A/N: Hello everyone. Here's this week's chapter. Some of you made correct guesses on last week's chapter, so I hope you feel proud of yourselves for predicting things correctly! I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 63: The Endless Eight – Part 9

Touring the inside, the building appeared to be set to serve multiple functions. The ground floor was akin to a large open welcoming area, full of fountains, greenery, and statues. As Julio led them through, they passed through an area that appeared to be a large, nearly empty warehouse, and then onwards past another large area filled with desks, as if for accountants. Only a few of the desks were clearly manned, and on them were stacks of paper and many inkwells.

Finally, arriving at their quarters, Julio invited them to one more location.

Julio: Before everyone settles in, I'd like to encourage you all to please follow me to the bath-house's dressing rooms. It would be best for you all to pick out your attire for this evening's festival opening now, so any altercations can be made. I have a stylist for each of you, so please, leave everything to them.

Agreeing, the four followed on, with YN and Rem taking up the rear as they all walked down a long, narrow wooden hallway.

Taking her steps closer to YN, Rem tugged on YN's sleeve as they walked on. By how she did it, YN knew she was trying to be discreet about something.

Turning his head to her, Rem, like always, walked to YN's right, allowing him to see her eye. Slightly turning her head in his direction, Rem whispered.

Rem: YN-kun and Rem should talk once we find a moment of privacy.

Softly nodding, YN concurred.

YN: Yeah, we do.

Raising a brow to YN, Rem relaxed it once she saw his face. Stiffening her expression, it conveyed "You noticed it too, didn't you?"

Shaking his head, YN whispered one last thing, as to not continue on and raise suspicions by continuing to do so.

YN: It's something different, I don't know if it's as important though.

Simply giving one plain nod, Rem and YN continued onward, with everyone else where they quickly arrived at the bathhouse entrance.

Before one could enter, each side had a changing room to go through first, and the entrance to each of the two openings had a large cloth drape, helping conceal its inside. In front of each was another demi-human, both dressed in stylish yukatas.

Julio: I will leave the rest in the careful hands of my associates here. If any of you need me for any reason, I will be in my study, which we passed by on the way here, right as you enter the building, on the far left side, past the greeting area, before the warehouse— er, storage facility.

Bowing, the elder demi-human made his leave, and left with the four with their stylists.

Being given the choice of several, albeit rather plain yukatas, YN went with a dark blue one with faint eggshell-white counter stitching that formed a small pleated design. As for Subaru, he had chosen a very dark black with silver colored sleeves and stitching, while the inside lining was an acute shade of dusky orange.

Regrouping in the hallway, YN and Subaru awaited the arrival of Emilia and Rem. Poking her silvery hair out from the curtain, Emilia was the first to timidly make her appearance.

Emilia: Oh, I would have thought each of you would have something as... elaborate as mine. I guess I was wrong... Oh Puck! You should have said something!

Flying out from behind the several small red flowers in her hair, Puck floated around her head as he answered her.

Puck: I seem to recall you really liked that one though.

Emilia: How was I supposed to know I'd stand out so much!?

YN: Uhh, Emilia-sama, aren't you giving a speech? Won't you stand out regardless?

Seeing her ears turn red, Emilia turned her eyes downward and fully emerged from behind the curtain.

Wearing a silvery-white kimono with blue flowers adorned with a bright goldenrod sash, a red ribbon was tied around it, perfectly matching the red flowers in her hair, and the red her ears still currently were.

Wasting no time, Subaru immediately bounced to Emilia's side, fawning all over her in the elaborated kimono.

But while Puck and Subaru bantered over it, seeing who could compliment her the most, next out of the changing room was the person YN was most looking forward to seeing.

Peering over at the commotion being caused, Rem poked her beautiful blue hair and face out from behind the curtain and after listening in for a moment or two, turned her attention to YN.

Seeing her, YN silently broke off from the group and rendezvoused with Rem. As he approached her, Rem entered into the hallway, displaying her kimono for YN.

With a base of a very dark indigo, almost purple in shade, adorned with a pattern of slightly lighter blue flowers, her kimono was rather regular in shape, much like Emilia's. Around her waist, a stark contrast of a snow-white sash broke up the darkness of her dress. Around the sash, a fine red ribbon was tied as well, and a large pink flower was seemingly attached to her usual maid hairband, further giving accent colors of brightness amongst the darkness of her dress.

YN: —! Rem, you're—!

Seeing his surprise, Rem smiled and gave him a twirl of herself, fully showing off her dress.

Rem: Did Rem make a good choice with this one?

YN: Yes! You look beautiful in it.

Grinning from ear to ear from YN's compliment, Rem leaned her head forward.

Rem: Then Rem has certainly earned some praise, hasn't she?

Patting the oni on her soft and smooth blue hair, YN gave her the praise she so desired. But, as she winced ever so lightly from the sensation, Emilia called over to YN, ending his and Rem's moment.

Emilia: YN? Could you get a piece of luggage from the ground carriage? I need something from out of it—

Subaru: Allow me, Emilia-tan!

Stepping past YN, Subaru triumphantly volunteered himself in place of him.

?: Before you leave—

Stopping everyone before they departed, one of the stylists made their way out of the changing rooms.

Stylist: Please, if you can, continue to wear your garments until the festival tonight so if you require any alterations, they can be more promptly discovered and the appropriate changes made. But at the same time, if you need to perform duties for Emilia-sama, we'd ask that you change out of them for that task.

Looking down at his yukata, Subaru lamented the idea of damaging it.

Subaru: On second thought, Emilia-tan, I'll change before I come help you.

Nodding, Emilia agreed.

Emilia: That's probably for the better. Knowing your luck, you'd probably stain, rip, and tear it if you tried working in it.

While Emilia was amused by the idea, Subaru exaggerated like he was being stabbed in the heart.

Subaru: Your words Emilia-tan! I am wounded.

Flying over and patting his shoulder with his paw, Puck mockingly comforted him.

Puck: Don't be so dramatic, Subaru. I'm sure you'd only do one of those things in reality.

Getting them back on topic, Emilia spoke up once more.

Emilia: Anyway, Puck and I will wait by the carriage then.

Subaru: Yeah, I guess I'll change back in the meantime. YN, Rem, what are you two going to do?

YN: Oh I think we're going to walk around this building a bit more. Maybe go see the festival being put together.

Emilia: Let's meet back at the room before we leave.

Rem: Rem will be certain to be there, Emilia-sama.

With that, Emilia headed off, and Subaru returned into the changing rooms on the stylist's advice. Lingering behind though, Rem turned to YN and inquired what they should do next in a more serious tone.

Rem: YN-kun, Rem still thinks we need to talk.

YN: I agree, but first, let's wait a second, okay?

Rem: What for?

YN: You'll see. Actually, can I ask a favor of you?

Rem: Anything.

YN: Once Subaru leaves the changing room, I need you to distract the stylist for me.

Rem: Rem will do as YN-kun asks.

Without even inquiring as to what YN's intentions were, Rem agreed, heeding no hesitation. Walking around the corner, the two waited for Subaru to emerge and leave.

YN: Alright, there he goes, Rem, now's your time to shine.

Rem: Yes.

Returning to the changing room, Rem approached the stylist waiting by the entrance.

Rem: Um, pardon the inconvenience, but would it be possible to receive an alteration for this dress? The chest area is very tight...

Stylist: Of course, right this way.

Successfully distracting the stylist, YN took the opportunity to fulfill his plan. Sneaking into the other changing room, he successfully located Subaru's yukata.

YN: Okay, time to switch.

Removing his own yukata, YN swapped his out with Subaru's. Putting it on, YN immediately noticed the fitment issues.

YN: I probably look silly in this... Oh well, I can ask Rem to fix what she can. It probably won't be as good as what the stylist can do, but it'll at least make me presentable.

Fumbling back out of the changing room, YN hid around the corner once more and waited for Rem to return. Upon leaving, she was surprised to see YN in a change of outfit.

Rem: Ummm... YN-kun...

YN: Thanks for distracting them.

Rem: But why is YN-kun in Subaru-kun's festival outfit?

YN: It's part of my plan.

Giving him an uncertain look at first, Rem shook her head and smiled.

Rem: Rem is sure YN-kun has a good plan. Rem will help in any way she can.

Giving her a small head pat, YN rewarded her trust.

YN: Thanks, I'm sure I'll need it. Now then, let's get back up to the room before anyone else does, we gotta talk still.

As the two entered the room, YN had about enough of the ill-fitting yukata, and while the two went about talking about what they needed to, he had asked Rem if she would alter it as best as she could.

Their first topic was YN bringing up the similarities in architecture of this town and old, historic buildings in Subaru's home country. From there, Rem informed YN of someone named Hoshin, and his famous past.

YN: I guess obviously otherworldly-great-merchants aside, what was it that you wanted to say, Rem?

Taking a measure of one of his sleeves, Rem used a needle and thread to tie things to better fit YN, cutting and lengthening where she needed to.

This really brings back memories of getting fitted by Rem for my work clothes...

Rem: Rem has a suspicion.

YN: And that would be?

Rem: Remember how we both suspected it must have been Subaru-kun or Emilia-sama who said something about us for Leo to find out?

YN: Yeah I do, —but oh! Crap, we should be shadowing Subaru and Emilia right now, shouldn't we?

Walking in front of YN to take a different measurement, Rem shook her head.

Rem: Rem no longer believes the source of that information came from them.

YN: O-Oh, then do you have a new idea?

Rem: Yes, Rem believes it is Julio-sama who may have said something, intentional or not.

YN: Hmm, but would Roswaal mention our relationship in his letter to the elders?

Rem: That is why Rem is leaning to the idea that... Julio-sama may be involved.

Taking another measurement off YN, Rem stepped behind him.

YN: But he's just a nice old man, I don't think he would willingly cooperate with someone like Leo.

Rem: Is YN-kun suggesting he's being forced to do this?

YN: Maybe? It's hard to know unless we flat out ask him. We don't really have time to investigate...

Rem: Is YN-kun suggesting we do that then? The consequences shouldn't wholly matter... After all, everything right now is temporary, isn't it?

Biting his lip after hearing Rem say that, she gave him a small frown at his negative response.

Rem: Rem isn't afraid to do whatever it takes. If she must ask on her own, since she knows the consequences are nonexistent, she will do so. Rem will help her YN-kun, no matter what.

Finishing up what she needed to do, Rem confidently looked at YN.

YN: This feels a lot better, thank you...

Trying his best to change the subject, Rem didn't lament.

Rem: Does YN-kun understand? He needs only ask, and his Rem will help, no matter what.

YN: Fine, fine... I understand Rem. No, what I should say is; thank you. For everything.

Taking his hand, Rem led YN down off the small platform she had given him to stand on while making the altercations. Suddenly hugging the blue haired girl to show his appreciation, she slightly flinched from it's unexpectedness, but quickly returned the gesture.

Feeling how soft she was in her outfit, YN didn't want to let go, and while neither did Rem, she lightly ran her fingers through his hair on the back of his head as she gently spoke to him.

Rem: Then let's not waste any time, okay? Let's see if we can get to the bottom of this all.

YN: Well, maybe before we go, I should switch back to my other clothes... It would be a problem if Subaru or Emilia saw me in this, wouldn't it?

Rem: Hmm, yes. If YN-kun's plan involves switching outfits, then Rem would surmise that to be a good idea.

After changing, the two went out and down the hallway. YN let Rem guide him on while the words she said lingered in his mind, planting the seeds of diligence he'd need.

Walking past the multitude of empty desks and the nearly equally empty storage area of the building, they arrived outside of Julio's study. With the desk worker for the main greeting area out, the ornate and plush welcoming area was eerily quiet, with only the sound of the fountain's water flow making any sound.

Giving the doors a firm knock with the back of his fist, YN readied himself to ask some tough questions if need be.

If this yields nothing, I'll feel really bad for being mean to such a nice older guy. But I don't thinks that's the case, Rem doesn't suggest this kind of stuff unless she's very confident, and that's why I trust her.

Julio (muffled): It's open!

Looking at Rem before grabbing the handle, she nodded, reassuring him. Twisting it, the two entered into the study.

With each sidewall being lined with books and scroll, the area behind where Julio sat at his desk was adorned with many prominently displayed armor sets and shortswords, unlike tantos, but perhaps maybe a tad longer.

Looking up from a large pile of documents that covered the entirety of his desk, spare a gap so could converse with people who sat across from him, Julio greeted them.

Julio: Ah, YN-dono, Rem-chan, what can I do for you two? Is everything to your liking?

YN: Yes. It has. Thank you for your hospitality.

Bowing as he said that, YN's expression lost none of its determination.

Julio: I see... Then may I ask what brought both of you here?

YN: I wanted to ask you... will there be any special events tonight during the festival? Any surprises?

Putting a hand to his chin, Julio thought for a moment before responding.

Julio: No... Only Emilia-sama's speech. We usually keep our festivals very free-form, letting the energy of the night guide its path.

Rem: YN-kun.

Giving him a stiff tug of the sleeve, Rem reminded him of the plan they had hastily made on their way down.

Rem: YN-kun, Rem would like to request another bold decision.

YN: Alright, say it.

Rem: We have no way of setting up a dialog that could catch Julio-sama in a bind of words. Rem would like to suggest we bluff as aggressively as possible.

YN: What? Just tell him we know about the attack?

Rem: Yes. If we are able to accurately describe the intentions of the attack and all its details, that would seem far more convincing and would make sure to rely the feeling we do know the entire picture.

YN: If it was anyone other then you suggesting that, I would have called them crazy, but Rem, I trust you, so I'll do it.

Rem: Rem is touched by YN-kun's confidence in her, but now that we're getting closer, we should watch what we say out loud.

Snapping back to reality by Rem's sleeve tug again, YN went with the plan.

YN: Julio. We know about the attack happening tonight, at the festival. The multi-armed monster, that it occurs a few words into Emilia's speech, and that it'll go after me to get Rem, the attackers target, to follow it and lure her into a trap.

Slightly lowering his head, Julio's large glasses caught the light just so that the glint blocked his eyes.

Julio: — — —

Silent in reply, YN and Rem awaited a reply.

I can't read his face... I don't know where this is about to lead to.

As a nearly threatening aura seemed to emerge from Julio's presence, it was cut short by his sudden change in expression.

Taking his glasses off, he reached with his other hand to rub his eyes, as if immensely stressed all of a sudden.

Julio: And just how did you two find all of that out?

Squinting not out of malice, but rather a strain of sight, Julio asked a question of his own in reply, but nonetheless did not deny YN's allegation, rather, what he replied with seemed to admit to it.

YN: — — —

Rem: — — —

Witnessing their returned silence, Julio laughed at his own question, putting his glasses back on and shaking his head.

Julio: How foolish of me to ask espionage to explain itself. If it did that, it would be no more common a practice than ballroom dancing.

Folding his hands and placing them on his desk, Julio continued.

Julio: I cannot conceal the truth anymore it seems, it's not within me to do so. I dislike lying.

Speaking in a more serious tone, Julio concluded his confession.

Julio: Something bothers me however. For such a spot on, accurate description of the attack to come, I'm surprised to see you're still duped on who the real target is.

YN: We have it on good authority that it's Rem. I'm only bait to lure her away.

Staring in question at YN, Julio put a hand to his chin, resting it on the desk.

Julio: As far as I can surmise, this was all set up of sorts for a ransom. Kidnapping a trusted staff member of Emilia-sama's and holding them for ransom is what I had come to expect.

Rem: Is Julio-san saying he has no idea what the motive behind all of this is then?

Sighing, Julio's eyes were once again hidden by a glint of light as he looked down.

Julio: No, nor do I know who is attacking specifically. I was only instructed to put the target in a blue outfit, and upon capture, they would uphold their end of the deal.

YN: A deal? What kind of deal?

Looking weakly at the two before turning his gaze back at the pile of papers on his desk, Julio sighed once more as he explained.

Julio: You saw how empty this place is... This used to be my main warehouse and records keeping facility. As well as my home and base. This... was my only child...

With a rather somber expression on his face, Julio looked out the study window as he continued.

Julio: This, was a trading company... My company. The backbone of this town and the biggest local trading company.

Turning back to the two, the elder demi-human readjusted his eyeglasses and spoke in a more stern voice once more.

Julio: As I'm sure you can tell, we aren't operating right now. Not without any stock or workers as you can see... And while it is no fault of the business model, the problem lies with myself... A past it seems I was wrong about, thinking I could run from it.

Rem: Then it is fair to say Julio-san was blackmailed into doing this?

Julio: Not directly. When the Margrave first sent his letter asking for Emilia-sama to speak at the festival, I denied him, not the other elders. In fact, the truth is I was the only one to not agree with it.

YN: Why the change of heart then? Didn't you say you liked Emilia's prospects because she's a demi-human too, and that she can understand a lot of the demi-human's plights?

Sighing, almost in frustration it seemed, Julio took a deep breath before explaining.

Julio: Fifty or so years ago, I fought in the demi-human rebellion. It's that same accursed past that caused me to lose my entire business once the wrong people found out about it. I was forced to shut down... My little trading company was starting to be a thorn in the side of the Hoshin Company... Competition is bad for business I guess...

Rem: Is Julio-san saying it was the Hoshin Company who set this all up?

Julio: It's possible, but don't have anything concrete. Shortly after I denied Emilia coming by, that's when the problem with the Hoshin Company started. Back in the War, I was a captain of sorts. I was no big-wig or general, just someone who could lead a few good men and get dirty work done.

YN: And they threatened to expose you, didn't they?

Julio: Yes. It was either lose my business and partnerships, and my place in the community here as an elder by letting the information become public, or gracefully go into an early retirement, and keep my honor intact.

Rem: How does this all lead back to the attack?

Julio: Again, shortly after liquidating my assets and announcing my retirement, another letter reached me. In it, the sender knew everything, and I mean everything about the blackmail. They said if I cooperated with what they needed, they could destroy the information the Hoshin Company had on me, the proof of my participation in the War. I figured if they somehow knew something I never whispered to a soul about, they were telling the truth.

YN: I still don't understand why you would've denied Emilia if you fought in the demi-human rebellion. Wouldn't that be what the demi-humans want?

Julio: Demi-human-kind wants a great many deal of things, and I fought for them. But I quickly realized being too hard pressed about these things will only make people hate you more. I'd be overjoyed to see demi-human on the throne, but one that looks like the Witch of Envy? Is this a cruel twist on a wish? If she wins, it'll be a whole new Civil War. The humans won't stand for it.

Rem: Then Julio-san is of the opinion that keeping Emilia-sama off the throne is worth it in order to keep tensions down, and help keep a second revolt from forming, correct?

Nodding at the blue haired girl's analysis, Julio concurred.

Julio: Those were my feelings at first, yes. I've seen far too much death and destruction caused by the War. But that was before I found out about one of Emilia-sama's opponents for the throne... They were the sitting president of the Hoshin Company. If backing Emilia-sama and helping her could possibly mean denying the Hoshin Company that much power...

YN: So you're just going against all your principles then, is it? You didn't want Emilia to speak here because you're afraid of being associated with her based on her looks, but also because of the consequences if she won... Even after saying you didn't want to see all that death and destruction again... Yet here you are throwing that all away for some petty payback?!

Julio: — — —

Without a reply, Julio instead turned his vision back to the window.

Rem: Julio-san said his business was his life's work. It is not unthinkable that a lifetime of work being ripped away may cause one's own morals to become warped.

Still looking away, Julio answered Rem's analysis.

Julio: I have no words to justify my actions... But since you know about it, I am powerless to stop you. If there are consequences for my inaction, then so be it.

YN: Then on top of it all too, you're still just going to let the attack unfold?! You're still going to let innocent people get wrapped up and hurt by this?! Even if we do know about it, if I still get taken, Rem will follow, I know she will.

Turning his head to Rem, and going to hold her hand, YN continued.

YN: Even if I tell her not to. She'll try to. She won't rest until I'm safe. I won't let her give up her horn to save me, and she won't let anyone take me for as long as she lives.

Matching eyes with Julio once more, YN concluded his point.

YN: Are you really just going to let her die?

Julio: —Wait, what was that you said you wouldn't let her give up?

As YN neared the ultimatum of his point, he had planned to name Julio an enemy since he was essentially letting Rem go off to her death, but his sudden question paused that.

YN: —Uh, huh?

Stepping forward before YN could answer, Rem gave a clear example of what YN had said, and what was the true motive behind the attack.

Closing her eyes, Rem focused, and let her mana transform into a physical form. As the magenta light took form, the hum of its energy filled the air. With the source of Rem's powers coming into firm, it shined brighter and brighter.

With Julio's jaw falling, the glare on his glasses from Rem's light was all YN could see on his face.

Rem: This, is what the attacker is after.

Julio: — — —

Now that Rem's horn had fully materialized, it's light and hum died down immensely, and Julio's eyes behind the glare were now visible. Cemented on his face was all the evidence YN needed to know that Julio and attackers weren't in tight communication, since this was clearly an unknown Julio hadn't expected to see.

Julio: Rem-chan is... she's...

YN: Yes. And one of the last two alive.

Putting his hands to the side of his head, Julio pushed his glasses up and rubbed his gray face with his hands.

Julio: If I had known I'd would have never—

Stopping himself, Julio shook his head again, as if he were now greatly disturbed.

Julio: The reason—, the reason I joined in the demi-human revolt was because I knew an oni, when I was very young... I was out in the forest, farther than I'd ever gone, into the deepest reaches looking for berries for my mother... When I ran into another boy. I had never met him before at the village, and at first, he looked human to me...

Turning his gaze back out to the window, Julio fondly remembered his childhood friend.

Julio: At first, I was scared. My mother always told me to stay away from humans for my own safety, but he was also scared. He told me he wasn't supposed to talk to anyone outside his village. But as we talked, a mabeast attacked, and as I was certain we were both going to die, he summoned his horns, and drove the beast away with his fire magic.

Looking back at them, Julio closed his eyes as he continued to reminisce.

Julio: We talked after that, and many times, we made plans to meet again in the forest, for close to a year we became friends. Until one day his father caught him slipping out, and followed him to where we were. He marched us back to my village and spoke with my parents.

Setting his elbows up onto the table, Julio took off his glasses and stared down at them as he placed them on a stack of documents.

Julio: It was more or less an open secret in my village that they traded with the oni village, and this was a terrible grievance that two of those village's children had become acquainted with each other. I only saw him a handful of times after that over the next few years, but we remained close. Until...

Rem: His village, it was attacked, wasn't it?

Silently nodding at the sorrow he felt, Julio explained.

Julio: I remember seeing a plume of smoke in the air in the direction we used to meet, and being afraid for him. But later that same day, our village was attacked by a band of human raiders... The same ones I later learned attacked his village that morning...

Giving Rem and YN a stair of infinite distance, Julio went on.

Julio: I remember them kicking down our door during dinner. They cut my father down before he could even stand, and my mother yelled at me to run. I left the house and ran in the direction of the oni-village, hoping to get help for mine, but as I got there, I found their entire village had already been burnt to the ground.

Putting his glasses back on, Julio recomposed himself, and concluded his experience.

Julio: That day, and only that day, was I a refugee. I returned home and was greeted by more soldiers, this time demi-humans who had shown up just after I had ran and chased the raiders off. Thankfully my mother was still alive, but that was also the last time I ever saw her. I asked the soldiers to take me with them, as I wanted revenge. My mother pleaded with me to stay, but my desire for blood was too much...

Rem: Rem was not as fortunate. Witch Cultists took the lives of everyone Rem knew besides her Nee-sama, but they had managed to take her horn... We were the last of the secret villages, and that does indeed make Rem and Nee-sama the last of our kind.

Julio: And that would be why they're after your horn... The very last one there is... I am so terribly sorry for having thrust such a fate upon you both... It surprises me none that it would be like this... It is punishment for my foolishness and my powerlessness. Please... Forgive me.

Clenching his hand in frustration, Rem stepped forward once more.

Rem: Then Rem humbly asks you to heed YN-kun's request. Help us during the attack.

Standing up, Julio raised an arm across his chest, bowed his head, and spoke in a stern voice.

Julio: I will do whatever I must to atone. I will protect you all with my life.

As Julio's eyes were closed, YN placed a hand on Rem's shoulder. Looking back at him and seeing him nod, Rem bowed her head, and stepped back in place next to him.

YN: Rem and I can handle ourselves. Who I'm worried about is Subaru. He's defenseless. If you could, Julio-san, concentrate on defending him.

Turning around, Julio took a step towards the pair of short swords on the wall. Grabbing them, he placed them inside the band of his yukata's band that went around his waist. Returning to how he was, Julio placed a hand on each of the sword's hilts and used his thumb on the guard to expose the smallest amount of blade on each, momentarily inspecting both.

Julio: It's been years since I've properly needed to use these... I still feel a sense of powerlessness from all this, but I will do my best to be like the late Sword Saint. Someone who had the power to fix the problems she faced.

Rem: Sword Saint Theresia. The same Sword Saint who ended the Demi-human War.

Griping his sword's hilt with more confidence, Julio perked up from hearing that.

Julio: Yes. I looked up to her immensely for her strength. I only had the privilege of seeing her on the battlefield once, but when I did, her presence carried a glow to it.

Thinking back, it had been a time he had fallen in the thick of battle. On the ground, through the mud and death that surrounded him, the only glimpse he had of the Sword Saint was her felling a foe many times her height. The memory had stayed with him forever.

Rem: The two of us will leave for now then. We appreciate your cooperation going forward, Julio-san.

Bowing as well, Julio concluded his words as well.

Julio: I will do my best. You have my word. Once Emilia-sama takes the stage, I will protect everyone to the best of my ability.

Taking their leave, YN and Rem proceeded out of Julio's study, and walked back into the open receptionist area. Leading Rem outside, YN felt revisions were needed for his plan, and the changes would need to be relayed to Rem.

Choosing a bench that overlooked the koy pond outside the building's entrance in a small garden, Rem and YN sat down in the tranquil area.

YN: Since that went a lot better than I thought it would, I think my idea needs some revision.

Rem: Does YN-kun mean what he has planned for this loop?

YN: Yeah. Switching outfits with Subaru was integral to that plan. And I think it just ended up being better than I thought it was.

Rem: What was YN-kun's intention with that?

YN: I had a feeling if me and Subaru had swapped outfits, the monster might kidnap him instead, provided we don't give any clues I'm me, and Subaru is himself. But as Julio-san said, he was told to put the target in the 'blue outfit.' So it ended up being a correct guess.

Giving YN a confused expression, Rem was lost as to the motive for such a desired outcome.

Rem: Then YN-kun is saying his plan was to have Subaru-kun kidnapped in his place...?

Doubting he had made such a drastic plan, YN could only weakly smile at Rem, as if unfortunately confirming she was correct. But, expecting a more dramatic response from Rem, she instead kept her composure, and let her trust in YN take over.

Rem: That is unlike YN-kun to think in such a way, to sacrifice a friend. Rem knows it must be for a reason.

Taking Rem's hand, YN gave it a squeeze of reassurance.

YN: It's not a choice I made lightly, but I'm hoping it solves our problem. If Julio-san thinks I'm Subaru, then it'll leave Subaru a much more open target since he'll be trying to protect me.

Looking down at the koi swimming in circles, YN relayed the finer details of the plan to Rem.

YN: My hope was... if Subaru is taken instead of me, they'll realize they took the wrong person and... well...

Rem: YN-kun hopes they'll kill Subaru-kun. That will make everything start over again, won't it?

Having a final understanding of Return By Death, Rem also looked down at the koi.

YN: Rem, I know it sounds bad, abandoning a friend like that, but I promise you, it's only because—

Rem: Rem fully understands.

Leaning her head on his shoulder as she said that, she released his hand and instead worked her arm under and around his own that was closest to her. Holding onto his arm and nuzzling her face as gently as she could to not ruin the flowers that remained on her head, Rem did her best to make sure YN understood her.

Rem: Rem knows YN-kun would only act this way to save everyone in a way they would not be pained in the end. Having already had to do such a cruel thing to Beatrice-sama... Rem imagines she feels the same way YN-kun does. Therefore, Rem will not think less of YN-kun as long as he does not think less of Rem.

YN: Rem...

Bringing the blue haired girl as close as he could to himself, YN embraced her.

Rem: It's only because everything can be taken back to zero that we do these things, right?

Seeing Rem was still struggling to cope with the moral crisis their actions were inflicting upon herself, YN pulled away, and instead placed both his hands on her shoulders.

YN: I think we both need to understand, Rem. We only do this because there's no consequences. We only do this because we care for everyone. We only do this because it's temporary. That doesn't make us bad people. We'll never be bad people as long as we have each other to check ourselves. We care too much about each other to let that happen.

Nodding at his words, Rem leaned in for a hug, placing her head against his chest.

Rem: YN-kun always knows how to quell Rem's worries. But...

Coming out from the hug, Rem placed her delicate hands gently on YN's cheeks.

Rem: Something about this still bothers YN-kun immensely, Rem can tell.

Looking down and away, YN averted his eyes at the guilt he still faced and felt in his heart. Using his own hand, YN placed it over one of the ones Rem had on his face.

YN: Rem... please don't ever think I'd do something similar to you. I want you to be the one thing I protect no matter what. No matter what happens or what we may ever have to do, I want you to be the one thing I'll never forsake.

Coming back in for a hug, Rem lightly ran her fingers through his hair on the back of his head.

Rem: Rem wants YN-kun to rely on her as much as he ever needs.

Separating once more, Rem ran her fingers gently down the side of his face and off the tip of chin.

Rem: If YN-kun needs to use Rem... he only ever needs to ask.

Taking his hands, YN placed them on Rem's soft cheeks, and tilted her head forward, pushing their foreheads against each other.

YN: I would condemn myself to a lifetime of the worst suffering before I'd ever make you feel even the most fleeting amount of pain.

Putting her hands back on his face in the same way YN had hers in, Rem answered him.

Rem: YN-kun can't do that. It would be a lifetime without Rem.

Dropping their hands together, the two shared a kiss, cementing their feelings that they held each other above any moral issues or tough choices that would ever need to be made.

Returning to their original positions, the two silently watched the koi swim as they held hands. After a few moments, it was Rem who spoke back up.

Rem: As for what we do next... Rem understands what must be done. She will do all she can for YN-kun.

YN: Thank you, Rem...

Returning to another peaceful moment, it was shortly broken again by a new voice, approaching them from behind.