good old days of when she used to watch over the twins like she was their mother.
"We can still do that flawlessly. Our tastes and preferences have simply changed quite a bit in the past few months."
"I've been meaning to ask something." Subaru speaks up, "Why do you call Rem Remy-chan? Are you two close friends?"
"It's just what she calls me. I wouldn't say we're close but we are good co-workers."
"Awww, that's mean Remy-chan! You didn't even say we were friends!" Frederica frowns. And with her tendency to always show her canine teeth, Subaru finds her frown even more terrifying than her smile.
"Hey um…" Otto nervously tries to enter himself into the conversation. He's felt quite out of place for a while and he wishes to get things moving. "Sorry for butting in, but Baumann-san, was it? Do you know where your master Roswaal-san is? I need to speak with him."
She shakes her head, "I'm sorry, but the master has been out for a few days now. He said something about heading to the Sanctuary."
"He hasn't come back? What about Ram?" Subaru asks.
"I haven't seen her either. She told me she was going to the Sanctuary as well."
"Why haven't they returned with the villagers?" Emilia wonders, putting a finger to her chin. "If they're having trouble bringing them back, I would imagine at least one of them would come to let us know about the situation."
She shrugs, "I have no idea what goes on in the master's mind. There are only two people in this world he would trust enough with his plans."
Subaru raises an eyebrow to encourage her to go on.
"Ram and the great spirit of the Forbidden Library."
"Ram and Beako-chan huh?" Subaru makes a few humming noises before suddenly standing up. "I've been needing to talk with her anyway. So this is a great opportunity to ask her about Roswaal!"
I need to speak with her as well. But I can't while Subaru-kun is with her. It'll have to wait until after dinner. Rem muses.
"Alright. While Subaru-kun is speaking with her, I and Frederica-san will prepare dinner. How does that sound?" She suggests to everyone.
Frederica beams, "Sure! It'll be fun working with Remy-chan again!"
"What should we do?" Emilia asks, speaking for herself and Otto.
"You're free to do whatever you wish."
"Wow…Rem-tan is really good at directing everyone! She's definitely not the head maid for nothing."
"Thanks Subaru-kun! I simply practiced this a lot over the years with various guests. It's nothing special."
"It's special when only a handful of people can do it!"
-Kitchen-
Unlike Ram, Frederica is quite skilled at cooking. Thus, meal preparation is largely uneventful. However, since the two are alone, this gives them a good opportunity to catch up with one another.
As she chops up a few carrots and onions, Frederica asks, "Are you sure you've been alright Remy-chan? You know, I really was surprised when I got that letter from Ram. You've never left the mansion for any extended period of time, especially without your sister."
Stirring a pot of soup currently simmering on the stove, Rem replies as Frederica puts in the newly chopped vegetables, "Yes. I've been perfectly well. Subaru-kun went with Emilia-sama to the capital to thank some people who've helped him out. With Roswall-sama's permission, I went with him to help care for him."
"Ah, that man is one I've heard about quite a bit while I've been here. Is it Subaru-sama, or Barusu-sama? I've heard both of these names from Emilia-sama and Ram when asking about you."
"His real name is Natsuki Subaru. Barusu is what Nee-sama calls him. I believe it's unfortunately due to her lack of respect towards him." A glum look appears on her face as she explains his nickname.
"I see. Subaru-sama it is then. While we were all talking earlier, I saw that you kept darting looks at him. You also seemed really friendly with him, like you are with Ram. Can I ask why that is?" Frederica is now peeling a few appas to serve as a side dish.
"He…he saved my life. A few times in fact. He's my hero." She calls back in her mind the time he saved her from the Mabeasts by pushing her out of the way of them, getting bitten all over by them when she would've been the one to get bitten instead. While she doesn't remember it, she was told by her sister that Subaru saved her from when she was going berserk in oni mode. If it wasn't for his quick reflexes and hitting her horn with his broken sword, she would've likely harmed and maybe even killed both him and Ram. That terrified and scared her senseless for a little while, before being reassured by the both of them that everything is alright. Finally, he saved her from a fate worse than death by taking her alongside him to deal with the Witch's Cult rather than travel with Crusch.
Explaining these circumstances to Frederica, it causes her to gasp numerous times at just what this poor girl has gone through in the few small months she's been absent.
"Oh my gosh…how did you get yourself caught up in all of this while I was gone?!"
"I don't really know." She answers honestly. "Part of it I think is because we are harboring Emilia-sama, the person nearly everyone despises due to her resemblance to the witch.
"I see. I remember back when Emilia-sama first arrived, you were so apprehensive of her."
"Yes, I was concerned at first due to her resemblance to the witch. However, I didn't smell any witch miasma on her, so I deemed her safe. Alright, looks like the soup is done." Pulling the soup off the stove, she sets it off to the side. "Let's finish this chicken meat."
"Did you trust Subaru-sama from the start?" She asks as she brings out some salt and pepper for the table.
She shakes her head. "I regretfully say this, but I did not. He has the scent of the witch on him, so I believed he was a Witch Cultist at first. I really thought about hurting him a handful of times. But when he saved me from the Mabeasts and subsequently from myself, I realized there was absolutely no way a super kind, selfless man like him could ever be associated with such an evil organization. Now, I have complete faith in him."
"Amazing…" She looks at her in awe. That boy managed to do something I could not after all of these years, and even now. I envy you Natsuki Subaru-sama. Treat her well. Give her all the love and support I never could.
-Dining Room-
Dinner now fully prepared, Frederica and Rem call everyone to the dining room to eat. The timing couldn't have been any more perfect, as Subaru has just finished up his discussion with Beatrice.
"Did you figure anything out about Roswaal from Beatrice-san?" Emilia asks as she digs in.
"I hope he did! I'm afraid I'm never going to finish my job at this rate." Otto sighs as he bites into a fresh piece of chicken meat. As soon as he does, his eyes suddenly shine brightly like the stars in the night sky.
"Oh my goodness! This is wonderful!" He begins shoveling in piece after piece of chicken meat, not really caring about his horrible manners. "You maids really know how to cook around here!"
Frederica giggles, "I'm glad you enjoy it. It's my pride and joy to know that people enjoy our cooking that much."
Subaru and Emilia also agree that the food is quite tasty and they thank the chefs for making it. Rem is especially happy to hear Subaru praise the food.
"Beako-chan didn't really give me a lot to work with."
"Considering how she is, it makes sense." Rem says thoughtfully.
"What did she tell you?" Emilia asks again.
"Basically that everything I wish to learn will be at the Sanctuary. Roswaal's intentions, the gospel of the Witch's Cult, and answers about the Witch Factor."
"Witch Factor? What is that?" Rem asks with suspicion.
"I don't really know. Beako-chan asked what happened to Petelguese's Witch Factor when we killed him. She didn't elaborate on it."
"She is really selective with what she tells you, isn't she?" Emilia says. "You are both so stubborn at times."
"Don't remind me of my dark past!" Subaru dramatically pleads clasping his hands together, eliciting a laugh from everyone.
"So I presume the next course of action is to travel to the Sanctuary?" Frederica asks everyone.
"That's the plan. We were already planning to head there regardless of what Beako-chan said." Subaru replies.
"Even Remy-chan is going with you?" She asks, feeling quite saddened at the potential to be separated so soon from her.
Rem nods, "Yes. I'm the only one aside from you who knows how to get there. Additionally, I wish to support Subaru-kun and everyone else in bringing the villagers back home."
"I see. I guess there's no stopping you then."
"You can come with us. I'm sure none of us would mind." Subaru offers.
Frederica shakes her head, "I appreciate the offer, but I cannot go with you. There's work to be done here. It'll be quite lonely though…"
A lightbulb suddenly flashes in Subaru's head, "I think I know someone who could help you!"
"Who?"
"You'll see tomorrow morning."
-Forbidden Library-
Beatrice is sitting quietly on her little stool in the middle of the library, reading a book. Turning a page, her peaceful time alone is suddenly disturbed by a knocking on the door.
"Who is it, I wonder?"
"It's Rem. I'd like to come in please."
"First that boy, and now you? Why do so many people wish to see Betty, I wonder?" She huffs and shifts her positioning on her stool by just a tiny amount.
"Please, it's really important that I see you. I opened every door in the mansion to find you."
"No, in fact. I've had enough visitors for one day."
"I'll convince Emilia-sama as soon as we return from the Sanctuary to let her great spirit play with you if you let me in." She says in an enticing voice.
"Oh…" Beatrice puffs her cheeks and shakes her little fists at such a cheap move. Regardless, it works. "Fine, I suppose! Make it quick."
"Thank you." Rem opens the door and internally awes at the massive size of the Forbidden Library. Many massive shelves sit on either side of Beatrice filled to the brim with books. Due to hardly ever interacting with Beatrice, she doesn't get to see this magnificent sight all that often.
Once she gets her fill of eye candy, she gets to the matter at hand, "I figured out Subaru-kun is involved with a witch. I'm not sure how, but it appears he can meet with her in some way. I haven't seen him do it though."
Beatrice's butterfly eyes widen slightly, "What is her name?"
"Satella, that should be obvious. There are no other known witches."
"There are multiple witches, in fact. Seven of them."
"What?!" Rem had theorized it for a while, but to have confirmation that multiple witches exist is a big shock for her. "Who are they?"
"I'm not obligated to tell you, I suppose. Tell me, what can that witch do?"
"Not obligated? Subaru-kun said she literally grabbed his heart before, but I don't understand how she'd be able to do so or why. Then there's the fact he said he can return something. I don't know why, but when he said that, the witch's stench on him increased dramatically. I'm sure that is tied with the witch somehow."
"Betty has never heard of such abilities, in fact."
I know this isn't mother. She thinks. "Betty cannot help you."
"But you know about other witches I don't know about!"
"I said I'm not obligated to tell you. If you have nothing more to say, then leave, I suppose!"
"Not obligated…" She clenches her fists in irritation towards the great spirit, "Subaru-kun's life might be in grave danger and we don't even know about it! And you say you're not obligated to tell me?!"
"I retain my right to remain silent, in fact! Now, go away!" She's about to blast Rem out of the room when she offers:
"Fine. You're clearly not willing to tell me much about these witches. So let me at the very least read the books in your library. I need to know if there is any mention of this 'return'."
Beatrice sighs as she lowers her hands and slowly nods, "Very well, just don't make any noise, I suppose. Betty needs peace and quiet."
Rem spends the next few hours thumbing through hundreds of books to find any mention of the word "return" and what it means in the context of the witches. Unfortunately for her, information on the Witch of Envy, otherwise known as Satella, is quite barren. She does learn the names of the other witches as well as a few of their personality quirks. Sadly, none of this information is useful to her as none of it describes what she has observed and heard from Subaru. Either Beatrice has little info on the witches, or she just had a stroke of bad luck and picked the wrong books. No information was found regarding "return" either.
"Ugh, I'm getting nowhere." Rem shuts the final book she read quite forcefully in frustration. "Seven witches. All of them have devious personalities, and I have no idea which one Subaru-kun is acquainted with."
"Betty has no idea either, in fact. All of their abilities are separate from one another. Now, are you done here, I wonder?" Beatrice states atop her stool. Rem swears that she has not moved an inch the entire time.
Just how much does this girl read? She can't help but wonder. "I'll have to be. My eyes are getting heavy and I need to get to bed. Goodnight Beatrice-sama."
"..."
Rem heads out of the Forbidden Library, more confused than ever. Just what exactly are you involved with, Subaru-kun? Why won't you tell me what is bothering you?
-Subaru's Room-
The same figure from the night before enters Subaru's room and like before, sits beside his bed. The figure sees that he has a pained expression on his face like last night. However, this time he's moaning a little as well. Once again interlocking their fingers with his. Rubbing the palm of his head, they are delighted to see him stop making distressing moaning sounds. His facial muscles relax and form a small smile.
Spending twenty minutes with him this time, by the time the person is ready to leave they whisper:
"Whatever this witch is doing to you, I won't let her get away with it. I promise you that. Until I figure this out, remain strong and vigilant, my hero."
Giving a light kiss to the palm of his hand, the figure exits the room.
Next Morning
Subaru yawns loudly as he sits up in his bed, ready to start another long day of travel. As he gets up out of the bed, he realizes that he's once again feeling way better than usual in the morning. "Another night with hardly any nightmares…what's going on with me? Not like I'm complaining though, this is great! I guess my gate being healed really was the ticket."
-Arlam Village-
"Really?! A trial run?" A young orange-haired girl jumps up and down in excitement.
"That's right." The blue-haired oni replies. She and Frederica are currently talking with Petra out by the well. "Usually we wouldn't do something like this, but Subaru-kun suggested this and Frederica-san will be the only worker at the mansion for a little while, so she's going to be lonely. Are you willing to help her out with the cleaning, cooking and chores?"
"I-I won't be lonely!" She cries. "But…I would like assistance."
"Of course! I'd be happy to!" She squeals.
"Before we make this official, did you talk to your parents about you wanting to work there yet?" Rem asks.
She nods fervently, "Uh-huh! They said yes!"
"I'll confirm that real quick. Frederica-san, I'll let you take care of the outfit. Teach her well."
"Alright. Petra-chan! Let's get going." She grabs a hold of her hand and leads her to the mansion.
"Yes Frederica-sama!"
"Call me Nee-sama!" She insists.
"Yes Nee-sama!" She smiles brightly at her new senior co-worker.
"Good girl!" She rubs her head affectionately, excited beyond belief to finally have a new cute young girl to take care of.
Rem sighs in relief at seeing the two of them get along so well, "Now maybe she'll finally stop asking me to call her Nee-sama." Walking to Petra's house, she confirms that her parents did indeed grant permission to let her work there whenever she was allowed to.
-Roswaal's Mansion Front Gate-
"Wow Petra-chan, you're rocking the uniform already!" Subaru gives a thumbs-up of approval upon seeing her in her new maid outfit. Despite being way smaller, it is of the exact same design as Rem, Ram, and Frederica's. In fact, this outfit is one of Ram's old ones from when she was a child. Frederica figured Ram wouldn't mind letting Petra wear it.
"Ee-hee! I am, aren't I?" She twirls around, putting it on full display.
"Thanks for being willing to help Frederica-san out while we're gone."
"It's no problem at all Subaru-sama!"
"Do as she tells you to, and keep an eye on Beatrice for me please. You might have a little trouble finding her, but she'll pop up eventually."
"Yes!" She salutes him, understanding his instructions.
He chuckles at her behavior, "That's what soldiers do, not maids."
"O-Oh!" She performs a bow this time, "Oopsies!"
"We're ready to go Natsuki-san! Everyone else is already onboard!" Otto shouts from the carriage that is just ahead of them.
They run to it and Subaru boards while Petra joins Frederica on the front porch.
"There are a couple of things I must mention and do before you all go." Frederica says, her tone shifting to one of seriousness that is unlike how she's spoken before now. "There is one name you must not forget as you travel there. Beware the one named "Garfiel". He'll be the one whom you must exercise the most caution with."
Subaru, Emilia, and Otto all express looks of anxiousness upon hearing that, but they all nod in understanding.
She then hands a blue crystal to Emilia. "This will allow you to get past the barrier in the forest and enter the Sanctuary."
"Thank you, I'll take good care of it."
"Safe travels!" The oldest and youngest maids wave and shout in unison as Rem takes control of the reigns and has the ground dragons begin to move the carriage.
"To you as well!" Subaru and Emilia shout as it picks up speed. Soon enough, the mansion becomes obscured from view by the surrounding forest.
Glancing at her pocket where a letter from Roswaal is currently residing, she muses, I have done exactly as master directed. Now everything depends on how Emilia-sama overcomes the Sanctuary.
-Lost Woods of Clemaldy-
"We are now in the Lost Woods of Clemaldy." Rem announces about thirty minutes into their trip. "As you know, the special barrier protects the Sanctuary from letting outsiders enter, so we must exercise caution in moving forward.
"Are you nervous Emilia-tan?" Subaru asks as she notices her look of uneasiness alongside gripping the windowsill.
"Huh? How could you tell?" She asks with genuine astoundment.
"I know everything about you!" He tries to imitate Puck's voice. "Is what I'd like to say, but anyone could tell honestly." He finishes with his regular voice.
"I'm sorry for worrying you. It's just, when I think about arriving at a village where only Demi-humans live…" She looks down with a sullen look.
He repeats her expression, "No. I should apologize. I wasn't thinking that far ahead. I guess there might be more half-elves like you, huh?
"I've never seen any half-elves other than myself. Though maybe in the Sanctuary…"
Suddenly, the blue crystal that Emilia was given shines brilliantly, blinding both her and Subaru slightly for a moment.
"W-What's happening?!" Otto exclaims.
"Uh…this is…" Emilia begins, looking really nervous and a little fearful.
"I suddenly have a really bad feeling!" Subaru says loudly as he quickly takes off the necklace containing the gemstone. "I'm borrowing this!" Opening the window and planning to chuck it out, he hears a thud.
Looking down, he sees Emilia passed out on the floor.
"Subaru-kun! What's going on back here?!" Rem shouts as she quickly makes her way into the carriage after hearing the commotion.
"Emilia-tan!" Subaru cries her name and is about to pick her up before the crystal shines even brighter than before.
"Subaru-kun!" Not knowing what in the world is going on, she latches onto him and attempts to grab the crystal herself, deeming it as a threat.
A second later, the white light completely envelopes them and they are teleported out of the carriage.
Still in the Lost Woods, Subaru and Rem slowly open their eyes at their new location. Somehow, they are both standing and managed to not fall down.
"R-Rem-tan! Are you alright?" He does a quick scan of her for any injuries, thankfully finding none.
"Yes! How about you Subaru-kun?" She does the same thing for him, likewise finding no injuries.
"Yeah, I'm alright. But Emilia-tan passed out for some reason! We have to find her, quick!"
"Right! Let's go find the carriage!"
Before they are able to run, they hear a few twigs snapping close by. Darting their eyes every which way, they eventually land on a small figure wearing nothing but a white robe that covers her mouth. The figure appears to be female at first glance. She has pink hair reaching down to her midsection. She is looking back right at them with a completely unreadable expression.
"Who are you?" They ask. Subaru then notices her ears look a lot like an elf. "Those ears! Are you an elf?"
"...", she turns around and begins to run away.
"No! Wait a minute!" Subaru gives chase, with Rem following right behind him.
Giving chase for about thirty seconds, they eventually stumble upon an open area of the forest. The reason the area is clear of trees is because of a giant set of ruins right before them.
"Rem-tan, do you know what this place is? Is it the Sanctuary?"
She sadly shakes her head, "I'm sorry, I don't know. This is definitely not the Sanctuary."
"Hey! Is anyone there!" He shouts at the top of his lungs, slowly approaching a giant door at the top of a set of stairs.
Approaching the door, Rem gets a chilling feeling, "This…doesn't feel safe Subaru-kun. Perhaps we should go back."
"But we just saw that little girl! She has to be an elf from the way her ears look. She probably has the answers we need regarding Emilia-tan!" He steps forth bravely into the inner part of the ruins. Rem again follows him, trusting in what he is saying.
"I see." A female voice echoes overhead, audible to the both of them. They both look up with wide eyes. "So this is the root of your desires. How very interesting."
Their reality warping before their very eyes, Subaru and Rem turn around. They are in a completely empty field filled with nothing but green grass and blue skies.
Well, that is not completely true. "Oh, did I startle you two?"
Turning around again, they lay their eyes upon a beautiful long white-haired lady wearing an almost entirely black outfit. The only thing adorning her hair is a lone butterfly clip. She is currently sitting in a white chair that is in front of a small white table. A purple umbrella overlooks both her and the table. She appears to be smiling deviously at the both of them.
"It has been quite some time since I've spoken with anyone, so perhaps I was a little too eager. My name is Echidna. Or perhaps you would know me better as the Witch of Greed."
"A witch!" Rem shouts angrily. Immediately after she figures out her identity, she falls to the ground and begins to puke heavily onto the grass.
"Rem-tan!" Subaru quickly lowers himself to her level, desperately trying to figure out what to do.
She continues to puke nonstop. As soon as one stops, another begins anew. A small puddle begins to form as the puke piles up. She cannot speak or breathe at all and her throat begins to burn.
"Oh my, it looks like she's not taking in my presence very well."
"What did you do to her?!" Subaru furiously yells at her.
"Relax." Echidna stands up and slowly makes her way over to them, her expression never changing from that devious smile. "I did not do a thing. She's simply unable to stand in my presence as she currently is. Here, have her drink this." She hands Subaru a cup of tea.
He doesn't trust her, but figuring this is the best option he has, he manages to get the tea down Rem's throat. As soon as it enters into her system, she ceases puking entirely and is finally able to breathe properly.
"Rem-tan! Rem-tan! Are you alright now?" He hugs her tightly.
"T-That…" She wheezes out, holding her throat, "W-was the worst…scent…I've e-ever smelled."
Echidna returns to her seat, "Now that you can properly stand in my presence without throwing up all over the place, let's begin anew, shall we? My name is Echidna. Or perhaps you would know me better as the Witch of Greed."
-Author's Corner-
A/N: As Frederica completely forgot about Rem in canon right before they reunited, it was pretty fun coming up with their relationship. Actually, I have an interesting story about that. I was initially planning on giving Frederica the doting sort of personality with Rem specifically, calling her by a cute nickname and having a high concern for her well-being. Rem in response would be mostly indifferent or even reject her affections to a small extent. Then I thought to look up on the Re:Zero wiki to see if they actually had any sort of canon interaction at one point or another so I can keep their interactions realistic to canon. If it was different from what I was planning, I was going to change it accordingly. To my surprise and delight, I found that they had pretty much the exact relationship I was planning to give them.
Jason 4Rever: Thank you for the kind words! I really care about what my readers have to say and I'm happy to address any concerns or questions they have (as long as it doesn't spoil anything). I'll keep doing my best.
RoxyGOD: Thank you! Indeed with Rem being there, Subaru will have a much greater pillar of emotional support compared to canon. Haha yeah Subaru better be careful about Ram. She may not be too happy to hear about her dear sister dating someone she finds to be pretty worthless.
Maximum Rhapsody: While I really like to see all of these questions, unfortunately I'd be spoiling quite a bit if I answered them. Though I suppose answering the first one would be alright (since I put the pairing tag on AO3). I do plan on having Subaru and Rem becoming boyfriend and girlfriend down the line.