A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you all are excited for this weeks chapter! We continue on with the main story.
Big shoutout to tobychevy for finding an error in the last chapter, and also to JadedSilverLining for finding a few spelling errors in some of the older chapters. You'd think after my phone's autocorrect, libre office, and then google docs, most of these issues would be found, but nothing seems to be better the a handful of fanfiction readers when it comes to proofreading!
But without further delay... the chapter!
Chapter 58: The Endless Eight – Part 4
Having taken the helm while driving the ground dragon, the five found themselves in the largest city they would encounter on their trip to the festival, Costuul.
With Subaru and YN safely parking the ground dragon and carriage, Rem had taken care of securing their reserved rooms at the inn. But with the night drawing near, four of the five had grown rather hungry, having been forced to leave before dinner to make it to their lodging on time.
Beatrice: Betty will stay behind and read I suppose. Spirits do not require nourishment in the same way humans do so it's pointless to— KYAA!
Picking up Beatrice with no warning and spinning her about, Subaru gave the drill haired girl all the attention she didn't want.
Subaru: I can tell when you're being modest and right now I can also tell that you're also dying for some grub. The smells of all the stalls must have really made you hungry— HMPH!
Giving him a magical blast away, Beatrice freed herself and patted her dress flat after returning to the ground.
Trying her best not to try the angered spirit's attitude further, Emilia tried mediating.
Emilia: Ummm, Beatrice... I think we'd all reeeeeaaaaally enjoy your company.
Stepping forward, Rem also voiced her approval.
Rem: Beatrice-sama, Rem is aware you do not have the need for food like we do, but it's a rather rare opportunity to have the chance to try something other than Rem's own cooking for you.
While still slumped up against the wall, Subaru put his hands together in a pleading manner.
Subaru: Pleeeease Beako, I promise you won't regret it.
Giving a look of steamed annoyance, Beatrice finally pouted and sighed, giving into the peer pressure.
Beatrice: Fine, I suppose! Betty will accompany you all.
Subaru: Yay! Beako is going out on the town!
Picking up the drill haired girl, Subaru spun her around again.
Beatrice: KYAAA! I will blast you again!
While Beatrice and Subaru bantered, Rem stepped next to YN, gently holding his hand and smiling at him once he looked at her.
YN: You look excited.
Nodding her head, Rem happily explained.
Rem: This is very much like a date, is it not?
YN: Usually those are reserved for just the two people, but I won't say anything if you wanna pretend that it is.
As Emilia got Subaru and Beatrice to leave, Rem winked to YN with a finger in front of her mouth, signaling for YN to keep the secret that this was a date for them.
Setting out into the street, the road just outside the inn was much more packed then it was at their arrival, somewhat off putting to the five.
As Subaru, Rem, and Emilia simply accepted it as reality, it was only YN that noticed Beatrice's initial hesitation forming in with the others into the crowd.
Seeing she was being noticed though, Beatrice scowled at YN.
Beatrice: J-Just what are you looking at, I suppose? I am perfectly capable of navigating through a few humans if that's what you're wondering.
YN: Then please, Beatrice-sama, lead the way.
Taking a hesitant step forward, Beatrice did her best to fall in line behind the other three with YN behind her.
Narrowly avoiding others, she tried in vain to keep up, but quickly began to see many other bodies occupy her view of them, in the same with YN starting to also have people cut in front of him, sometimes making him unable to see the short girl.
First it was one person, then two.
Then three.
As Beatrice began to lose sight and direction, he could see the uncharacteristically worried face she had, as if scared almost.
Trying to catch up with her so he could regroup with the other three, he lost sight of Beatrice, but in the upper half of his vision, a new problem was made apparent.
A pair of ground dragons, accompanied by the large carriage they pulled was slowly making its way through the crowd, with a few more not far behind it. A central lane was beginning to form as the carriages had to make their way through the crowded avenue bordered by the many shops, stands, tents, and carts along its perimeter.
Last seeing Beatrice in the ground dragon's path, he hurriedly pushed through the crowd, knowing there was no way Beatrice could see the oncoming traffic with her stature.
Unable to locate her as the carriage approached, amidst the hustle and bustle and chatter all around him front crowd and market space, he heard one, short, sad cry.
Beatrice: Subaru... please don't leave Betty...
Locating her by sound alone and with only moments to spare, YN grabbed the girl by her shoulders, lifting her up and away before a carriage wheel rounder then she was tall, as it rolled past where she stood.
Lifting her up more as the crowd further compacted from the carriage going by, YN brought Beatrice above his hand, and placed her firmly on his shoulders.
Beatrice: KYAAA! Not you too! Set Betty right down this instant!
Kicking his chest with her heel, YN simply had no room to comply with her wishes.
YN: I just saved you from being roadkill and this is my thanks?!
Knowing he was fully correct, Beatrice pouted.
Beatrice: If Betty had been in any real danger she could simply just blasted away anyone and anything in her way.
YN: I think we both know that would have been a terrible way to solve your problem. Besides, I think my solution was a lot better.
Beatrice: Betty does not take suggestions from anomalies.
Coldly replying to his reasoning, YN decided to employ one of Subaru's tried and true tactics.
Pretend he didn't hear it.
YN: Well, regardless, I can't let you just wander off and get hurt or cause a commotion.
Crossing her arms, Beatrice continued to be sour.
Beatrice: It would have at least been better if that troublesome boy had come to Betty's rescue, and not the groundskeeper.
Wanting to note that she had just agreed that he had "rescued" her, YN held his tongue in favor of hopefully being more amicable and changing the subject.
YN: Speaking of Subaru, just how did he get you to agree to come along in the first place? Aren't you supposed to stay at the mansion and guard the library?
Placing her elbow on YN's head, Beatrice rested her cheek on her fist.
Beatrice: Betty's only responsibility is to make sure the Forbidden Library is preserved, nothing more, nothing less. That troublesome man helped Betty devise a way to keep it from being found for at least a few days. As for why Betty came along—
Folding her little arms as YN continued to navigate through the crowd, the constant hum of conversation around them seemed to drown out any hope of others listening into their own conversation.
Beatrice: —is because both you and him suddenly began to wreak of the Witch, I suppose.
YN: — — —
Beatrice: Betty takes it the younger maid sister informed you of this as well?
YN: Yes.
Beatrice: Why she has so much faith and trust in you, Betty does not know. Betty did not even tell the butler that he stunk, but agreed to come nonetheless to monitor you both.
YN: Well isn't that kind of you.
Beatrice: Make no mistake, Betty is only being cautious and abiding by her duty to protect the library. Since it's clear that troublesome man still holds no ill will, to Betty, the anomaly is still subject to further judgement with his intentions, even if he isn't to the younger maid.
Sighing the idea of still being lamented by the spirit that now rode on his shoulders, YN truly didn't wish to have such bad relations with her.
YN: Just what do you think I'm trying to do at this point? Odd that someone who's saved my life would be suspicious of me.
Beatrice: Betty has stated before that she only healed you so she would not need to hear the continued pleas of the half devil and the maids. But to answer your question, Betty is unsure of many of his intentions when he goes around smelling like this.
YN: Okay, fine. We'll play that game. Just what is it exactly you don't understand about my 'intentions?'
Beatrice: The younger maid sister. Are the feelings you tell her true?
YN: My feelings? Are they true?
Beatrice: — — —
Silent in reply to his answers that proved only to exist to formulate his own thesis, YN stopped with a group of others in the crowd as they waited for a gap in the ground dragons passing so they could cross back to the other side of the avenue.
YN: If you mean how I feel about Rem, then yes, they're more true then anything else I own. She's the first person in a very long time who's given me a reason to wake up in the morning, and be better and stronger.
Joining the group as they moved in a gap that formed, YN continued.
YN: I would be completely lost without her. She's helped me so much only to ask nothing in return. So I took it upon myself to help with the problems she couldn't solve on her own.
Looking up at the cloudy sky above, YN concluded his point.
YN: We promised each other we could rely on one another, which is something we both desperately needed. She knows things about me no one else does, and understands things about me no one else can. And in return, I give her all that I can.
Having crossed the lane, YN looked down on his hand, imagining he was holding Rem's. Concluding, he finished his explanation.
YN: Rem means everything to me, and I'm confident she feels the same way. Coming to the mansion and meeting her was the best thing that has, and probably ever will happen to me.
Looking onward, Beatrice was somewhat surprised to hear such a loaded answer to her question, so much so that she began to doubt her previous hostilities.
Beatrice: Then tell Betty, with such strong feelings, would you go as far as to say you love—
?: YN!
?: YN-kun!
Cutting off Beatrice, YN heard his name called twice by two familiar voices. Turning to meet them, he was greeted by the three he had been separated from. With worried expressions, they approached YN and the spirit with haste, moving through the nearby crowd.
Emilia: When we noticed you two were missing we got reeeeally worried.
Stepping forward in front of the half elf, Rem gave him a look of relief.
Rem: Rem was so very worried! YN-kun needs to be more mindful of how far he is from his Rem.
Smiling at the blue haired girl's concern, YN answered.
YN: I will be Rem, but I'd be a lot further if it weren't for my navigator here.
Beatrice: Wha—?! It was you who picked up Betty! Betty did not agree to this I suppose!
Laughing at her reply, Rem's own face turned a cute smile.
Rem: If YN-kun wants, Rem can always ride on his shoulders instead.
Subaru: —And that means Beako can ride on my shoulders then! It's no fair YN gets to have such a cute moment with her when it was me who convinced her to come along!
Pouting, Beatrice looked up and away before responding.
Beatrice: If it means that much then just take Betty for yourself I suppose. It's not like she'll get much of a choice...
Subaru: Yay!
Grabbing the drill haired girl off YN's shoulders as soon as he could, she now rode on Subaru's shoulders as he spun around.
Subaru: You'll have a lot more fun with me Beako, I promise!
Holding onto his hair as she was shook about, Beatrice complained aloud.
Beatrice: KYAA! Stop moving around so much I suppose! You'll make Betty sick!
Laughing at the comedically cute display between the two, Rem clasped YN's hand in her own.
Rem: Also, if YN-kun really wants, Rem can try and carry him on her shoulders.
YN: That would be a bit odd, wouldn't it?
While flattered by her offer, he laughed again at the idea of others witnessing that, knowing with her strength, it was entirely possible.
Rem: Rem would carry her YN-kun anywhere should he so desire.
Blushing at the idea, YN simply headpatted her in return.
YN: Maybe later, but for now, we still have to find a place to eat—
Cutting off his words, was the surprise feeling of a few raindrops on the back of his hand that still rested on Rem's soft blue hair.
YN: Oh?
And then another.
And then several more.
Emilia: Whaa! it's raining!
Pulling her hood over her face more to cover it, the rain really began to come down.
Rem: YN-kun!
Haphazardly covering Beatrice with only his own hands, Subaru began to jog in place, looking for a refuge from the rain. Looking left and right, Subaru grabbed Emilia's hand.
Subaru: Emilia-tan! This way!
Leading the half elf away, Subaru quickly split the recently reunited group into two once more as he was lost in the crowd, also now seeking cover from the rain.
Still holding onto YN's hand, Rem tugged it in the opposite direction.
Rem: It's no use, we can't follow them. Let's try this way.
Nodding to her suggestion, the blue hair girl quickly led YN down a side alley, away from the crowd.
With several awnings from the buildings around them covering them from the sky, the rain they felt was sporadic, and their steps alternated between clacking on the still dry sections of cobblestone, and the splash of wet places where puddles were already beginning to form.
Coming out onto a much less busy street, Rem quickly surveyed their options. Seeking around, Rem spotted a potential cover.
Rem: There!
Leading YN across a much less busy street, he could see where Rem was taking him.
Above a single door was a sign that hung, rocking in the wind and dripping wet in the rain. And on that sign, appeared to be a cup of tea, carved into the wood it was made of.
Entering into the establishment, a bell on the door jingled, announcing their entrance.
Stepping inside, YN's eyes needed to adjust to the large contrast difference between outside and the inside of this new area.
?: Oh, visitors.
Picking her head up from the counter, a cat-like demi-human girl dressed in a waitress outfit greeted them from her boredom.
Letting his eyes continue to adjust to the darkness of the establishment, YN took in the emptiness of the cafe.
Less than half the chairs were currently even on the ground, with most up on the tables, signaling it was either close to closing time, or this establishment was simply not busy during this time of the day.
All the chairs and tables were a very dark stain of wood, including the tea counter, the trim and molding on the walls and doors, and the window frames as well. Coupled with its poor lighting, it appeared as if they had wandered into a tea shoppe for goths.
?: Please, take a seat anywhere—
Having grabbed two small pamphlet sized papers that YN assumed to be menus, he noticed the hostess staring at him.
Accompanying her cat ears was her matching dirty blonde shade of hair (or fur?) which was pulled back with a hairband like Rem's, except hers was much longer, reaching her subtle bust that her outfit tried to show a considerable amount of. She looked rather humanoid compared to the other demi-humans he had seen in the Capitol, with the only exception other than her ears was her tail that YN could barely see sticking above the counter she stood behind.
Noticing the pause and her eyes fixated on YN, Rem spoke up.
Rem: Is something wrong?
?: — — —
Eying up both of them a bit more before speaking, the small hostess finally spoke up.
?: We normally only serve demi-humans... Which I can tell you are, but you...
First gesturing to Rem and then to YN, the girl's voice got lower.
?: And that maid outfit... is she some sort of 'servant' of yours?
Definitely feeling the contention of the current day issues, YN didn't know how to respond to the cat-girl's accusations. Certainly, going around town still in her normal maid outfit might draw suspicion, but in this case, it seemed to almost draw hostility, and it was aimed towards YN in this case.
Coming to a place that only serves demi-humans? And seeing Rem as a maid? Oh jeez she probably thinks I'm some sort of perverted weirdo!
Before YN could try and muster up a response, Rem stepped closer to him, grabbing his arm in support but shaking her head to the girl.
Rem: No, Rem and her YN-kun are together. Isn't that right?
Looking up to him, Rem's soft azure eyes caught the dim amount of light in the room just so that it made them appear as if they were glowing. Getting lost in them for a brief moment, he stuttered going to respond.
YN: Y-Yeah, we are.
Closing her single visible eye and tilting her head, Rem smiled warmly at him, also causing the server to soften her expression as well.
?: Oh, you're together,in that kind of way. It's quite rare to see such a relationship...
Stepping out from behind the counter, the hostess gestured to one of the few tables that had its seats still on the ground.
Taking a table for two by the window, the opening to the drapes was just enough to properly light the table. Standing by the table itself, the hostess handed them each a small menu.
Daniela: My name is Daniela, if you have any questions, please ask.
Rem quickly pointed out some items and ordered for them both. As Daniela returned back to what they assumed was the kitchen, YN sighed in relief.
Rem: Rem had a feeling YN-kun might not have been able to read those, so Rem took care of that for him.
Shaking his head slowly, YN explained what he really sighed for.
YN: I could kind of read what the menu said, but I was really stressing over that interaction. I didn't want us getting kicked out...
Feeling guilty for having subjected Rem to such a tense situation, she smiled nonetheless.
Rem: It all worked out in the end, and Rem never had to lie.
Hearing the door open once more, Daniela returned with their items. Bowing, she returned to where she had been when they entered the cafe. Getting into their food and after a few bites, Rem spoke up.
Rem: Would YN-kun like to try Rem's?
YN: Uhh, sure.
Being offered a bite, YN leaned forward, but caught a glimpse of something behind Rem.
Watching them like a hawk, Daniela had a spark in her eye. Seeming to be keenly interested in what YN was doing, he took the bite nonetheless. As he did, the cat-girl's ears fluttered and her face blushed up.
Is she enjoying this?
Disregarding her observation, YN felt it was only natural to offer Rem a bite of his.
YN: Here, try mine too.
Smiling brightly in response, Rem leaned forward as well, closing her single visible eye and opening her cute mouth.
Damn it! Why is that so lewd!
Giving her a bite, Rem took it.
Placing her hand on her face, Rem savored the morsel.
Rem: Hmm, Rem should have ordered that for herself.
Feeling someone staring daggers through him though, YN looked past Rem once more to where Daniela remained. Even more than last time, she seemed to be unable to contain herself as her tail twitched left and right.
Why is she interested in watching us?!
Unsure of why the hostess seemed to have changed her tune so much upon hearing that Rem and him were "together," YN noticed many times throughout their meal, she would steal glimpses of him and Rem interacting.
She really seems amused by us... But why though?
Having seen the couple at the only occupied table had finished up their meal, Daniela cleared their table while Rem placed the payment on the counter.
Daniela: Was everything to your satisfaction?
Rem: Yes, it was good.
Daniela: That's great to hear, but...
While her response had started out happy, it ended as if there was an air of sadness to it.
Daniela: You two aren't local to here, are you?
Scratching the back of his head, YN answered.
YN: Not exactly... We're just passing through.
Holding the dishes the cat-girl's expression became somber.
Daniela: That figures then, that would explain why a human came into a shop in the demi-human quarter of the city.
Turning to return to the kitchen, she continued.
Daniela: But I guess that also means you two won't be back any time soon...
Rem: If we find ourselves in Costuul in the future, we'll stop by. Right, YN-kun?
Feeling guilt tripped by the girl's sad remarks, YN agreed with Rem.
YN: Y-Yeah, sure. Of course.
Spinning back around, the hostess dropped the dishes back into the counter with a loud clank before putting her hands on her cheeks with her eyes lighting up.
Daniela: Really?!
Nodding at her enthusiasm, Rem smiled at her enthusiasm.
YN: We should probably get back to the inn and wait for Emilia and the others.
Rem: Yes.
Standing, Daniela quickly removed the dishes once more and took them over to the counter, making room for the two leaving patrons.
Walking to the door, the hostess bid them goodbye. Returning a bow, Rem operated in her usual maid-like fashion.
Rem: Thank you for the food and your hospitality.
Simply raising a hand, YN silently said his farewell as well.
Daniela: The pleasure was all mine. But—
Seemingly fidgeting for a moment, the cat-girl shook her head and snapped her finger at them, leaving them with one final remark.
Daniela: —if I don't see you both back in for a long, long while, I expect to see a few half-demi kids coming in as well.
YN: —Hk!
Giggling at the idea, Rem nodded at the idea.
Rem: If it ends up being that long, yes, expect many.
Rem!
Smiling at YN and the expression he was making, Rem took his hand and led him out the door while she waved to the hostess.
Waving too, YN saw the last of Daniela as the door shut.
As the two stepped out into the street, the rain had seemed to stop, and only drips from gutters or other high places could be occasionally heard splashing into puddles below. But as it was effectively night time, the street lamps began to be lit.
YN: You think we'll beat them back to the inn?
Rem: Not if we decided to take our time.
Wanting to enjoy their time alone together more, Rem and YN walked the lit streets back to the inn, hand in hand. Rem lightly teased him about the last interaction they had with Daniela, and that YN had agreed to the idea one sleepy night at the mansion.
I suppose I could be promised to worse fates... And if it makes Rem happy... I guess I have to then.
Arriving back at the Inn, Rem found the girls room was empty, and YN found his and Subaru's room also vacant. Deciding it was best to wait in the lobby for the other three's return, they bumped into each other on the way back down.
Subaru: See Emilia-tan? You worry too much, I knew they'd be back here.
Emilia: You can't assume things like that though Subaru, what if they got lost?
Subaru: Rem and YN? Getting lost? I highly doubt that.
Beatrice: Betty finds your reasoning flawed as you all have a terrible sense of direction.
Pouting at their back and forth, Emilia looked weakly at the spirit sitting upon Subaru's shoulders.
Emilia: It was Beatrice who guided us back here...
Crossing her arms and nodding her head, Beatrice put herself on airs.
Rem: Emilia-sama, shall Rem prepare your bed for rest?
Emilia: Yes, I'm just sooooo tired now. That food really made me sleepy.
YN: Oh so you did go somewhere. Where'd you end up?
Putting a finger to her cheek, Emilia went into thought recalling what all had led up to their choice.
Emilia: Well, Subaru pulled us both away once the rain really started coming down, and he bolted into the first door he saw, that dunderhead...
Subaru: 'Dunderhead?!' Who says that anymore?
Continuing as if she never heard his complaint, Emilia went on.
Emilia: Thankfully it was a tavern, but it was a reeeally loud and crowded one. And it took forever for our food to come out.
Beatrice: And it only eventually did because of Betty.
Subaru: Yeah and you almost picked a fight you couldn't have won!
Getting into the details of their ordeal, Beatrice had gone off to seek out why their food was so late arriving. After not returning for a while, Subaru had to defuse a tense situation between Beatrice and a large demi-human woman named Isabella. After threatening to carry Subaru off to her room with her, Beatrice had taken a unforseen protectiveness over him.
While this had almost led to a full on bar fight, after Beatrice had uttered a disdain for "humans," she had announced herself as a Great Spirit, prompting the barkeep to call off the fight, saying that if they fought, not a scrap of his tavern would remain, but proceeded to try and kick out the three that had yet to he served their food.
At this point, Emilia stepped in saying the entire ordeal was unfair, but they would respect his wishes and leave. Trying to argue his point that Emilia had paid for dishes that had gone unserved, Subaru was cut off after the barkeep suggested that this could be avoided if Emilia "came and worked for him for a bit," saying that a waitress that looked like the Witch could bring in a lot of paying customers.
Subaru then got infuriated with the barkeep, saying Emilia was "way too beautiful to work in a dump like this," leading to Beatrice explaining that he now had every waitress in the tavern wanting to claw his throat out now.
Laughing at Subaru's remark, the barkeep denied the job entailed "simply being a waitress" saying it wasn't uncommon for customers to ask to have a bit of "alone time" with some of his staff if they "asked really nicely."
Knowing full and well what the barkeep was saying, Emilia declared her position as being a candidate for the throne with Margrave Roswaal L Mathers as her sponsor, a man of which who has authority over Costuul. In rare form, Emilia threatened to turn his entire business over to the guards unless he "promised to stop making the waitresses do things they didn't want to do."
Well and truly defeated by Emilia's leverage, the barkeep stood down and swore to end his mistreatment of the waitresses. Hoping not to garner any more bad reputation, he made sure the three were given their dishes immediately, and of course, on the house.
YN: That was definitely... A lot more eventful then what me and Rem had...
Slumping his shoulders, Subaru lamented.
Subaru: It's always something... I can't seem to catch a break...
Rem: Umm, Rem hates to interrupt, but the night is growing old and we are expected to check out by mid morning at the latest.
Emilia: Yes, that right, so let's hurry to bed, okay?
Saying their good nights, the group split into two once more for their sleeping arrangements.
After expertly loading up Emilia and Beatrice into the carriage after bringing it around to the front of the inn, with an air of professionalism, YN guided the ground dragon and carriage out of the city, and into the countryside.
Going off of a deal YN and Subaru had struck talking the night before, YN agreed to cover Subaru's driving shift so he could spend time with Emilia in the carriage, leaving Rem and YN to have a rather intimate moment and later a talk about their destination and Rem's past.
On the third evening of travel, the five finally arrived at Saluzzo while YN and Subaru spoke about ideas of technology and what they would want to replicate in this world.
However, upon seeing architecture of the city, Subaru and YN immediately drew parallels from what they knew of their own home world. Thinking this was entirely too suspect, Subaru called upon the most booksmart person with them.
Knocking on the door to the carriage, Rem answered.
Rem: Yes, Subaru-kun?
Subaru: Rem-san, could you get Beako's attention for me?
Rem: Yes. Beatrice-sama? Subaru-kun is requesting you.
While movement could be heard of shuffling around happening on the inside of the carriage, Beatrice came to the door.
Beatrice: And just what would that troublesome man want— KYAAA!
Grabbing the drill haired girl, Subaru stood on the drivers bench, hoisting Beatrice up as high as he could hold her.
Subaru: Why do those buildings look like that?!
Kicking her arms and legs while suspended by her arms, Beatrice yelled out a response.
Beatrice: Just what kind of question is that I suppose!
Seeing she was obviously frustrated, Subaru set her down between him and YN.
Beatrice: Now, return Betty inside this instant or I shall blast you off this ground dragon—
YN: Uhh, Beatrice-sama.
Giving YN a chanced look out of the corner of her eye, Beatrice let him continue.
Beatrice: — — —
YN: Umm, I think Subaru was just excited, but me and him have never seen architecture like this before, so we thought 'Why not ask the smartest person here?'
Beatrice: — — —
YN: Y-You do read a lot of books so we thought maybe...—
Changing her attitude, Beatrice sat down on the bench normally and began to explain.
Beatrice: Well you both were correct to think of Betty when you were unaware of such scholarly topics I suppose.
Putting herself on airs again, Beatrice went on to explain the history of Kararagi, Hoshin, and how these cultural elements spilled over onto the Lugunican border.
Arriving inside the city Subaru and YN continued to observe parallels between Japan and what they were told was Kararagian culture. As they approached the largest building in the village, the five were met by their demi-human host, Julio.
Wearing a pale blue yukata and boasting wolf or husky-like characteristics, he definitely was past the prime of his youth as the gray hair of experience colored his hair, especially around his face. His eyes were a pale blue that matched his yukata as well, and were further personified by the large focal glasses he wore, enlarging them for viewers.
Introducing the five into the facility, he first showed them their shared guest quarters, and had them follow him to the fitting room for the festival outfits.
Julio: If you step right into the respective rooms, you will find a stylist ready to assist you in looking the part for the festival.
As YN and Subaru went to the men's side, and Rem and Emilia to the women's, Beatrice stayed put.
Emilia: Beatrice? Is something wrong?
Being the first to notice she didn't follow, Emilia turned to the spirit and inquired what was wrong.
Beatrice: You are sorely mistaken if you think Betty is going to participate with such enthusiasm.
Rem: Beatrice-sama...
Subaru: Don't be like that Beako. If you don't look the part you can't come to the festival.
Beatrice: Bold of you to assume that Betty would go where so many people gather. No, Betty will stay behind and read a book to pass the time—
Subaru: Oh well, I guess there won't be any sweets for you then.
Silent for a moment, Beatrice's tone changed.
Beatrice: Sweets?
Subaru: Uh huh, tons of them. Isn't that right, Julio-san?
Adjusting his glasses, Julio was struck for a second, hoping he wouldn't be brought into the conversation.
Julio: A-Ah, yes. The festival has many vendors that bring hard to find candied fruits and other confections from Kararagi, with some being made by local producers as well.
Subaru: Ahh, too bad Beako will be missing out on all those—
Beatrice: Betty will come!
Having taken the bribe, Subaru pushed her to fulfill her end of the bargain.
Subaru: Then that means getting dressed up. Now go on, Emilia-tan and Rem will help I'm sure.
Looking to the other two, Beatrice slowly scuffed the floor as she was followed into the changing room.
Seeing their mission as a success, YN and Subaru proceed into the changing room as well.
Stepping back out into the long hallway, YN had chosen a pale grayish-blue yukata with magenta accents, where Subaru had adorned a dark gray one with orange accents.
With motion coming from the curtain of the women's changing room, the first step out was Beatrice.
Nervously stepping out, the drill haired girl wore a kimono in the same shade of pink as her hair ribbons with accents that were slightly darker. On her back was a striped ribbon bearing a pattern similar to the socks she wore.
Putting his hands to his cheeks and gasping, Subaru walked all around her.
Subaru: Beako you're so adorable in that! You even kept the little crown!
Trying her best to ignore the imbecile doting on her, Beatrice cursed her choice under her breath.
Beatrice: The things Betty does for sweets... What a foolish decision.
?: Umm, how do I look?
Hearing a voice like a silver bell, Subaru seemed to comedically lose interest in Beatrice's kimono for the only other person he'd care to see.
Stepping out, it was Emilia now. Clad in a bright, light blue kimono, she wore a single waist sash of purple that matched her amethyst eyes. Covering her dress were evenly spaced white and purple flowers, giving uniqueness and breaking up the solid color of the kimono. In addition, she wore a much more robust white rose in her hair.
Snorting wildly from his nose, Subaru was taken aback by her, having never seen Emilia in a kimono before.
Subaru: Emilia-tan! You look absolutely amazing! Superb! I—
Not being able to contain himself, Subaru continued to circle Emilia now, admiring every little detail of her dress while Puck came out as well, doing his best to tease Subaru and compliment his daughter as he did.
While the hallway was beginning to become loud with banter, the last of the five quietly stepped out of the changing room. While silent in her reveal, to YN, her beauty was much louder than anyone else.
As she was speechless, so was YN, silenced by her stunning display of grace and elegance.
Having somehow preserved the lower half of her apron in the design, it covered the short, dark blue pleated skirt with faintly embroidered blue stars on it. Her upper half was a tightly wrapped light blue kimono, however, it's sleeves were broken halfway between her shoulder and elbow, exposing her arm's skin where the rest of the long sleeve was held with a dark blue ribbon.
Separating her kimono from her pleated skirt was a blue sash with a thin magenta ribbon, tied in one spot nearly identical to the one Rem normally wore on head. But in its usual place, a larger pink flower and hair clip took its spot, as her hair band was gone.
And adorning her legs were socks not unlike the ones she wore on her day off YN had her take, with small little blue ribbons at the highest point of them, halfway up her thigh.
Hoping he would like the choice, Rem smiled nervously as the two slowly approached each other. Emilia, Subaru, Puck, and Beatrice all speaking loudly and interacting was thoroughly drowned out by the two. To them, everything was silent and still.
Rem: YN-kun looks very handsome in his festival outfit.
Rubbing the back of his neck, YN took Rem's compliment with his face going red to her kind and sincere words.
YN: And you look really beautiful in yours.
Taking both of YN's hands, Rem held them as she smiled in reply.
But, the insulation of their silence came crashing down as they were pulled back to the real world.
Emilia: Um, YN, I reeeeaaally hate to ask, but could you retrieve something from my luggage in the carriage—
Stepping in, Subaru spoke with swagger in his voice as he volunteered. Getting Beatrice to come as well with surprisingly minimal convincing.
Puck: Sorry Lia, I can't say I trust Subaru with access to all your luggage. He might look at something he shouldn't, that's why we should go with.
Emilia: I guess it isn't far, alright.
Paying YN and Rem absolutely no mind, the two had found themselves actually alone for a change. While not sure if they were expected to follow along, the two blankly stared as the other four departed, as if forgetting they were both there.
Returning to their own moment, Rem slightly squeezed YN's hand to get his attention once more.
Rem: Rem is very flattered to hear YN-kun thinks her dress is beautiful.
Shaking his head, YN corrected her.
YN: It's not the dress, it's you. You look beautiful in it. The different shades of blue really match your hair and eyes really well.
Resting her head on his chest, Rem sighed in bliss at the continued praises. Coming off his chest, Rem did give a look of longing to YN though.
Rem: YN-kun and Subaru-kun were talking very seriously while being shown around, is everything alright? There hasn't been any findings in why the Witches scent came so suddenly upon you both?
YN: Well, you saw right, we were talking pretty seriously, but not for that reason, or for reasons you might suspect.
Looking to his left and right, while still in the hallway alone, it was unsure who could hear them both.
YN: Let's head back to the guest quarters so we know we won't be overheard.
Gathering that meant there was an air of things that needed to be kept secret, Rem nodded in agreement. Taking his hand, Rem led him back up to the guest room to speak in private.
Discussing how much of what was described to be "Kararagian" was actually just what appeared to be from Subaru's home country, YN also pitched the idea that the famous Hoshin must be from Earth as well, but perhaps from long ago.
Questioning YN's motive when it came to perhaps repeating some of the things Hoshin did, he denied them, seeking only to find happiness and fulfillment by Rem's side. As the two shared a moment, they were quickly drawn down the street below as an altercation between Subaru and a passerby seemed to be flaring up.
Reaching the confrontation, it was Julio who had shown up sooner, and defused the situation. Suggesting that they go see the festival before Emilia was set to speak, the five plus Puck set off.
On their way there, while Rem was caught up in banter with Beatrice, Subaru, and Puck, YN trailed behind and Emilia fell back to speak with him.
After some back and forth, YN, while not exactly agreeing to, had been roped into being Emilia's "second." A position tasked with inspiring the Candidate's courage and resolve.
Reaching the top of the embankment of the river that ran through Saluzzo, the festival below was being held on the dry floodplain as the river ran low this time of year.
As Subaru and YN looked down upon the familiar looking display below, they each couldn't believe that an o-bon festival had found its way into this world, further strengthening their shared suspension of this "Hoshin" character.
Reaching the festival, the group effectively split, with Subaru taking Emilia off to try their hand at goldfish scooping, Beatrice followed them if only because there was a sweets tent right next to it. Meanwhile, Rem and YN had gone on their own way.
The two walked around the festival, and as they did, Rem had found interest in a mask display they were passing. Offering to buy her one, YN paid the merchant and let Rem pick out one. Attaching it to the side of her head, it complimented her dress with its colors.
Moving towards the center of the festival, Rem and YN sat on a bench, allowing him the opportunity to tell Rem about what Emilia had asked of him. Being as supportive as she could, Rem agreed that YN should be the one to be her second.
Arriving back to meet them, Emilia, Beatrice, and Subaru rejoined them. Speaking briefly, the loud beat of a gong was heard from the top of the tower.
Taking their places, YN readied himself a few paces behind Emilia on the long runway stage. Breathing in and breathing out, the Royal Election Candidate was posed and ready to announce herself as YN did his best to not attract attention his way.
Emilia: Everyone! Thank you for taking time out of your busy day and your time spent enjoying yourselves at this festival to come listen to my proclamation.
Being in a bow, Emilia rose her head up, and continued to speak.
Emilia: I would also like to thank the village elders of Saluzzo and Julio for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you all.
Pausing for a brief moment, she continued.
Emilia: First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is—
*Muffled crash*
With what sounded like a far off crash, most of the crowd turned and looked in the general direction of the sound, a slight commotion of voices filling the air in its absence. As there was no lingering call for help or other crashes, Emilia was free to continue, stuttering over her words at the brief loss of focus.
Emilia: I-I would like to introduce myself. M-My name is E-Emilia, and I would like to announce that I am the fourth candidate to be King in the—
*CRASH!*
Being cut off a second time, several large tents and stalls from the outer section of the festival were suddenly airborne, as if thrown out of the way.
Causing a great deal of panic in the crowd to move away as the debris rained back down, the culprit emerged from the dust and smoke caused by several rapidly growing fires from overturned lanterns.
One large, towering, multi-armed monster.
While most of the crowd remained paralyzed in fear and unsure of what to do, YN did his duty, stepping in front of Emilia.
YN: Emilia-sama, please leave here immediately—
Emilia: Who are you?! Attacking a peaceful festival like this?!
Letting her better intentions take control, Emilia spoke out to the monster as more and more of the crowd slowly broke off, those who managed to vacate the area had begun to run.
With the monster silent in reply, an air of ominous filled the atmosphere with its lack of reply, but the eyes that conveyed it understood what was being said.
It's not just a raging animal, it's intelligent...
Knowing this perspective advisory could potentially calculate its surroundings, this only added to its threatening disposition.
Feeling the fear of anticipation fill him, from the front row, Subaru finally called out to Emilia.
Subaru: Emilia-tan! Get off the stage! YN, get her—!
At Subaru's call, the beast began its charge, making its way directly toward Emilia up on the stage.
Stepping forward, Emilia readied several spears of ice and propelled them forward, launching them off to the charging multi-armed monster.
Bringing its four arms in, the impact of the ice was blunted as it continued its advance.
They just bounced off... Like it was rubber...
Seeing Emilia's magic as potentially not stacking up the best against the monster, YN stepped in front of Emilia as Subaru finally got ahold of her, yanking her down off the stage.
Maybe this'll work...
Preparing mana in the base of his palm, YN readied himself to launch a spell of his own, hoping the vaporizing rays of heat he could produce would prove more effective against the monster's defenses.
Extending his hand and tilting his finger tips forward, YN went to cast his spell.
YN: El Jiw—
?: El Minya.
With the beast only seconds from reaching YN, it's arm held out, it was suddenly pounded by dozens of black, flaming projectiles from the side, causing its footwork to stagger and for it to let out a grunt of pain and frustration.
Looking to the source of the projectiles, proudly stood Beatrice.
Beatrice: What a fowl creature I suppose. Minya.
Shooting out a barrage of flaming black crystals, Beatrice was keen on making this fight hers.
Being able to anticipate the attack this time though, the monster simply slapped the crystals away, sending a few back at Beatrice herself. Needing to dodge, she jumped back, clearing the flaming crystals just barely in time.
Fully expecting the monster to pursue Beatrice now, YN let the mana fizzle back into his body before realizing the monster had turned to look back at him.
Restarting its charge, it once again extended one of its four arms outward. Not in a fist, but rather an open hand.
Shit! Gotta get the mana back—
Only for a brief second did YN look down at his hand trying to re-gather the mana before returning his vision upward. Seeing it was too late, the beast had covered the remaining distance faster than it had before. With their eyes locked, and the hand almost reaching him, YN could not hope to gather his mana quick enough.
I was too slow!
Readying himself for the impact, a sudden force was felt from his flank, on the same side as the hand that approached him. Pushing him sideways, it moved him away from the hand as it approached. With only a blur of blue in his peripheral vision, YN was pushed off the stage and tumbled sideways.
Bracing for the impact of the ground, he felt none. Tightly shutting his eyes, YN awaited the feel of impact.
D-Did I snap my neck and die?
Opening his eyes, above him he saw the slightly cloudy, but still moonlit sky above him. Feeling the cloth of his yukata, YN at least knew he was still alive.
YN: What happened—
Rem: Your Rem has you.
Hearing her voice, YN moved his head slightly, and was greeted by the familiar hue of blue that instantly let his mind be at rest for a moment in this tenuous situation.
It was Rem who had leaped and pushed him out of the way and made sure he was safe upon landing, holding him in her arms much like a prince might hold a damsel in distress.
YN: R-Rem...
Hearing the thud of footsteps approaching once more, Rem leaped back with YN still on her arms.
Rem: El Huma!
Summoning dozens of ice crystals around her, Rem shot them at the swinging beast, delaying it's advance once more.
Joining in on the barrage, Emilia shot her own volley as Rem landed. Gently placing YN aside, his vision locked again with the beast as it swatted away the ice being thrown at it.
Hearing the sound of rusty chains rattle, YN looked to his side where Rem still stood, now holding her morningstar. Letting it drop, Rem swirled and swung the mass of spikes, gaining momentum before launching it at the multi-armed monster.
Extending all four of its hands, the beast braced itself as it intercepted the morningstar, but accounting for just that, Rem closed in, sending more spears of ice, this time aiming for its legs.
Rem: Ul Huma!
Impacting it's knee, the beast fell on it.
Weakening the monster, Rem jumped up, flipping as she did, to prepare another attack.
But as she did, the beast lowered two of its arms, using one to grab the chain Rem still held, and yanked it. While Rem had anticipated this course of action, she accounted for it by using the energy to her advantage. Unseen to her through, YN had noticed the beast use its second arm to grab the chain again, pulling it again in the opposite direction.
Predicting that Rem hadn't accounted for a second pull, YN sprang into action, running directly for the monster.
Using its second arm, the beast yanked Rem downwards, drastically changing her momentum. Landing hard on her feet, Rem was brought off balance as she now stood right in front of the monster.
Raising the two arms that still held her morningstar, it was clear it intended to end Rem with her own weapon. As the spiked mass came downward, all Rem could hope to do was brace for impact.
Expecting a harmful force to hit her from above though, she rather felt one from behind, a much gentler one.
YN: Jiwald!
As he had run up, YN prepped mana in his hand, and aimed it directly at the monster's face. Doing little in the way of damage, it served YN's intended purpose.
It's blinded!
With its vision a haze of white, the morningstar it brought down missed its mark, especially with YN pushing Rem out of the way.
Twisting her inward, YN landed on his back with Rem atop him. Sliding between its legs, the beast let out a frustration of grunts.
Going to stand, the monster's balance had not returned, causing it to stagger backward and fall.
It's going to land on us!
With Rem still in his arms, he rolled to the side, and pushed her as hard as he could, trying to get her away from the falling behemoth.
As it fell back, it's arms managed to land on YN, putting immense weight on him.
YN:—Ack!
Emilia: YN!
Holding back several spears of ice at the ready, Beatrice did the same with her black ones covered in fire. Not having Emilia's patience though, Beatrice launched them.
Subaru: Beako! YN is still under there!
Beatrice: Betty cares not for his life.
Subaru: —Hk!
Without much of a chance to belittle her sense of morality, Subaru's attention turned to YN, who was calling out for Rem.
Trying to push one of the massive arms off himself, YN was concerned with Rem, who remained lying on the ground, as if she was dizzy. Somewhere between landing hard on her feet and being pushed out of the way by YN, Rem must have hit her head and was now disoriented from it.
As Rem was just barely out of harm's reach, YN was concerned that she may get caught in the crossfire with Beatrice firing her crystals and the beast now trying to get back up.
Ignoring the barrage it felt, the monster quickly located YN, and grabbed him securely in its fist.
YN: —Ack!
Standing up, the monster secured its grip on YN, allowing him only one free arm as he helplessly flailed about as the beast began to retreat from the fight.
Subaru: I-It's got him!
Releasing the volley of ice she held, Emilia nailed the beast in the back as it began to run away. With no effect, the three began to pursue.
With clarity returning to her vision, Rem saw the grayish-blue of YN's yukata being taken away, in one of the four fists of the attacking monster.
Getting up, Rem grabbed the hilt of her morning star, and ran as fast as she could, dragging her morningstar with as the slack of the chain finished and pulled tight behind her.
Summoning forth her oni strength, Rem manifested her horn.
Rem: Don't you take my YN-kun!
Calling out, Rem twirled as she yanked on her chains, bringing her morningstar past her and toward the arm that held YN.
Wrapping the chain around the beast's arm, Rem dug her heels into the ground, and pulled back on them, halting the beast in its tracks. Feeling himself being violently jerked around, YN looked behind him. A ray of hope in the form of a glowing horn filled his vision as it's owner pulled back the chain that held the beast in place.
Walking up the chain, hand over hand, Rem allowed herself to advance while not letting the monster move at all.
As the other three caught up, Rem was close enough to extend a hand out to YN's still unrestrained one.
Rem: YN-kun! Grab Rem's hand!
Trying to reach, YN saw the distress and rage in her eyes. Her teeth were clenched, showing how her fangs had become slightly longer as they did in this "oni mode" of hers.
As her hand approached, it was swatted away by one of the monster's.
Rem: Ugh!
Controlling her rage, Rem knew if she gave in and attacked, she might lose her grip, and thus might lose YN. Seeing Rem's frustrations though, Beatrice and Emilia launched more projectiles, hoping to distract it.
Preoccupied with protecting itself, this gave Rem the chance to grab YN's wrist.
Rem: Rem has YN-kun! Rem won't let go! Rem promises!
Feeling YN beginning to slip from its grasp, the beast did what it could, and used one of its shielding arms to grab Rem.
Lifting her up, the multi-armed monster began to pull the two apart.
Rem: No! Rem won't you! YN-kun! Rem won't lose you!
As the pressure built and built, it was clear each was determined to hold onto YN.
YN: My arm!
Feeling every bone and ligament in his one free appendage being stretched to its limit, Rem encouraged him to hold on more.
Rem: Just a little more! Rem promise—!
*Pop!*
YN: AAGGHH!
With a sudden and sharp pain being felt where his shoulder met his body, a strong look of pain entered YN's eyes as he yelled out.
Believing this to be her fault though, Rem instinctively let go, not wishing to hurt her beloved.
With Rem separated from YN now though, the beast had no further use for her. Flinging her towards the other three, it made haste to vacate while it's worst advisory was disposed of.
As Rem was airborne, she did not try to correct herself for a landing, her mind was far too plagued with the concept of broken promises to YN for her to focus on anything else, even her own immediate safety.
Did Rem just break her promise of not hurting YN-kun?
With the sound of the pop still fresh in her mind, Rem wasn't certain this was truly her fault, but what she did know what she was—
Rem let go... after promising to not let go... Rem did just that...
Seeing Rem headed straight for her, Emilia threw her hands behind her, casting a vast ice shelf across the once green grass of the area just outside the festival. Bracing for impact, Emilia caught the blue haired girl as she landed upright against her.
Sliding back on the ice, this allowed Emilia to absorb the impact, and coming to the end of the unfrozen ground, better manage to stop.
Subaru: Emilia-tan! Rem!
Running after her, Rem immediately came to her senses.
Stepping forward, Rem looked around, trying to locate where the monster was. At first, she believed the moon reflecting on the ice before her was blinding her vision, as she looked about.
Rem: Where—!? Where is—?!
Unable to find it, Rem was cut off by a shadow moving across the moonlight reflecting upon the ice.
Looking up, Rem wanted to dismiss the shadow as nothing more than one of the many passing clouds obstructing the moon's light. But as she did, she noticed a distinct silhouette against the light.
A dragon.
And it's claws?
YN in his grayish-blue yukata.
Subaru: Is that a—!
Emilia: It can't be...
Speechless, Rem couldn't believe her eyes.
Rem: No... No! Rem won't—!
Taking another step, an immense fatigue overtook Rem.
No... Rem needs to chase after...
Beatrice: Stop, I suppose. You'll only harm yourself further if you try going after him.
Rem: No—! Rem must—!
Subaru: Rem.
Feeling her balance go out, Rem staggered forward on the ice and began to slip backward.
Emilia: Gotcha!
Rem: YN-kun...
With tears filling her exhausted eyes, Rem watched as the spec that was YN faded into the clouds above.
Rem: Rem is... Rem is so sorry... *hic*...
Without even enough energy to properly cry, Rem passed out, much like YN had in the claws of the dragon as the immense pain in his shoulder and it being thrashed around got him.
With the two who were normally inseparable on their own ambition being torn apart, and now both passed out, it was Subaru, Emilia, and Beatrice who were now alone in the ruined festival grounds. With all three of them left speechless, it was now up to them to mount a search and deal with the fallout of the event that had just so quickly and unexpectedly occurred.