A/N: We have a surprise release for tonight! I want to occasionally drop a surprise chapter every now and again because I know there's a lot of people who have been wanting this fic to continue for a long time. So without further ado, here's Chapter 55.
Big thanks to tobychevy and ShuTDowN for finding the previous chapter's grammar and spelling errors.
Chapter 55: The Endless Eight – Part 1
Having returned from the tavern, YN opened his and Subaru's room with a *ker-chunk* of the lock on their door. Hearing another *ker-chunk*, they peered down to the door just across from theirs, also being opened.
Looking up and yawning in reply, Emilia's amethyst eyes were filled with fatigue from the day of travel.
Opening the door to their room, Rem spoke to everyone present.
Rem: Rem requested a wake up knock from the front desk so we can be sure to leave and have plenty of daylight for travel.
YN: Sounds good, we'll wake up when we get it and make sure to ready the carriage.
Emilia: We'll be counting on you, goodnight YN, goodnight Subaru.
Subaru: Yeah, good— *yawn* night.
With the two groups going into their respective room, they prepared to retire for the night.
YN: It isn't like back home, no air conditioning, no stupid little mini-fridge that over charges you for a bottle of water... It's just a room to sleep in.
Subaru: Hah, yeah. It's definitely a different world. It's nothing like when me and my parents would go on vacation. My dad used to always crank the air conditioning all the way up and my mom and I would be frozen come morning.
Seeing him mention his parents, Subaru seemed to have put a dampener on his own mood.
YN: You still miss them a lot, I can tell.
Subaru: It's my own stupid fault for thinking of them... And I'd say I feel more guilty than anything. I'm here in this world having fun while they're probably scared sick. I wish I could just let them somehow know I was okay.
Climbing into his own bed, Subaru covered himself with his blanket.
YN: I wish I had something reassuring to say to you. Something like 'Oh I'm sure your parents know you're just fine.'
Without getting a reply from him immediately, Subaru laughed for a moment. Simply repeating YN's old screen name, he continued.
Subaru: You talk a lot like how you typed.
YN: At least you could read what I typed. I can't remember how many times I had to ask you 'what?' because you used way too much leet-speak.
Subaru: Hey now, when I have to carry you I don't have the time to type up a complete sentence.
YN: Yeah, is that why you had such a terrible K-D?
Subaru: That's because I was the only one taking risks!
Getting into his own bed, YN fluffed up the flat pillow.
YN: Well, I guess we have a long day of travel ahead of us— A—... A-chew!
Subaru: Hmm, sounds like someone is talking about you.
YN: I don't want to think about it.
Subaru: Will you get the rock-lamp thing?
YN: Yeah I can reach it.
Tapping the lamp, the room went dark.
Flipping away from facing YN, there was silence between them as they seemed to settle in for sleep. Just as it felt YN was about to fall into a slumber, Subaru spoke up once more.
Subaru: Hey YN.
YN: Yup?
Subaru: You... you know I like Emilia-tan, right?
What kind of question is that?
YN: You make that apparent to everyone around you, yes.
Replying to Subaru's question so bluntly, Subaru was quiet before speaking up again.
Subaru: Can you understand why I might sometimes be a little upset when she fawns over you then?
Aw jeez...
YN: Ya know, Ram said something similar. I don't see how she 'fawns' over me in the least bit. She's just overly concerned about my gate. I think it stems from her being such a proficient magic user.
Subaru: Well, it's just I wish she gave me that sort of attention is all.
YN: I try to point her in your direction as often as I can and make sure to paint you in a favorable light as much as possible.
Subaru: Aagghh, I know, I know!
Kicking his legs on his bed, Subaru struggled to get his point across.
Subaru: Sometimes I'm just jealous of what you and Rem have.
YN: What me and Rem have is a best case scenario. Everything lined up. I rolled a nat-twenty. Eventually the same will happen with you and Emilia. You'll be a bigger hero to Emilia then I am to Rem. After all, it's your ideas and plans that worked during the mabeast fiasco, not mine.
Shaking his head, YN continued.
YN: I'm sure even more wild stuff is going to pop up once this Royal Selection business starts really rolling... That's when you'll have your time to shine for Emilia.
Subaru: And if it ends up with you being the hero using my plan? Then what?
YN: Then nothing. I would tell Emilia that, obviously. If she can't see where the real hero is in that case, that's her problem, not mine, not yours.
Not getting a response from him, YN continued.
YN: Listen, I have Rem, and that's all I want. Emilia is a nice, caring girl. I don't think she has any of the same emotions Rem has for me, I think she's just being nice and people for some reason don't seem to understand that. You know she's the kind of person who can't rest until she repays gratitude.
Subaru: And if that changes into something more? Then what?
Knowing Subaru wasn't really hearing anything he was saying, and was rather wanting a declaration of non-interest, YN sighed at Subaru's mental tunnel vision.
YN: I wouldn't let it. I would have to shut her down right then and there. Besides, I would not, could not, and shall not, do that to Rem. And I somehow imagine that might be the breaking point for her. Something tells me Rem doesn't like the idea 'competition' if you catch my meaning.
Subaru: Again, I know... I guess I just needed to hear you say it. And I do need to thank you for being my wingman at times. Like when me and Emilia went and saw that bard in Arlem... We had a lot of fun because we were able to go early...
YN: *Sigh* Fine, I'll even do you a favor tomorrow too. I'll ride shotgun with Rem outside the carriage as long as I can so you and Emilia can have as much time together inside as you can. I'll tell Rem that I'll cover your driving shifts.
During their trip to Costuul, everyone besides Emilia at one point had taken the reins for the ground dragon, in an interest to ward off driver fatigue.
Subaru: Ahhh! Total alone time with Emilia-tan!
YN: Alright, well, since I'll be doing double duty tomorrow, I gotta get my rest.
Subaru: Right, right... Goodnight.
Flipping to face the wall, away from YN's own bed, Subaru resigned himself to sleep. With YN doing the same, the room was silent once more.
Having changed into their nightgowns, Rem and Emilia were already in bed with the lights off. Getting ready to drift off to sleep, Rem was awoken by a request.
Emilia: Umm, Rem?
Flipping over to see the half elf that called her name, Rem sleepily looked over to her.
Rem: Yes, Emilia-sama?
Emilia: Oh, did I wake you up?
Speaking with guilt on her lips, Rem responded by softly shaking her head.
Rem: No, Emilia-sama, Rem is awake.
Emilia: O-Okay... Umm, can I ask you a question then?
Rem: Yes, Emilia-sama.
Emilia: Umm...
Struggling to find the words, Emilia gently fidgeted under the covers while Rem patiently waited.
Emilia: Do I upset YN at all?
Rem: What do you mean, Emilia-sama?
Wondering where this was coming from, Rem's tone slightly changed as she answered Emilia.
Emilia: He always gives me the same answers whenever I ask if his gate is bothering him... Or if he's noticed anything different with it.
Confused as to what Emilia was upset over, Rem knew she still needed to maintain an air of professionalism when speaking to Emilia.
Rem: Has Emilia-sama considered that those answers simply haven't changed?
With a streak of red going across the half elf's face, her ears turned warm at the suggestion of such a simple answer.
Emilia: But how can that be?!
Rem: Is it not possible YN-kun simply hasn't noticed anything because he doesn't know what to look for?
Rem knows that YN-kun never had a gate before coming to this world, so if he truly is experiencing any changes or growth from it, he may be completely oblivious to that.
Emilia: That... is a possibility...
Feeling defeated, Emilia still had a hard time shaking these feelings she didn't fully understand whenever the topic YN came up. Especially in regard to his gate.
And especially in regard when it came to YN and Rem.
Seeking some sort of understanding, Emilia asked one last question.
Emilia: Rem, how did you and YN become so close?
Thinking back to how casually Rem had kissed his cheek in the tea room, it made a lump form in Emilia's throat.
Blushing while thinking back to it, Rem couldn't give Emilia the true answer to that question, but could instead work around the question.
Rem: There are so many reasons as to why YN-kun is Rem's, but the largest would have to be how he became Rem's hero.
Emilia: That was during the mabeast attack, wasn't it?
Recalling the attack with both fond and painful memories, Rem remembered the fateful night YN had become her hero.
It was one thing for YN to value his own life less then Rem's and save her from being attacked, at the detriment of his own health, and then struggle so hard afterwards to make sure she was safe.
But it took on an entirely different meaning once she learned his life could be simply 'regained.' It wasn't as if YN had simply made an attempt that reared no real consequences for himself. No. He had subscribed to a goal to save Rem and keep her from harm, no matter how much personal pain it caused him.
Rem: Yes. YN-kun endured so much for Rem's sake.
Unfortunately for Emilia, the true meaning of YN's actions to Rem was lost from a lack of context that was unknown to anyone but Rem herself.
Emilia: I think I understand... I'll stop bothering you now and let you sleep.
Speaking honestly, Rem responded.
Rem: It is of no issue, Emilia-sama. Rem is always willing to talk about her YN-kun.
Feeling a painful pang from the emotions that swelled in her that she still did not understand, Emilia flipped away from Rem. Something about either what Rem had said or how she had said it had been the culprit.
Wishing to not feel this way any longer, Emilia resigned herself to sleep, hoping to dream of other, and hopefully more cheerful things.
Having re-reined the ground dragon to the carriage and prepared it for travel, YN and Subaru brought the complete carriage around to the front of the inn.
Arriving at the curb, the front area was currently busy with other patrons and guests that were currently checking out as well, several noble and wealthy people seemed to be counted among them.
Both noticing it, Subaru and YN gave each other a nod. Coming to a stop, YN exchanged a similar look with Rem, who was standing to Emilia's flank in her maid-like fashion. Looking at her, to the surrounding people, and back to her, she also replied with a nod.
Stepping down off the driver's seat, the movement was met in unison with Subaru also stepping down and Rem stepping forward to the door to the carriage's interior.
Opening the door, Rem gestured for Emilia to step in. As she did this, YN extended his arm, offering to take Emilia's much more rationally packed and lighter bag of luggage.
YN: Allow me, Emilia-sama.
Receiving the bag, Emilia stepped up to the door, where Subaru was waiting for her hand to assist her on the step up.
Pausing, Emilia certainly wasn't used to such formal interaction with people she considered friends first and foremost.
Emilia: Umm, why are you all acting so official...
Before anyone could respond, swirling up and out of her hair, the tiny grey cat made his presence known.
Puck: Wow! They're really working hard for you today, Lia! There's no need to second guess them like that, is there?
Emilia: Eep! Yes, you're right. I'm terribly sorry.
Bowing to the help, Subaru cleared his throat in reply as the entire display was garnering the wandering eyes of the other guests.
Subaru: Emilia-tan! You humble us with your kindness! Now please, this way, your carriage awaits!
Giving him a weak smile with red on her face, Emilia was helped up and into the carriage. Following her in, Rem turned around once inside awaiting the luggage. Being handed it by YN, Rem replied with a silent thumbs up, smiling at both him and Subaru.
Returning the thumbs up, the three silently congratulated themselves on a well timed and coordinated display.
Shutting the door, Subaru and YN returned to the top drivers seat, and set about navigating the streets of Costuul, festival bound.
YN: There's a long day ahead of us... Rem is set to drive second today, so once she comes out, you can head back inside with Emilia and I'll take back over for your turn.
Subaru: I owe ya.
Waving off his concern, YN downplayed his gesture.
YN: I'm doing it for myself about just as much as I'm doing it for you.
As the wooden wheels and frame of the carriage squeaked along as it traveled the cobbled stone road, the quartet made its way out of the city of Costuul.
After navigating the winding city streets to the exit, they finally had left the walls of the city proper. As the city was lost behind the horizon, YN turned and leaned over the side of the carriage after handing the reins to Subaru, giving the door to the inside a quick knock.
With the carriage still in motion, the beautiful blue haired maid stuck her head out, and smiled at YN.
Rem: Is it Rem's turn?
YN: Yeah, you're up.
Stepping out of the door sideways, Rem scaled the side of the carriage and sat at the drivers bench. With YN between Rem and Subaru, the bench was quite crowded.
Rem: Um, YN-kun, Emilia-sama is asleep on the inside, so be careful not to awake her—
Subaru: Oh, Rem, YN is gunna cover for my evening shift—
Getting up and scaling the opposite side of the trailer, Subaru made more room on the bench.
Subaru: —I didn't sleep too well last night so I think I'll go nap with Emilia-tan.
Rem: Oh, it will be Rem and her YN-kun till tonight then, very well. Rem won't complain.
Smiling at YN as she said that, Subaru opened the door and headed inside.
As the door closed with a muffled *ker-chunk*, Rem gave YN a worried look.
Rem: Perhaps giving them alone time, especially unattended might not have been the best idea.
YN: Puck'll be in there though. He'd probably knock this entire carriage over before he'd let Subaru do anything he shouldn't.
Rem: That is a good point.
Nearly outside the agricultural land that surrounded Costuul, the managed fields quickly turned into the rolling hills of meadow.
Rounding a slight bend in the road, a mellow hill blocked the view from further ahead. Passing it, both Rem and YN were in awe of the view.
As the road pitched down, the carriage began to empty a shallow valley, with a small stream flowing through the deepest part, filling the interior with lush green grass and wild flowers of many different colors.
YN: Isn't that something?
Leaning her head against his shoulder, Rem answered.
Rem: Rem was told this trip would be very scenic this time of year.
As the carriage passed through the small valley, the road came to cross the creek at a shallow point. With the ground dragon behaving as it should, it pulled the carriage across the water, the depth only reaching its ankles.
Going up and out of the valley now, the scenic part was behind them now as they rose up to a flatter, more prarey type area.
Sitting back up, Rem turned to YN, as if asking for something.
Rem: Umm, YN-kun...
YN: What is it?
Looking to her left and her right, Rem gave him a bashful look, asking her request in a low voice.
Rem: Can Rem sit on your lap while she drives?
YN: Oh, uh, I mean, sure. Of course.
Standing, Rem stepped in front of YN and lowered herself onto his lap. Feeling the girl's weight press onto him, she slightly adjusted herself from side to side, making sure she was stable.
AAAAAHHH don't move so much like that!
Knowing Rem sat right on top of him, a bead of sweat rolled down YN's brow.
Oh, this might not have been a good idea! Thankfully my groundskeeper pants are thick or else I don't know what I would do...
As Rem became more comfortable, she relaxed herself, and YN, despite his attire, could now feel the profile of Rem's distributed weight melt over him.
I don't think our, well, our stuff has ever been so close to each other! I don't know how much more I can take!
Having remained silent throughout the entire ordeal, Rem adjusted herself again.
YN: Ehhh.
Hearing what she perceived as a near whimper, Rem turned to look down at YN as she sat on his lap. At first concerned she was making him uncomfortable, Rem could tell by the look on his face it was the opposite.
Seeing a motivated smile on her face, Rem "adjusted herself" once more as she continued to look at him.
Rem: Goodness, YN-kun seems to be enjoying the feeling of his Rem a bit too much.
YN: That's—! No. I mean, you're not wrong...
Somewhat powerless to the girl on his lap, she continued.
Rem: With Rem occupied holding the reins to the ground dragon, she would be completely unable to stop her YN-kun from feeling her, even in her more intimate areas.
YN: Rem... I wish you wouldn't say these things...
Feeling the pressure of the moment and his heartbeat begin to pound out of his chest, Rem giggled at his weakness.
Taking YN's hands, one at a time, she placed them on her lap, causing YN to have his arms around her as she drove the ground dragon onward.
Rem: If YN-kun was not so cute when teased, Rem might not do it so much.
YN: *Sigh* You tempt me too far one day, I might just give in.
Making his arms hold her tight, Rem replied.
Rem: And Rem hopes that one day, he will.
Pulling Rem closer in, YN rested his head against the exposed skin of Rem's back, feeling how soft and cool it was before gently kissing it.
Rem: Rem very much enjoys it when her YN-kun holds her like this... It makes Rem feel so alive.
Traveling in silence for a while longer, Rem was tightly embraced as she managed the ground dragon. Coming to a fork on the road, three signs pointed in different directions. Stopping to read the signs, Rem guided the beast of burden down the correct path.
YN: Thank goodness you were driving, I couldn't read any of those names...
Looking back with a weak smile, Rem agreed.
Rem: Those were some words that YN-kun would have struggled with.
YN: Was one of those the name of the place we're going to?
Rem: No, but the destination listed on the sign is the closest large settlement, from there we will find other signs to guide us closer.
YN: Ah I see. So, how far is this town?
Rem: It will take at least a few more days of travel... The city of Saluzzo is near the border of the Kararagi City States, and thus much of its cultural heritage is similar.
YN: I think Emilia said there were a lot of demi-humans there... Is Kararagi home to a lot of them?
Rem: During the demi-human revolt close to fifty years ago now, many demi-humans from Lugunica ended up being permanent refugees in many of the cities since there was already a large population of them living in Kararagi beforehand.
YN: 'The demi-human revolt'... Was this the one Reinhardt's grandmother was credited for ending? I think I remember reading about that...
Rem: Yes. As Sword Saint she ended the conflict and restored peace.
YN: Then what about the slaughter of the oni? That had to have happened after that then.
Rem: The attack and the murder of Rem's family was orchestrated by the Witch Cult. Their motive may have been spurred on by the lingering demi-human resentment but no one can say for certain... The Witch Cult do terrible things for no other reason other than that they are evil.
YN: They really don't sound like a nice bunch...
While he couldn't see Rem's face as she sat on his lap, YN knew she wore a somber expression after having brought up her family.
YN: Rem, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up...
Taking a hand off the rein and holding one of his hands, Rem reassured him.
Rem: Rem doesn't mind telling YN-kun because he's said so much about his life and even revealed his origins from beyond the Great Waterfall... It's the least Rem can do.
YN: Rem, if it makes you feel sad though—
Rem: It does. It makes Rem very very sad to think about it. But if she remembers the happy days she once had, Rem is more than willing to share those memories with YN-kun. After all, it was YN-kun who made Rem happy once again. So it is of no issue to bring up the subject, because even if Rem becomes sad, her YN-kun will always make sure she is happy once again.
Giving the maid a hug from behind, he rested his head on her soft and fair back.
YN: That's good to hear... I'm glad I was able to help you so much.
While the two were silent for a moment longer, Rem spoke back up with a thought that was on her mind.
Rem: While Rem is certain, if she remembers correctly, our village was also near the Kararagi border.
YN: D-Do you wanna find the time to go visit it? I can drive and pretend to have gotten us lost if we can somehow make up the time later—
Rem: No. At least, not without Nee-sama. All that would await Rem if she did so without her is a burned down village and the shallow graves of her parents. It isn't something only one of us can experience and then later describe. It wouldn't be right if Rem and her Nee-sama weren't there together.
YN: I understand. But, if you ever decide to, don't feel obligated to bring me along. I know you two would probably need a lot of space, and I don't want to intrude.
Rem: Rem would want her YN-kun there. He has already shown so much about his past, Rem wants to share hers with him in return.
Holding the blue haired girl tightly again, the carriage traveled on with a pair of warm hearts at its helm.
After another two nights, the quartet traveled in the carriage, each night staying at whatever inn they found themselves nearest.
Setting off on the fourth day, they reached the town of Saluzzo. With the town coming into sight, Subaru and YN were busy discussing some rather un-rudimentary things.
YN: —and that's why I don't think it's a good idea to just go about implementing pieces of technology like cars, or electricity or any other sort of super modern technology. These things need to be figured out naturally. 'Give a man a fish' and what have you, after all.
Subaru: Say's the guy with a smartphone and a car.
YN: Yeah, and? Do you see me going around trying to replicate it? I wanna show it to Rem, use up all the gas and leave it somewhere as a time capsule for a thousand years from now. Maybe even put a note with some made up funny language in the driver's seat just to confuse whatever archeologist that finds it.
Subaru: That is the stupidest thing to do! C'mon! We can make and sell these things, we'll even give ol' Ros-chi the credit and some of the profit.
YN: And just what do we need money for? Roswaal is obviously swimming in cash. It just seems like a lot of work for no return, realistically.
Subaru: Fine! I'll compromise on some more simple items... What would be okay with you?
YN: Well, you wanted to do cars, telephones, and... what was the other one?
Subaru: A kotatsu.
YN: I mean... I guess a kotatsu wouldn't hurt. It is just a heated table after all... But cars and phones are out of the question. But something less than a car... what about bicycles? And only simple ones at that.
Subaru: You mean like just a basic one?
YN: Yeah. No gear changing, just a chain. And no brakes, you stop with your feet.
Subaru: Are we talking those big front wheel and pedal kinds you see in old black and white photos?
YN: No. I get those came first but I honestly think we can skip that step and go right to the basic chain one. The design of those were just so bad looking.
Subaru: But what about phones? Even just home phones would help a lot... Oh wait! How about telegrams!
YN: I mean, that's where phones came from originally... I won't stop you if you try to do that, but you gotta figure out how to make one. And translate this world's language into Morse code for it to function correctly. But if you do, you can call it Subaru Code, or hell, even Emilia Code if you want.
Dropping his shoulders in defeat, Subaru lamented.
Subaru: That sounds like a lot of work...
As the town drew closer, it's buildings began to appear in higher definition. Squinting his eyes at the architecture, YN nudged Subaru's shoulder as he contend to look down, trying to get his attention.
YN: Ayy, look at those buildings.
Hearing the seriousness in YN's buildings, they got ever closer to them.
Subaru: What? What about them—?
Seeing what YN was pointing to, Subaru cut off his sentence. He knew exactly why YN was pointing to them.
YN: Are you seeing what I'm seeing?
Slow to respond, Subaru nodded.
Subaru: Yeah, I do. That's a sight for sore eyes I guess. I feel like we're going into some mock history museum exhibit.
Staring back at them were a collection of wooden buildings, adorned with tile rooftops and ornate details and colors, like something one would find in Edo period Japan.
Turning around to knock on the door to the carriage, Subaru called for Rem.
Subaru: Rem-san? Can you come out here for a minute?
Hearing some light shuffling from inside, the blue haired maid stuck her head out from inside the door with a look of curiosity on her face?
Rem: Yes?
Subaru: Uhh, hmm...
Thinking about how he should frame his question, Subaru paused with a hand on his chin. As Rem tilted her head at his hesitation, Subaru spoke up.
Subaru: Is there a reason the buildings here look so... different?
Rem: Oh! Yes. Since we are so close to the border, the surrounding villages are very heavily influenced by the Kararagi style.
Subaru: Is that so...
Rem: This style came about close to four hundred years ago when Hoshin united the lands to form the Fourth Great State.
Subaru: Hoshin, huh?
Popping her head out next to Rem, Emilia's silvery hair was of great contrast to Rem's own blue.
Emilia: Subaruuuuu, how can you not know who Hoshin is?
Subaru: Ah well, ya know, history wasn't my greatest subject in school!
Scratching the back of his head as Emilia scolded him, she quickly became more interested in the city they were now nearly upon.
Emilia: We're here! Puck!
Flying out from her hair, the little gray cat levitated forward to the driver's seat, taking a snug spot between Subaru and YN.
Puck: Wow, sure is massive looking.
Subaru: I think you're just saying that since you're so small.
Puck: You say that now, but if you get us lost and make my Lia miss her opportunity, I won't forgive ya!
Retreating back into her hair, Emilia did the same back into the carriage.
Rem: YN-kun, please make sure we end up in front of the large manor in the center of town. It's the one with the large water feature on it's side.
YN: Gotcha.
Taking the reins from Subaru, YN smiled at Rem as she departed back inside.
As they entered the village, Subaru immediately noticed more parallels with Japanese culture.
Subaru: Even down to them all wearing geta, I'd feel like we were more like time travelers then world travelers if it weren't for all the demi-humans...
Like Emilia had said, this was a mainly demi-human town. Many different kinds of demi-humans walked the streets, with few humans to be found.
Turning down a corner, a large building came into view.
YN: Holy crap.
Coming into view was a massive wooden building, almost castle-like in appearance with its ornate roofline and wooden pillars adorning its entrance.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Subaru couldn't believe what his eyes told him.
Subaru: It looks almost identical to a massive shrine we once visited on a field trip in middle school... The resemblance is uncanny... Todaiji Temple I think? In Nara...
Driving the dragon carriage closer, YN still had only one goal on his mind for the time being.
YN: But is this the right place?
Noticing a fountain come into view, Subaru pointed.
Subaru: Maybe that's the water feature Rem was talking about?
Getting a closer look, Subaru noticed several orange and white shapes moving about in the pound.
Standing up in the driver's seat to get a better view that wasn't obstructed by the blurring water, Subaru gasped.
Subaru: You are not going to believe this.
YN: What? What's wrong? What is it?
Subaru: It's a Koi pond.
Rolling his eyes, YN knew that was the final nail on the coffin for the origin of this Hoshin guy.
YN: Of course it is! Why wouldn't there be yet another oddity?
Dismounting the carriage, YN attended to the luggage compartment while Subaru went for the door. As the carriage's door was opened and Emilia stepped out, the large door on the entrance to the large building also was opened.
With all four returning to the flank of the carriage, they were approached by a large demi-human man dressed in a pale blue yukata. Having wolf or husky-like characteristics, he appeared to be older, with some gray stripes of age lining the top of his hair and in his facial hair. He had eyes that were a pale blue that matched his outfit that were made to appear larger than they were by the large focal glasses he wore.
?: Emilia-sama, we are very pleased to see you have arrived safely.
Bowing as he said that, Emilia returned one of her own.
Emilia: Thank you for having us.
Stepping forward, Rem was next to speak, using her almost monotone formal maid speak.
Rem: Margrave Roswaal-sama sends his regards and appreciation for your support of Emilia-sama's Royal Election candidacy, Julio-sama.
Hearing his name, he replied.
Julio: Ah, there's no need for thanks. Many of the people around here will be thankful to hear someone like Emilia-sama is a candidate for the Throne. For them, she will be a hope for representation for their plights.
Standing up from her bow, Rem responded.
Rem: Nonetheless, Roswaal-sama is grateful for your assistance in this matter, especially when there was a great deal of resistance at first.
Waving away the concern, Julio replied.
Julio: Think nothing of it. Now then, you all must be tired from your long trip, if you will—
Subaru: Excuse me, why was there a great deal of resistance in having Emilia attend at first?
Julio: Oh, excuse my rudeness, I hadn't seen you two there at first, my old eyes aren't what they used to be.
Bowing in the direction of YN and Subaru who stood slightly off to the side of Rem and Emilia, the elder demi-human continued, scratching behind his ear.
Julio: Admittedly, yes, there was at first a sense of support when many of the village elders heard word that the Margrave's found eligible candidate for the Throne was a demi-human, even if only half. It was an opportunity to have their voice, and the voice of their people to hopefully be amplified.
Looking pitifully at Emilia and giving a weak smile, he closed his eyes.
Julio: But, in the same letter he originally sent, he had described her as a 'silver haired half elf...' I'm sure as you can imagine, most of the elders, if not all of them entirely, were opposed to the idea supporting Emilia-sama, if only out of fear of reprisal.
Subaru: But that's not fair! Not a single one of them knows what Emilia-tan is like!
YN: Subaru... Now might not be the best place to—
Smiling warmly at Subaru's support for Emilia, Julio shook his head.
Julio: Which is why this is such an important opportunity. It's Emilia-sama's chance to convince others to look past their own prejudices, even when they themselves are victims to it as well. But that aside—
Straightening his posture, he put his hands on his hips.
Julio: —that must mean you two are the others I heard of. The Margrave in his last letter said he'd be sending two others alongside the maid after your assistance in some rather intense matters as escorts for Emilia-sama.
Emilia: That's right, Subaru saved all the village's children from a terrible curse from a mabeast pack.
Rem: And YN-kun made sure everyone was safe after he slayed the head mabeast responsible for the curse.
Surprised to hear the finer details, Julio looked back over to the butler and groundskeeper, as if seeing them in a higher light.
Bowing after readjusting his glasses, Julio replied.
Julio: Then please, allow me to welcome you two as well to Saluzzo, YN-dono, Subaru-dono. We are honored to have such kindred souls as visitors.
Bowing in return, YN responded.
YN: Thank you for the warm welcome, Julio-san.
Straightening his back and readjusting his glasses once more, the demi-human lightly clapped his hands.
Julio: Now then, please, come inside, preparations for tonight are beginning soon.
Having been shown their guest room and facilities, the four were led to the far side of the building, which from YN and Subaru's guess, was some sort of former business headquarters turned residency of Julio's. The inside was definitely Eastern by its design standards.
As they walked to the end of a long central hallway, Subaru and YN were taking up the rear, and talked with their voices low.
YN: Is it just me, or is this place pretty empty for a mansion?
Subaru: Yeah, but that's not what concerns me... This place feels just like being back in some old time castle from Japan...
YN: I guess there's that too.
Knowing Subaru was right in seeing the larger picture here, admittedly YN was writing that aspect off in his mind.
YN: But, that large area that looked like an inventory space, it was so vacant...
Shrugging, Subaru didn't see the point of noticing such a thing.
Subaru: Maybe he only bought this place because it was big? Is this even his place?
Shrugging himself in reply, YN figured there was no evidence to support his idea that this place was anything more than a private residence at any point.
Arriving at what appeared to be two separate entrances to a bathhouse though, Julio turned and bowed.
Julio: While the festival is set to begin tonight, I'd welcome you all to fit into your outfits now so any alterations can be made before then. Our stylists have already chosen a few options for each of you.
Saying that, YN and Subaru entered the 'mens' side where Rem and Emilia entered the 'womens' side, just opposite of the men's.
Having been fitted into their Yukata, Subaru and YN were each given a few options with only little differences between them.
YN got to choose from four different ones that ranged from pale blue to dark blue, where Subaru was given options from light gray to a charcoal black.
Stylist: Please, continue to wear these until the festival starts... It will help them be more comfortable. And if there are any problems with them, please return right back so we can make the needed changes.
Leaving the changing room, YN and Subaru returned to the hallway. Waiting on Rem and Emilia to return as well, it didn't take them long.
Stepping out first was Emilia, and as she did, Subaru's jaw seemed to smack the floor.
Poking her head out from the cloth that covered the entrance, Emilia gave a bashful look. From just this, they could already tell she quite dolled up, even just from a simple headshot.
Wearing a hair band similar to Rem's, a larger ornately tied ribbon with a flower adorned the side of her hair, it's shade matching the amethyst of her eyes.
Subaru: U-U-Uh Emilia-tan!
Growing more red at Subaru's excitement, Emilia retreated a bit.
Emilia: I-It's a bit embarrassing...
Shaking his head, Subaru had only one thing on his mind. Seeing more of Emilia.
Subaru: But you already look so adorable! Actually, I'm not sure if I can take it!
Floating out from her hair, the familiar gray cat made his opinion more.
Puck: Lia, you really should have more self esteem! After all, you're going to need to speak in front of a crowd in that!
Hearing his fatherly advice and knowing he was right, Emilia stepped out from behind the cloth, showing the entirety of her kimono.
Looking downward and fidgeting with her hands in front of her, she missed Subaru's gushing nosebleed.
Emilia had chosen a light pink kimono adorned with a flower pattern and color similar to the one on her hair band. Complimenting her hair was a silver sash that went around her waist, adored with another amethyst colored flower on it as well, tied with more ornate ribbon.
She truly looked beautiful when in it, and Subaru was the largest advocate for that.
Subaru: AAHH! Emilia-tan! Your beauty strikes me dead! E! M! T—!
Rem: Ummm, what about Rem?
Also having just stepped out from behind the cloth as Subaru's praises of Emilia continued, YN eyes couldn't turn quick enough to see what Rem had chosen.
At first noticing her hair, YN saw that Rem's maidly hair band of white flowers and her usual ribbon were gone, but unlike their dinner date, she instead wore one of almost exactly the same color as her hair.
Where her usual purple ribbon was, a white, almost pink rose took its spot attached to the hair band, but what truly caught YN's attention was the equally as purple, large fabric bow that was tied into her hair on the back of her head. It was large enough that it's profile was visible from the front.
Looking at her kimono herself, she wore a blue top, perfectly matching her hair with small patterns of white flowers and occasional, sometimes overlapping circles of various shades of blue. The sleeves on this were long, long enough to reach the floor should Rem put her hands to her side.
Adorning her waist was a purple sash, the same color as her head bow. With a similar bow being tied around it, the purple extended all the way down the rest of her dress. While Emilia's kimono was a robe all the way down, Rem's turned into a long, pleated dress from her sash down, with a few more white flower patterns being just visible towards the bottom of it.
Rem's usual maid shoes were gone as well, and in their place was a pair of platform geta, each with a blue string that held the wearers socked feet in place.
Rem: Umm, YN-kun, are you okay?
Realizing he has been staring holes through the poor girl. He shook his head.
YN: Ah—! Yes! I am! I am now, after seeing you.
Stepping forward to him a bit more, he watched as the fabric on her dress flowed elegantly with each step she took.
Rem: But does it look good? If not, Rem can choose a different one—
YN: No! This one is perfect!
Smiling at his words, Rem's face blushed slightly.
Rem: Rem is happy to hear that YN-kun likes it, Rem also thinks YN-kun is quite handsome in his outfit as well...
While about to thank her, Emilia spoke up once more as Puck kept Subaru as arms length away from her.
Emilia: Um, YN, I really don't like having to ask, but there's a few things I need from my luggage that's still on the ground dragon carriage, can you—
Subaru: Allow me to help! No matter the task, for Emilia-tan I will oblige!
Emilia: Thank you, but I don't know what case it's in, and YN knows the order that they were loaded in—
Subaru: It is of no issue my stunning shrine maiden, no matter what it is! I! Natsuki Subaru will find it for you! Now—
Taking Emilia by the hand, Subaru led her off to the direction of the carriages, determined to help her.
Leaving Puck behind, he shrugged as if defeated.
YN: You should probably keep an eye on those two.
Doing a small mid-air loop, Puck gave a weak smile as he floated away.
Puck: If he ends up frozen as a statue of ice before the festival, you all know why!
Leaving YN and Rem all alone, Rem stepped forward more and grabbed YN's hands, looking down as hers held his.
Rem: This color really suits YN-kun...
Admiring YN's Yukata more, he felt the need to say what he really thought.
YN: And here I was thinking you couldn't be any more beautiful either...
Looking up with a surprised expression, Rem's face turned a scarlet red.
Rem: 'B-Beautiful?!' Rem doesn't think it looks that good on her...
YN: Nonsense, Rem. You look stunning. You always look incredibly cute in your maid outfits, but dresses like these always bring out how beautiful you are.
Lowering her head and resting it on his chest, Rem continued to hold hands at their sides.
Rem: If YN-kun keeps complimenting Rem as such, her heart will ache so much she won't know what to do...
Letting go of her hands, YN hugged the blue haired girl, feeling how soft and smooth her kimono was.
Separating, YN looked around themselves a bit more.
Honestly if someone would have told me this morning I'd be seeing Rem dresses as this, I would have called them a liar.
Rem: Is something wrong, YN-kun? Rem noticed him and Subaru-kun talking a lot as if something were bothering them.
YN: Well, there's some truth to that... But it's best we don't discuss it in the open. 'The walls have eyes', as they say.
A/N: I hope we all enjoyed this chapter. Its the last build up one for when the real fun starts this Friday with Part 2.