A/N: Here is the follow up to last week's chapter. This chapter was kinda fun to write, but unfortunately, here on FFnet I cannot embed the art I commissioned to go with a very nice scene. If you know the other sites this fic is on though, they will be on there, you'll want to see it!
Also thank you to ShuTDowN for finding a few spelling errors on chapter 63.
Chapter 66: The Endless Eight – Part 12
Unlike the times YN had knowingly reentered his body before, each time he had, he'd been asleep, allowing him to gently ease in, and make good sense of his position and the shock. It felt no different returning then it did waking up from a vivid dream.
Unfortunately though, YN found himself in the worst possible action to suddenly regain consciousness.
With ice cold water going down his throat, his first immediate feeling was the sensation of an immense thirst being quenched. The next however, was his mind naturally panicking at the sudden and unexpected sensation of water in an area where one also passes their breathing through.
YN: *Cough!* *Cough!*
Covering his mouth with his elbow, he recoiled from his body's reaction.
While also finding himself nearly dropping a glass of water that had just been held up to his mouth, YN quickly looked around where he was.
The tea room... I was right.
Next was that YN needed to gauge how long he'd been in the room. Taking a look at his own glass, the ice in the pitcher, and realizing he still had sweat on his brow, he deducted that must have been his first sip of the water Rem had left him, which meant—
Emilia: YN?
Like a silver chime, the voice of the mansion's most esteemed resident was heard by YN as she entered the tea room, just as he remembered her doing.
Stepping around the seating arrangement to see him, Emilia tilted her head.
Emilia: Oh, I thought I heard you coughing, I can see that you were. Is everything alright?
YN: Huh? Oh yeah. Uhh, I… just wasn't ready for how cold the water would be is all. It's very refreshing.
Emilia: Oh. That's normal though I guess.
Picking up the other glass that Rem has left for herself, Emilia felt for the temperature of the water herself.
Emilia: Hmmmmm... It doesn't really feel that cold for me...
Saying this, several large drops from the condensation on the outside of the glass she held fell to the table below. While he was reminded of Emilia's indifference to the cold, seeing she was about to take a drink, YN spoke up despite his disorientation still with his sudden return.
That's Rem's!
YN: E-Emilia-sama!
Stopping before the glass met her lips, she tilted her head at YN's sudden outburst.
YN: Rem sat that one aside for herself... I can go get you a glass of your own if you'd rather...
Emilia: O-Oh, how thoughtless of me... That would have been bad.
Forcing a smile at her failed attempt to casually converse with YN, Emilia tried to make more small talk, using the topic she had originally sought him out to discuss.
Sitting down opposite from him, Emilia looked down at her hands as she rubbed them together in a nervous manner.
Emilia: So, what brings you into the tea room? I think I remember Ram saying she had to go tell you to finish up.
YN: Yeah, she did, but I refused since I wasn't done yet. But, Rem got my attention and said I should take a break.
Emilia: Oh. But then where did she go?
Flipping up the note Rem left, YN mentioned it.
YN: I guess Subaru needed some help with something, but I think she'll be back soon. She did tell me when I was still outside that she needed to talk to me.
Emilia: Did she say what about?
Giving the cold glass of water another chance, YN had Emilia's question go in one ear and out the other, not giving it much of a thought and instead answering it in a rather obliviously honest way.
YN: Probably the trip later today, maybe some other things too.
Emilia: R-Rem already informed you of the trip to Saluzzo?
Realizing his own slip up, YN swallowed his second gulp of water hard.
Crap, I think I've already managed to mess something up. I'm thinking in past loop's tense, not this one's!
YN knew that at this point though, there was no backpedaling.
YN: Uh, yeah, o-only briefly though. Something about stopping in Costuul and a speech once we got there...
Putting the glass up to his mouth, YN ended his reply by mumbling into his cup and taking another drink. While waiting for Emilia to reply though, she looked down, almost as if she were disappointed having heard that.
Going to reply finally though, she was interrupted by the sound of hasty footsteps coming down the hallway. With their signature clack, they quickly arrived at the opening to the tea room.
Rem: YN-kun.
Hearing the concern in her voice, YN could picture her expression even though from where he sat, his back was to her. Seeing Rem enter though, Emilia's shy nature got the better of her. Standing up she forced another smile to the blue haired maid.
Emilia: Ah Rem, you're back.
Confirming YN was in the room, and given Emilia's reaction wasn't in any immediate distress, Rem acted upon her maidly manners and bowed at her superior's greeting.
Rem: Yes, Rem has returned.
Emilia: I came in here to tell YN more details about our departure in a few hours and the purpose of our trip, but it sounds like you already filled him in. Thank you.
Hearing kudos for an action she did not perform, Rem instead turned her eyes to where YN sat. Only receiving a smile in reply from him, she was clued into everything she needed to know, and bowed again.
Rem: Rem only did so in the interest of time as she knows Emilia-sama has a great deal of important and valuable possessions to be packed up for the trip. Rem will help her pack once she is finished with YN-kun.
Continuing to force her smile and cheery response, Emilia concluded her presence in the tea room.
Emilia: Hmm hmm. There's no rush. I'm sure there are other preparations to make, so I won't distract you two from discussing it.
Walking past Rem and YN, Emilia went to exit the room, but hesitated as she saw Rem take the seat right next to YN on the same sofa.
Only standing in the doorway for a moment, she noticed the two hadn't immediately begun speaking to one another, and taking that as a hidden clue, Emilia stepped out fully, and walked down the hallway for the foyer to head back to her own room.
Having taken a sip of her own glass for the first time in any of the loops, Rem did so as she waited to make sure Emilia wasn't within earshot.
Rem: YN-Kun.
Setting her glass down, Rem looked down on it for a moment in silence until she turned her head to look him in the eyes. Seeing the continued concern in her eyes that was in her voice earlier, YN smiled softly at her, hoping to release any doubt or continued worry she had.
Rem: YN-kun... Rem never told you about the trip...
Going to hold her hand as it rested on her lap, YN tried his best to comfort the heart of the one who held his own.
YN: That's true... But I also know what you're going to tell me next.
Rem: — — —
YN: The Scent... It instantly became stronger on me and Subaru, didn't it? Which means if you're wondering what I know you're wondering... the answer is yes.
Before he could even finish saying that, Rem's eyes had begun to bubble up tears of anguish.
Rem: Rem was just *hic* in the kitchen helping Subaru-kun, when she suddenly smelled it. Subaru-kun did not act any different, so Rem rushed to see if the same was true *hic* for YN-kun.
Letting go of YN's hand, Rem tightly gripped her apron in her closed fists, frustrated and holding back her tears.
Rem: And since he said 'yes' to Rem's unanswered question... that can only mean—!
As the dam burst open, Rem's eyes overflowed with tears, and her voice filled with regret.
Rem: —Rem failed to protect her YN-kun!
Gently pulling her head in as the waterworks intensified to a point where Rem wouldn't be able to communicate well, YN held the blue haired maid to his chest and tried to run his fingers through her soft hair, but was unable to.
Shaking her head from side to side, Rem was clearly upset at the prospect of there having been a death.
Rem (muffled): Rem is so sorry she failed!
Putting his hands on her shoulders, he brought her out of his embrace and tried again to reassure her. Looking right into her eyes, both of them were visible now from her bangs being scattered.
YN: Rem, you said Subaru didn't seem to notice anything, right? He was acting normal? He didn't seem like he was trying to act normal?
Silently shaking her head, that was all the confirmation YN needed.
Even if she was wrong, Subaru probably would have gotten here even sooner then Rem did to speak with me...
Pulling the oni back into his chest, YN hugged her tightly.
YN: If Subaru wasn't acting like he had just died and returned, then Rem... you didn't fail at all. You did everything I needed you to do.
Coming out from the embrace, Rem wiped several of her tears away at hearing this.
Rem: R-Really?
YN: Yes, if anything, you succeeded where I couldn't and saved everything. And because of you, we're able to be together here.
Hugging her again, YN put his face next to hers as he held her tightly.
YN: So please don't be sad thinking you failed, instead, Rem, please be happy from me praising you for doing so well.
Entirely flipping her emotions, Rem began to cry once more, not from grief, but from joy.
Rem: There is a great deal of things we need to discuss, isn't there?
YN: Yeah... But we shouldn't do it here. Can we go to the storage closet like last time?
Slightly furrowing her brow, Rem nodded.
Rem: That is an odd choice... but the more Rem considers it, the better it does seem. Yes.
Offering Rem his hand, Rem wiped the few tears she had left before she took it and led him onward and out of the tea room to be alone in the storage closet.
It's almost like being chauffeured, but instead it's walking.
Taking peace in Rem navigating for him like always, YN savored a calm before the storm.
Having filled Rem in as much as he could, given he only retained knowledge of the last loop, Rem was nonetheless disturbed by the idea of the entire scenario, and that she had ended up being the entire focus of the debacle.
YN: Listen, I know it's a lot for you take in, but—
Rem: —N-No. Rem is alright. Disturbed, and made uneasy, but she is alright.
Giving him a weak smile in the dimly lit storage closet, Rem tried to reassure him.
Rem: This isn't as much as when Rem first found out about Returning or that YN-kun was from beyond the great waterfall.
YN: It's still a huge shocker to drop on you.
Rem: Rem will weather it all with her YN-kun. We'll overcome it, together.
YN: Well, that's the other thing... I'm kind of abandoning the idea of trying to 'win' this...
Rem: —? What does YN-kun intend to do then?
YN: I think it's obvious my plans for overcoming this aren't going to work... So I'm going to leave it to the one person who is good at overcoming this kind of stuff. Subaru.
Rem: Is YN-kun going to tell Subaru-kun after all?
Slightly worried her efforts from the last loop to keep everything from being found out might be all for not, YN shook his head.
YN: I think the best thing we can do is somehow fake having overheard there'll be an attack on Emilia to Subaru. From there, we'll need to trust how he handles it.
Rem: YN-kun doesn't think he's more qualified to come up with a strategy for this?
Looking down at the dusty ground, YN lamented his failures.
YN: Subaru is able to adapt much quicker to needed changes when it's required, and his plans usually take into account any hidden problems that may pop up a lot better then mine do...
Giving Rem an expression of guilt, YN concluded his point.
YN: He's just a lot better at it. My plan last time fell into so many pieces it wasn't funny, and I ended up having to have you pick them all up and make it work.
Rem: Is that not what our promises to each other is? That Rem will lean on YN-kun, and in turn, he will do the same for Rem?
YN: It was a lot to ask. Too much, I'd say.
Patting the oni's soft blue hair, YN smiled warmly at her.
YN: That's why I was so happy to have things end up this way, you did an amazing job.
Rem: Rem would say it isn't for YN-kun to decide what's too much for her to carry.
YN: If I didn't limit myself, you'd break your back.
Rem: And Rem would still carry that weight.
Placing another two pats on her head, YN returned to the original point.
YN: But, to be completely honest, it's not like I don't have an intention to nudge Subaru in the right direction of what I think needs to be done.
Putting a hand to her chin, Rem thought before replying with her own idea.
Rem: Does YN-kun intend to bring Beatrice-sama and win over... Julio-san was his name? Rem thinks it may be optimal to unite as much as our strength as possible.
Shaking his head, YN answered in a way that surprised her.
YN: Not at all. I think I know when the odds are against us. I think the only way to win is not to play. We'll try and get Subaru to convince Emilia to call off the speech at the last minute. If she doesn't speak, the monster won't attack. If it still does attack, well, we'll rely on Subaru to figure something out.
Rem: That... doesn't seem like something YN-kun would normally be comfortable doing.
YN: It's really not, but, I want to devote all my brain power to protecting you. I can't plan a strategy and do that at the same time it seems. So—
Extending his hand, YN offered it to Rem.
YN: —I'm asking you to trust me in that I don't know how to solve this problem, but will do everything in my power to honor the promise I made to Nee-sama to keep you safe. And if that means I need to trust Subaru to solve it, I ask you to trust that judgment.
Taking his hand, Rem nodded.
Rem: Rem is very happy to have someone so devoted to her as YN-kun in her life. I'm sure Nee-sama feels the same. Hehe.
Giggling at the end of her reply, YN lifted a brow at her reaction.
Rem: Rem just can't believe she told Nee-sama about YN-kun being from another world... Rem would like to see her reaction.
YN: It's not out of the question I don't think... Ram can keep a secret. Maybe one day.
Rem: Yes, maybe one day. But for now—
Reaching for the door handle, Rem opened it, and looked left and right.
Rem: —with no sign of Nee-sama this time, if it's like YN-kun said, we will have a good amount of Emilia-sama's luggage to bring downstairs, won't we?
YN: Yeah, yeah we will.
Still holding his offered hand, Rem led YN out of the storage closet, and out into the rest of the mansion to make the needed preparations for the trip.
YN: Oh, Rem, there's one last thing I forgot to tell you.
Rem: —?
YN: Bring your cloak, and I'll bring mine.
Trusting his words, Rem smiled brightly at him, fully confident his suggestion carried not only the utmost importance, but also the greatest concern.
Rem: Rem will make sure they are prepared.
Arriving through the gates of Costuul, YN confidently drove the carriage through the large crowds of people that were in the commerce district on the way to the Inn the four had reservations for.
Going right down the middle, to his side sat Subaru who at this point was being a nervous passenger.
Subaru: Don't you think you should really slow down a lot more when going through this many people, and that we might be better off to the side of the street instead?
YN: They'll get out of the way. We've come this far and haven't had an issue.
Remaining silent in reply, Subaru after a few moments again checked YN's judgment.
Subaru: Aren't you a bit warm in that cloak? I know it's not the heaviest material, but it was pretty warm today at the mansion.
YN: I uhhh, ya know... Looking at the clouds, they looked like the kind you have before rain.
While utterly fabricating his knowledge of how he knew what the weather would be, YN chose not to elaborate any more on the matter.
Unsure of his logic, Subaru conceded to allow YN to do what he thought was best.
We ended up leaving a tad bit later than last time. I think Rem was definitely distracted while getting ready, trying to wrap her head around everything I got through telling her...
Doing his best to make up time, YN believed they had done so on the trip here. Arriving at the Inn, the four disembarked the carriage, with Rem and Emilia going to check in, and YN and Subaru handling getting the ground dragon put away.
While just starting to get things put away, Subaru heard Emilia call for him.
Subaru: I'm gonna go see what Emilia-tan needs.
Nodding, YN let him go off. Waiting for him to leave the stables, YN cursed under his breath.
YN: Yeah that's fine I'll just handle it all myself...
?: But YN-kun will get a better helper in exchange.
Jumping at someone replying to his annoyed self-statement, YN spun around.
YN: Jeez Rem, you'll give someone a heart attack doing that...
Genuinely surprised how she was able to enter the stables without making a noise, or open the main door to the area without it creaking as it always did, YN remembered how skilled the maids were.
Intrigue, sleight of hand, manners, diplomacy, combat prowess, and even covert movements... is it fair to even call them maids!?
Looking about momentarily trying to see how Rem had managed it, YN sighed to himself as the blue haired maid who currently wore her own white hooded cloak with the center blue ribbon smiled warmly at him.
Rem especially... Be it housework, a fight, an injury, cooking, dealing with difficult people, craftiness, and even being witful... she can do it all... someone that talented still has room to be as caring and compassionate... and she chose me of all people to rely on...
Putting a hand on her head, YN smiled at the maid who's everything greatly warmed his heart.
Not to mention she's staying by my side despite all the hardship...
Looking up at him, Rem's smile changed to a face of curiosity and slightly tilted her head, trying to leave his hand on the same spot.
Rem: YN-kun... is everything okay?
YN: Yeah... I just got to thinking how special you are, that's all.
Seeing her face turn scarlet, Rem smiled in reply as her body slightly fidgeted from the rush his praise gave her.
YN: Just go ahead and give yourself a little break though. I can handle the rest from here.
Nodding to his offer, Rem took a seat atop a bale of straw. Lifting her small stature up onto it, Rem's legs hung freely after planting herself, so she lightly kicked them as she watched YN.
Did I forget to mention she's adorable on top of all that stuff from before?
Rem: Rem should mention one thing though if she is to only sit and observe.
YN: And that would be?
Rem: In accordance with what YN-kun described the last time he was here, Rem has taken the opportunity to use Emilia-sama's hunger to our advantage.
Swaying side to side now as if she were excited, Rem explained.
Rem: Rem had Emilia-sama and Subaru-kun leave early so they could both find dinner for themselves. Which leaves us together—
Looking downward while getting a bashfully scarlet shade on her face, Rem tapped her toes together as if in anticipation of what she would say next.
Rem: —which means Rem can hope that YN-kun might treat this opportunity as a date maybe...
Smiling not only at her proposal, but also that she had used information so well, YN finished up what he was doing and stretched before he answered the blue haired girl.
She's also incredibly resourceful when it comes to stuff like this... using information from a previous loop I told her about to make things better in this one... I truly, truly am lucky to have her and for her to be privy to these things.
YN: That sounds wonderful. Are you ready to go?
Rem: Yes. Please, lead the way.
Offering her hand, YN took it and brought her out of the stables.
I think I have just the right place to go to as well.
With Emilia and Subaru having already gotten a head start, YN and Rem were alone together.
Well, as alone as two can be in a street packed with people shoulder to shoulder and lines as long as the eye can see for the various and numbered food stands and merchant tents that lined the street.
Hand in hand nonetheless, YN navigated the slow moving crowd, trying to find the familiar venue he'd seen in only a snippet of his memories.
It's gotta be around here somewhere...
Only in his mind could he see the faint picture. What appeared to be a secluded food stall of some sorts with seats, and draped behind them was a short curtain, the entire venue was the spitting image of a back alley ramen stall.
Without a definite idea of where it was, YN parsed his mind trying to connect his full memories from his past loop with the snippets of what he knew had to be previous loops.
YN: I think it's across the street... We should cross here.
Nodding in reply, Rem agreed to this course of action, and the two moved towards the middle of the street where others were also waiting for a gap in the slow moving carriage traffic.
Awaiting their opportunity, YN looked around at the surrounding buildings trying to guess where he was and where this elusive stall should be.
I don't think we went too far... I'm not sure though...
As he looked around, one other feature did catch his attention. A stall where the proprietor sat up high, manning a large wok with a great and intense flame under it.
That's the place we got our orders from last time! We must be close!
Watching his handy work, the man poured a container of water into the hot wok, causing a great amount of stream to rise up and out of his booth. Trying to find its way upward, the steam rolled up under his awning he had leaned out, and up into the gray, nearly night-time sky above.
This is... familiar...
For some reason, YN distinctly remembered the picture of the large steam cloud rolling out from the stall, and what it symbolized next.
But feeling a tug on his sleeve, YN noticed many people around him were moving about and around him as he was lost in his own thoughts.
Rem: YN-kun, everyone is crossing. There's a gap.
Like an active walkway, people were moving from one side to the other of the street. Only nodding, Rem guided YN along as he remained halfway indulged in his thoughts.
No... something else happens now...
Looking back down to Rem, he saw her back from the way she was pulling him along by the sleeve. While her brilliant blue hair did stand out to him, his eyes also fell down to her white cloak and its hood that swung side to side slightly.
That's right...
Stopping in the middle of the street with people passing in either direction, YN halted Rem and himself.
Rem: YN-kun?
YN: Rem...
Feeling the first droplet of what was to come on his head as Rem's own turned and their eyes met, YN reached out for her.
While at first expecting him to place his hands on her cheeks, Rem instead felt him reach his hands behind her head. Pulling up her hood to fully cover her delicate hair and head, Rem was at first unsure why he had done so. But within the next second, she had realized why.
No sooner than her head had been covered, the heavens opened up, and a deluge had begun to come down.
Astonished by the timing, Rem was lost in wonderment, her eyes wide open, which in turn caused YN to become lost in them as the rain began to wet his own uncovered head.
Like standing in the middle of a busy city crosswalk, Rem and YN were the only two standing still as the passersby began to slowly react to the changing weather.
With the renewed hustle of people around her snapping her back to reality, Rem also reached her hands to YN's hood in his cloak, lifting it up like he had done for her, she spoke softly to herself.
Rem: YN-kun really has lived this moment before, hasn't he?
There was no other explanation she needed. Rem had finally gotten a clue of what it was like for her and YN to reface an event. Just how it felt to fully anticipate an unknowable thing beforehand.
While her heart ached, longing to have experienced it with him the first time, she also felt an incredible warmth in her body knowing she was well taken care of by YN with his knowledge of what was to come.
Staring into her eyes still, YN could tell exactly how she felt, and it in turn made him feel a bag of mixed emotions too.
Rem: YN-kun...
With the only drop of water on Rem's face coming from a single tear forming under her visible eye, YN pulled the maid close to his heart. Amid the now nearly vacant street where large puddles of muddy water began to form the low spots of the cobble stone, Rem and YN held each other as the rain's downpour really began to begin.
Sheltered from it by their cloaks, the two remained for what felt like an eternity, but while it lasted only seconds, the two savored the moment. Through their embrace, and as they felt the pounding rain falling on them, they knew it was the perfect example of what they were to each other.
Despite everything going on around them.
Despite being completely alone.
Despite any dark and dreary conditions they may find themselves in.
And despite any problems that may be over the horizon, they'd always have each other.
They'd always find shelter in each other's arms.
Rem... I wish I had the courage to say what I really want to say right now...
With hesitant words on the tip of his tongue from a renewed and new emotion for Rem in his heart, the two came out from their embrace and looked around themselves.
With the rain fully coming down, the street had quickly been emptied with many of the walkers seeking shelter inside businesses and taverns while all the outside stalls and tents quickly closed shop, should they or their wares become too soggy to sell.
YN: Aw shit, don't tell me—!
Spinning his head around in worry, YN's mind instantly released the image of where he'd seen the stall in his memories.
Right behind them, from where they had come. Hoping for the best, YN was given the worst.
Each seat at the covered stall had been taken and occupied, leaving YN and Rem without an opportunity.
Turning fully in its direction, YN slumped his shoulders. But walking next to his side, Rem reached into his cloak and grabbed his hand. Turning his gaze back to her, Rem smiled sympathetically at him.
Rem: That's where YN-kun was hoping to go, wasn't it?
YN: Yeah... Sorry I took us the wrong way...
Shaking her head, Rem wiped a few fallen raindrops on YN's face that had found their way under his hood.
Rem: There's nothing to apologize for. Rem was happy to have such a moment with YN-kun. But—
Looking down, Rem saw the two were standing in a puddle that seemed to be rising as they stood there.
Rem: —let us find someplace warm and dry to have our date.
Nodding, YN let Rem take the lead, fully trusting she'd find exactly what they were looking for.
Being pulled along, YN wasn't sure if it was the slick ground under his feet, or the fluttering of his heart shaking his legs, but with each step forward as he gazed at Rem, it felt like he'd slip.
Rem... How am I ever going to convey these feelings to you?
Doubting the words existed, YN closed his eyes and simply let himself be pulled along.
All in due time I guess... All in due time...
Pulling him through the forming puddles as their shoes slapped the ground trying to find their way, Rem approached the first tavern that didn't have a line forming outside, indicating there was perhaps room on the inside.
Stepping inside, YN couldn't quite put his finger on it... but it definitely seemed familiar in a way he didn't understand.
With their cloaks dripping wet upon entry, the area for coats and the like to be hung up was already well beyond just being "full." Many it seemed had been piled over one another with a few small piles on the floor where some had fallen down, or perhaps had been tossed down from the lack of room.
Something tells me it's going to be hard to get a table here...
With something in his gut telling them that, for some reason he had it in his mind they'd need four seats, as if Subaru and Emilia were with them.
That's not right though...
Shaking his head as he laid his folded cloak over his arm, Rem turned to him.
Rem: Is everything alright?
YN: Yeah... my memories are just acting up after coming inside here and I don't know why...
Lowering her voice, Rem responded..
Rem: Maybe we can talk about it more once we get seated...
YN: That might help, sure.
Approaching the hostess that appeared board as could be despite how busy the rest of the tavern sounded, she sat slumped over with an elbow on her stand and her face resting in her palm.
Hostess: Two of ya?
Rem: Yes.
Giving them each a stare, the apathetic girl who worked the front desk acted as if sizing them up for some odd reason.
Hostess: Alright, follow me.
Hopping off her chair, the hostess led them through isles of packed tables filled with a wide assortment of people all sitting, drinking, yelling, and laughing. With barely enough room to navigate through the floor, YN was dumbfounded as to how the waitresses he saw running about with pitchers of drink and plates of food managed to not spill anything trying to traverse the crowded tavern.
Observing things like how the waitresses were dressed, the layout of the floor, and the design of the tables and chairs, all of this felt oddly familiar to YN.
There's no way I've been here before... Right?
Being shown a small booth meant for two, snugged between two larger booths meant for four or five but filled seven or more, Rem and YN sat, and in taking Rem's cloak for her, the waitress left them with a simple pamphlet that was the menu.
Looking up and down at the words before him,YN had little understanding of them, except for one word in particular that stood out to him.
YN: Hambulgar.
Turning her eyes up to him, Rem heard the words leave YN's mouth as he read them to himself.
Rem: Hmm? Is that what YN-kun wants?
YN: Yeah actually. They got brought up by you in the last loop. There's something really similar to them from my world by an equally similar name.
Rem: Rem remembers YN-kun mentioning that... while interesting, he did say something much more profound when speaking of Saluzzo and Kararagian architecture and culture being from Subaru-kun's country, but from a long time ago.
Referring to only one of the many things YN had filled Rem in on while in the storage closet, Rem returned to the topic at hand.
Rem: Has YN-kun ever had one with these on it though?
Reaching across the table, Rem pointed at word under "Hambulgar," which was more then likely a list condiments it came with.
YN: Oh, those. We actually got some kind of noodle dish in the last loop that had these in it, and I gotta say, I wasn't too crazy about them.
Rem: YN-kun should be able to request them not be added, Rem is certain a fair amount of people do.
YN: I'll do that then.
Having ordered and patiently waiting and making small talk, YN and Rem were each given their hambulgars.
Watching Rem pick hers up, YN was surprised to see it was nearly as large as her head. Seeing her eyes open wide at its size, her mouth did the same, bringing the food item in for her first bite.
With an auditable "argh!" being heard as she bit into it, Rem tore off her bite and chewed with joy.
I can imagine she was pretty hungry... I can't think of the last time I saw her eat either.
Having returned from his last loop upon Return, YN had three days of memories in his mind between now and what would have been "today's" lunch time.
I mean, it's hard to remember but I can't recall having noticed if Rem had lunch today...
While not uncommon before YN and Subaru had shown up to the mansion, Rem had been no stranger to having late or skipped meals when things were too busy. On the first time YN had noticed her doing so, he had put his foot down and made her take a break to eat, including each time he'd seen her do so afterwards, which became more and more rare.
What troubled YN the most was that he wasn't sure if this was one of those days or not, he simply couldn't remember these fine details after such a time.
But seeing her happily stuff her face did relieve most of these feelings for him.
I guess what matters most now is that she is having something...
YN truly hated to think what sort of long term health problems might occur if Rem worked as hard as she used to her entire life.
At least Rem doesn't have to work outside as much anymore doing some of the harder work of the mansion. Especially in the heat.
While his mind knew Rem was tough and could handle things well enough on her own, his heart viewed her as a precious and fragile flower. Too much water or sun could be dangerous, and too little just as well. What ended up being projected was a mix of the two. YN still recognized Rem's talent for her duties and let her use them, but was also keen to step in and not let her exhaust herself.
Even if it means hammering Subaru and him getting upset with me sometimes, I refuse to let our presence be a burden to Rem's workload. We're there to make it easier for her, not harder.
Rem: Umm, is YN-kun going to eat as well?
Snapping him out from his thoughts, YN realized he must have been staring a hole right through Rem the entire time, but thankfully she had been too preoccupied eating nearly half of her hambulgar.
YN: O-Oh, yeah I am, sorry—
Pausing his speech, was a sight that had turned his face a stark crimson.
While it wasn't exactly unexpected that Rem had made a small mess with the potential her meal had to make, it was that she had clearly not realized where her mess was.
It wasn't the smeared sauce and small crumbs stuck on the side of her mouth and face from her enjoyment that had halted his words. No, it was something else.
Rem: YN-kun?
Tilting her head, Rem inquired as to what halted his words.
From where YN sat, he could easily see Rem right across from him. He could see her slightly messy face, tilted in question. Moving downward in his vision, was her half eaten hambulgar, and below that was her plate that had caught most, but not all of the hambulgar's droppings of condiments and sauce.
It was just above that had caught the rest...
YN: Y-Y-You got a little uhh—, a bit of... umm...
With Rem grabbing a napkin, she wiped her face clean of the crumbs and sauce, only to eagerly pick back up her food.
YN: Uhh, lower.
Setting it back down, Rem wiped her chin clean this time.
YN: N-No... Lower.
Finally gesturing at his own chest, he tried to give Rem a better clue of where he had seen a mess that had halted his speaking.
Looking down expecting a stain of some sort, what Rem saw was worse.
Positioned almost perfectly in the middle of her cleavage, was a good drop of sauce as well as half bitten into condiment that had fallen almost all the way between her set of endowments.
Rem: Ahh?!
With her face now turning as red as YN's, Rem scrambled to clean up the mess out of embarrassment.
Unable to fully turn his vision away as she tried cleaning them, YN's mind raced.
L-Lewd!
Using the last of their napkins in the process, Rem has regained her honor, and was now clean again as YN still held his uneaten hambulgar.
Looking up at him though, Rem finally spoke.
Rem: YN-kun...
YN: I-I wasn't staring! I was just—
Reaching forward, Rem pinched the back of YN's hambulgar.
Huh?
Still shocked and embarrassed that Rem had maybe thought he was staring at her inappropriately, Rem's tone also suddenly changed as well, as if she had forgotten what had just transpired and was concerned by something else.
Pulling lightly, Rem took a piece of condiment out of it, revealing a specific vegetable.
Rem: —didn't YN-kun order this specifically without these?
Holding it pinched between her finger and thumb, was the vegetable YN found he was not a fan of in this world.
YN: Oh, I did, didn't I?
Rem: Hmm, this is troublesome... Pardon!
Trying to get a passing waitress's attention, Rem's call was unheard.
YN: R-Rem! It's fine I can just take them off—
Rem: YN-kun. It's a matter of principle. Patrons should get what they asked for.
With another waitress walking by, Rem again tried calling out, but to avail once more with the loud ambiance of the tavern and its atmosphere.
Rem: Er...
YN: I-It's really not a big deal.
Rem: But if Rem doesn't say anything, she knows YN-kun won't. It matters because to Rem, she is the only one who can help YN-kun like this if he can't himself.
Admittedly, Rem had a point. While YN was sure in his confidence that he could or couldn't ask for himself, in this world, he still very much felt like an alien. In this world, he knew it could prove to be an arduous task, not fully understanding the customs of things or to properly phrase his request.
But after she had pointed that conclusion out to him, YN felt he at least needed to try on his own.
YN: Here, I'll just go up front and ask. It'll be easier that way.
Taking his plate, YN stood up and proceeded over to the bar area where he assumed the kitchen was right behind.
Walking up, YN noticed the bar wrapped around the corner of the room, almost leading to a small hallway that was very dark.
I can't imagine who that part of the bar serves...
Seeing a few open spots between those who sat in front of the well lit part of the bar, YN looked about for a barkeep or someone who might be able to help him. Seeing no one, YN set his plate on the bar to perhaps better seek out someone, but no sooner than he did, a man walked out from the darkened area behind the bar.
Looking as if he had just gotten through polishing a glass, the man with a single black eyepatch and thin, balding white hair slapped his polishing rag over his leather retainer he wore, opposite of the shoulder his pauldron was on.
Turning his head about the area, he looked as if he were looking for someone.
?: Lazy, good-for-nothing... 'Soon as I find him, he'll be bussin tables for the next month for leaving the front bar empty...
Seemingly disgruntled he was needed upfront, the hard looking man proceeded further down the bar. Stepping in front of YN, he put his hands on his hips as he looked down on him.
?: 's rude to set food on the bar.
Not wishing to create hostility, YN picked his plate up off the bar, and proceeded to explain.
YN: Oh, sorry. But um, there's a bit of a problem with my order...
Leaning over and squinting at the order in question, the barkeep argued back.
?: Doesn't seem to be any problem.
YN: But, you see it's got—
?: Listen, wise guy. If yer tryin to swindle a free meal out of this, I'm not havin it.
YN: I'll still happily pay, I'd just like one without—
?: Oi. What did I just say, ay? I'm not havin it. Either throw it out and pay, or shuddup, eat it, and pay. 'Choice is yers.
Sighing, while YN would like to have argued his point more, he figured it wasn't worth it to cause the trouble. But as soon as he was about to turn around, a familiar voice sounded.
Rem: Excuse you. He asked for none of those on his.
Hearing her speak with a firm, commanding voice, Rem had silently walked up beside him, and folded her arms.
Seeing the barkeep lean back, YN could tell he was slightly caught off guard by her demand.
?: He wants his remade? Fine. But you lot are payin for anotha.
Nodding her head, Rem agreed.
Rem: Very well.
YN: Rem!? No, it's fine, really, I can just take them off or eat them. I don't wanna make this some complicated ordeal and—
?: If it's that much of a big deal, I'll pay for it. But—
Stepping between him and Rem, a new person spoke up and entered the conversation.. She was a demi-human with nearly bleach blonde hair, and ears and a tail like that of a tanuki with all the distinctive markings. Her skin was an olive shade, and her clothes were a simple cloth cloak with bandage wrappings under them, covering her chest but leaving her very muscular abdomen on display.
Using her equally muscular arm, the woman pointed YN's face toward her own.
?: —this cutie here will have to make it up to me later~.
Having his face brought much too close for comfort towards her own, YN noticed the wild look in her yellow eyes, and how her wild hair reached down onto her face, making her face look much more beastly.
?: Oi... Isabella. 'Ease off yer targets out here. I'll tolerate that behavior in the back bar, but not out 'ere.
Rem: Yes. Ease off.
Having ducked under her arm, Rem stood back up between YN and the demi-human by the name of Isabella. There had only been just enough room between them for her to do so, but neither Isabella, nor Rem backed each other away, and were now much closer to one another, boldly staring each other down.
Isabella was taller than YN it seemed, so Rem really was looking up at the demi-human, seemingly towering over her. But despite the size and height difference, Isabella could see Rem was refusing to back down.
Silently standing off against each other, the barkeep loudly set a glass down he had begun to polish in the meantime.
?: Isabella.
Breaking her stern look with Rem, she kept her face close to Rem's as she pouted.
Isabella: Daaaaaan-san...
Dan: I told you, not out 'ere. And speaking of which, what are ya even doin out here?
Finally leaning back, Isabella put one hand on the sword she had hung from her waist and the other went up the back of her neck, rubbing it.
Isabella: Some creep with green hair and green skin wouldn't shut up about his little book. Something about asking me if I knew about 'her love' and 'diligence.' He's probably with some weird church... It was killing my mood so I headed out here.
Leaning over to her side to better see him behind Rem, Isabella tried to get YN's attention again.
Isabella: Besides, it's so rare the cuties come back to that dark hole anyway. Sometimes you gotta go on the hunt. You can't waste all night waiting for them to come to you.
While trying again to entice YN, his attention to the conversation had been cut off for a few sentences now.
For some reason, and not because it was her that said it, but rather because he had simply heard the word at all, YN found himself deep in thought. That very word that had caused him to, was now echoing in his mind.
'Love...'
Consciously thinking of the word, YN could feel his heart beat harder at the word. But what would that truly, truly feel like? YN thought he fully understood the emotion, after all, it was normal to know what that felt like, right? But after knowing Rem, after knowing the happiness that she had brought into his life, feeling the care and compassion of her actions for him, and knowing that they shared something no other two people had probably ever experienced before... YN was unsure if he understood any of his own emotions anymore when compared to the ones Rem brought him.
Looking at the back of her head still as she stood between him and Isabella in a standoff, YN for some odd reason yearned to ask her something, but he didn't know what.
I'm starting to question what I think 'love' is...
Still, while definitely lost in thought as he gazed upon Rem's distinct blue hair, Isabella made another move to YN.
Isabella: Oh just look at him. I just can't help myself! I'll give you the best night of your life—
Reaching out for his face over Rem, she had made a lightning quick effort to intercept Isabella's reach.
Rem: Only Rem may touch him.
Isabella: Tch!
Trying harder to break the maid's firm grasp, Isabella used what must have been most of her strength as YN saw the muscles on her arm bulge and flex as she tried to push past Rem, who remained firmly planted, as if she was exhausting no effort in keeping the beast-woman back.
Rem: It seems you will not give.
Throwing her arm back, Rem with a single push against it sent Isabella several paces backwards, sliding her across the tavern's wooden floor. Quickly regaining her balance though, Isabella put her hands on her short sword's hilt and sheath.
Isabella: You little blue haired bi—!
Dan: Enough! I've said I won't 'ave it in 'ere!
Slamming a large sake bottle down on the table, his shout and the dull clank of the glass against the wooden bar, he'd hoped to stop the standoff, but barely even managed to silence the local area with as loud and rowdy as the tavern was.
Becoming irritated he hadn't had his own desired effect, Dan pointed at YN and Rem.
Dan: You twos—! Out—!
Without taking her eyes off Isabella, Rem responded in a calm fashion, but with a hint of irritation on her voice.
Rem: Very well.
Seeing this as her backing down, Isabella relaxed her stance and went back to crossing her arms.
Turning to Dan now, Rem bowed.
Rem: Thank you for the meal. Payment will be left at our table. YN-kun.
Extending a hand to YN, he could not see Rem's expression from the way she faced. Deciding to simply follow her lead, YN placed his hand in hers.
Silently departing, the two gathered their cloaks and left money on the table along with the barely half eaten and the untouched hambulgars.
Leaving out a backdoor from a long hallway, YN noticed that at this point the rain had stopped. Taking a few steps into the empty backstreet, their feet splashed on the residual water that was left from the earlier downpour, but stopped as suddenly as Rem did.
YN: Rem? Is everything alright—?
Spinning around, Rem gave YN a look of guilty relief.
Rem: Rem is sorry for making things worse... Maybe YN-kun was right in trying not to make a big deal about it.
Looking down as she spoke, he stepped forward and put his arms around the girl, much to her surprise.
YN: 'Sorry?' Rem, if you hadn't stepped in... I don't even know what I would have—, no, could have done with that lady.
Rem: Huh?
YN: I should be thanking you, Rem. Really. You kinda saved me there.
Rem: YN-kun isn't upset he didn't get to try his food?
YN: I'm sure it won't be the last time I get the chance. I'm more concerned about you though.
Putting his hands on her shoulders, YN spoke with concern in his voice.
YN: So go ahead and pick where we go next. I'll agree to it. Just maybe... somewhere calmer...
Rem: Yes... Somewhere calmer would be more fitting for a date, wouldn't it?
Putting a hand to her chin, Rem thought for a moment before going onward, taking YN by the hand.
Rem: Rem thinks we should try looking in a different part of the city...
Turning her head back and speaking this to him as they continued along, Rem led YN along to a backup date location.
Even as he tried to enjoy her taking the lead and trusting her to guide him along, one word still echoed in his mind from earlier as they walked the night time streets of Costuul's "leisure" district.
'Love...'