Chapter 7: The Sound of Chains

Kaoi: What is happening? Did I dream of that up? No that can't be it felt too real for those memories to be a dream.

Here we find our Demon Slayer sitting on the very same bed he believed to have already woken up from. Kaoi decides to investigate to see if he really has dreamt of the past 5 days or if this has been a trick by Roswaal and the maids.

Kaoi: I wouldn't put it past that man to do this kind of thing. However, for some reason, I doubt that is the case.

Kaoi once again found himself in the looping corridor he was in before meeting Beatrice. Just after making sure he was indeed in a looping corridor, Kaoi decides to open the door to meet the blonde girl.

Kaoi: Wait! Better make sure I'm not in Total Concentration Constant. Even if what I recall had been a dream. I wouldn't want to hurt her if she tries to mana drain me again.

Kaoi:[Coughs] Ok, let's do this.

Kaoi opens the door once again to find the same blonde spirit with giant pigtails in the same massive library.

Beatrice: What an aggravating man, I suppose.

Kaoi immediately picks up the feeling of indifference that came from the blonde when he first met her. Unlike the feeling of displeasure that came from her the last time, he interacted with her.

Next, Kaoi bows to her as he introduces himself.

Kaoi: Hello there, my name is Kaoi. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Kaoi: Let's see her reaction to me introducing myself a second time.

Beatrice: At least you have some manners, I suppose. Betty's name is Beatrice and you are intruding on the forbidden library. I will now ask you to leave.

Kaoi: It's the same as before. In fact, it seems like she doesn't remember me at all.

Kaoi: Of course, but before I do so can you take me to …

Kaoi was going to ask Beatrice to use her door-crossing ability to take him to Rem and Ram but decided to go to a different destination.

Kaoi: Can you take me to the mansion's fitting room?

Kaoi: That is where I dreamt of where my uniform and blade would be.

Beatrice: Oh and how do you know of Betty's door crossing ability, I suppose?

Kaoi: I have heard some tales of a great spirit that overlooks a massive library and can move it anywhere she wants.

Kaoi: Not exactly a lie. Since I have been told about her ability by the other residents.

Beatrice: Hmmm. All right.

Beatrice then raises her at the door to use her door-crossing ability.

Beatrice: There the door will now lead you to the fitting room, but first I must make sure you are not a threat.

Kaoi: Very well.

Kaoi for the second time stood still in awkward silence as he waited for Beatrice to be finished.

Kaoi: This is taking a bit longer than in my dream. I do hope this mana drain won't be … Hrk!

Kaoi suddenly felt a shock in his system as he fell down clutching his chest. In instinct, the Demon Slayer immediately goes into Total Concentration: Constant as he slowly regains his footing to face Beatrice.

Kaoi: What did you do to me?

Kaoi: Is this what would have happened to me if I didn't have Total Concentration active?

Beatrice: I merely drain your mana. Although Betty is impressed. Normally people who get their mana drain pass out, but you seem to be holding out.

Kaoi: I am made of sturdier stuff than most people.

Beatrice: Well now you can leave by yourself then. Goodbye.

Kaoi: Thanks and goodbye to you too.

After Kaoi walks out the door, Beatrice simply returns to the book she was reading but could help think of her most recent guest.

Beatrice: Mother, could he be "They"…

Outside The Fitting Room

Kaoi: That was rough but for now the moment of truth.

Feeling a bit nervous, Kaoi trudges on as he opens the doors to the fitting room. There he finds his Uniform folded neatly, his haori hanging in a closet, and his blade resting in a chair. Just like he found them when he was first here with the maids.

Kaoi: This is going a bit far if this is a trick, but I guess I would have to talk to the others for confirmation.

After putting on his clothes and dumping his sleeping attire into a laundry basket. Kaoi left the room in search of the other residences.

Kaoi: This is too surreal. I want to believe all this to be a trick played by Roswaal but the way Beatrice talked to me just now. I find it hard to believe she would go along with this charade.

The young boy finally notices the sound of footsteps coming from around the corner making him stop. Kaoi just stood in silence waiting to get a view of the person coming towards him.

Soon a young girl in a short-skirted maid uniform with locks of pink hair turned the corner and came face to face with our Demon Slayer.

Kaoi: Ram

Ram: Greetings honored guest, My name is Ram, housemaid to Lord Roswaal. I am pleased to see you are finally awake. Miss Emilia has been worried for you for some time.

Kaoi: She is not calling me Bakaoi. Does she also not remember our interactions?

Kaoi: Well it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Kaoi and I hope I didn't cause her too much distress.

Ram: While she may have been a little distraught. It had not hindered her studies. I see that you have retrieved your belongings.

Kaoi: Oh yeah, Beatrice used her door-crossing ability to move me to the fitting room.

Ram: So, you have met the caretaker of the forbidden library?

Kaoi: It was a pleasant chat.

Ram: I see, but now if you don't mind may I lead you to Miss Emilia.

Kaoi: Of course, Miss Ram.

Ram: Please just Ram is fine, honored guest.

Courtyard

Emilia is pacing around the fountain with Teruo in worry until she notices Ram approaching along with Kaoi.

Emilia: Kaoi, I was worried about you. I'm so glad Ram found you. We were running around in a frenzy when you disappeared after you woke up.

Teruo: Caw, Caw, Worried we were, worried we were, Caw, Caw.

Kaoi: Yeah, sorry about that. It's just I don't like to be alone without my blade and I'm more comfortable in my regular clothes.

Emilia: Well, I'm just glad that you are okay. Especially since you have been asleep for 3 days.

Kaoi: 3 days huh.

Kaoi: It really seems like I'm reliving the past 5 days I've been awake for.

Emilia: Yes, due to you using so much mana in that fight plus the injures you sustained, you were very worn out and for the first 2 days Teruo didn't leave your side. I had only got him to fly outside this morning.

Kaoi: Well, he did huh? I'm sorry for worrying you like that, Teruo

Teruo: Caw, Caw, Just don't do it again, Caw Caw

Puck then starts to wake up as he moves out of Emilia's hair.

Puck: [Yawning] Hello Kaoi, great morning isn't. I can't really thank you enough for what you did yesterday, but I'll find a way to somehow.

I know.

Kaoi: That's different, he never said that before. Then again he was worried about Beatrice's situation.

Kaoi: I'll hold you to that when the time comes then.

Timeskip - Bathing Room

After that encounter, things mostly played out like in Kaoi's memories. Kaoi yelling "Tasty", Roswaal slightly investigating Kaoi and Kaoi asking for a job and language lessons as a reward. However, stuff like trying different butler uniforms never happen as Ram immediately went to the idea of alterations. Now we find the Demon Slayer talking a bath to mull things over.

Kaoi: At this point, it seems like neither dreaming nor being played like a fool are the answers to what is happening.

There are just too many details that are accurate for it to be a dream. Such as the location of my belongings, the royal selection, and even how Total Concentration Breathing affects my mana.

I also feel like a joke is even less likely. Sure Rem and Ram can act due to special orders but there is no way Teruo would go along with this unless they used some kind of magic to wipe his mind. Also, I find it unlikely that Beatrice and Emilia would do something like this for kicks.

At best, what I am recalling is more of a vision than anything else, but a vision of me living decently for 5 days? It just doesn't make sense why one like that should occur.

Voice: Hi there, May I join in?

Kaoi turns around and sees a naked Roswaal without make-up.

Kaoi: Sure, it's your bathing room.

Roswaal: Why thank you.

Thus the naked man takes a dip in the warm waters of his bath.

Roswaal: By the bye, what do you think of my support staff?

Kaoi: Well, I seem to get along fine with Ram. Rem, however…

Kaoi thinks of the times the blue maid has been cold to him for seemingly no reason.

Kaoi: Roswaal.

Roswaal: Hmmmm?

Kaoi: How did they enter your services as maids?

Roswaal: By whatever do you mean?

Kaoi: I mean twin maids and from what I see are the only maids that serve the most powerful magician of Lugnica. Gotta be an interesting story there don't you think?

Roswaal: Right you are, but I think it should be heard from those two don't you believe?

Kaoi: I guess.

Roswaal: I'll tell you this though. I met them after a great tragedy and have taken them under my wing ever since. I'm just so glad I have gained their undying loyalty and they do everything I ask of them.

Kaoi: Everything you ask, huh?

Roswaal: Yes, although Rem does get overemotional from time to time.

Kaoi raises an eyebrow over this comment as what he has seen so far of the blue maid is her stoic attitude, but there has been the sense of hostility he would get. For today, it would just have to be pushed to the side.

Timeskip - Kaoi's First Language Lesson

Kaoi: I got to say, Ram, thank you for teaching me how to write glyphs even if you are doing it because I requested it.

Ram: Even if you hadn't made the request, I would still have taken it upon myself to teach you. Also as of tomorrow, you will refer to me as Miss Ram.

Kaoi: What happened to "just Ram is fine"?

Ram: That is before I became your senior, Bakaoi. It would be most appropriate to address me a such.

Kaoi: [Giggles] Do as you will Miss Ram.

With that Kaoi was prepared to return to his lessons in piece until surprisingly Ram spoke up.

Ram: Is it true that you have a younger sister?

Kaoi: Huh?

Ram: During the three days you were asleep, Miss Emilia told Rem and me everything you said to her and I was wondering if this is true.

Kaoi: This is strange. In my vision, she didn't ask about Rozu. In fact, she seems not to even know about her until I brought her up. I guess with how this day has been going I shouldn't expect future events to play out the same way.

Kaoi: Yes it is true. I have a younger sister. Her name is Rozu.

Ram: How old is she?

Kaoi: Well Rozu is turning 12 this year.

Ram: What are they like?

Kaoi: Rozu is a sweet and kind girl who likes to plant flowers.

Ram: That's so?

Kaoi: Yeah, I really missed her but I know that she is going to be okay. Now, any more questions?

Ram: No that will be all, Bakaoi. Return to your lesson.

Kaoi: Okay

Thus, the Demon Slayer finished the night by repeatedly writhing down various glyphs.

Timeskip - Kitchen, The Next Day

The sound of peeling vegetables and fruit can be heard as our butler and pink maid peel them with sharp knives. All while the blue maid stirs the boiling stew. Kaoi however starts to notice that Rem is staring at him. Ram soon notices too and takes action.

Ram: Huh? An unsightly appearance makes you stand out as an eyesore.

Kaoi: Ok, what part of me is so unbearable now?

Ram: Your hair, it's incredibly unrefined.

Kaoi: Oh, you think this hairstyle is bad. You should have seen me when I was younger. It seems like the men of my family have a tendency for their hair to form a certain way. I felt like it didn't fit me so I styled my hair.

Timeskip - Garden

Ram: I must say, Bakaoi your performance in topiary surprises me.

Kaoi: Really?

Ram: Yes, I really did not expect someone that is skilled with a knife and sword to be so poor handling garden shears.

Kaoi: Speak for yourself, Huh?

Kaoi once again notices Rem staring at him with her blue eyes.

Ram: Hey, Rem, if you like, feel free to tidy Bakaoi's hair a little bit.

Rem: Pardon me?

Kaoi: I guess I wouldn't mind if she's up for it.

Ram: The reason you kept looking at Bakaoi is because you kept looking at his hair, right?

Rem: That is correct. I think combing it will make him more presentable, indeed.

Kaoi: Very well just let me know when you want to do it. Okay?

Rem: Okay.

Timeskip - Irlam Village

Kaoi: You kids seem to have a problem with personal space, you know!

Mild: Can't believe your back.

Dine: His face looks weird.

Kaoi: Oh my god these kids are just too much for me!

Luca: Hey did you pee your pants.

Kaoi: Okay that's it get off you brats!

Kaoi, now a little annoyed puts the child on his back to the ground. He then notices Rem in the distance with grocery bags.

Kaoi: It seems like I have to go now anyway.

Kids: Awwww…

Kaoi: Now, now, you guys can crowd me again the next time I'm here.

Meili: Can you at least pet the puppy goodbye.

Kaoi: Sure, good-bye little guy.

Kaoi pets the puppy like he did on his last day from his vision. Kaoi even decided to let the adorable pup chomp on his hand for one last laugh with the children.

Kaoi: You know I let you do that right.

Kids: [Laughing]

Kaoi: Well, I gotta go now, Bye.

Kids: Bye!

Rem: So this is where you wandered off to. What happened to your hand.

Kaoi: a dog just bit me. Don't worry I'll bandage it when we get to the…

Just then Kaoi felt a sinister feeling coming from behind. He quickly turns around to see only the children playing and the sinister feeling he felt vanished.

Kaoi: That was weird. Wonder what that was.

Rem: Kaoi is something the matter.

Kaoi: No, it was nothing. So you finished shopping.

Rem: Indeed, I even got more fruit to feed your crow.

Kaoi: Thanks, Teruo will appreciate it. Here let me hold them.

Rem: It appears that you are rather popular with all of them. Weren't you?

Kaoi: You mean the children, Yeah. They are a rowdy bunch and I guess I don't mind since I already went through it with Rozu and Hoshi. Although it can be exhausting. Ram would have probably handled that better and not get excessively climbed on.

Rem: My sister is wonderful, isn't she?

Kaoi: Yeah, I guess she is. Despite her attitude, she can be a pleasant person to talk to.

Rem: My sister's self-assured nature is what makes her charming. I can't be that way. It's just not me.

Kaoi: Huh?

Rem: By the way how are your studies going?

Kaoi: Good, Ram's a great teacher. I am already able to comprehend some of the glyphs.

Rem: That is great. My sister is amazing.

Kaoi couldn't help but feel some self-inadequacy coming from her voice.

Kaoi: You know you don't have to keep praising her every time you talk about her. You have some good qualities too.

Rem: Like what?

Kaoi: Well you can easily clean parts of the mansion in less time than it would take Ram and I, you are an amazing cook, your work in sculpting the bushes are breathtaking, and a great tailor.

However, Kaoi sees that he isn't getting through to her and decides to go a different approach.

Kaoi: Look what I'm trying to say is that it's okay to look up to your sister in that kind of light. You two have a close bond that no one can take away, but that shouldn't blind your own accomplishments.

Rem: I see…

Kaoi: I'm not getting anywhere with her. I'll try my luck later.

Rem: I will tell Sister that you didn't call her Miss Ram.

Kaoi: Come on! She's not even here!

Timeskip - Kaoi's Bedroom

Emilia: Kaoi!

Kaoi: Emilia, what are you doing here?

Emilia: Both Rem and Ram said they wouldn't be coming, so I agreed to stop by and try to help you along with your studies instead. I'm afraid I can't do much though.

Kaoi: I'm just writing I-glyphs to memorize them so I can read this children's fairy tale book. Nothing complicated.

Emilia: Oh well, if that is all I guess I'll go to bed then. Have a good night, Kaoi.

Kaoi: Emilia.

Emilia: Yes?

Kaoi: Are you ever going to tell me why you told me your name is Satella when we first met?

Silence falls between the two covered in moonlight as Emilia hesitates to give an answer.

Emilia: It's a sensitive subject, but I promise once I'm ready. I will tell you why I lie to you. Goodnight.

Kaoi: Goodnight

Kaoi: So it seems like I'm not getting answers from her anytime soon.

The studying Demon slayer looks up at the contemplation.

Kaoi: So now here it is. The night that my vision ended. I don't want to fall asleep in case I end up waking up 5 days ago somehow. I guess I'll stay up to the sunrise and work exhausted.

After the studies have concluded, Kaoi sits patiently as he waits for the morning to come. That is until he starts noticing something wrong with his body.

Kaoi: That's strange my heart is beating faster than normal and I'm starting to get fidget. Probably some anxiety like I'm waiting for something to hap… Hrk!

Kaoi's eys widens in shock as he stands up, knocking the chair over and waking up Teruo

.

Teruo: Caw, Caw!

Kaoi: Oh my god, it's so cold.

Kaoi tries to focus his breathing to stabilize whatever is happening but that only made it worse as he vomits onto the carpet.

Kaoi: It's like when Beatrice drained my mana, but she couldn't be behind this! I had Total Concentration Constant up and she got her hands hurt! I don't know what is happening and Total Concentration Breathing seems to make it worse.

Kaoi: Teruo go get help!

The struggling Demon Slayer stumbly opens the door to walk out seeking help.

Teruo: Caw, Caw, Help! Help! Caw, Caw!

Kaoi tries to walk to find someone but with every step he makes he has the urge to empty his stomach.

Kaoi: [Vomits]

But he pressed on as he refused to go out like this. Teruo, worried for his companion flies ahead into the darkness of the corridor.

Teruo: Caw, Caw, Help! Hel- Ack!

The sound of metal clanking can be heard as the sound of flesh and hollow bones being squished.

Kaoi: Teruo?

No response.

Kaoi: TERUO!?

Kaoi's scream for his feathered friend is only met with the sound of clanking.

And clanking.

And clanking.

Kaoi: Is that chains, I hear?

And then a massive iron ball at horrifying speeds emerges from the dark corridor. Despite being in a horrible condition, Kaoi was able to move out of the way unscathed or so he thought.

Kaoi: What the hell was that!? Is there an intruder!?

Kaoi then realizes he is on the floor due to fatigue and the loss of blood?

Kaoi: Why can't I feel my arm?

Looking to his left, Kaoi saw that everything left of his shoulder had been torn off.

Kaoi: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Kaoi: Why is this happening? What did I do to deserve this? What did Teruo do? WHY!? The others, I have to warn them! They are in danger! Emilia! Beatrice! Ra-

Kaoi couldn't finish those thoughts as right then and there, his head was crushed to pieces.

Guest Bedroom - Morning

Kaoi: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! [Breaths Heavily]

Kaoi looks around frantically to find his assailant only for him to see no one. In fact, he wasn't even in the corridor anymore but the guest bedroom.

Kaoi then quickly looks to the left side of his body to see a fully intact arm. Then to the right to see a hand without a dog bite.

For a third time, Kaoi had woken up in the guest bedroom where he was asleep for 3 days.

Kaoi: What … W-what… WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME!?