Chapter 6: First Day On the New Job

With both YN and Rem back in his room, YN sat at his desk and Rem at the foot of the bed.

They discussed what exactly YN meant by wanting to be tutored.

Rem: So... YN-kun is... illiterate?

YN: Well its pretty harsh when you say it like that.

Rem: Rem is sorry! Rem didn't mean to disrespect—

Putting his hand up to halt Rem's apology, YN conceded that she was correct.

YN: But you are completely correct, at least in the context of only being in these lands.

Rem: Rem is guessing that's not all though?

YN: No, I need to learn things like relevant history, how your money works, and like—

Rem had a slightly disappointed look on her face, causing YN to halt his words.

Rem: YN-kun were never given a proper education, where you?

YN: Oh no I was! Many years in fact! Here.

Taking the quill and ink, YN wrote his name as he knew it.

YN: See!

Rem took a moment to analyze it.

Rem: These... just look like scribbles. How would these form the sounds needed to be words?

YN: Well that's just my name.

Rem nodded, almost as if she wasn't fully convinced.

YN: I'll write your name next.

YN proceeded to cover his quill in fresh ink, and using his best handwriting, he wrote out Rem's name. Sliding the parchment over to Rem, she looked over the new set of symbols on the sheet and contemplated it.

Rem: This is… Rem's name?

YN: Yep! Here, I'll write more then.

Knowing she fully didn't understand his writing, YN dipped his quill once more and wrote out on the paper "Rem is the cutest girl in the Kingdom."

Rem picked up the sheet and analyzed the foreign symbols freshly written by YN. Giving a look of curiosity back to YN, she put her finger on the sheet under where he wrote "Rem."

Rem: YN-kun wrote something with Rem's name?

A bead of sweat ran down the side of YNs face and he didn't immediately respond, giving Rem all the clues she needed to confirm that was indeed her name.

Rem: And what of the rest of this? What does it say?

YN: Well it uhh, hmm, it says in a very antiquated, and uhh, colloquial terminology, with a good amount slang incorporated into—

Rem gave a slight giggle at the long usage of words to stall for reasons she understood, before slightly blushing and giving a half smile of her own.

Rem: Rem has a good enough guess as to what YN-kun wrote.

YN sighed, perhaps she knew, perhaps she didn't. He would be okay if she didn't because it would save him his embarrassment, but if she didn't fully know, he still wanted her to know, deep down.

YN: Fine, I'll make you a deal.

Rem nodded, prompting YN to continue.

YN: If you can teach me how to write my name, and yours, as well as a few other words, I'll rewrite it so you can read it.

Rem smiled and replied.

Rem: A promise then.

YN: Sure.

Rem continued to coach and tutor YN with the basics of reading and writing for a little over an hour after the sun had set. Drawing their study session to a close with a yawn, Rem had deemed it time to rest for the day tomorrow. The two said their goodnights and Rem headed to her room.

Not needing to do much afterwards, YN almost immediately crawled into bed, ready to sleep. His mind raced with thoughts on his current situation. What was happening back home? What was he doing here? What would be his next goal? YN felt the potential for great opportunities ahead of him, but his mind was also plagued with much uncertainty and anxiety.

As YN laid in his bed, so did Rem in hers. Rem's mind raced as well, although with different ideas.

Rem wants to fully trust YN-kun, but there is still something that cannot be overlooked… YN-kun and Subaru alike both have it… Certainly not everyone who has it is guilty, but it is usually a most telling sign… More time is simply needed to fully understand their motives.

The next day was another early one for YN. The day began with clipping the lawn, edging more walkway, and trimming more shrubs.

Ram again informed YN that his duties for the day were done by late afternoon, however with Rem not free from her duties yet of preparing supper, YN had decided to help Subaru with the rest of his duties in hope he would have someone to accompany him on his evening walk around the gardens, simply in the name of killing time before his tutoring session.

*Clink* *Crash*

YN: Shit.

While in the effort of helping Subaru dust, it was unclear who had accidentally knocked a flower vase over and broke it.

Subaru and YN stood over the broken prices with flowers mixed among it.

Subaru: Well, one of us should probably go ask Ram where the extra vases are and the other should stay and clean it up.

YN: Rock-paper-scissors?

Acknowledging, Subaru assumed his ready stance, fist drawn, nodding to YN in agreement.

YN & Subaru: Rock! Paper! Scissors! Shoot!

YN threw his preferred starting option, countering what Subaru threw.

Subaru: Alright... I'll go get Ram, you can clean...

YN: Woah woah. I threw down so I didn't have to clean.

Subaru: What?! Do you want to be the one to piss off Ram?

Shooting a finger gun at Subaru while walking off, YN answered Subaru.

YN: I got a plan.

Subaru: You better not blame me!

YN poked his head from back around the corner.

YN: You know I'm not that mean.

Beginning to sweep up the pieces of shattered porcelain and flower debris, Subaru began to mutter on his breath.

Subaru: Yeah I'll believe it when it's Ram dragging your ear and not mine.

Opening the door to the kitchen, YN poked his head around the corner to find Rem chopping some ingredients, preparing for that evening's dinner.

YN: Knock knock.

Rem: Oh! YN-kun! Dinner isn't quite ready yet... And Rem is afraid today's tasks left Rem and Nee-sama without a choice but to delay dinner... Nee-sama agreed to take the rest of the laundry so Rem could start the meal sooner.

YN: Oh jeez. Yeah that seems like a lot, even Subaru was taking longer today so I decided to help him, and that's kinda why I'm here.

With his response, Rem tilted her head in question, her blue hair shifting which eye of hers was visible. YN began to look up and away, poking his fingers together, looking like a guilty child.

YN: I might have been dusting and I may have, on accident, knocked

a vase over.

Rem: *Sigh* Ara, YN-kun.

She walked up to him, stopping right before him, wearing a slightly annoyed face, hands on her hips.

Oh I think I just overloaded her with another thing she has to do now, huh?

Her annoyed face quickly turned into a playful smile with a wink.

Rem: There's a reason you're a groundskeeper, not a butler.

Incredibly relieved, YN let out his held in breath.

Rem: Rem will fetch the new vase. Here.

Handing YN the chopping knife, she went to leave the kitchen.

Rem: Chop these like the rest, it's Nee-sama's preferred way of eating them.

YN: Yes ma'am!

Just YN began to copy Rem's chopping style, she was about to exit out the kitchen, but turned to call back.

Rem: And in case YN-kun or Subaru have another vase mishap, the extra vases are kept in the hallway closet down two doors from your room.

YN: Gotcha. Thanks again Rem!

YN continued to work on Subaru's tasks with him until the early evening. Finally finishing, YN asked him if he had any plans after this. Without a second to spare after being asked, Subaru said he was going to check to see if Emilia was free from her studies, somewhat crudely prioritizing Emilia above him, but YN didn't mind, and completely understood why. It was much harder and more rare for Subaru to see Emilia throughout the day then say YN seeing Rem. YN waited all of few minutes to see Subaru returning back down the stairs, head down and shoulders slump.

Subaru: Even Emilia-tan's running behind today.

YN: Well, wanna kill some time with a walk till suppers' ready?

Subaru: I guess I don't have a choice.

YN and Subaru both set out to walk the same perimeter garden path that YN and Rem had walked the evening before. Passing the fountain, Subaru turned and looked back up at mansions windows, about where Emilia's room was.

He stopped and let Subaru have his observation in silence. A few moments was all it took for Subaru to snap back to the current, and was surprised to see YN waiting for him patiently.

Heading down the path, YN decided to set the opening topic of their chat.

YN: You're really sweet on her, huh?

Subaru: What do you mean?

YN: On Emilia. You follow her around like a puppy when you can, always making really bad attempts at flirtation.

Subaru gave a somber smile and looked down at the ground while still walking.

Subaru: Yeah... I don't know, she's just the first person in this world to have shown me any kindness... It's really kind of pathetic of me, but I can't help feeling the way I feel.

YN: I get what you mean. You get teleported to a fantasy world and you're immediately saved by a silver haired cutie from some alley thugs or giant rats or something.

Subaru: Hey! How did you know—! Turning to YN with an astounded and worried look on his face, Subaru's eyes were wide open.

YN: Oh ho ho. And I was just fishing there! Which one was it? Alley thugs or rats?

Subaru: I'm not saying either!

Subaru crossed his arms and stopped in place, turning away from YN. However, through this interaction, a thought traveled through Subaru's mind. One he hadn't considered before until now. Having remembered events from one of his previous loops, it prompted a theory to form in his mind. Turning back to YN, Subaru didn't know quite know where he should start, or how he should ask.

Subaru: So, uhhhh.

Turning his vision to the side, and responding with a "Hmm?" YN acknowledged Subaru's curiosity.

Subaru: Did you uhhh, happen to die?

With an eyebrow raised, YN answered.

YN: To get here? To this world? No. Like I told you, I was just driving and then 'WHAM' I was here. Not like I was crossing a street and met a truck—

Subaru: No, that's not what I mean to ask. Lemme rephrase that.

Subaru had cut YN off, and he could tell Subaru was trying to be serious. The two stopped their walking and faced each other. While they were still ultimately unfamiliar with each other, they was a great deal of trust they needed to have in each other, perhaps not out of companionship, but more necessity. Looking YN straight in the eye, Subaru more bluntly asked his question

Subaru: I mean, did you die after you got here? A gust of wind rolled by, breaking the silence YN had given Subaru with his question with the sound of leaves rustling. YN said not a work while contemplating just what Subaru meant by what he asked.

YN: … No? I'm pretty sure I'm alive and kicking and have been.

Subaru looked down to the ground, defeated. He gave off the impression he had just learned something rather unfortunate, but YN couldn't tell if it had been his answer, or how he had answered, or what.

Subaru: I see. Never mind then, it's not important.

The two walked in silence for a few minutes, the occasional sound of their shoes scuffing the ground as they walked along the garden's path. With close to most of their walk being in silence now, YN broke the quietness.

YN: Say, what's your goal here? Immediately perking back up at YN's question, Subaru answered, relieved to be talking about something else.

Subaru: Whaddya mean? Kicking a rock along the path downward in the direction they continued, YN tried to articulate what he meant.

YN: Like, I'm kinda just following your lead here, because like me, you're from real world—, the old world, our world, but you seemed to know more then I did when I got here. Shaking his head, Subaru responded as best he could.

Subaru: I still don't know what you mean.

YN: Ya know... Like what is your, or our plan?

Subaru stopped and put his hand up as to signal a stop.

Subaru: I'm sorry I'm still not following.

YN: Are we trying to get back home? Is that something on your mind? Do you think that's some sort of hidden task or purpose set up for us?

Subaru put his hand to his chin in thought and looked down.

Subaru: Trying to get back...

YN: Better yet, is there a way back? Or do we even want to go back? And if not, what are we doing here?

Subaru: What are we... doing?

YN: Yes! If we're forgoing trying to find a path back, what are we doing here? Normally I'd imagine we'd run into some adventurers guild or have some power awoken to defeat some devil king or what have you.

Subaru could only look down while still walking and shrug.

Subaru: I guess all I'm doing is following Emilia.

YN sighed, but it was not for the reason Subaru maybe thought he did. Instead, YN was flustered with Subaru's lack of foresight and planning.

The two continued to walk for a while longer till Subaru spoke back up.

Subaru: You never said what your plan was.

YN: — — —

Subaru: Do you not have one?

YN could only close his eyes and shake his head, while Subaru could only wonder if they meant that he didn't have one, or if he simply was denying that he didn't.

Taking a few more paces, YN finally spoke his mind.

YN: I... *sigh*, wasn't the happiest back in the old world. I was getting really tired of it all...

Subaru was slightly surprised at his reply.

YN: I had no real promising opportunities for anything worthwhile… Relationships, career, education, you name it. None of my hobbies were entertaining anymore. And everyday you're just bombarded with demoralizing news stories that make you wonder why you even try.

Subaru continued to listen to YN, somewhat sympathizing with him. YN put a hand to his face in embarrassment as he continued.

YN: I was at such a low point that I even agreed to this opportunity with the company that develops this educational phone app that had me travel so far from home. It was all so last minute, I barely had time to pack.

Subaru: That last part doesn't sound as bad as you think it does, but I don't think I could just pick up and leave so suddenly like you did. I don't think I could leave my parents like that though. I guess if I have one point of regret from coming here, its them, I never told them goodbye or anything…

YN: I can see how that could be stressful to have on your mind.

Subaru: Yeah, I've been trying not to think about it. Do you have anything you're worried about 'back home?'

YN: Not really. I didn't have any other super meaningful relationships like one you have with your parents. I mean, I have parents, friends, family, but it all just started to feel really shallow, ya know? It feels kinda guilty saying it that way, but its the truth.

Subaru: *sigh* I didn't really have any friends, only my parents. But I imagine having shallow friends is almost like having no friends.

YN shrugged in response, unable to really elaborate further on these matters with Subaru. While they both were troubled in their old homes, they did indeed source them from different things. Not trying to be the one who killed the conversation, Subaru continued.

Subaru: So then you do have a plan then I take it? Perking back up, YN finally answered Subaru's question.

YN: Not entirely, no, but that's partially because I didn't give it any thought until about yesterday. But I'm glad I'm here. With our position, we're friends with some important people, potentially some of the most influential there will be. We have a real chance at having a proper purpose in our lives. Not many can say that back in the old world.

Subaru: Would you quit beating around the bush and answer my question!?

YN turned his head down and gave a soft smile.

YN: It's pretty similar to yours actually. For you, its Emilia. For me? It's Rem.

Subaru turned, slightly shocked, but more curious as to why.

Subaru: Can I uhh, inquire why? Sticking his hands in his pocket, YN looked up to the sky that was turning from hues of pink to orange, letting his mind think before answering.

YN: If you think about it, she's the person in this new world I've talked with the most, and I consider her my first friend here.

He spoke about Rem with only the calmest, most endearing tone he could.

YN: And there's something about her that... Just seems so sad and alone. I kinda wanna help her. Help her for helping me. Help her for helping me have a drive again, and for allowing me to have one in this world.

Subaru was silent for a moment before responding, thinking about how there were many similarities about how he felt towards Emilia.

Subaru: I think I understand.

At this juncture, the two were re-approaching the steps to the mansion.

YN: Well, it looks like we've got our work cut out for us in this world.

Subaru. Hah. Yeah.

After having a late supper, Rem had again come by in the evening for another tutoring session, this time staying slightly later then the last night. Toward the end of YNs studying, the topic had drifted to what the plan was for tomorrow.

As she was stepping out of the doorway to YNs room, she turned back around to say one last thing.

Rem: By the way, YN-kun, tomorrow you'll be assisting Rem in getting goods from Arlem rather then your normal afternoon duties.

YN only stared and blinked twice at Rem, not knowing what she meant by that, before asking.

YN: W-who's 'Arlem'?

Rem smiled before giving a small laugh.

Rem: 'Arlem' the name of the nearby village that's on the road to the Capitol.

YN: So, we're grocery shopping? Nodding in conformation to YN, Rem continued

Rem: Yes. We'll be leaving here tomorrow, later in the morning. We probably won't be back till the evening, so there won't be an opportunity for YN-kun's tutoring session, as Rem will have tasks for the evening after we return that would have been done earlier in the morning.

YN. I see.

On one hand, this is tons of Rem one-on-one time on the other, it's me losing out on my studying.

Rem gave a slightly sad smile at his response.

Rem: Well, good night YN, get some rest, okay? You worked hard again today.

YN: Thank you. You as well.

Rem walked back while closing the door, leaving her smiling face as the last thing YN saw as she closed the door.

Too bad she'll be busy tomorrow morning, we could have studied in the morning instead—

YN: That's it. YN cut off his own thoughts with an idea.

After waiting a few more minutes, YN headed down the hallway to Subaru room. Seeing the light still coming from below the door, he knocked, and let himself in at Subaru's call.

YN found Subaru about to head to bed, playing on his flip phone.

Distracted by it, YN asked.

YN: Are you that bored that you'd flip through menus to entertain yourself? That's about all that old thing can do.

Subaru: Hey! I'll let you know I've got Man-Pac, TNT-Man, AND Betris on this bad boy.

Getting another idea in his head, YN realized he could modify his old idea on why he came to Subaru's room in the first place.

YN: Soooooo, I bet that things running low on battery, isn't it? Looking back down at his own phone in frustration, Subaru frowned as he replied.

Subaru: Yeah and its not like there's a way to charge it here.

YN: About that. I have a solar charger I've been using for my phone.

Subaru shot straight up out of bed.

Subaru: NO WAY?! Can you let me use it?! Leaning against the door frame to Subaru's room, YN began his sales pitch.

YN: How about a deal...