A/N: Hello everyone! I want to start out by saying, I am not dead! I've been working a lot and also writing in all my free time to continue this series! This will be a mini-arc that takes place between Arc II and Arc III, and is my own writing creation (with elements inspired by another anime series that's very dear to my heart). But, everything WILL remain true to the lore and will be inline to what you could expect from the series. These chapters will be longer then normal (by the end of me writing this mini-arc, it ended up being 140K+ words), and I may end up doing bi-weekly releases in some cases. The normal Friday night release time will remain the same at the very least.
I've been reading all of my reviews and I'm glad so many people love the series. It really does warm my heart and really motivates me to keep writing on here. As one last note though, I do have two new exclusive art pieces for chapter events already made and ready to be released upon that chapter's publication, so I hope that will give everyone something else to look forward to as well! (But, with FFnet's limitation on images, they won't be on here, but other the other sites this is hosted on) But without further ado, the chapter!
Chapter 54: The Endless Eight – Prologue
YN: Sure is a hot one today.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, YN stood up straight and stretched his back. Having been bent over watering the flowers, he found his watering can was now empty.
Most of these flowers are going to wilt before I'm able to get to them...
YN: What I'd give for a garden hose...
Thinking of maybe how he could make one, YN was interrupted by a familiar voice.
?: YN.
Turning to see her, YN immediately recognized her.
Seeing her short pink hair sway from the small breeze, dressed in her familiar maid outfit, the elder sister to the girl who held his heart made herself known to him. Seeing she held what appeared to be a straw hat of all things, YN greeted her.
YN: Oh, Nee-sama.
Ram: Ram has come out to tell YN that he can be done for the day.
Returning a weak smile and shake of his head, YN had to turn down the offer.
YN: As much as I'd like to get out of this heat, if I don't finish watering all these plants, we're going to have a pretty sad looking flower bed for the rest of the summer.
Giving him a blank stare in reply, Ram was silent before extending the hand that held the straw hat, offering it to him.
Ram: Rem had a feeling you might say that, so she asked me to give this to you if you declined.
Adorning the hat, YN immediately felt the relief the shade provided on his face.
YN: Tell her 'thanks' for me, would ya?
Nodding, Ram returned back into the mansion.
Something tells me she doesn't do well in the hot like how she doesn't do well in the cold.
Filling his can once more, YN set about watering the next half of all the flower beds that were still dry.
Working on a bed that was right next to the mansion, YN made sure each plant got sufficient water. Standing back up to stretch his back once more, he was startled by the sudden opening of a window just behind the flowers he had just attended to.
Rem: YN-kun!
Holding the window open and sticking her head outside was the adorable blue haired maid that had captured his heart. With a pout on her face, she rarely wore this expression of disapproval on her face.
YN: Ah, if it isn't the most beautiful flower in the gardens.
Rem: That— Hmmh!
Pouting even more at his poor attempt to ward off whatever she might have started off with, given her apparent attitude, the tactic seemed to have failed.
Rem: While Rem appreciates the honest compliment—
With her expression somewhat softening, maybe it only halfway failed.
Rem: —if YN-kun insists on working still, he should at least come inside for a break.
Finally losing her sour expression, Rem smiled.
Rem: Rem has a surprise for him if he does.
Setting the can down and removing his hat, YN agreed.
YN: I could use a break, sure.
Rem: Good. Rem will be waiting for her YN-kun in the tea room.
Shutting the window and giving YN a goodbye wave from the inside, he watched the maid hurry off from outside, her dress swinging from side to side.
Having removed his dirty shoes for a cleaner pair upon entry, YN hung his hat by the back door too.
Walking through the foyer and down one of the main side hallways, YN arrived at the tea room. Being a brightly colored room with several seats and a table, he sat down where Rem had seemingly left him his surprise.
Two tall glasses of ice water and a pitcher with sliced lemomu sat on the table that was perhaps normally reserved for the tea.
As he sat, YN noticed a small folded piece of paper set against one of the glasses, slowly soaking up water from the condensation that dripped off the side of the cold glass. Unfolding it, he was just barely able to read the text written for him.
"Rem needed to help Nee-sama. Please enjoy it while it's cold, but wait for Rem to come back before going back out."
Hmm, pity.
Disappointed that Rem wouldn't be able to join him immediately, YN picked up a glass and leaned back in his seat.
Taking a mighty drink from the glass, he let the refreshing coolness parch his dry throat.
YN: Ahhh!
Setting the glass back down on the table, YN heard a voice from behind him.
?: Oh, YN. There you are.
Turning to look behind him from where he sat, he easily recognized the owner of the voice. With her silver hair and amethyst eyes, Emilia entered the room.
Emilia: I was wondering where you were... Are you taking a break?
YN: Yeah, I am, Rem asked me to.
Emilia: I see. Do you mind if I join you for a moment?
YN: Oh, uh, not at all.
Rather than taking the seat across from him, Emilia had instead decided to sit next to YN.
Somewhat surprised by her choice, YN stiffened his posture.
Emilia: Soooo, how's your gate been? Have you noticed anything?
This again.
YN: Um, yes. Thank you for your concern, Emilia-sama. And no, still no differences.
Getting her usual overtly formal reply from YN, she felt struck down for the umpteenth time.
Emilia: I see...
Looking away briefly, the half elf was beginning to let an awkward silence grow between before she decided that changing the topic might be a good idea.
Emilia: O-Oh! This looks good.
Reaching for the glass that Rem had left for herself, Emilia grabbed it and took a drink.
YN: I— Uh, Emilia-sama, I think Rem poured that one for herself.
Emilia: Ehe?
Quickly setting the glass down, Emilia's face and ears turned red from embarrassment.
Emilia: I-I'm sorry!
Knowing he probably shouldn't scold the mansion's sponsor for the throne, YN decided to simply rectify the situation before Rem returned.
Oh goodness.
YN: It's no problem Emilia-sama! I'll just go get a new glass really quick—
Emilia: W-Wait!
As he went to stand up, YN felt a tug on his uniform as the half elf still wore her red face, looking up at him.
Sitting back down and placing both the glasses back onto the table, YN tilted his head, prompting Emilia to explain why she had asked him to stay.
Emilia: Umm, the reason I was looking for you was because I had already told Subaru and Rem... We have to leave later today.
Capturing his attention with the sudden news, YN relaxed his posture slightly.
YN: Leaving? Where to?
Nodding, Emilia explained further.
Emilia: Do you remember those documents I picked up in Roswaal's office? Well, some... things happened and I forgot to read them until today. But one of them was an invitation to a festival.
YN: An invitation? For a festival?
Thinking it was odd one would send out invitations for what was normally such a public event, YN had his question answered.
Emilia: Yes, since I'm going to be... well...
Struggling to get her answer out, Emilia took a deep breath and continued.
Emilia: They've asked me to be the guest of honor, and give a short speech. It's being put on by some people who owed Roswaal some favors.
YN: And I take it this has to do with the Royal Selection?
Losing some of her red at YN's understanding, Emilia answered.
Emilia: That's right. Roswaal thought it might be a good idea to announce my candidacy in an area where there are lots of other demi-humans.
YN: 'Lots of other demi-humans?'
Nodding, Emilia explained.
Emilia: The festival is being held in Saluzzo, a town near the Kararagi border with Lugunica, so there's a high population of demi-humans there.
YN: I see, there's a better chance for a welcoming crowd.
Emilia: Uh-huh. Roswaal is worried how an audience in the Capitol might react to seeing me for the first time suddenly as a candidate, so his intention is to make people familiar with the idea beforehand.
Surprised to hear such a sound tactic from Roswaal, YN supported the idea.
YN: I guess that's not a bad idea.
Emilia: We'll be leaving just before dinner time, and from there we have reservations to stay at an inn located in Costuul for the night.
YN: Alright, I'll be packed by then. Is everyone going?
Shaking her head, Emilia answered.
Emilia: Not quite. Roswaal and Ram aren't coming. And I doubt Beatrice will be either.
YN: Ah, so it'll just be four of us then? That should hopefully mean the ground dragon carriage isn't too crowded.
?: YN-kun?
Hearing a new voice call his name, coming from the same doorway Emilia had entered from, YN stood to greet the owner of the angelically soft voice.
YN: Rem! You're back!
Not really wanting her to see him sharing a seat with Emilia, YN wanted to put any sense of discomfort Rem might have at that sight to rest immediately.
Meeting the maid halfway between the door and where he sat, YN gave the maid a hug.
Rem: Oh!
Perhaps not expecting it, Rem was happy to receive it nonetheless. Returning the hug, she stood on her tiptoes and gave YN a kiss on the cheek.
Rem: Rem enjoys it when her YN-kun is so affectionate.
Witnessing the kiss from Rem on YN as she also turned to see who had entered the room, Emilia was silently struck with the same emotion she had felt when she first retrieved the documents from Roswaal the other day.
Looking back forward and down to the ground, Emilia tightly grabbed her dress in hands, hiding her current expression and emotions she didn't understand.
Rem: —And Emilia-sama.
Bowing to her, Emilia was struck as she still looked away. Realizing she needed to bundle away her emotions, she took a shallow breath before turning to stand, forcing a smile.
Emilia: Ah, Rem. I-I was just about to go find and talk to Subaru again to make sure he was getting ready to leave.
Rem: Oh yes! The departure is in a few hours, isn't it? Rem will double check everything is ready. And YN-kun, Rem is sorry but she forgot to inform you until now, that was part of why Rem asked you to come inside to take a break. But it seems Emilia-sama has already explained.
YN: Yeah she did, it sounds like we'll be going to a festival. Oh, I was also curious, what kind of—
Emilia: I-I'll leave you two for now. Gotta make sure Subaru isn't getting either too ahead of himself or forgot altogether! Bye!
Somewhat caught off guard by the half elf's sudden exit, she excused herself while walking past the two, seemingly in a hurry.
Looking at each other, Rem and YN tilted their heads in unison, wondering why Emilia chose to leave so abruptly. However, realizing they had been left alone together, they each took a seat, leaving the table between themselves this time, sitting across from each other.
Shaking his head, YN apologized to Rem.
YN: Sometimes I guess, Emilia is a little too friendly... I'm sure it looked weird with her sitting right next to me, didn't it?
Scratching the back of his head, Rem smiled warmly at him, shaking her head as well.
Rem: Rem knows her YN-kun too well to suspect anything nefarious. Besides, having been in YN-kun's head, she knows that's not the kind of person he is. Rem doesn't want YN-kun to worry about that kind of stuff.
Going to grab what was supposed to be her glass, YN halted her.
YN: Woah wait. Uh, part of Emilia also sitting here was that she took a drink of your glass. Here—
Quickly finishing his, YN poured Rem more out of the pitcher into his own glass.
YN: —you can have my glass, I'll just use Emilia's.
Taking the glass offered to him, Rem also moved Emilia's out of reach of YN.
YN: Uh—
Taking a sip of her glass, Rem gave YN a rather expressive smile.
Rem: YN-kun shouldn't drink from another woman's glass though.
YN: I thought you just said you didn't care about that kind of stuff!
Rem: Y-YN-kun knows there's a difference with that.
Taking another drink while pouting, unable to hide her true feelings of jealousy, yet another familiar voice made its way into the tea room.
?: Hey, have either of you seen Emilia-tan?
Walking in was the black haired boy that was YN's world-traveling partner and coworker, Natsuki Subaru.
Rem: Subaru-kun just missed her.
YN: Yeah, she left rather abruptly.
Scratching his head, Subaru seemed puzzled.
Subaru: Ahh, I heard her name being said so I assumed she must have been in here.
Sitting down next to YN, Subaru made himself comfortable before noticing the pitcher of cold water, adorned with floating slices of lemomu, still sweating its condensation onto the table, making it appear extra thirst quenching.
Subaru: Oh that looks refreshing! Is that glass free—?
Reaching for the glass that was slid away by Rem, this time YN slid it away from Subaru.
YN: Sorry, that one's Emilia's.
Starring deadpan at the glass that nearly had all its ice missing at this point, Subaru's desire to acquire it increased dramatically.
Hugging himself as he did and squirming, Subaru expressed his intent.
Subaru: Water that's been blessed by my wonderful and pure hearted E.M.T.? I don't mind if I do—!
Taking the glass off the table, YN walked the 'blessed' water over to a flower vase on the cabinet just next to the window, and poured its content into the container.
Subaru: Ahh! My one and only chance at having a secret indirect kiss with Emilia-tan, gone like tears in the rain!
Putting his hands to the side of his face and exclaiming with great dissatisfaction, Subaru stood in shock.
Standing up as well, Rem finished her glass and retrieved the now mostly empty pitcher from the table. Walking to YN, he stacked the cup he held into the one Rem did.
Rem: Rem assumes YN-kun knows he needs to be packed and ready in a few hours. The same goes for Subaru-kun. Rem will find you both when it's time to leave. So for now, Rem will make sure Emilia-sama's luggage is packed as well.
Standing on her tiptoes once more, the blue haired maid gave YN a kiss on the cheek before departing with the pitcher and glasses.
Now left alone with just Subaru, he voiced his displeasure with him.
Subaru: You could have just been a bro and let me have a tiny sip before you dumped it all out.
YN: If I wouldn't have, Rem would have. You know that.
Knowing Rem would have held up her maidly edicate to protect Emilia's prestige, Subaru crossed his arms and skulked.
Subaru: It's not fair you get to kiss your girlfriend whenever you want to and I'm lucky to get a moment alone with Emilia as a friend without Puck acting like a damn chaperone.
Patting him on the back, YN did his best to cheer up his wayward companion.
YN: Come on now, that's not the attitude to have. I'm sure an opportunity will present itself sometime soon! Emilia is probably gunna face all sorts of unwarranted slander and passive aggressive comments when she's a known candidate for the throne, and it'll be you who defends her and reassures her.
Uncrossing his arms and putting a hand to his chin, Subaru questioned his logic.
Subaru: YN, isn't that a bit manipulative sounding if you take that out of context?
Shrugging, YN replied.
YN: I'm just stating the facts. It's pretty obvious the country is rife with inequity and the likes, so there's no doubt Emilia is going to face some tough words, so that's where you come in. 'Natsuki Subaru! Emilia's knight!
Doing his best to mimic Subaru's 'Victory!' pose, Subaru nodded at the idea, admitting it had some plausibility.
Clapping him on the back once more, YN went to return back outside, sufficiently rested from his break.
YN: That's the spirit.
Noticing his departure, Subaru wondered where YN was headed.
Subaru: Hey! Didn't Rem tell you to pack?
Stopping in the doorframe, YN explained himself.
YN: Pack? How long do you think that'll take each of us combined? I imagine we're taking everything we own, each, and that'll still only take us a few minutes. There's no need to sit back and think or organize any of it after all. Speaking of which, what are you doing right now?
Subaru: Well, Ram did ask me to get packed too, but now that you mention it, that does give a lot of free time since it won't be that much...
YN: Oh. Cool, that means you can help me.
Subaru: Huh?! Why—?
YN: I've got two hours of watering that needs to be done in half that time. So roll up your sleeves.
Leaving out of the room, Subaru shrugged and sighed as he followed YN outside.
Outside now, YN had readorned his hat and was setting about watering a new bed of flowers. Close by, Subaru had also gathered a watering can and was also watering the flowers.
Moving to the next flowerbed, Subaru was the first to strike up a conversation.
Subaru: Did Emilia-tan ever say what kind of festival it was going to be?
YN: No, she didn't. But given how rowdy festivals can get here, I think we'll have a hard time guessing what kind of one it'll be.
Subaru: What makes you think that?
YN: Well, I guess part of the reason tometo is hard to come across this time of year is because there's a huge festival in the city of Flanders where they just throw them. I heard they divide up the city four ways and have a territory fight.
Subaru: That sounds intense.
YN: Right? And given how open everyone was to the idea of the snow festival, I think it's fair to say people in this world like to party. It wouldn't surprise me if being a shut in NEET really gets you discriminated against.
Subaru: Hey... Speaking of shut in NEETs...
Looking up at the mansion behind him, Subaru set his can on the ground and began to walk away. Seeing as it wasn't Subaru just idiley trying to get out of working, it was clear he had some sort of idea going around in his head.
Subaru: I'll be right back. I'm going to go ask Beako if she wants to come with us.
Lifting a brow to Subaru's idea, YN went back to watering.
YN: Good luck with that.
Finishing the flower bed he was currently working on, YN moved to the next one over, making sure each part was sufficiently watered.
This flower bush is growing really well... It's bigger than the other ones… I wonder why that is—?!
*Crash!*
?: Buenos Aires!
Hearing a cry of pain and the sudden sound of the windows on an upper floor of the mansion flying open, an object was launched from its height, out into the open yard. Following the mass through the air, YN ducked just in time to avoid being hit, the object instead landing right on the flower bush he had just gotten through admiring.
Subaru: Ouch ouch ouch...
YN: Wah! Jeez, what happened? You alright?
Floundering, trying to get up, Subaru was held back by the collapsing flower bush underneath him.
Subaru: Y-Yeah, can you give me a hand?
Setting his can down, YN pulled Subaru out from the bush. As he brushed the leaves and flower petals off himself, YN gave the bush another look.
YN: Well, you definitely evened them out... But, what caused that?
Subaru: Let's just say Beako really didn't want to go.
Surprised to hear the reason, YN lifted a brow.
YN: A simple 'no' couldn't have sufficed?
Subaru: It would have if I wasn't so greedy... I only have myself to blame... But that's enough of that, Beako's made up her mind, let's get back to watering.
Returning to the task at hand, YN and Subaru made quick work of the watering, and returned upstairs to pack.
Being given a small chest, no larger than what he could comfortably carry by hand, YN put pretty much everything he had to his name in it, and it still was not even halfway full.
Geez, that's all my clothes and my phone charger...
Truthfully, it would have been much fuller had YN decided to bring his cloak, but considering much warmer weather was to be expected, it was pointless to bring it, YN would only roast himself if he wore it.
Taking his light trunk down to the foyer, he was the second to last to show up, just after Subaru.
Seeing him and Subaru with identical cases, Rem approached him.
Rem: Is YN-kun packed and ready to go?
Giving his trunk a quick shake, showing just how empty it sounded, YN smiled at the blue haired maid.
YN: Yep, everything I own, minus the cloak you made for me.
Rem: It is a tad warm for such a thing, isn't it?
Looking around and seeing Roswaal and Subaru bantering about the finer details of the festival and looking at him with discontent, Ram noticed YN and Rem talking, so she excused herself from Roswaal side and approached the two.
Rem: Nee-sama.
Ram: Rem, have fun on the trip, and please be safe, and YN—
Turning to YN, Ram spoke very seriously.
Ram: —promise Ram that you will keep Rem safe.
YN: I will, you can count on it.
Without any hesitation, YN agreed to the promise. Seeing Ram nod her head to him in agreement, Rem felt a warmth in her chest at the prospect of YN's protectiveness.
YN: So, we're just waiting for Emilia now right?
Rem: Yes, she should be down shortly—
?: Umm, Rem, Ram, YN?
Hearing a voice call for them at the top of the foyer stairs, they all looked up to see the last person everyone was waiting for.
Emilia: I-I'm ready, but I think I'll need some help with the luggage...
Stepping aside, Emilia revealed several larger sized trunks, four in total.
Putting his hands in his head, Subaru was the first to react.
Subaru: Emilia-tan! Why do you need four trunks?! What all are you bringing?!
Emilia: Well, Puck said bring lots of clothes just in case... I'm really only bringing the essentials.
Subaru: Is the kitchen sink also part of the 'essentials?!'
Ram: Barasu, stop your complaining and assist Emilia-sama with loading the carriage.
Turning to YN, Rem set her trunk on the ground.
Rem: Let's help.
Doing as she did, YN followed Rem, Ram, and Subaru up the stairs.
With Rem and Ram each grabbing a chest each, YN and Subaru went to pick up one each as well until—
Subaru: Aaaarrgg!
Struggling, Subaru couldn't get a grip anywhere that allowed him to lift the entirety of its weight.
Attempting his own, YN found he also had the same problem.
YN: Jeez Subaru I think you were right, I think she does have the kitchen sink in one of these.
Subaru: *Phew* Yeah, she just might.
Emilia: I-I can hear you say that!
Pouting at their words, Emilia quickly remembered they were moving her luggage, causing her to backpedal.
Emilia: I can help then I guess—
YN: I think if me and Subaru both give it a shot, we can move this one, but thank you for the offer, Emilia-sama.
Speaking more formally now in lieu of the previous comment, YN took opposite sides with Subaru.
Subaru: On three. One... Three!
YN: Gah!
Catching him off guard, the two managed to lift the trunk off the ground.
YN: Alright, I'll head down the stairs, just don't push me backwards.
Subaru: Gotcha, I'll take it slow, no point causing a reset over some bad footing on the stairs.
Giving Subaru a look, YN silently criticized his choice of words.
Watch your mouth!
Knowing what YN was getting at, Subaru looked around. The only person who could have heard was Emilia, but it seemed she was too preoccupied being concerned over how the two were handling her luggage.
Slowly moving down the step, one by one, Rem and Ram had already loaded the luggage by the time the two were halfway down the steps.
Rem: YN-kun doesn't have to worry about falling backwards, Rem will catch him if he does.
Making it to the bottom of the steps, they dropped the trunk for a quick breather and to let their arm's fatigue go away.
Passing them at the bottom of the stairs, Emilia easily carried the fourth trunk down and was immediately taking it out to the ground dragon carriage.
Bending over to lift once more, Subaru prompted YN to as well.
Subaru: C'mon, we can't hold up everyone else.
YN: Alright. On three. One. two— hey!
Lifting early again, YN struggled to get his end up in time with Subaru. Waddling the trunk out, the carriage was finally filled, and the voyage could begin.
Having arrived in Costuul and having Rem handle the check-in process, this left Subaru and YN with the task of securing a space for the carriage and finding a stable for the ground dragon.
Unhitching the ground dragon, Subaru led the beast of burden into its stall while YN handled pushing the carriage into a parking space.
Making sure the majority of the luggage was well and locked away from where it could be potentially stolen from, YN met back up with Subaru.
YN: I think that's everything...
Subaru: Yeah, think so.
Taking an opportunity for each of them to stretch, the evening spent on the carriage wasn't something either of them were used to. While taking a few hours to arrive, due to time constraints, no one had gotten the opportunity to have supper.
As the city seemed to be winding down as the sun was quite low in the sky, Costuul's streets were still teeming with life, especially the main street they had to travel down to arrive. Much of the sidewalk on either side was taken up by a large amount of street food vendors and other good peddlers in carts and pop-up tents.
With Subaru's stomach growling, he hunched over.
Subaru: It smelled so good on the way here too! It's not fair...
YN: We aren't the only ones who are hungry though, Rem and Emilia haven't eaten either.
Putting a hand to his chin, Subaru remembered that was also true.
Subaru: They must want food too right about now, wouldn't they?
YN: I'd imagine, yeah.
Leaving the stables and arriving back into the lobby of the inn, the two found Rem and Emilia waiting for them.
Running up to YN, Rem gave him a pleading look as if she really wanted something. With Emilia doing the same, Subaru was the first to speak up, slightly annoyed he wasn't getting equal attention.
Subaru: What's gotten into you two?
Giving each other a worried look, Rem and Emilia looked at each other before pleading their desire.
Rem: Rem knows both of you are tired from the carriage ride but—
Emilia: —Could we pleeeeease get some food? The street food smelled so good.
Subaru: Yes! I'm starving!
YN: I'm not against the idea. But can we afford to?
Knowing he had no coin to his name, and assuming Subaru was still in the same boat, he was thankful to see Rem pull out a coin pouch.
Rem: Roswaal-sama always makes sure to equip us with ample travel expense funds.
Rich bastard.
Not necessarily akin to liking the idea of taking the handout, YN was in no position to argue. Walking out into the now night time street, each side of the avenue was adorned with tons of pop-up shops, food stalls, and all other sorts of carts and merchants, many appearing to be semi-permanent.
With the entire street filled with people, only two lanes of ground dragon traffic could make their way through the crowd of people filling up what could otherwise have been a multi-lane road. As people ran from one side to the other between the passing carriages, the traffic was made worse still by the constant stop and start.
YN: It's gotten a lot busier since we drive through it...
As the four looked around, they noticed the increased traffic meant the lines for even the smallest stall was now very long.
Emilia: Hmm, that smells so good but the line is so long...
Seeing her discouraged, Subaru pointed onwards.
Subaru: Fear not Emilia-tan! I, Natsuki Subaru will lead you to a destination with excellent food and a little line using my powers of crowd navigation!
Taking the lead, Subaru led the four through the growing crowd of people.
As they walked, YN took in the atmosphere of the entire area. The smell of cooking food, the chatter of the people around them... It reminded YN a lot of how a busy street might be back in his old world.
If I didn't know any better, I would have assumed this was the festival...
Looking still for an area Subaru thought Emilia might enjoy and didn't have a line, he spotted a potential candidate.
Subaru: Over there!
Pointing across the street, the other three saw where he was aiming for.
Almost like a side street ramen shop, an outside facing street bar on the side of the building was clearly in view. With a series of curtains or shrouds covering the upper half of the entrance, four distinct empty seats were visible.
Subaru: That's our ticket!
Going to cross, they would now need to navigate the two narrow lanes of ground dragons carriages slowly going down the middle. Getting up the side of them, Rem had YN by the hand, making sure they didn't get separated while moving through the first half of the crowd.
As they waited for a gap in the traffic, a particular stall on their side of the road caught his eye.
From an elevated spot, a very distinct demi-human chef was manning a large wok. Watching the man, he threw in ingredients with skill as he rocked the wok over the large open flame, tossing and mixing and cooking the ingredients as went. With many people standing, waiting for their turn all around his stall, they watched his graceful display of throwing ingredients up and out of the wok, only for them to land back inside, losing none of them.
Letting the wok sit still, the man turned and dipped a large ladle into a container behind him. Returning to his wok, he dumped the contents of the ladle into the hot wok, generating a large cloud of steam upon impact.
Watching the large cloud waft up and out from under his banner, YN followed it as it rose up and into the sky.
Seeing the last of it disperse into the dark sky, YN felt a drop hit his eye. With his mind quickly dispelling the idea it was the same steam condensing back into water, YN felt another drop his cheek. And another. And another on his head.
Sticking his hand out, YN felt two more drops on the palm of his hand. Looking around him, other people seemed to have the same idea. Noticing many others looking upward or holding their hands out, a quick but steady pitter patter of rain began.
Emilia: Umm, Subaru, I think it's starting to—
As Emilia went to say "rain," "rain" no longer was good enough to describe it
"Deluge" would be much more appropriate.
With the rain instantly picking up, a roar of chatter could be heard through the crowd. Many people began adorning hoods or simply covered their heads with their hands. Quickly, the crowd's will was to disperse.
Seeing the mass of people quickly begin to thin, the merchants and shops seemed to follow.
Looking back to the same wok stall, the chef quickly divided out what he had before shutting off his burner and lowering his banner, effectively showing he was closing due to the rain.
Seeing it more and more, many stalls were doing the same. Turning off lanterns, lowering their shades and banners, covering and putting away product, there was a mass exodus of the crowd and people waiting in lines, but also of merchants willing to stay open.
Subaru: Aww crap! Quick! We gotta cross!
Deciding to jump the line in front of a slow moving pair of ground dragons, they each halted for the group, grunting as they did.
Hearing a few choice words from the driver, the four ignored it and quickly navigated through the leaving crowd and the rain that fell on them.
Subaru: We gotta get there before—! Shit.
Arriving at the covered food stall, those four seats that Subaru had spotted had quickly become occupied, more than likely by those seeking food like them and were fortunate enough to be close when the rain hit.
Rem: Um, now what? We really shouldn't wait and stand here in the rain...
Looking all around, Subaru frantically tried to locate a backup. Spinning and craning his neck while he looked about trying to see through the rain, the four slowly began to be soaked.
Looking around, worried as well, Emilia's face lit up at a possible prospect.
Emilia: There!
Seeing a single door on the side of the building, a sign depicting a simple food item and glass was visible, swinging and dripping with water right above the door.
Guessing it had to be a tavern or bar of some sort, the four soaked travelers quickly ran for the door and for cover from the pouring rain.
Opening the door, a jingle of the bell attached to the hinge to let the servers know it had been opened could barely be heard over the large and loud amount of people inside. With the noise level being so high inside, it was almost preferable to be soaked outside.
I can hardly hear myself think!
Taking a closer observation, YN began to doubt there was any room left inside.
Walking up the seemingly exhausted and overworked looking tavern server, Emilia waved to get her attention.
Emilia: Hello?! I'd like to have a table to order!
Lazily looking over to the half elf, the server gave her an eye of contempt before responding.
Server: How many?
Emilia: Just one table is fine! We only need one.
Server: No. How many you got?
Emilia: What?! I don't have any tables!
With the server's eyes looking deadpan at Emilia's response, Subaru stepped in. Lifting his thumb and three fingers, Subaru answered the server's question.
Subaru: Four! We need a table for four.
Giving the boy an equally contemptuous look, the server grabbed four sets of utensils and four sheets of paper, which YN suspected to be menus.
Server: I hope you all are real friendly with each other, we've only got booths for three left.
Leading the group through the crowded and loud tavern, it was crammed-pack with fresh patrons, keen to get out of the rain.
With one empty half circle booth standing out like an oasis in the desert, the four crammed into the seat that surrounded one tiny table. All around them, and above them, people currently ate and talked and yelled. Other servers were carrying trays of drinks and food across the narrow walkways between tables, and the bar was lined with many patrons trying to get the bar keepers attention for a drink.
Settling in, Subaru sat opposite of YN on the very edge, with Rem and Emilia squished between them. Below the table it seemed everyone's foot was on top of someone else's. Rem and YN eventually seemed to rectify this though, with Rem simply placing her feet on his. Silently looking at him as if asking for approval, he nodded, to which Rem smiled in return.
Getting a pencil and a notepad, the same server was ready to jot down their order.
Flipping open her menu, Emilia quickly thumbed through the items before slapping it down on the table and pointing to a listed item.
Emilia: Four of these please!
With Subaru more or less shocked he wasn't given a chance to look over it, and YN raising a brow to her hastiness, Rem gave a weak smile, as if she had expected this.
Oh she's ordering for us now? Well, she is technically paying, isn't she?
With the server departing, the four finally focused on themselves. Still soaked to the bone from the rain outside, Subaru removed his jacket and placed it under the table. Flipping her long hime cut hair out from between her and the seat, Emilia ran her fingers through it in a poor attempt to comb it with her hands.
Looking at each other knowing they were the only two who couldn't do anything to shed any wetness or do anything to better their cold and sorry state, YN did the least he could do and offered Rem both of his hands.
YN: Here, if you're cold, I'll hold your hands.
Taking his hands, Rem placed hers in his.
Wow, she really is cold... But I'm not much warmer.
Wishing he had a pair of those snap-to-activate chemical hand warmers, YN thought of what he could do to help warm Rem up.
It doesn't really help that she has so much exposed skin... I wish I could at least make my hands warmer...
Trying to find a solution in his mind, YN came to an idea.
As Subaru and Emilia talked amongst each other, YN began to concentrate in silence. Seeing YN shut his eyes, and regulate his breathing, Rem at first was worried he felt unwell, but then quickly realized what he was doing.
Feeling a warmth from his hands, Rem was astonished at what YN was doing. Noticing the faint light coming from between their held hands, Emilia gave a slight gasp.
Also now noticing, Subaru didn't know what was going on.
Rem: YN-kun, really Rem isn't that cold, he doesn't need to—
Emilia: YN! Where did you learn how to do that?
Subaru: What? What? W-What's he doing?
Looking over to Subaru, Emilia kept her same surprised expression.
Emilia: He's giving Rem his mana.
With the light dying down, YN opened his eyes to two surprised faces and one with blush.
YN: It makes it really hard to do that when everyone is making a big deal of it.
Bashfully replying to their reactions, YN found it difficult to continue pouring warm mana into Rem with all the attention being shown on him.
Rem: Thank you, it did give Rem some heat, but YN-kun really shouldn't waste his mana on something so small...
Ignoring the other two's judgment now, YN spoke directly to Rem.
YN: I don't mind at all Rem, I don't want you catching a cold.
Learning her head on his shoulder, Rem was thankful for his concern.
Rem: Rem appreciates YN-kun doing what he could, but if Rem can just lean her head here, that will be more than enough.
Continuing to just hold the girls hands normally, Subaru woefully looked over to Emilia who had regained her composure.
Subaru: Emilia-taaaan, we could share mana too ya know...
Emilia: Sorry, but you have almost no control over your gate, you might send this entire table through the roof. But YN—
Waving off Subaru's request and instead turning to YN, Emilia gave him a mild scolding.
Emilia: You should be reeeeally careful trying new things like that with your gate. We still don't know if it's recovered from being so stretched.
Thinking he had enough control, YN nonetheless thanked her for her concern.
YN: Thank you, Emilia-sama, I will heed your concern.
Pouting, Emilia rested her face on her fists.
Emilia: You know there's no reason to be so formal and yet you still do it.
Giving a slight laugh to her reaction, the two pairs went back to conversing with themselves, waiting for their long awaited meal to arrive.
Slightly dryer then they were from the simple passage of time, the four still awaited the delivery of their food in the busy tavern. Hearing Rem's hunger growl, YN set about to get some answers.
YN: I'm going to see what's up with our order, I'll be back.
With the other three nodding in acknowledgement, they all wanted to do the same but only lacked the motivation in their hungered state.
Sidestepping past tables filled with a variety of characters that seemed to be a mix of adventurers, mercenaries, travelers, tourists, merchants, and regulars, YN arrived at the bar, which was still crowded with patrons requesting drinks.
No way I'm getting the barkeep's attention here...
Looking for an opening still, YN noticed the bar wrapped around the corner. Following it around the corner, he came upon a much more dimly lit area.
There seemed to be some sort of imaginary boundary where the crowd around one half of the bar refused to cross. Stepping through the void, the loud and rowdy atmosphere of the rest of the tavern faded away as YN walked further into the unknown.
I don't know why, but I'm getting the expressed feeling I don't belong here...
Traversing the new area, the bar continued onward to a new serving area. With maybe a dozen seats at most, each was filled by a person, each radiating a great deal of pressure and intimidation. And just opposite of the bar, against the wall were several small tables with two seats on them each, also filled with equally shady and indomitable figures.
While the area was silent of conversation, the atmosphere was tense with intrepidation.
Seeing a separate barkeep for this area, he was in stark contrast from the other risqué server girls that occupied the rest of the tavern.
Balding with a rim of white hair going around his head, a black eye patch covered his left eye, as he had what appeared to be studded leather armor retainer and single shoulder piece over his white blouse. As calm as the other guests, he silently rotated a glass in his hands, using a rag to polish and shine it.
On the far end of the bar, a single patron took a sip of his drink. He was a large barbarian looking man, with a clever as tall as YN on his back. Finishing his drink, he tapped the bar with his fingers twice, signaling the barkeep.
Setting his glass down under the counter, he retrieved a bottle with a dark brown liquor from behind him, and topped off the patrons glass.
Returning to where he stood before, he began to polish his glass before another patron at the far end of the bar flipped a coin into the glass he held.
Landing in the glass with a *clink*, the barkeep looked back over to the other patron, a hooded man in a black cloak, giving him a nod. Emptying the coin into a jar from the glass, the patron stood.
Seemingly having paid his bill, the patron began to exit the bar. Knowing that the walkway between the bars and the table was only wide enough for one person, YN sidestepped as far as he could, yielding to the dark hooded man.
Passing him, the man stopped. Unsure why that was, YN gulped down the lump in his throat before the man spoke.
?: Tell me—
With the man's cloak opening, a deep purple regalia could be briefly seen before his hands emerged, holding something equally as black as his cloak.
Presenting YN a black book, his green hands, covered in scabs and bitten fingernails trembled as they held it.
?: —are you familiar with her love?
Not entirely sure what the man meant, YN now took him for some occultist or possibly some religious zealot of a cult.
Croaking words out of his throat, YN held up a hand.
YN: I-I'm not interested, thank you though.
Silently frozen as the book remained offered, the man whose face was still covered by the hood he wore finally drew his hands back in.
?: To reject an offer of salvation from your pride... How truly slothful...
Feeling pure malice from his words, the hairs all over YN's body stood on end. His fight or flight reaction peaked. Something needed to be done. But just as he was about to react, the man continued onward. Leaving the back-bar area, he rounded the corner to the entrance of the tavern and into the light.
Having an immense pressure lifted off his psyche, YN gulped down his former intimidation.
Jeez, talk about a threatening aura...
Knowing he was stepping into a lion's den, YN walked to the far end of the bar where the empty seat now stood. Not wishing to lean over the shoulder of any of the other nearly equally intimidating patrons on the bar, he sought a spot of his own, if only to ask a simple question.
Reaching the area with the vacant spot, he hoped the barkeep would approach. Waiting patiently to be noticed, YN watched the barkeep continue to polish his glass.
Maybe I should try something else...
Waving his hand slightly, the barkeep continued on, either not caring or not noticing.
Unsure of what to do, YN cleared his throat, hoping the sound would get him noticed. While not speech, he hoped he wouldn't tread upon the atmosphere the other patrons seemed to revel in.
As the barkeep polished on, YN was almost certain he was being ignored.
This is deliberate at this point...
Remembering Emilia had bought them this food, YN knew he didn't let her kindness go to waste.
Even if it is Roswaal's money, it would be rude to chicken out now.
Letting his voice leave his throat, YN uttered a single word.
YN: U-Umm—
Giving YN a sudden and serious look, the barkeep replied with contempt in his voice as he finally acknowledged YN.
Barkeep: If you want to order, you need to sit.
YN: Actually—
Barkeep: —Sit.
Feeling all of the other patrons' eyes and attention on him, YN took the vacant seat at the end of the bar, right next to the wall.
Slowly setting the glass back under the counter again, the barkeep walked over in front of YN.
Looking down as he towered over him, the barkeep asked for his order.
Barkeep: What are you having?
Clearly not wishing to serve him, YN sought to get an answer to his inquiry quickly.
YN: I-I came from the other side of the tavern and we ordered but—
Putting his large hands on the counter, the barkeep got right into YN's face.
Barkeep: You 'ought to have a good reason for taking up a seat at my bar if you don't intend to order...
YN: I—, we—
Reaching below the counter, the barkeep slammed a tall sake bottle, nearly half as tall as YN himself onto the counter, right next to him and the wall to his side.
Barkeep: —If its stupid, I'll shove this right up yer arse and use you as a tap.
Speechless to the barkeep's threat, YN had a good feeling he wasn't lying. Unable to respond, someone else did for him.
?: Daaaaan-san~.
Hearing a voice next to him, YN still didn't dare look away from the barkeep, keeping eye contact while the low feminine voice continued.
?: If he won't order a drink, I'll buy one for him.
Feeling a single finger on his cheek, it turned his face away from the barkeep, and toward the speaker. Using her other hand, she dropped the white hood that adorned her head as she turned to look at YN.
?: After all, it's so rare we get such a cutie around here.
Barkeep: 'Ere we go again.
Putting the large bottle back under the desk, the barkeep stood back up straight.
Barkeep: He havin' the usual then?
?: Hmmmmm, yes.
Getting a better look at the woman forcing him to look at her, she had nearly bleached blonde hair, white almost, which contrasted against her olive skin. Being just taller than YN as she sat in her seat, she rotated her stool just slightly as she continued to speak.
?: Now, what brings you to sit next to me.
YN: I'm really just trying to see—
Hearing a thud next to him, the barkeep set a new glass in front of YN, and filled it with what smelled like some sort of spiced rum.
Oh that smells awful.
Looking over at his newly poured drink, his face was brought back to the girl once more.
?: Was it this?
Reaching behind her, the woman brought up what YN at first thought was a fur scarf, but it soon moved on its own.
Looking like a tanuki's tail, the pattern was the same, however in contrast to the black was the same bleach blonde hair as her head.
Looking back up to the woman's face, he noticed the beastly look in her eyes and the small pattern of fur that just striped onto the outside of her cheeks from her wild and random hair.
She's some sort of Amazonian demi-human...
Also finding one or two scars across her face and on the forearms that held his face, he also noticed the short sword on her hip.
She's definitely an adventurer or warrior of some sort...
Looking further up, he noticed extremely toned abs protruding from the wrapped bandage tube top she wore on the upper half of her torso under her cloak. Seeing the muscles, YN then also noticed those extended to her arms as well.
I-I don't think I'm getting away from her very easily... if I even manage to.
Feeling the barkeep lean back over the bar to him, YN heard more uncomforting words.
Dan: A fair bit 'o warnin', that Isabella's not for the faint of heart. It's in your best interest to just humor her and hope she gets bored of ya.
Isabella: Oh but this one is different. Why don't you have your drink and we can go over to my room~.
Putting a hand up, YN sought to end any thoughts of hers that he was interested.
YN: I'm really not interested. All I came for was to find—
Leaning in and invading his personal space, causing him to lean back in response, Isabella interrupted him.
Isabella: —And you found it. Congratulations.
Hearing the barkeep chuckle, he returned to polishing another glass.
Dan: Careful with 'er offer. If yer lucky enough ya don't catch nothin' from her, you still won't be walkin' straight for a few days.
Caressing his face again, Isabella leaned in closer.
Isabella: Oh don't listen to him. I can make sure we both have a really good time together.
Needing to lean back further away from the femme fetal that sought to steal him away, YN would have fallen off the chair had the wall not caught his back.
YN: —hk!
Seeing the beastly look in her eyes turn more ravenous seeing him in a vulnerable state, she slammed her palm on the wall right next to YN's head, between him and the bar, hoping to isolate him from the barkeep.
Isabella: There's no need to be so timid, I don't bite... normally...
Leaning in more, she smelled YN.
Isabella: Oh I can't take it anymore. Dan, put it on my tab, I'm taking this one now. He smells too good to let him get away.
Feeling like he had just been claimed against his will, a voice like an angel echoed into his ears.
?: Only one person can smell her YN-kun.
Hearing the determination in her voice, YN leaned his head around the demi-human woman's reach to see the owner of it, knowing full well who it was.
Even in the dimly lit lounge, her azure hair always retained its signature hue that immediately sent a calming sensation throughout his body.
YN: Rem!
Giving him a brief, soft expression and smile seeing the relief in his eyes, Rem's face turned serious once again as Isabella turned to face what she believed to be competition.
Isabella: Oh, he's yours is he? Well, he'll be mine once I'm through with him. What can you offer him that I couldn't, hmm?
Giving Rem a look of doubt, Isabella leaned in more.
Rem: Rem knows she could pleasure him in ways you could never hope to.
Rem!
Surprised to hear her boast such claims, Isabella tried calling what Rem said was a bluff.
Isabella: You? 'Could?' It sounds like you haven't at all. If he's yours then why not already?
Giving the demi-human lady a rare look of contempt, Rem explained, clearly irritated by her claims.
Rem: Because Rem and her YN-kun are dating right now. More intimate things will come with time.
Isabella: Ha. That's cute. But I think I'm going to show him what a real woman can do, and then he'll be begging me to carry him off to my bed.
Bringing up her other hand, the demi-human woman's fingers gripped the air several times before moving forward towards him. Going to reach for who-knows-what, YN feared the worst.
However, intercepting her arm, another hand grabbed onto it.
Rem: The only person that will carry him to bed is Rem.
Seeing the muscles on Isabella's forearm tense from struggle, her arm was denied from advancing forward by Rem's own strength.
With Rem placing her other hand on Isabella's shoulder, she was made to sit back in her own chair, moving her away from YN.
Stepping between them, Rem let go of her.
Standing up off her chair, Isaballa grabbed the hilt of her sword, causing the blade in her scabbard to clang.
With the sound of metal being heard, several of the patrons sitting at the small tables sat up, placed a few coins on the table and left the area, not wishing to be caught up in a potential brawl.
Isabella: That strength... It's been an awful long time since someone pushed me back. And by such a small one too... Tell me, you aren't human, are you?
Silent in reply, Rem simply closed her eyes, and manifested her horn.
With her horn being arguably the brightest light in the area now, the sight of it alone seemed to phase Isabella enough, even if it was only for a moment.
Isabella: I've not a fought an oni before, but—
Dan: —And you bloody well won't either.
Looking surprised over at the barkeep, Isabella tightened the grip on her sword.
Dan: If you two have it out in 'ere, you're liable to turn my tavern into a pile of rubble.
Knowing he was right, Isabella sat back down and returned to her drink. Looking at YN from the corner of eye, she seemed to lament.
Isabella: Careful sweetie, with a girl that strong you won't be able to walk for a week.
Seeing Isabella had stood down, the barkeep turned his attention to Rem and YN.
Dan: And here I was thinkin' you lot were wiped out. But I won't have it, not in 'ere. Out! Both of you.
Seeing Rem was going to say something, YN instead decided to fight his own battle for once here.
Slamming his fist down on the bar, YN was determined to have his question answered.
YN: Too bad, damnit. We paid for four plates of food right after it started raining and we aren't leaving till we've been served.
With the impact of his fist knocking the foul smelling shot of spiced rum over, Rem immediately noticed it, smelling it as well.
Dan: Who the 'ell you think you are, huh? Now, get out before I—
While the barkeep argued his way, Rem lightly tapped her finger in the pool of the spiced rum that had been knocked over, and smelled it.
Seeing Rem do this out of the corner of his eye, YN worried for a moment.
She's gonna get tipsy if she does that! What is she thinking—?
Extending her arm out to the barkeep, she pointed at him with the same finger, still with the spiced rum on it.
Cutting of the barkeep with this, Isabella laughed to herself.
Isabella: Jig's up, Dan-san.
Dan: Wait— She can—?
Looking over her shoulder to YN, Rem continued with her serious gaze.
Rem: It is good YN-kun had not drank from this. It's not what a bar should be serving at all.
Seeing a rather unpleasant look on the barkeep's face, Rem and YN's attention was drawn back to Isabella.
Isabella: She's right.
Finishing down her drink, she gave a face of defeat.
Isabella: 'The Usual.' My drink of choice for men I can't let get away.
Rem: Selling such a drink for this purpose carries a hefty penalty. Perhaps the owner of the tavern should rethink his choice of throwing us out.
Dan: Tch! Fine.
Throwing his polishing rag down on the floor, the barkeep retreated back to the kitchen from the door behind the bar.
Dan (muffled): Where in the bloody hell are those four plates of food that were ordered!
Hearing more muffled words of what YN only assumed could be the chefs, they were too quiet to hear.
Dan (muffled): Well then you shits better make some more now! I want it out there now!
Slamming back out the door and returning to the bar, he picked up his rag and continued to polish more glasses, clearly agitated.
Dan: Food is on the house, madam. I hope you can look past this... misunderstanding.
Bowing in reply, Rem responded in her voice she reserved only for her formal maid duties, which was an unfound contrast to the events that had just conspired.
Rem: No offense is taken, thank you for your hospitality.
Taking YN by the wrist, Rem quickly led him and into the busy, well lit half of the tavern.
YN: Woah, Rem your grip!
Ignoring his concern, Rem took him around another corner, away from where their table was.
YN: Hey, the table is—
Heading down another narrow hallway, Rem drug YN to the end of it where another corner was, leading to a door that appeared to be an auxiliary exit to the back alley.
Man, again with the dejavu with Rem leading me down unknown hallways like this...
Finally alone, Rem let go of YN's wrist, and turned to him. Crossing her arms, she wore an immensely worried expression.
Rem: Rem is glad she came when she did. YN wouldn't have been able to get away from her, and had he decided to be polite and drink that intoxicant...
I can't believe I was almost wined and dined!
YN: Uh, Rem, how did know to come? Could you sense I was trouble or something?
Giving him a weak smile, Rem shook her head.
Rem: As much as Rem would like to say that, that's why she had to take YN-kun this way, away from Subaru-kun and Emilia-sama.
Stepping closer and whispering, Rem's face and voice become much more serious.
Rem: —and away from any other listeners.
Realizing whatever it was, YN whispered in reply.
YN: Um, why?
Rem: — — —
YN: Rem, why is that?
Worried by her silence, she stared at him with a certain glint in her eyes.
Rem: YN-kun...
YN: Yes? Rem what is it?
Rem: Did... did Rem fail to protect you?
Seeing a small amount of water build in her eye, it appeared as if the maid was about to cry.
YN: No? Rem, what's the matter? Why are you on the verge of—
Suddenly enveloping YN with her arms, she buried her head into his chest.
Rem (muffled): D-Did Rem not protect her YN-kun? Please don't tell Rem she left you to suffer...
Trying to move Rem where he could see her face, YN was thoroughly confused as to why she was crying.
YN: What are you talking about Rem? You came at just the right time. I didn't suffer at all.
Wiping the tears from her eyes, Rem seemed to feel better.
Rem: Then YN-kun didn't... he didn't...
Bending down to be face to face with the blue haired girl, he put his hands on her shoulders.
YN: I 'didn't' what? What didn't I do?
Rem: —Die...
Confused why she would say that, YN suddenly knew what she meant.
YN: Wait, you mean—
Rem: Rem didn't fail to save her hero? The Witches scent... Suddenly Rem smelled it and feared there was a rewind... Meaning that... *hic*
YN: What? No, Rem, there was no Return. I promise. You did not let me down.
Sometimes I forget Rem doesn't fully understand how Return By Death works. I'm still too afraid to fully explain it to her... I don't know if just saying 'Subaru is the key' is vague enough to invoke a punishment...
Going to reassure the girl more, one more thing needed to be addressed.
She also just smelled it... But how? What would cause me to smell like the Witches Scent?
YN: Rem, did you only smell it from me, or did you also smell it from Subaru too?
Rem: —? No... Rem only smelled from where YN-kun was... That's why she assumed...
YN: Okay, that's concerning...
Crossing his own arms, YN wracked his mind trying to figure out why he alone would smell like the witches scent.
Rem: Um, actually... *sniff sniff*
Smelling more, Rem also gave a look of concern.
Rem: YN-kun no longer smells like the Scent...
YN: At the beginning of this loop, this timeline, how long did I have the smell?
Rem: This timeline?
Nodding, YN confirmed.
YN: Yes, starting from the first day when I woke up in the mansion, when you first met me.
Thinking for a moment, Rem put a hand to her chin.
Rem: Perhaps a day. Maybe a day and a half.
YN: That's... really odd then... Are you certain it was the Witches Scent then?
Rem: Rem is completely certain.
Sighing, YN concluded he didn't have enough information to understand this odd occurrence that was not inline with his previous understanding of things.
YN: I have no clue then. Maybe I got so nervous it came out?
Rem: We cannot be certain of anything it seems.
Looking back up to the maid, coming out of thought, YN's tone turned more serious.
YN: I... I think we should avoid telling Subaru about this. If he knows you suspected something, he might suspect you're in on the secret.
Rem: Rem is in agreement.
As much as I hate doing it, involving Subaru especially with the circumstances is still too risky... I know I said before that I 'hadn't known him for very long and didn't know his character' when I rationalized not letting him in on Rem knowing, but since learning we've actually known each other for a while over that damned video game... I feel guilty not telling him.
Deciding this wasn't the place to mull over his past choices, YN shook his head.
YN: C'mon Rem, let's get back to the table, they're probably worried about us.
Turning and assuming the maid would follow him, he instead felt a tug on his sleeve, holding him back.
Looking back, Rem stared down at the floor, as if something was truly bothering her.
YN: Rem...
Rem: ...YN-kun remembers his promise to Rem, doesn't he?
YN: Which one?
Rem: The one where he promised to let Rem know if he went back... And that he would tell her if she missed anything.
YN: Don't worry, it's still intact. It's a promise to you after all, the one I hold above anyone else.
Looking up with a smile, she nodded. Knowing she could believe him, Rem stepped closer.
Rem: Hmm. Then yes, let's return.
Taking YN's hand, this time she let YN lead the way.
A/N: As I'm sure you can all tell, this is a build up chapter to the events we will see. This will be a very important build-up of Rem's and YN's relationship before the events of Arc III and will serve as a great bridge to it with the idea's I have planned for it.
I will see you all next time!