A/N: Here's this week's chapter! I also have some exciting news as well... I have started to write Arc 3! Hopefully I will have a few weeks to write as much as I can, and this fic will go on a hiatus after this mini-arc is over, but that should mean the hiatus time is much shorter then last time. I also invested some funds in buying the ENTIRE English manga series of Re:Zero to help facilitate faster access to references for the adaption to this fic! But without any further ado, here's the chapter!
Chapter 68: The Endless Eight – Part 14
Standing before the door that led to Julio's study, YN was hesitant before knocking.
We really lucked out the first time we tried this... I really don't want to mess it up this time and potentially lose all these moments with Rem.
Seeing the worry in his eyes, Rem gripped the hand she still held tighter. Standing to his side where he could see her uncovered eye, Rem turned and smiled, hoping to inspire confidence within him.
Rem: Rem will follow and assist YN in whatever way he chooses to go about this. She believes in him.
Having wondered if he should take a more practical approach to confronting Julio or not, YN had solidly made up his mind.
If Rem believes in me, I have no choice but to believe in her too.
YN: I'm—, We're going to use your idea. We'll bluff and tell him we know everything.
Looking down for a moment before making eye contact again, Rem's expression softened.
Rem: It greatly warms Rem's heart hearing her YN-kun have so much confidence in her.
YN: I trust you more than I trust myself.
Nodding to what he said, Rem showed she felt the same way. Reaching for the doorknob, their hands met on the handle. Looking at each other, the two shared a brief moment of silence, lost in each other's eyes before Rem spoke up.
Rem: Together?
YN: Together.
Twisting the handle, the two opened the large wooden door to the study. Taking a step back, Rem allowed YN to enter first.
Julio: O-Oh! Guests. YN-dono. Rem-chan. Has something been to your displeasure with your stay?
Shaking his head while appreciating the demi-human's concern, YN and Rem walked further into the study.
YN: No, everything has been very good.
Rem: Yes. Rem would like to thank Julio-san for his hospitality once more.
Pushing his glasses up, Julio seemed to be relieved from hearing that.
Julio: That's very good to hear. Does something else bring you both here then?
Turning his expression more serious, YN took a few more steps forward.
YN: Yes, unfortunately.
Julio: 'Unfortunately...'? That doesn't sound good at all...
Knowing it couldn't be related to their visit, Julio set the inked quill he had out back into its holder, and capped his inkwell.
Stepping forward next to YN, the blue haired maid spoke up in turn.
Rem: We have uncovered a rather troublesome development.
Turning her head to YN, Rem prompted him to go about this in whatever way he thought was best, and showed him that she'd back him up in whatever he said.
YN: Julio, I know you would understand that because of Emilia-sama's importance to the Kingdom, and with your agreement to host her, we'd have to extensively check your background.
Seeing Julio's expression change to be more serious, he folded his hands on his desk.
Julio: I can imagine you found some interesting things.
Assuming they had uncovered his involvement in the demi-human war, Julio mentally prepared to justify his reasonings and change of purpose to be inline with the plan he was being forced to go along with. He did not think of this as a problem, them coming before him like this. After all, there was no way they knew the entire story.
Right?
Rem: It is worth noting, we are not concerned about your past involvement in the War. However, it is not unrelated to that.
Julio: — — —
Being silent in reply to Rem, YN spoke next.
YN: A contact of Roswaal-sama's that has connections with the Hoshin company was actually able to tell us about your involvement in the War, and that they were actually in the process of blackmailing you into shutting down your business, correct?
Julio: Yes. And I'm sure after seeing my residence, and former place of business, you can report that I'm complying with that threat.
Hearing a sense of defeat in his voice, Rem and YN let him continue to talk, having seemed to have broken down his initial defenses on the matter. Lifting his hands off the desk but leaving his wrist on the surface, he showed them both his palms as if pleading innocence.
Julio: I think I can understand where this is going. No, I am not working with the Hoshin Company, or their president, who as I'm sure you're both aware of, is a rival for Emilia-sama's candidacy.
Rem: Yes. While it was no secret to us that you first denied Emilia-sama from showing up, you later changed your mind on this, which is what prompted our looking into this more closely.
Julio: That's odd, considering that you earlier expressed thanks from the Margrave for my help in convincing the other elders to let Emilia-sama appear at the festival, when that was only ever said in those letters, and was never truly the case. Am I to believe this is actually not just one large bluff of yours? Perhaps you spoke to another elder and they informed you of my unwillingness to host Emilia-sama. The truth is always much simpler, no?
Oh shit! Don't tell me he's finding holes in our plan!
But, as YN began to become worried at what he thought was the plan collapsing, Rem remained cool headed and resolute.
Rem: We know Julio-san doesn't actually suspect that, since he knows we never visited with another elder. Julio-san's informants who followed us into the city and all the way here would have reported that.
What?! We were being followed?!
Keeping the surprise off his face, YN's mind dwelled on Rem's ability to have noticed it.
Rem really is trained in intrigue... sometimes I forget how talented she is.
Rem: And as for what Rem said earlier, it was judgment of Julio-san's character. It was clear that while he did remember the lie he wrote, he did not react in a way that made it convincing when brought up in person.
Putting his attention back on Julio, YN could see him actively becoming more pressured as this went on, and his next reply illustrated that.
Julio: Then is this a confrontation of sorts to make sure I don't work with the Hoshin Company any further?
YN: We know you have no intention to, your support of Emilia-sama makes that clear... but we do know you're working with someone else, and that's why we're here.
With YN being the one to say it, Julio's eyes opened wide, causing his spectacles to really exaggerate the size of his pale blue eyes. Julio had not expected it at all, but somehow these two knew everything.
Julio: The Margrave's info gathering... it's much more robust then I had suspected it to be...
Rem: Julio-san was approached by someone else who claimed they knew of the blackmailing, and said if he followed a few simple conditions involving Emilia-sama's visit, they had the power to destroy the evidence that the Hoshin Company had.
YN: All you had to do was dress the target in a blue outfit, and let the attack unfold.
Saying so while wearing the mark of the target itself, YN calmly recited the condition of Julio's condition to free himself. Seeing the resentment in his eyes, YN heard what Julio had to say for himself.
Julio: I— I have nothing to say further. Everything you've said is true. How the Margrave's information gatherers found out about this, I haven't a clue.
Rem: We are also fully aware of Julio-san's feelings on this matter, and given his position, we are fully aware he was forced into this.
Julio: It is one thing for you both to somehow be privy of things that were spoken to by no one, but to claim your espionage is refined enough to know my feelings—, that is a bold assumption.
YN: There is no assumption. We know why you joined the demi-human rebellion, and we know what made you quit.
Julio: You have no idea why—!
Rem: Julio-san greatly resents the idea of innocents being caught up in violence.
Readjusting his glasses at Rem saying the truth, Julio recomposed himself as someone who was a renowned and respected elder would be expected of.
Julio: While that is correct, I would have a hard time believing someone with such resourceful information sources is all that innocent.
YN: But did you ever consider why it was me they wanted? A lowly groundskeeper?
Julio: It's not my place to ask questions like that to someone who can save my entire life's work.
YN: Then you'd not only betray your reasoning for leaving the War, but also your reason for joining it in the first place.
Julio: You are indeed bold for assuming my reason to take up arms. This, I know for a fact is not known by anyone, and I will not tolerate such belittlement for motivation! We are through here. Please, show yourself out and—
YN: Rem.
Cutting off Julio's words that could barely contain their anger, Rem nodded at YN's command. Stepping forward, she closed her eyes and concentrated.
Slowly, her bangs began to sway, as if a slight breeze was passing through the room. Controlling her mana, Rem summoned forth what made her oni. Starting as a sliver of light on her forehead, the light took form, and from her head, grew the horn of mana that was the main characteristic of oni.
With the violet light of Rem's horn glowing brightly in the room, Julio's expression was once again hidden by the glare on his glasses. But without a need for its continued presence past showcasing its existence and meaning to Julio, Rem let her tension go, and recalled her horn, and took a few steps back to where she had been before.
Watching as a disturbed expression washed over the demi-human's gray face, YN spoke up once more.
YN: The purpose behind capturing me was to draw Rem out. She'd come to give chase in an attempt to rescue me, and from there, the mastermind behind the attack would be there to trap her.
Julio: So, Rem-chan was the real target then?
Hearing the shakiness and doubfoundness in his voice, YN relayed the true answer and motive behind the entire attack.
YN: More specifically, her horn, but yes.
Remaining silent for a moment, Julio removed his glasses, and ran his hands across his face. Clearly struggling with the development, Rem and YN let him mull over his realization.
As his thoughts bounced back and forth, Julio came to one dire conclusion from his actions of desperation. It was just as YN had said, not only had he betrayed his reason for leaving the war, he had also betrayed his reason for taking up arms in the first place.
Julio: I... —I truly am disgusted with myself. For things to turn out this way... But what now? Why tell me all of this? Do you intend to have the Margrave deal with this?
YN: Disregarding my own, and Rem's feelings on the matter, our main priority is Emilia-sama's personal safety.
Rem: Yes. While the information we've been presented with has been flawless, we remain unable to adequately combat the attack once it happens.
Holding her palm upward in her usual maid-like fashion, Rem continued
Rem: We have not briefed Emilia-sama on the matter, but even if we are able to convince her to cancel her appearance, we cannot say with certainty that we possess enough strength to delay the attack for a successful evacuation.
Folding his hands once more, Julio hid his expression behind the glare of his glasses once more.
Julio: Then you're asking me for assistance?
YN: You forget that we're aware of your exceptional fighting skills.
Straightening his back, Julio looked out the window of his study that looked down at the garden below, and went through his mind before answering. Pushing his glasses up, he turned his vision back to the two in his office.
Julio: Surely two representatives from such a well informed network wouldn't simply appeal to my honor or sympathies for assistance, I wouldn't believe it. That's asking to be tricked. There is still more to this, is there not?
Stepping forward once more, Rem bowed her head and placed a hand over her chest as she answered Julio.
Rem: As the Head Maid under the service of Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers, Rem, can promise in her Master's stay, the same fulfillment as Julio-san's former agreement; the nullification of the Hoshin Company's evidence of his past, and a full pardon to be made in the event Julio-san's past does come to light.
Raising her head, Rem concluded her proclamation.
Rem: All of this, in exchange for Julio-san's full cooperation in protecting Emilia-sama and ensuring our escape.
Leaning back with his eyes wide open, it was clear Julio was taken back by what he was being offered. Putting a hand to his chin, he ran his fingers through his gray facial hairs.
Julio: There's still one thing I don't understand... Why haven't either of you spoken with any anger or malice on your voice? For each of you to have the one who holds the other's heart be threatened as such, certainly I deserve some sort of hate. Yelling, a raised voice... something—!
Rem: Julio-san.
Tightening his fists as he laid his hands on the table, Julio's own morals were beginning to haunt him as he was essentially being offered a free "get out of jail" card. His conscience wouldn't let him get away with such an act unpunished. But as he would begin to plead for some sort of consequence, some way of properly redeeming himself, Rem cut him off.
Looking up, he saw Rem gesture to YN, who stepped before Julio at his desk, offering him a hand.
Giving the offering a surprised look, Julio instead looked up at YN, and babbled out a response.
Julio: W-Why? Why give an old man who's done nothing but wish doom on you a second chance like this—?!
Keeping his hand held out, YN explained his and Rem's reasoning.
YN: Because, through a lot of tiring and painful detective work, we found out this really wasn't like you at all. Based on your actions, and the way you reacted when confronted, we confirmed that. You're too considerate to have willingly done this unless your hand was forced, and yet, you're too principled to have not done anything at all.
Leaning forward, Julio continued to plead for a reason to the chance he was being given, eyes open wide as his glasses fell down his face.
Julio: Still—!
YN: Don't let the things you fought for be in vain, and don't go back on the reasons you left. You can— We, can fix this together. It's not too late.
Giving each a stern look, YN and Julio stayed eye to eye, with Rem just on his flank. After a moment of this, Julio reached out, and shook YN's hand. Turning his face down, and pushing his glasses back up, the glare of light once again hid his expression, probably to Julio's intentions at this time.
Looking back up, he turned his gaze to Rem, and spoke with emotion in his voice.
Julio: I agree. I wholeheartedly agree.
Smiling in return and bowing, Rem replied.
Rem: We are very glad to hear that.
Nodding to YN, he let go of his hand, and stood up from his chair. Turning around, he reached for two of the short, tanto-like swords on display on the mantelpiece behind him. Popping the scabbard open with just his thumb to inspect each, Julio placed them inside the waist ribbon of his yukata. One on either side.
Julio: I swear I will uphold my end of the deal.
With his promise secured, no sooner than he had bowed his head, a knock was heard at the door. Each taking a step to the side, Rem nodded to Julio, indicating that their purpose was complete, and seeing that, he gave the order for the interested party to enter.
Julio: Please, come in.
?(muffled): Pardon the intrusion.
Opening the door, was one of the stylists from before, bowing to Julio as he appeared in the doorway.
?: Julio-sama, the other two guests appear to be trying to locate these two. Shall I tell them they're in a meeting with you.
Rem: There is no need, we'll be rejoining them now.
?: Very well.
Julio: You may be dismissed.
?: Yes.
Bowing again, the stylist who was now behaving more like a butler held the door open for both Rem and YN. Going to leave, YN and Julio exchanged a mutual nod, letting each know they had come to an understanding.
Exiting out into the lobby, Rem walked up next to YN as the door behind them was shut. Grabbing his hand and leaning her shoulder and weight onto his own, Rem sighed in relief.
Rem: Rem is very glad that went as well as it did.
Gripping the maid's hand in return, YN replied.
YN: The hard part isn't over yet though. We still must convince Emilia to heed the warning.
Rem: Which means telling Subaru-kun about the attack?
YN: Yep. We're just going to have to tell them Julio told us about it and hope nothing comes of that.
Nodding in agreement, Rem shifted her weight back onto her own feet for only a moment to wrap her arm around YN's own.
Rem: It's a shame Rem cannot enjoy her YN-kun more while he's dressed this way. His outfit is so handsome and soft.
Burying her face into the yukata he wore, Rem rubbed her soft round cheeks into its plush fabric. Giving the oni a brief headpat for affection, the two were interrupted by a voice calling out to them.
?: Where have you two been?!
Looking up from the cute blue haired maid purring quietly on his arm, YN was greeted by none other than his fellow traveling companion.
Subaru: We've been looking all over for you guys.
YN: Why's that?
Stepping up from behind Subaru, Emilia walked stiffly in her dress.
Emilia: Subaru has been insisting we go see the festival grounds, but I said it would be very impolite if we did without making sure the both of you also came along.
Turning to YN in particular, Emilia contained.
Emilia: There was also something I needed to talk to you about, YN, before my speech.
Knowing exactly what she entailed to ask, YN looked down at the oni who had stopped purring on his arm to look up at him and nod, voicing her approval and trust in that YN should accept Emilia's offer of being her second on stage, which she had been told of beforehand at the mansion upon YN's Return from Death.
Sighing at the prospect again, YN decided to simply evade the question by starting another discussion, one they needed to have before going down to the festival.
YN: Actually, me and Rem have some more... pressing topics to discuss with you both before we go. And we should all do so, in private.
Emilia: O-Oh. Okay.
Looking away and holding one arm with the other, Emilia differed her question for what YN had instead intended to bring up.
Gesturing down the hall, the four went back to the shared guest room, where each of them took a seat.
With Emilia and Subaru choosing to sit at the same table Rem and YN had sat at last loop, him and Rem simply pulled over a spare chair and footrest combo from the adjoining room, with YN surrendering the better half to Rem.
Subaru: Does this have to do with your guy's meeting with Julio? What prompted that?
Emilia: It is a bit odd for the host to request a meeting with just the helpers... Unless you two sought him out on your own.
Realizing the stylist-turned-butler had probably informed them of their location, YN knew he needed to dance around his words carefully.
Rem: Yes, Julio-san had asked for YN-kun personally. Rem believes it's because he's credited with slaying the head mabeast in letters Roswaal-sama and Julio-san exchanged.
Subaru: That is right, he did praise you and I for that when we got here...
Putting a hand to his chin, Subaru simply bathed in the half limelight he was being given again, thinking nothing of the statements nature itself having been brought up again, until Emilia did so, raising her hand in the process.
Emilia: Umm, what does that have to do with Julio asking for YN?
YN: Because, he believed informing me first of this news was his best course of action.
Looking Emilia and Subaru over with the most serious expression he could muster, YN laid the news out.
YN: To put it plainly, Emilia-sama is in potential danger, as there's likely to be an attack on the festival should she go ahead with her speech.
Subaru: What?!
Emilia: *Gasp*
No sooner than these two had reacted, with Emilia putting her hand over her mouth in shock, a small gray cat zipped out from Emilia's pinned up hair, centering himself between the two groups.
Puck: Just what kind of an attack? How did you find out? If anyone so much as lays a finger on my Lia...
Emilia: Puck! Calm down, please. Let's hear what YN has to say.
YN: I really only have that to say. There's still a lot of unknowns, but Julio believed it was credible enough to inform us on it.
Puck: Did he have any clues to offer?
Rem: Julio-san said the info came from an intercepted letter that was most likely being sent to another elder. While it did not highlight any specifics, their goal is to prevent Emilia-sama from announcing her candidacy.
Subaru: Wasn't Emilia-tan's speech supposed to be unannounced though?
Rem: That is precisely why Julio-san believes it to another elder, and why he considered it credible.
Surprised by how quickly Rem had created a cover story and how easily she made it sound credible and real, YN had to hide his expression, but made sure to note that she deserves some praise for this later.
YN: Given everything, Emilia, I think you should postpone the speech at the very least, and do so maybe so where it's more secure.
Shaking her head sternly, Emilia denied YN's suggestion.
Emilia: I can't do that. If I gave up and ran away at every threat that was ever thrown at me, I'd never become King.
With a long pause between the four growing as Emilia gave her defiant answer, Subaru spoke up finally, hoping to end the stalemate before it became one.
Subaru: H-Hey, what about Puck? Can't he keep Emilia-tan safe?
Puck: If it's late enough, I might not be around for it. It's almost sundown as is, so any later and I'll need to sleep.
Finishing his reply with a tiny yawn and his tiny paw covering his mouth, Puck floated back to Emilia's hair.
Subaru: Then maybe we really should heed Julio's advice... If we can't rely on Puck to back us up, it might be too risky...
Emilia: Do you both really think I'm some defenseless child? I do know you're both genuinely concerned... Puck, what do you think?
Puck: *yaaaaawn* I'll refrain from giving my input. I know Lia needs to be protected, but I also know this is something she needs to do as well.
Instead of answering to the concerned parties rather than Emilia herself, Puck floated before her once more.
Puck: I know that's not the answer you wanted to hear, but I need to call it a day. If I'm truly needed though, I will honor our contract.
Emilia: Alright... Goodnight, Puck.
Puck: Goodnight, Lia. *yaaaawn*
Fading away into the green mana crystal around her neck, Emilia tightly held the gem as its glow died down. Waiting another moment before saying anything, all the potential possibilities that had been racing around in Subaru's mind while Puck spoke seemed to have finally come boiling out now.
Subaru: Emilia-tan, you know I believe in you to be King, but isn't it maybe a better move to preserve and safeguard yourself now so you can move more safely in the future?
Crossing her arms and pouting, Emilia again rebutted Subaru's plea for her to reconsider.
Emilia: If you believe so much, why not believe in the fact that I think I'll be fine.
Uncrossing her arms, Emilia spoke more softly at Subaru.
Emilia: I'm grateful you're this concerned, all of you. But regardless of what happens, I need to at least make an attempt. If I completely run away it'll look terrible for me. I can't let it be shown that I can be bullied away.
As Emilia mostly looked at and replied to Subaru with her declaration of resilience, YN and Rem could only look at each other as if they fully expected this.
Well, it was worth a shot, I guess we will really need to rely on Julio to allow us to escape.
Seeing that an easier path to victory had been shut off to him, YN went into deep thought momentarily as he tried to think of what to do next. But quickly snapping him out of it was none other than Emilia.
Emilia: Umm, anyway... YN.
YN: O-Oh, Hmm?
Emilia: I wanted to ask you earlier, but I had a favor to ask...
I know what she's going to ask... But her being so shy about it now in front of Subaru really shows that deep down, she knows Subaru would be hurt by not being offered this and instead wanting me to fill the role as her second.
Emilia: Typically, each of the Royal Selection Candidates has someone to inspire courage and help lend their strength with them when they go to speak, either to the public, or before the Royal Assembly, and while that was usually filled by Roswaal or Ram because I had no one else to ask... I was wondering if you could be my second for tonight's speech.
Hearing this not be offered to him, and rather to someone else, Subaru's mouth immediately went agape, speechless at Emilia's choice.
I know it isn't a permanent, or even that big of a role to fill, but I can tell Subaru is hurt because he wasn't her first choice.
As Emilia kept direct eye contact with YN, resolute in her proposal, he broke that eye contact to look at the subtly horrified expression on Subaru's face, who was looking directly at him as well, awaiting what his answer would be.
Looking over to Rem, her face seemed to voice approval of the idea, but in her one visible eye, YN noticed a tiny glint, and an idea was softly and silently communicated between them with just that.
Taking a deep breath, YN answered the half elf.
YN: I will, but only one condition.
Seeing a momentary look of grief on Subaru's face at his initial answer, YN could tell he was holding his tongue for this voiced condition. With Emilia only answering with a single nod, YN spoke his point.
YN: I want to share the role with Subaru. If you want me up on the stage with you, Subaru has to be there too. It's just as important to him as it is for me to be there to support you.
That's really not true, his devotion to Emilia is leagues more than mine, and it's obvious he cares way more about this than I do, especially since I didn't want to in the first place.
Seeing Emilia think for a moment, YN's mind hoped for the best.
If I didn't lay it on thick, I'm sure she would reject the idea outright. I hate saying it, but I need to get on Emilia's good side here for no other reason other than for what I think Rem has planned to work.
Emilia: I guess that shouldn't be a problem... Some of the other candidates have had two seconds with them before when making a bigger speech, so it should be fine.
Pumping his arm in victory, Subaru celebrated for a moment before altering his resolve.
Subaru: Emilia-tan, should anything happen, I promise I'll protect you, okay?
Emilia: Please don't do anything rash, okay Subaru? I don't want you getting hurt for my sake... And the same goes for you too, alright?
Looking over to YN, the half elf who was still all dressed up looked back and forth between him and Subaru as she spoke.
Emilia: It was scary and dangerous enough seeing you both get so injured during the mabeast attack on the village, so don't let there be a repeat of that.
YN: We will try our best. Right, Subaru?
With Subaru nodding at YN's answer, Emilia clapped her hands to move the conversation along.
Emilia: Well, we really should get to the festival and try to enjoy it as much as we can, shouldn't we?
Rem: Before we go, Emilia-sama.
Emilia: Hmm? What is it Rem?
As Rem spoke up, she walked over to behind where Emilia sat next to Subaru, leaving YN on his side of the table. Putting her fingers into Emilia's up-done hair, Rem answered her.
Rem: It appears with the Great Spirit-sama going in and out so much, it has loosened Emilia-sama's hair. Rem would like to suggest we correct that before we leave.
Emilia: Oh, we probably should fix that, I'd like to not make the stylist feel bad for me neglecting to maintain it.
Rem: Then please follow Rem to the washroom, Emilia-sama.
Taking Emilia away, Rem left Subaru and YN alone in the room, much to her plan. Retaking his seat and sighing in relief, Subaru shot a thumbs up to YN.
Subaru: I can't thank you enough for getting me a spot next to Emilia-tan. It does kinda hurt that you were her first choice, but at least I know my wingman is looking out for me.
Putting his hands behind his head, Subaru continued.
Subaru: That really just means I need to try harder in making her see me as a source of confidence like she does for you.
Sitting back forward, Subaru closed his eyes and wagged his finger at YN.
Subaru: Ya know, if you and Rem weren't so close, I'd begin to think Emilia-tan was—
YN: Subaru.
Cutting him off, Subaru heard the seriousness in YN's voice, which caused his posture to return to normal. Hoping to not overly concern Subaru though, YN cleared his throat and relaxed his own composure a bit.
YN: You said you wanted to become a source of Emilia's confidence, right?
Nodding stoically at his question, YN folded his hand on the table.
YN: Then we should devise a plan to deal with a potential problem while Emilia gives her speech. Me and Rem were talking about it, and we think you should be the keystone of that plan.
Leaning in, Subaru listened to what YN had to say, and discussed their options and ideas until Rem and Emilia returned to embark down to the festival.
Arriving at the top of the embankment, the four looked down upon the festival below. Not unlike every time before, Subaru was thoroughly shocked by the festival's likeness to an Obon festival from his homeland, and YN was forced to try to make his reaction just as convincing.
Making their way down the grassy hill, the group split into two like last time, with Subaru pulling Emilia off and away at the sight of a goldfish scooping game. Being left alone with Rem, she stepped closer to him, and grabbed his hand.
Rem: Shall we at least try to enjoy ourselves before we no longer have the chance?
YN: As much as I don't think we can, I'll try to, for you.
Giving him a weak smile, Rem pressed her face onto the arm of which she held its hand.
Rem: Rem just wants to relieve YN-kun's anxiety. She can feel him shaking slightly.
And she wasn't wrong. With the impending attack, YN was nervous. Having come so far, he lamented the idea of having to try everything again.
YN: I'll do my best at putting it in the back of my mind, for now. I do want to enjoy this with you.
Smiling at his resilience, Rem pulled him along into the lantern-lit festival.
Rem: Then let Rem lead her YN-kun along so he can forget his troubles.
Going ahead, arm in arm with the maid, YN found it hard to take his eyes off the lovely blue haired girl.
I do have to say, Rem's dress really is breathtaking on her...
Walking in silence for some time, Rem took in the sights and sounds of the festival while YN kept his eyes glued to her nearly the entire time. With each step, he watched as her chest bounced just a little, and as her perfectly smooth legs carried her forward with each stride. Soon though, Rem stopped and giggled.
Rem: Rem is very happy YN-kun is infatuated with her dress, but if he keeps his eyes on her the entire time, he'll miss all these wonderful stands.
Looking up at him with rosey cheeks, Rem gestured to a stand with her hand in a very maid-like fashion. Tearing his eyes away from the beauty, YN was surprised to see a mask stand. Dozens of different masks in all shapes and sizes and colors adorned a small board, all on sale.
Somewhat embarrassed Rem had noticed his intense staring, as well as not having caught himself, YN fumbled over his words.
YN: A-A-Ahhh! Er, umm, would you like one, Rem?
Smiling and nodding "yes" to his distracted question, YN knew this was his "toll" for his actions.
Oh well, it was worth it.
Approaching the stand, Rem reached up high and chose a mask to her liking. Giving the shop owner a few of his only remaining coins, YN then helped Rem wear the mask, positioning it on the side of her head, allowing it to keep her beautiful face and stunning azure eyes still visible.
Getting a closer look at the masks, YN couldn't help but notice something oddly familiar with it. While it completely clashed with Rem's outfit, it's silvery color was unlike the rest of the masks that were being sold around it. Securing it to Rem, YN noticed more of its details. A single large fin, or flange protruded down the middle and across the brow and forehead of the mask, going over its "head," and on its side were two rectangular protrusions, almost like ears.
But what caught YN off guard the most, were the two bright yellow, bug-like eyes it had on the center of it, as well as the dark red around where the neck would begin to be.
YN: Ya know, if it weren't for this being another world, I'd almost say this mask looks a bit like Ultrama—
?: Oi! YN!
Before he was able to finish his observation to Rem, a recognizable voice called out to him from behind, cutting off his words.
Running up and putting his hands on his knees, panting for air, was Subaru.
Subaru: Geez, where did you two go? It's like you both disappeared.
YN: Huh?
Coming in behind Subaru was Emilia. While not running, her dress kept her walking instead only at as brisk of a pace as she could probably manage.
Emilia: You had us both reeeally worried. I thought for a second that maybe something bad had happened.
Confused as to why they were so worked up, YN could only scratch his head and wonder why.
This never happened before... Why are they so worried this time around?
Subaru: At least we know they're fine.
Emilia: Yeah, after all, I did want us all to meet back up.
Tilting her head, Rem questioned Emilia on why that was.
Rem: Was there something you wished to discuss, Emilia-sama?
Shaking her head "no," her silver hair swayed in the tied style it remained in as she smiled.
Emilia: Not quite. I tried one of these little round things and thought they were really good and wanted YN to try the last one.
Extending out a small rectangular paper plate to him, one morsel of food was left on its surface. Covered in some sort of drizzle and with a small finger sized stick at its helm, what appeared to be a snack familiar to him was offered. Taking it by its small stick, YN looked over the offering.
YN: Oh, takoyaki. Here, Rem, try half of this, these are good.
Remembering his first time having this world's version, YN recalled them not being unlike what he was familiar with, but still different, just not in a bad way.
As Rem took her bite, Emilia pouted at YN.
Emilia: Subaru called them that too, but that's not what the man who made them called it.
Slumping his shoulders as if having already been down this road before, Subaru mumbled aloud.
Subaru: Emilia-tan, that's a little bit of a silly conclusion for someone who couldn't even recall what the chef himself called them either.
Handing the half eaten bite to YN for his share, Rem voiced her opinion.
Rem: Rem does think YN-kun and Subaru-kun's word for it is more suitable...
Perking up at hearing that, Subaru gestured at Rem while Emilia continued to pout.
Subaru: See? Even Rem-san agrees.
Crossing his arms and nodding, Subaru noticed the mask on the side of Rem's face now. Slightly leaning over, he pointed right at it.
Subaru: Uhh, is it just me, or does Rem's mask look a lot like Ultrama—
**DONG** **DONG**
Catching everyone's attention, the large metal gong that sat at the top of the tower in the middle of the festival grounds was struck twice, indicating there was to be some sort of gathering to be had at the stage.
Emilia: That's— we gotta get back to the stage!
Almost in a state of panic from the dramatic re-realization that she had to speak, her recently happy mood was re-sunk by the premise of her previous loathsome pressures. Grabbing Subaru, the closest of the group to her by the back collar of his yukata, Emilia hurried off back to the stage to hopefully prepare before the gong would be stuck again.
Leaving YN and Rem alone once more, YN took his bite of the not-takoyaki before looking over to Rem.
YN: We uhh, should probably follow them, huh?
Nodding at his correct answer, the blue haired girl smiled warmly at him before taking his arm once more as she had been doing. Beginning their pursuant walk behind Subaru and Emilia, Rem turned her head to speak with YN.
Rem: Is Rem correct to understand that YN-kun and Subaru-kun were able to talk about how to protect Emilia-sama during the attack?
YN: Yeah, we worked out details on what to do. Can I also be correct in asking if that's why you took Emilia out of the room to fix her hair when nothing was wrong with it?
Smiling warmly and pressing her face against the arm of his she held, Rem confirmed YN's guess.
Rem: Yes. Rem knew YN-kun and Subaru-kun would need to talk.
Looking back forward, YN tried to avoid a repeat of how he ended up buying the mask that was still adorably adorned to the side of her round head.
Rem: YN-kun.
YN: Y-Yes?
Fearful she had caught him staring indecently again, YN stammered over his response, but quickly forced himself to regain his composure once he heard the tang of sorrow in Rem's response.
Rem: Rem would like to apologize...
Furrowing his brow in confusion at her words, YN responded with a "Hmm?" as he turned and looked at her sad expression, staring down at the ground as she continued to hold onto his arm.
Rem: To be truthful, Rem saw Subaru-kun and Emilia-sama looking for us, and intentionally tried walking in ways to avoid them until we had to.
YN: Why is that?
Perplexed as to why she would seemingly betray her maid-ly duty of being prompt should someone who is her master need her, YN slowed his walking pace as Rem gripped the fabric on the arm of his yukata tighter.
Rem: Because... Rem wanted YN-kun to herself for as long as she could have him...
Tightening her grip, Rem stopped, prompting YN to do so as well. As the first gong had already hit, and with their pacing slowing from before, almost all of the festival go-ers from the area they found themselves in had already left for the stage, including the stand operators and cooks. Except for a few souls rushing past them to get there as soon as they could for a good vantage point, YN and Rem were mostly alone.
YN: — — —
Being unable to see her face as she looked down and away, YN was unable to gauge the blue haired girl's face until she turned to look up at him, trying desperately to hold back tears.
Rem: Rem just wanted YN-kun to remember her if things go bad. Not just memories with Rem, or of Rem, but this Rem—
Letting go of his arm, Rem turned to face him, holding their interlocked hands up in front of each other.
Rem: The Rem who's holding your hand now. The Rem who is so very scared of what might happen next. The Rem who was amazed by when it rained and had her hood lifted up for her. The Rem who stood down that woman in the tavern. The Rem who got to go on a very special date. The Rem who wore the dress her YN-kun couldn't take his eyes of off—
Closing her eyes and shaking her head, Rem looked at YN with a pleading expression as her eyes were replaced with two pools of azure water.
Rem: This Rem! The one here, and now... If something happens and YN-kun must try again... Rem hopes he'll remember this Rem...
As the first tear began to run down her face, YN pulled her close to him, putting his hand on the back of her head. Feeling his embrace, Rem wrapped her hands around his torso and held on.
YN: I'll remember— I'll always remember you. Just like last time, I'll never forget when you—, [Rem] held me as I died and comforted me, and then managed to pick up the pieces of my failure and secured us a future together.
Moving her head out, Rem looked up at YN who also appeared to be holding back some tears.
YN: Every waking moment I spend with you is precious, and that's why I want you to know that no matter what, I'll cherish every second of it. I'll never forget you—, I'll never forget Rem.
Speaking on behalf of each "Rem" he knew and had come to cherish, YN boldly attempted to quell the storm of emotions in Rem's heart, much like how she had done for him time and time again.
Seeing as the tears in her eyes began to subside, Rem wiped them away as she smiled warmly at YN and wiped the ones that had yet to leave his own eyes.
Rem: It seems Rem was foolish to be so worried. She should have known from the start her YN-kun would be considerate to Rem's deepest feelings, after all, he holds her heart, and does so as gently as he can.
Tenderly placing his hand against Rem's warm, round cheek, YN adoringly caressed it.
YN: It's like what I said during our first night together at the mansion. Nothing is more precious to me than you.
Taking her own hand, Rem pressed YN's into her cheek more as she nozzled it.
Rem: As much as Rem would like to stay like this all evening, we unfortunately have our roles to play.
Bringing them back to the present, Rem reminded them both of what needed to come next.
With each of them turning their gaze to the crowd that wasn't far, awaiting whoever was set to speak, they both knew the next gong hit was imminent.
YN: We should hurry along.
Using her same hand again, Rem folded YN's into her own, and stepped forward.
Rem: Then allow your Rem to lead you on.
Being pulled along, YN allowed himself to reflect on their moment together as Rem forged a path around the crowd to the back of the stage together.
If I could only ask for one thing before everything that's to happen soon happens, it would be for Rem to guide me along somewhere...
Taking great joy in the feeling of trust he had for Rem, a byproduct of the trust she had for him, YN enjoyed what was certainly his last peaceful moment of the night.