-Log Cabin-
"You want to do WHAT with my oil?!"
The one to shout that expression of shock is Otto. He, along with Subaru, Rem, and Garfiel, are currently at the abandoned log cabin discussing upcoming plans. Ram went back to check in on Roswaal while Ryuzu Shima said that she had some duties to attend to in the forest with the other clones.
While liberating the Sanctuary is a major and important issue, that was something other than what Subaru or Rem could accomplish. Both having lost their qualifications to partake in the trials, neither could complete all three trials even if they wanted to. It is all up to Emilia now to finish that important task.
Yes, it is true that so far Emilia has failed to pass a single trial. From any outsider's point of view, the situation looks grim. However, Subaru has faith that she will complete the trials. She may be naive and innocent of many things, including being unaware of how two people conceive a baby, but she is steadfast and resilient. If she wasn't, then she wouldn't have made it as far as she has in the Royal Selection. Subaru is more certain of her success now that he has Puck's guarantee that he will assist her in clearing the trials in his own way.
So, as Subaru and the others leave the trials to Emilia, they can instead focus on the other major issue at present, the attack on Roswaal's mansion.
According to past observations, Elsa and Meili will be arriving at the mansion in the morning, if not even sooner. It's fruitless to attempt to gather everyone living there and escape without being detected. Thus, a combat plan must be developed that will guarantee everyone escaping without dying.
For this mission, Subaru ascertained that Rem, Garfiel, and Otto would be needed. The first two serve as the primary fighting force. The lattermost will be performing necessary tasks that do not require combat. Primarily, escorting the mansion residents safely and securing important paperwork. As for why Otto needs to secure paperwork:
"That's right. We're going to be spreading that oil all around the mansion in a ring in the case we need to light it." Subaru says while nodding his head.
"You DO realize that's going to burn the entire mansion down with us inside, don't you?! Do you have any idea what you're doing?!" Otto shouts back at him. While he's been apart of some crazy stuff, like the carriage chase with Petelguese and the recent fight against Garfiel, this is on a whole new level of bonkers.
Subaru puts a hand up, "Listen, I know it sounds bad. Honestly, I'd really prefer not having to burn it down. I've made a lot of memories with a lot of people there. But…when it comes to Elsa and Meili, we can't drop our guard for even a second. They're slick, fast, and can conjure up an army in a matter of seconds if they wish. Even Reinhard wasn't able to fully take down Elsa. Though maybe he was going easy on her…"
"What?! Even the Sword Saint wasn't able to take 'er down?" Garfiel speaks with a bewildering expression.
"You've heard of him?" Subaru questions.
"Of course my amazin' self has! Even though I've been livin' here my whole life, there ain't a single person in Lugunica who ain't heard of the Sword Saint!"
"Huh, guess he's really that well known. Anyway, yeah. They clashed at a loot house in the capital and she managed to get away, hence why she's a major issue now. Also, lighting that oil is a last resort. We'll only use it if there's no other choice. And if we must use it, I do have an escape route planned."
"Otto-san, you will still be compensated for the oil used in the operation." Rem says in an attempt to reassure him.
"That's not the main issue here! There is no way your master would do that if we burned his mansion down! Wait, how are you so calm about this?! Let alone agreeing to it! Think of-"
With a slam of her fist on the table in front of them, Rem glares into Otto's eyes with a piercing cold glare that causes him to gulp. "That clown is not, let me repeat, not my master anymore. I never want to be associated as his maid ever again, got it?"
In spite of how vitriol that statement was, Garfiel couldn't help but flop back in his chair and let out a bellowing laugh. "Hahahaha! So ya hate the clown's guts too eh? That's really surprisin' comin' from ya! Ya were his maid, weren't ya? What changed? Seein how seriously ya said that, there's no way yer lyin'.
"..." Rem goes silent for a moment. If she truly had to say when her hatred for Roswaal started, it was when he killed her sister right in front of her in cold blood. Obviously, she cannot say that. Instead, a broader reason that led up to that moment should suffice.
"...Subaru-kun and I recently learned the clown has a book called the Tome of Wisdom. By using this book, if you have a goal in mind you wish to achieve, then this book will tell you exactly how to do that."
"Wait, if this book can do that, then isn't it essentially telling the future?" Otto asks
"Correct. As far as I can tell, the Tome of Wisdom does not care about the road you must take to achieve said goal. As long as you achieve it, the Tome of Wisdom has done its job. Whether you must harm a hundred people or none at all on your journey, it matters not to that book."
"My amazin' self knew that Roswaal was an untrustworthy bastard! What's he plannin'?!"
"I'm sorry for potentially doubting you here, but do we have any direct proof of any nefarious scheming on his end?" Otto asks with a raised hand. With this crazy plan that is putting his friends and career as a merchant in serious danger, he must be absolutely sure that proceeding is the best course of action. Rushing forward and giving little thought to one's actions will only prove to be disastrous in the end.
"...I cannot give you any direct proof, nor do I know what his true goal is. However, I have overheard a number of things from him. One thing is for certain, he's been manipulating us."
"What?" Otto mutters.
"That bastard!" Garfiel gnashes his teeth and slams the table with a fist. "What's he been doin' to us?!"
Subaru speaks up for the first time in a while, "Well, lately he seems to be trying to bring me and Emilia-tan together in less than uh…ideal ways. Essentially, Roswaal plans to cast down a major weather-shifting spell that will turn the entire Sanctuary into a winter wasteland." Clenching a fist he continues, "As Emilia-tan has that reputation of being related to…you know who, she'll end up being the one blamed for causing the snow and freezing cold. And no one would be there to support her!"
He neglected mentioning the rabbits as he really did not want to think about them, nor did he want to demoralize the team to the extent they would be unwilling to go.
"Heh? What are ya talkin' 'bout? She's got all of us 'ere supportin' her! Especially you!" Garfiel points a finger at Subaru.
"Yeah, but we're all going to be at the mansion! He intends to cast it while we're over there!"
"Damn that clown!" Garfiel bangs another fist into the wooden table, causing a small crack to form.
"If he really intends to do that…we're in quite a predicament. Do you know anyone who could counter his spell?" Otto asks.
"The only one I think that has any chance is Beatrice…but I really don't know. For now, we need to focus on saving her, Frederica, and Petra from the mansion!" Subaru replies.
"Hold on." Otto again raises a hand so that all eyes focus on him, "If that Tome of Wisdom is capable of predicting the future, then is the Margrave able to see exactly what we're doing right now? Scheming behind his back?"
Rem shakes her head, "Fortunately, no. That book cannot predict everything, or at least isn't willing to show everything. All it seems to reveal is how to achieve your goal with the highest chance of success. Our exact decisions and actions shouldn't be recorded."
While she says this to ease their minds, her voice is a little shaky during the explanation. Since she hasn't seen the Tome of Wisdom in action herself, she doesn't know exactly what it records and what it doesn't. However, based on Roswaal's behavior in the last loop, it's clear that both she and Subaru were able to deviate from the route the book had intended for them to take. So at the very least, these future predictions are not absolute and can be averted. Roswaal is not invincible with the knowledge the devious book gives him.
Despite her slight lack of confidence in her words, the others nod in acceptance. Then, Otto says, "Alright. Natsuki-san, Rem-san, how will the operation unfold aside from the oil? In detail, please."
For the rest of the night the four plan out a battle and rescue strategy. As one of the weakest fighters, Subaru is to organize and escort the non-combatants, Petra and Beatrice, to safety.
Otto, being another weak fighter, is set to help Subaru. However, he will also, should circumstances permit it, gather the most important documents held within the mansion. The reason for this is in case he must perform the other duty set out for him, which is to light the oil on fire with a fire magic crystal should the tides of battle grow dire. As Subaru stated, there is an escape plan should this occur. The ring of fire will not trap them within.
Rem strongly requested to fight Meili herself. For all the pain and suffering that young girl has given to Subaru and herself, she desperately wanted to pay that back. Thankfully for her Subaru approved this idea and said he was going to assign Meili to her regardless. Still, he didn't feel comfortable leaving only Rem to take care of Meili and her mabeasts. Thus, he insisted that once they arrived and found Frederica, they'd ask her to assist Rem. At around the same strength level and knowing each other for years, they should complement each other quite well. Rem pouted, disappointed that Subaru didn't feel comfortable leaving Meili entirely to her. She could understand him though. Her capability to deal with Meili thus far has been lackluster at best, and resulted in death at worst. She has to get stronger. Much stronger to protect the people she loves!
Finally, Garfiel will deal with the big bad Elsa herself. Subaru was worried, considering Ram and Otto alone were enough to subdue him. However, Garfiel insisted he was going easy on them and he got up a mere minute after they knocked him down. It's true that Garfiel packs a lot of punch and can transform into a large tiger. In the end, Subaru decided to allow Garfiel to solo Elsa. Subaru made it very clear that if the fight began going south, to inform someone immediately and enact plan B.
With everything settled, Subaru wraps the meeting up. Telling everyone to get a good night's rest and they'll leave early in the morning; they exit the cabin. Though as they do, they find Ryuzu Shima outside, waiting for them.
"Granny? What're ya doin' 'ere? My amazin' self thought you had stuff to do?" Garfiel asks.
"I realized shortly after parting ways that if you all wish for the liberation of the Sanctuary to be a success, then it is paramount to be aware of its origins."
"You mean, how the Sanctuary came to be?" Subaru says, prompting clarification.
"Yes. As I am the only clone that has taken any of the trials, only I can properly explain the history. The reason being, this is about the memories of Ryuzu Meyer, the progenitor we copies are derived from. It happened before this place came to be known as the Sanctuary."
With this, Ryuzu Shima begins to tell a story from a very long time ago, a time when the original Ryuzu was alive. She starts with the time when Ryuzu met Beatrice for the first time, shocking Subaru and Rem that the two knew each other. Their initial meeting was a little rocky due to Beatrice's demeaning attitude. However, Echidna would come by and scold Beatrice for her behavior and say that Ryuzu would be staying for a while.
The two girls would often hang out together when Echidna wasn't around. Though Beatrice was reluctant at first to spend time with her, they ultimately seemed to get along well. Then one day, Roswaal A. Mathers appeared in the village they were staying at.
"Huh? So Roswaal was there too?!" Subaru exclaims.
Rem shakes her head, "Thankfully that Roswaal-san is not the same as the current one. Aside from the middle initial, every Roswaal in House Mathers has been named the same. The current initial being L."
"L for loser?" Subaru rhetorically asks, chuckling. Rem and Garfiel join in.
"Haha! I never thought of it that way." Rem says.
"Hehe, while makin' fun of the bastard is fun 'n all, I'm more interested in that witch. My amazin' self knows this is the Witch of Greed's experimental facility, but I've never actually heard her story."
Subaru turns to Garfiel, "Really? You never met the witch in the trials?"
"I only went in to settle a score. I didn't meet the witch. But when you say it like that, it sounds like you…"
"Wait, have you met her, Natsuki-san?" Otto asks the question Garfiel had on his mind.
He nods, "Yeah."
"I see…"
"To one who was not alive during that time, the witch may indeed seem quite out of reach." Shima lowers her head a little and briefly shuts her eyes, "Of course, even my memories are those of another. I do not know her personally."
"Seeing one who looks identical to me saying that makes me feel as if I've gone mad. How frightening." Delma says rather calmly despite the words seeming otherwise.
Subaru brings a hand to his head and awkwardly scratches it. "I feel like I'm listening to clones telling dark jokes…"
Choosing to ignore their comments, Shima continues, "Beatrice-sama is an exceedingly common presence in Ryuzu Meyer's memories. They had quite the heartwarming friendship."
"Heh, so even a stubborn bookworm like her had friends in the past. That's a relief to hear." Subaru says. There had been times where he genuinely was worried if Beatrice had ever made any real friends aside from Puck in the past 400 years. She has been isolated in the Forbidden Library for all those years and was so often indifferent or annoyed at the presence of others. "Anyway, please finish the story. The Sanctuary seemed so peaceful on the surface, so what happened?"
A long pause follows, and everyone hitches their breath for the next words that will be spilled from Shima's mouth. Finally, she reveals, "It collapsed. Then the true reason for the Sanctuary's existence came along."
"The true reason…for its existence?" Rem repeats. She could tell the next part of Shima's story is going to be very important.
Shima continues. At first the memories shared were generally more light-hearted and cheerful moments between Ryuzu Meyer, Beatrice, Roswaal, and Echidna. Despite this being a different Roswaal from the past, Rem did not like hearing about what he did. She even starts feeling uncomfortable, her conversation with Echidna about Roswaal coming back to her. The Roswaal of that day appeared to be on good terms with Echidna. Likewise, the current Roswaal is fond of her. Is she overthinking this? She doesn't know, but Shima does not stop for her musings and begins the next section of the story that pulls her back into reality.
One day, a serious threat was headed for the village where they lived. This village is the same one that exists today. However, its appearance was less rundown compared to now. Roswaal and Echidna discussed methods for how to counter it, with the former even offering to be the shield if need be. This led to a discussion about the barrier. The cogs and gears so to speak for the barrier were already prepared, but they had yet to find a core to power it.
That's when Ryuzu Meyer offered herself to be the core for the barrier. Both of them hesitated to allow her, but she insisted, saying it's her way of repaying for allowing her to live a peaceful life with them without being ostracized. With her fate decided, Echidna and Roswaal began to work on their respective tasks to construct the barrier. Echidna would construct the spell, and Roswaal would hold back the threat. They would also inform Beatrice of what was happening.
A fight broke out between Roswaal and the threat known as Melancholy. Roswaal was utterly curb-stomped, but he managed to buy enough time for Echidna to complete preparations and join him. Meanwhile, Beatrice arrived to pick up Ryuzu and complete the creation of the barrier. However, Beatrice wasn't informed about how Ryuzu herself was needed to create it. When they revealed this to her at the location of the giant crystal that was to be used as the catalyst, she became distraught. Determined to not let that happen, Beatrice said she would try to get Echidna to find another idea, but Ryuzu was likewise set with her own decision. They didn't have the time to explore other options.
Beatrice suggested running away with everyone using her Door Crossing, but Ryuzu once again refused, asking if Beatrice wanted to live her life running away, afraid of being chased again. They had already spent so much time building up the Sanctuary, it would be a waste to abandon it. Reaffirming that she loved living there and was truly happy, and that she wanted to protect everything she and the others gained up to that point, she proceeded forward towards the crystal, sealing herself within. Beatrice watched on in horror. She tried one last time to stop her, saying she never fulfilled her promise to teach Ryuzu to read and write, but she went anyway. Her last words were "Goodbye, Betty."
With the conclusion to that story, everyone looks at Shima with slight amazement. A tear falls from Rem's left eye from how they were separated like that.
"That was far more than I ever expected you to tell me. Sorry for pushing you like that, thank you." Subaru says.
"I always feared that removing the barrier would trample upon the wishes of Ryuzu Meyer, our progenitor."
"That's why you were so against it." Rem says with a sullen tone, "I better understand why you behaved the way you did. Even if I still disapprove of your methods. Still, to think there was such a major threat to the Sanctuary…"
"Yeah, I get how you feel Shima-san." Subaru nods, "But when Emilia succeeds in the trials and everything works out, we'll be able to call the whole world a Sanctuary."
"I leave it to you, Young Su. I'm tired…" Shima slumps further forward a little, prompting Delma to exert more force to keep her upright.
"Your wish of four hundred years is on me now. I'll do my best for everyone here. Well Shima-san, thanks once again for everything. You can go rest now. Delma-san, will you be alright with her alone? Or would you like assistance?"
Delma looks to the four present and then to Shima. Then back again to the four without saying anything.
"I'll take that as a yes."
"I'll go with 'em! The Grannies will be fine as long as my amazin' self is there to help!" Garfiel proclaims.
"Alright." Subaru puts a hand on his shoulder, "Thanks Garfiel. We'll meet up in the morning as planned."
"Yep. See ya tomorrow Capt'n!"
-Next Morning-
-Emilia's Room-
"Hmmgh…hrrgh…ha!" Shooting her amethyst eyes open, Emilia sits up in the bed she was sleeping in just seconds ago. Wiping her tear-stained eyes, she examines her room.
"Did you have another scary dream?"
Hearing that all too familiar cat-like voice, Emilia's pupils shift upwards and land on the floating cat creature in front of her.
"Puck!" She cries out, shocked and relieved to see he's alright. He tilts his head and smiles in response.
"Thank goodness! Where have you been?! I was so worried! Don't disappear on me like that again!"
Extending out her hands, Puck floats over and gently lands on her palms. Turning his head left and right, Puck finds that Emilia's hands are slightly larger than his entire figure. "Oh my…I really have shrunken down. I guess my limit came up faster than I thought. Of course, I was trying to consciously break our contract, so I guess it makes sense that I'd lose my greatest strengths as a spirit."
Emilia frowns, horrified by his words, "Break…our contract? W-What are you saying?!"
At that moment, there is a knock on the door. Reeling from his words, Emilia does not notice the sound. Puck clicks his tongue at being interrupted and floats towards the door to answer it. Despite being a small floating cat, he is still a Great Spirit. Opening a door is nothing to him.
"Ah good, you're awake Emilia-sa…what the?"
On the other side of the door is the dutiful maid Rem. Coming to wake Emilia up if she wasn't already up, she did not expect to walk in on an active conversation. Especially when the one Emilia is conversing with is her guardian spirit.
Rem instantly gives Puck a hostile glare. She then looks towards Emilia and sees her terrified expression. She asks in an aloof tone, "What happened here?"
Puck smacks his forehead and gives a long sigh, "Rem, you caught us at an awful time. Lia and I are in the middle of an important conversation. Can you please leave?"
Rem's eyes narrow on him. She feels quite tempted to summon a small icicle to pierce through his irritable tiny body and shut his foul mouth up. Unfortunately for her, when it comes to a contest of strength, Puck has her beat in every way. She would never survive a fight against him. Additionally, while Rem may hate him now, Emilia still adores him and sees him as a father figure who has done no wrong. She cannot dismiss Emilia's feelings like they're nothing.
Keeping her violent impulses at bay, she responds, "If Emilia-sama wishes for me to leave, I will. Otherwise, I'm not moving from this spot. Why did you dodge the question?"
Puck's eyebrow twitches in irritation. Who is this girl to blatantly refuse his request, or rather, demand, to leave? "Listen Rem. I know what you're implying here and I do not like it. I will politely ask you again to leave."
To his surprise, she remains standing as still as a brick wall. "Explain what is going on first."
Puck grits his teeth in anger and confusion at Rem's rebellious behavior. Just what in the world is going on with this girl? Last he checked, she was an obedient and diligent maid who served Roswaal and loved her sister dearly. She would always do as she was told. In the past couple months she also gained a huge crush on Subaru, but what did that have to do with him? That didn't mean anything as far as he and Emilia were concerned. It's not like he's been away for a long period of time either. Did something happen while he was away?
Flashback Start
"I can sense you're angry with me, and I understand why. However, I do have Lia's best interests in mind. Don't worry, I will help her. Leave her to me."
Subaru raises an eyebrow, "You sure?"
"Are you doubting her father even now? How bold Subaru. Perhaps I really should freeze you in full."
"Seriously! Stop with the ominous threats! It's not like I ever doubted you in the first place when it comes to Emilia-tan's safety."
"I'm joking. Well, I'll see you around Subaru." The crystal's glowing light starts to fade when Subaru calls out:
"One more thing."
"What is it?"
"Don't ever let Rem see you again."
"Huh? Why?"
"...Reasons."
Flashback End
Now I remember, Subaru told me to never let me see her again. I dismissed it because I didn't think I'd see her again. From how she's been examining me, she's clearly more hostile to me now than before. Yet to Lia, she's acting the same as ever. Why? What did I do to anger her? Well, whatever. It doesn't matter. I won't be here much longer. I just need her out of the way. I don't want to do anything drastic. Still…the way she's behaving…
"I don't have to explain anything that happens between me and Lia to you. If Lia wishes to tell you later, so be it. But for now, respect our wishes to be alone right now. Why are you being so stubborn about this? Lia is awake. If you are in need of something to do, go see if Roswaal needs something else from you. After all, I'm sure he was the one who sent you here-"
SLAP
With an outstretched hand, Rem slaps Puck's left side so hard he is sent into the wall. Thanks to her oni strength, the force of impact is enough to leave a dent.
She couldn't hold it in anymore. Her desire to lash out against the Great Spirit in front of her had been increasing drastically by the second. The huge beast looming over an abandoned mansion. A blizzard so intense that would make any living being present freeze and die within minutes. Then, Subaru's expression of utter despair as he froze to death. All of that came flying back into her mind. Finally, telling her to go see Roswaal? A person she despises as much as the Great Spirit before her? That was too much.
"If you think I'm doing a single thing that clown says, you are out of your mind." Her tone is so frigid it could be mistaken that Roswaal sent the snow in early.
"Rem…" Having suffered no injuries, Puck floats back towards her, looking rather angry.
"STOP!"
"Huh?" The two mumble and turn towards the source of the shout. There, Emilia sits on the bed and gives the two a look of horror and anxiousness.
"Rem! Puck! What has gotten into you two?! Why are you two fighting?!"
Puck quickly floats over to her and gives her a pat on the head with a reassuring smile, "There there Lia. I was just trying to get Rem to leave us alone. I don't know why she's being so violent all of a sudden. Perhaps she'd like to explain? Or is she going to continue acting like a brute?" He sends an intense glare in her direction.
"...I have had a lot of things on my mind lately. I lashed out because of that." She explains tersely. "I was not expecting…Puck to be here."
"Me either! And just when Puck came back, he's telling me he is severing our contract!"
Rem's eyes widen, "What?"
"Lia! Rem's still here!" Puck scolds.
"I don't care if she's here or not! Tell me Puck! Why? Why now?! Why are you severing our contract?!"
A long sigh escapes Puck's mouth. He gives Rem another glare, which she promptly returns. Turning back to Emilia, he begins to explain, "I knew this would have to happen at some point. I'm sorry for keeping this from you until now. I couldn't tell you for my own personal reasons, and because of your own problems. But from now on…"
Puck trails off. Both Rem and Emilia manage to pick up what he is implying. The former smiles, while the latter widens her eyes again in a panic, "No…what?! W-Wait! Please!"
It's too late, the green crystal that hangs around Emilia's neck, the resting place of the Great Spirit before her, begins to crack.
"Ah…! T-This is terrible Puck! The stone, the stone you reside in!"
Tears begin to pour down her cheeks. Puck gives a light smile as he starts to glow a light green color, "I'm sorry Lia. I wish I could explain everything, but there's no time. As much as it pains me, I'm entrusting you to the one whose love for you is second only to mine."
Subaru-kun… Rem thinks of him with a pained expression. She and Subaru have spent a lot more time together lately than ever before. She knows that he loves her. A lot, even. However, Emilia is his first love. Unlike her, Emilia never once killed Subaru, nor has she ever wanted to harm him. Surely in his heart, she's still number one. Why? Why is she upset over this? This should only be natural. She shouldn't desire anything more than being loved by him at all. Why am I so selfish?
"What…are you saying? There's no one…there's no one who…" Emilia shakes her head in denial, tears flying off her face.
Rem also shakes her head, but more slowly. She sighs at how dense Emilia is. But at the same time, she can understand her mind isn't in the best state right now.
"Lia…" Puck calls out her name, "I'm breaking the contract between you and me. I really am sorry this turned out so one-sided. Once I'm gone, the seal on your memories will be lifted."
"Her memories?!" Rem shouts out. No way, not only has Puck killed Subaru numerous times, but he's also sealed away Emilia's past memories? She never noticed. Although, it does make sense. Neither her nor Ram had ever been particularly interested in her past. Though Rem's interest in her greatly increased in the past few months as she became a love rival, she was more interested in learning her personality quirks and habits rather than her past.
Puck ignores her and continues, "Remembering them will probably make you very sad. You might want to cry more than you do right now." He floats from the palms of Emilia's hands to her face, wiping away a tear. Emilia brings her hands up to eye level.
"Emilia. I love you so, so much."
"No…" Her hands tremble, unable to move them any closer to her face. A voice that sounded very familiar yet was one she had forgotten all this time ringed in her head.
"Yes, that's good." Puck says, tilting his head down. "Lia…I love you more than anyone in the world."
With that, Puck disappears fully, a shower of light green light flying from his body as he goes. Right after he does, Emilia falls over to her side and immediately passes out.
"Emilia-sama? Emilia-sama?!" Rem rushes over to the side of her bed and shakes her. However, nothing stirs her.
After a few more attempts of awakening her, Rem gives up. With a somber expression directed towards her, she tucks her in the bed and lays a blanket on top of her. "I should tell Subaru-kun what happened."
Heading for the door, she stops and turns to Emilia one more time, "Emilia-sama…I'm sorry. I know you adored him like your own father. But I'm sincerely glad he is gone. He's done too many awful things, things you should never have to bear witness to or experience yourself. I hope he is gone forever. Even without him, you still have Subaru-kun, Nee-sama, Beatrice-sama, and me. Though you are a naive, dense, and pitiable girl, you are quite strong and resilient. You will be able to accept this loss and bravely move forward. Show me that you can, Emilia-sama."
-Subaru's House-
"I see…that's…quite unexpected."
In the living room of the house they're staying at, Subaru frowns, putting a finger to his chin and saying that to Rem after she explains what happened with Emilia and Puck.
"Emilia-tan had memories of her past forgotten because of the contract. That honestly sounds terrifying in its own right. I remember talking with her about it and…actually, I shouldn't say all of that without her permission. The main point is that I could tell she struggled to remember her past before being frozen-uh…"
Subaru stops himself as he's not sure if the knowledge of her having been frozen in ice is known to anyone besides him and Puck.
"Frozen in ice, right?" Rem finishes, "I'm vaguely aware of her past. She told everyone in the mansion that's what happened to her before that spirit unfroze her."
"Yeah." He nods, "This is unfortunate. I want to stay here and be there for her…but…"
"That's exactly what that clown wants you to do!" Rem sternly reminds him.
"You didn't have to put it like that! Was the whole breaking of the contract recorded in that book too? Just how far has he planned ahead…"
"I'm sorry." Rem gives a small bow in apology, "I know you deeply care about Emilia-sama. But if you stay here, you will be playing right into his hands. Becoming fixated on one person, one goal…no…"
"What? What is it Rem?" Subaru asks, concerned.
"What he said last time…could it be he's trying to…make you more like him?" Rem puts a finger to her neck, ascertaining the trembling of her vocal chords.
He vigorously shakes his head, "There's no way I'll be anything like him! Just thinking about that makes me feel sick."
"I know you won't, but you are right in that we can't do nothing. It won't be much, but how about writing her a letter? I believe you mentioned doing that before. Presuming everything goes well. P-Please…go well…a-ahem. We should be back here by nightfall."
Rem tries putting up a brave front, but it's obvious with the stuttering that she is anything but brimming with confidence.
"Rem-rin…" Subaru pulls her into a tight hug. "It's alright…this time is not like any of the others. I truly believe we'll make it through this time."
"Subaru-kun…" She holds onto him even tighter than he is. His chest tightens slightly and feels a little uncomfortable physically. However, the emotional reassurance and belief in one another triumphs that.
Remaining like that for a little while, Rem eventually looks up at his face, "Hey…Subaru-kun?"
"Yes Rem-rin?"
"Can we kiss?"
"K-Kiss?!" He blurts out, a little surprised.
"Is that a no?" She frowns.
He shakes his head, "N-No! I mean, yes! Uh…I mean we can! I'm sorry, I'm still not used to kissing girls. Especially beautiful ones like yourself…"
Rem blushes for a brief moment before taking his lips. Unlike last time, she takes the opportunity to explore his mouth with her tongue a little bit. Subaru does his best to respond to her actions, but is still quite clumsy.
Getting caught up in the moment, the two only separate when the desire for air overcomes them both. Regaining their breath, Subaru looks at Rem in amazement.
"Wow…are all kisses that intense? I felt like I was going to be swallowed up!"
Rem giggles, "Hehe, but it looked like you enjoyed it."
"I did, and you did too, it seems like. I feel all motivated again!"
She nods, "Yes! I feel the same way! For just a moment, all my worries melted away. Though they are now back a little, I'm much better than I was a moment ago. Thank you Subaru-kun!"
"No, thank you Rem-rin!" Pumping a fist, Subaru proclaims, "Now let's show everyone what we're made of!"
With a large smile she agrees, "Yes! Let's!"
-Roswaal's House-
"Roswaal!"
Slamming the door open as hard as he can, Subaru enters the room with a huge confident smile on his face. He throws out his arm and points a finger, he proclaiming, "Let's make a bet with my wish and yours on the line!"
Roswaal, sitting on his bed and still wrapped in bandages without any makeup on, gives a shocked expression. "Well, I certainly did not expect this sort of entrance from you Subaru-kun." Like most of the previous times Subaru and Roswaal had very serious discussions, there is no trace of his clown accent whatsoever.
"This will be our last showdown. I'm going to save the Sanctuary and the people in the mansion in this loop. Whatever it takes! And I'll bust up every damn one of your plans!"
"You want to start over now, when you have me in check, and leave behind the one and only power you have?"
A brief look of shock washes over Subaru's face, but he answers, "Being able to start over and being able to save them are two different things. Both you and I were too arrogant."
"If you say this is the last time, what is it you want from me?"
"There's a lot of things I want from you, but I think I'll let her be the one to make demands of you."
"Her?" He questions.
Once he says that, Rem, with both her eyes shut, enters the room. Her posture and elegant movements are top-tier compared to most other maids in Lugunica. She comes to a stop next to Subaru, remaining in her formal posture but opening her eyes.
Roswaal once again shows a slight look of shock on his makeup-laden face. "Rem."
"Roswaal L. Mathers." She calls out his name coldly while glaring down into his eyes.
He briefly shuts his eyes in understanding, "I see. You must have told her everything, didn't you? I must say, though not unexpected, I'm a little surprised she believed you so easily."
"Unlike you, I trust Subaru-kun with my life. Even if no one else in the world believes a single word he says, I will."
"I saw that look on your face Roswaal. So it's true, isn't it? Rem is not accounted for in your book, is she?" Subaru asks.
"...That's partially correct. I was not anticipating her appearance in the Sanctuary."
"If that's the case, then does that mean the book predicted I would die?" Rem asks, moving up a couple of inches to slightly cover Subaru.
He shakes his head, "You were intended to be consumed by Gluttony and go into a beauty sleep, forgotten by the world."
Both Subaru and Rem grit their teeth in fury. The latter yells, "Then why did you pick me up?! If that was my ultimate fate, why didn't you just leave me to die with the rest of them?!"
"You've always struggled with keeping your emotions in check and don't let people finish with what they're trying to say. How disappointing. You would indeed be forgotten by everyone, including myself. But one man would have remembered you."
"One man?" She repeats. He gestures with his pupils over to Subaru. She looks at him and puts a hand to her mouth, "No way…Subaru-kun would've been the only person to remember me?"
"Indeed. He would've helped all of us remember you, while at the same time you wouldn't have gotten in the way. It was truly the ideal solution."
Subaru clenches a fist, "You…! Why are you admitting all of this?! This feels shady no matter how you look at it!"
Roswaal sighs like he is stupid for asking that, "She loathes me now. She no longer has any feelings of loyalty towards me, and no sweet words will sway her mind. Am I not wrong? From what I heard just now, she has demands she wants to make of me too?"
"You're correct about it all. That is why, this should come as no surprise to you…"
Rem takes a deep breath, regains her formal posture once more, and announces in front of her former master:
"I, Rem, hereby renounce my position as maid of House Mathers and personal maid of Roswaal L. Mathers. From here on out, I will no longer serve under you or anyone else in your household."
Birds can be heard chirping right outside the window from the resulting silence. Seeing how hard Roswaal is pondering her words, she thinks he's trying to find a way to refute her. It doesn't matter though. No matter what he says or does, nothing will sway her from the path she's carved out for herself from here on–a path with her beloved Subaru by her side.
"Have you told Ram about this?" Roswaal finally asks, a frown etched on his features.
She nods, "Yes, she is aware."
"I see. Since Subaru-kun is allowing it, what are your demands in place of his?"
Rem's fists tremble and she grits her teeth once more. Subaru places a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. "You can do it Rem-rin. You've got this." His attempt is successful, and she draws another deep breath.
"If we succeed in saving both the mansion and the Sanctuary, I want two things out of you. First, I want that Tome of Wisdom destroyed. That way, you can never predict the future and manipulate any of us ever again. Second, you will answer to me."
"Answer to you?" He narrows his heterochromatic eyes at his former maid.
"You do not know how much I wish to bring my Morningstar out and crush your skull, ending you once and for all. It would truly put me at peace knowing there is no chance you could ruin our lives ever again. However, while I have been very foolish in my life and have done things I severely regret, I am not stupid. You have the upper hand over me when it comes to fighting strength. Beyond that, I reluctantly must admit you are much more well-versed in the political state of Lugunica compared to me, holding significant influence as the Head Court Mage. Those skills would be needed if Emilia-sama is to have any chance of becoming the next ruler."
For the third time in the span of only a few minutes, another brief look of shock washes over Roswaal's face, "And that's why you wish to gain control over me? A puppet ruler, so to speak? You're admitting you still need me?"
"...Yes. I would not go so far as to say you'd be a puppet. You'd of course retain your free will, but all major decisions you'd make for your house must be approved by me. Even without that book, I still do not trust you. Likewise, I would also have the final say for all financial decisions."
Rem speaks all of this in such a formal and regal tone that it would've been hard for anyone not to have their gazes set upon her in awe. A maid confronting their master, or rather, former master in this way would be unheard of.
"You must be joking." Roswaal puts a hand to his face, sighing. "Do you realize just what you are asking for? Those demands are absolutely warped. Do you think you would forgive what I-"
"No. I will never forgive you. I'm not like Subaru-kun. I cannot brush off heinous crimes committed against me or the people I care about. You brought this upon yourself, clown."
"No, I'm with you on this Rem. I'm not the only victim in his crazy schemes, and that alone is a big reason why I cannot forgive him. Nothing deadly has happened yet. There's still a chance to save everyone, despite how difficult you're making it." Subaru adds on. "Emilia-tan will become the next ruler, and we'll save everyone in the process. I'm not going to be like you Roswaal. Being so dedicated to one goal or one person that I throw everyone else under the bus…is beyond sickening. That's why I want you to still be with us after all this is over. When Emilia-tan is made the next ruler, and we're all there to congratulate her."
"You two seriously expect to fulfill your desires without letting go of anything? You two are aware, are you not?"
"Of what?" Rem asks.
"Of the sheer greed of that solution." He narrows his eyes at both of them.
In both of their minds, Echidna's face flashes by. While it makes the two of them uncomfortable for a moment, they remain firmly standing in place. Rem says, "Yes. But I do not believe that remotely compares to the amount of greed you hold."
"Your enemy has become the strongest card in play. Is that still not enough for you?" Subaru flashes a wicked smile at him.
Leaning forward, Roswaal shuts his eyes and crosses his arms, "No matter how you fight it, you cannot break through this. Even with Rem standing by your side, it will not be enough. Or even if you somehow get that tiger-boy, Garfiel, on your side. It's all ultimately fruitless. With Emilia-sama unable to stand, the barrier will remain. The Sanctuary will be covered in snow, and the mansion will sink into a bloody tragedy."
"You seem quite confident we'll fail. You'll regret this. I truly look forward to seeing the stupefied look on your face when we return victorious." Rem says, still using her cold tone with him.
"I see. You are right." Opening his eyes, he looks at the two once more, "It isn't a bad idea to lay some groundwork for the next me."
A devious smile flashes across Rem's face, "So I take it to mean you accept the bet?"
Roswaal gives a similar smile, "I never thought I would enter such a bet with my maid."
"Former maid." She immediately corrects.
"You do understand the consequences if you lose, correct? Specifically, for your beloved Subaru-kun?"
Rem's throat hitches. It's true that if they were to fail in their goals, not only would Subaru's death be likely, they would lose the bet. If they do, Subaru's life would more or less be in Roswaal's hands. Knowing about Subaru's ability to loop, he could force him to reset over and over if the world reaches a point where his goals cannot be achieved. Sure, he doesn't appear to know that Subaru must die in order to loop, but knowing that he can loop at all is the most crucial part. However, whether the bet is won or not, and especially if the bet is lost, Rem swears to herself she'll make Roswaal's life as miserable as possible.
Subaru grabs her slightly trembling hand and gives a resolute expression, "She knows, and of course I know as well. Our wishes are on the line."
"Until you steel your resolve for Emilia-sama, you will never truly succeed. Between the assassins I personally ordered to attack the mansion in a mere couple hours; and the snow that I will settle in tonight, attracting the Great Rabbit, just what do you hope to do?"
"So you really did send them! You…!" Unable to hold back her rage, she lounges forward and attacks the mattress Roswaal is laying on with a mighty fist as hard as she can. The frame holding up the mattress is unable to withstand the sudden downward force and buckles. It fails to hold and both it and Roswaal are sent to the floor.
"How surprising, you didn't aim for me." Roswaal comments, not alarmed in the slightest. "I suppose you and Subaru-kun already suspected me of this? Well, it's true. I sent them to attack my mansion."
Roswaal is correct. Upon learning his true personality and seeing how far he'd go to have his wish fulfilled, both Subaru and Rem wondered if he was the one who sent the assassins to the mansion. After all, the timing between the attack and the snow falling on the Sanctuary seemed way too close to be a coincidence.
"I…I really wanted to believe it wasn't you who did that! And especially Meili! You sent her after Rem!"
"You really tried to have me killed! Huma!" Setting up a barrier that encases herself and Subaru, Rem pulls Subaru towards the door.
"Huh? I did send one after Rem, but only to capture her. Hmmm…were my orders not clear enough? How troublesome. Stop being so apprehensive, I'm not going to attack either of you. Just like neither of you are going to attack me."
"Tsk." Rem clicks her tongue, refusing to let down the barrier. "Why?"
"Just like how you still need me for Emilia-sama to succeed in the Royal Selection, you and Subaru-kun are still crucial for me to achieve my dearest wish. It would be detrimental for me to attack."
Finally, Rem reluctantly puts down the barrier. He's not lying, and she needs to conserve mana for the upcoming battle.
"...And there's no way for you to surrender now?" Subaru asks. He doubts this will go anywhere, but he must see if Roswaal is at least a little nervous about losing the bet.
"You choose to bring that up now? How foolish. Per the terms of the wager, my wish and your wish have been put on the line, alongside Rem's demands. The terms on the surface may be disfavorable to me, but I still hold the ultimate advantage. Your greatest weapon is bound, you're now an ordinary person." Choosing to get up, Roswaal casts an angry glare at Subaru and raises his voice, "And what can an ordinary person like you do? You cannot do anything! Nothing at all! You are less than ordinary! What can you do?! In the Sanctuary, no one can violate the feelings carved into you by time! No one! That will never change! My 400 years will never be overturned by an ordinary person like you!"
"That's not true!" Rem likewise raises her voice, "Yes, he's an ordinary person! Yes, he's weak! Yes, he sometimes cries!"
"Rem?!" Subaru looks at her in shock.
"Aren't you only proving my point?!" Roswaal looks over to her with the same glare.
"But what he has is a heart! A heart of gold! He doesn't view the people around him as tools waiting to be used! He's always looking for the good in others! So willing to forgive those who have wronged him…e-even in the worst ways possible…who else in this world have you met that is like that?!"
"Has he dedicated four hundred years of his life towards his goals, his one true love?! Throwing all forms of humanity away for that purpose?!"
"And it's you discarding that humanity that is going to be your downfall! Had you kept it, you wouldn't have lost my loyalty!"
Roswaal walks up a few steps and stands in front of Rem. Being about a head taller than his former maid, he looks down at her as imposingly as possible. "In the grand scheme of things, that matters little! My hopes have been in Subaru-kun and Ram, not you. Do you really believe your love and loyalty to Subaru-kun that you've held for a pitiful couple of months can be remotely compared to the love I have held towards that woman for the last 400 years?! The woman who's very image is still burned in my soul! If so, you're more foolish than any maid I've ever enlisted to work in my mansion! You may have slightly above average magic prowess, but that's all you have! Beyond your sister and your lover, you have nothing! Without his power, you are just as ordinary as Subaru-kun! Not even your bond with your sister can compare to the feelings I hold for the woman I love!"
"How dare you say that to Rem-rin!" Subaru gnashes his teeth. "She is way stronger than you give her credit for! You just look at the weakness in others, and not at their strengths! Why is that? You know that caring about someone for a long time is a very strong feeling!"
"Because that is what I believe! In the same way that you find hope by believing in another's strength, I believe that everyone always remains weak!" Roswaal closes the gap between himself and Subaru that their faces are only a few inches apart. "So weak and fragile that, other than clinging to just one precious thing, they aren't even capable of fulfilling their own desires! That's what I believe!"
"Hmph!" Coming in between the two, Rem shoves Roswaal back, forcing him to backtrack a couple steps.
Roswaal gives one more glare between the two before sighing lightly, "I'll say it one more time. I still have the advantage. You and Rem will fail. Then, after enough failures, you'll start dedicating yourself to Emilia-sama once more."
"Don't underestimate Emilia or Rem." Subaru cautions, "Neither will go along with your ideas anymore. Together, we'll overcome it all!"
"You really think that's possible?" Roswaal chuckles while giving a demeaning smile "Emilia-sama will be stranded with nowhere to go, her own regrets will crush her, she'll be sorry she ever aspired to change. She'll cling to you in tears. She will be hurt and held in contempt. For bearing the image of the Witch of Envy, that is the fate of the half-elf. As for Rem, she'll be unable to kill the assassins. Unable to protect you, she'll give in to despair and cry puddles of tears before being mercilessly killed."
"Screw you!" Grabbing the collar of his outfit, Subaru pulls Roswaal in towards his face once more, "Has anyone ever told you it's alright for girls to cry?! Especially when they are hurt or sad?! If they can't wipe their own tears, someone outside can do it for them! Even if there is no one else to do it for them, I will!" Subaru violently lets him go. "Feelings…curses…if you believe they're things that can never change, we'll just pound the truth into you!"
Pointing a finger high into the sky, performing his trademark introduction pose, the boy declares, "My name is Natsuki Subaru! I am the silver-haired half-elf Emilia's knight and the blue-haired oni Rem's hero!"
Rem follows up with a similar pose, but instead of pointing her finger to the ceiling, she instead points it at Roswaal, "And my name is Rem! I am the maid of the man who melted my frozen heart, my hero, Natsuki Subaru!"
Subaru grabs ahold of Rem's hand and lifts it as high as he can, displaying their unity, "Together, alongside the rest of us, we're gonna sever that last desire of yours! Let's go Rem!"
"Yes! We'll show you just how dangerous it is to underestimate us! You'll regret what you've done to me, Subaru-kun, Nee-sama, Emilia-sama, and everyone else you've affected!"
The two turn around and head for the door, their motivation at max capacity. Before exiting, Subaru turns to look at Roswaal one last time with a grin on his face, "One more thing Roswaal. Put the clown makeup back on, okay?"
"Hm? Why is that?"
"Because it suits you." The two say in unison, causing a small bout of giggling. Rem takes one last look at him, "I have one more demand to make of you."
"...And what is that?" Roswaal reluctantly asks.
"If we win, you will no longer be allowed to use 'Subaru-kun'. I don't want to share what I call him with you."
"How petty." Roswaal frowns and shakes his head disapprovingly.
"Hmph." With that annoyed grunt from Rem, the two leave for real.
A period of silence follows. Roswaal walks over to the small nightstand next to his bed. Opening a drawer, he stares at the makeup that comes into view.
"I suppose that is a faaaaair statement. I shooooould look my best for the time to come."
-Outside Roswaal's House-
"So ya two finally done yappin' to that clown?" Garfiel asks with arms crossed. Once Subaru and Rem came out from Roswaal's house, he came out from behind some bushes with Otto. "It felt like we were hidin' 'ere for hours!"
Subaru scratches the back of his head a little, "Heh, sorry about that. Conversation went on a bit longer than expected."
"So, did the bet work out?" Otto asks.
"Yep!" He flashes a thumbs up with pride.
Otto breathes a sigh of relief, "Whew! With how long it was taking and the yelling I was hearing; I was worried something had gone very badly in there. The carriage has been prepared. Are we ready to leave?"
"We must take care of one or two minor errands first, then we'll be ready." Rem replies.
"Ah, here they are Emilia-sama. It appears they are conversing amongst themselves."
Hearing a voice not too far away, everyone turns their heads to see Emilia and Ram approaching them
"Emilia-tan!"
"Nee-sama!"
Subaru calls out Emilia's name while Rem calls out her sister's. Emilia shouts, "Subaru!" and runs into him. The two fall to the ground as Emilia holds onto his sides with her arms tightly.
"Subaru-kun! Emilia-sama! Are you two alright?" Rem calls out to them.
"I-I'm fine." Subaru replies, "B-but Emilia! What's the matter?"
"Puck! H-He's gone! He left me! Puck left me! I don't know what to do! And my memories! They…they…"
"Puck? Who's that?" Otto asks, looking at Emilia concerningly.
Rem grimaces at hearing that name again.
"That's the Great Spirit she is, or rather was, contracted to." Ram replies. "It appears he broke off his contract with her, and now she's inconsolable."
"What a precarious situation we're in…" Garfiel mumbles to himself, knowing there isn't much time left before the assassins reach the mansion.
-Author's Corner-
The scene with Subaru, Rem, and Roswaal (or more specifically, the showdown between Rem and Roswaal) is one I've been wanting to write since the beginning of the fic, so I'm happy I've finally reached that point! I thought it turned out pretty well. What did you all think?
Due to a few comments I got requesting it, I will keep in Subaru's conversation with Beatrice and contracting her. I'll try to make it unique in some way from canon, but it will probably remain mostly the same as in canon.
I don't have much to say other than that. I'll reveal some of what I have planned for beyond arc 4 once we reach the end of it. See you in the next chapter!
Big thanks to Dirkmcdirt for beta-reading!
Guest: That's awesome timing! Glad you enjoyed it!
danielsantiago4545: Thanks for reading as always! Heh, Subaru punching Garfiel is a pretty big moment, huh? I liked it too.
demon god noir: Thank you! Yes, I do have plans for beyond arc 4. I'll reveal more once we're at the end of arc 4.
Deathenglegamers1144: I imagine you must've quite enjoyed Rem smacking Puck here. Thank you for continuing to read!
Maximum Rhapsody: The sisters' relationship will continue, but it will be more strained now. Both will have to make compromises. As for Subaru's relationship with Emilia, I don't plan on developing it into anything seriously romantic. I was going to earlier on in the fic, but decided against it later on. This will purely be a Subaru/Rem fic. Yes, Rem will continue working as a maid under Subaru and to a certain extent Emilia. As for the powerup…that's quite a while away!
Tetramy: Thank you for your thoughts on the trials VS. Subaru contracting Beatrice. You're right, it is a very important story moment and usually I wouldn't skip something so important, but I considered it since it wouldn't be very different from canon. But I've now decided to go ahead and include it in.
Aion-Maxtori: I will include that in. Thanks for your request! Also, really? I'm pretty surprised you're reading Re:Zero fanfiction if you haven't watched the source material in full. I don't know when you stopped watching, but I will say that Subaru's obsession with Emilia greatly decreases past arc 3.
NeverComeTrue: Thank you so much for the high praise! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!
