A/N: Here is this week's chapter, and the last for awhile while this goes on hiatus. I chose to give you all a sneak peak of ACT III because this is this fics ONE YEAR anniversary, and well, I had to do something for that. We're at nearly half a million words, and 77 chapters. I really never thought it would get as big as this, and I'm set to make ACT III pretty big with all the fun and cool things I've got planned it that I'm sure you're all going to really like. Expect to have the answers to a lot of question and themes from the first two acts answered in it. At the time of writing this, I've got maybe 7 or 8 chapters written out and raw, with maybe half of my plot line hammered out.

But without further ado, please enjoy this chapter. I have promised it once, I'll promise it again, this fic will not be abandoned!

Chapter 77: Treasure Her

With little to do in the way of tasks today in the prospect of having visitors soon, YN had been relegated to doing small, indoor tasks. Up on an upper floor of the mansion, he was busy dusting the windows that overlooked the front walkway to the mansion.

Subaru sure picked a fine time to go have a date... Shouldn't Emilia be here to receive guests?

Fogging the window before him with his breath, YN wiped a smudge off the glass. Clearing it, the blurred image behind it became clear, and revealed a carriage entering the main gates of the yard, and down the pathway to the main door.

YN: That must be them...

?: It would appear to be.

YN: —Yah!

Jumping at the sudden sound of a voice right next to him, he turned to see it was the pink haired maid of the mansion, Ram, who was observing the arriving guest with him.

Giving him a confused look as to his reaction, she briefly critiqued his actions.

Ram: Ram has said it once, she'll say it again, YN must have a stronger resolve if she is to continue to put faith in him for Rem's future.

Feeling his heart still beating hard from the shock, he knew voicing an argument was futile.

Ram: —and using your breath to clean the windows? YN, does this mansion look like a poor man's brothel in the slums? Ram guesses there is a reason you're assigned to outside duties for the most part.

YN: Hey now, it looks clean now though, right?

Ram: That is beside the point. Although, the real problem would be if Rem had seen you do that.

Scratching the back of his head, YN had half a clue as to what she meant.

YN: Yeah, I guess that would mean more work for her... She'd probably run to go get a proper rag and bucket and then end up washing the entire vanity...

Ram: While that might be one way of thinking about it, Ram believes if Rem had known YN's breath had been there... she may spend all day gawking at its 'perfect shine.'

YN: — — —

Looking back at the window, he slumped his shoulders.

YN: Yeah... you're right. She would do that.

Shrugging, Ram made light of the idea to herself.

Ram: At least it is you who is the root of the infatuation of her heart. Had it been Barasu...

Not wishing to think of alternative timelines, YN tried to steer the conversation away from Ram thinking such negative thoughts.

YN: It does amaze me how she still acts like an enthralled secret admirer with stuff like that, despite us already having kissed and stuff.

Giving YN a wry smile and her eyes half closed, Ram poked fun at him.

Ram: —And 'stuff?'

YN: Don't get the wrong idea, Nee-sama.

Flatly replying to her and waving her off, Ram reapproached the window and looked down below to the ground dragon carriage that approached the steps below.

The carriage's large, ornate, and regal appearing cabin quarters was pulled by an equally exotic looking ground dragon. With jet black scales, and a leather harness adorning its head and body, the ground dragon also had piercing amber eyes.

Ram: YN, would you mind greeting the guest while Rem and I prepare the tea for their arrival? Ram would normally take that responsibility, but it is our high quality tea leaves we'll be using, so Rem would like only her Nee-sama to brew it.

YN: Yeah, anything to help.

Ram: A good answer. I shall have Rem make you a cup herself as well as a reward.

Well, I can't say 'no' to anything made by Rem.

Taking one last look down at the carriage, YN couldn't help but feel as if the ground dragon with those sharp orange eyes of its were staring right up at him.

YN: Hmm...

Choosing to think nothing of it though, and proceeding downstairs, Ram gave some final instructions to YN on their guests before setting him out to greet them.

Opening the main door and proceeding down the steps, YN met the driver of the carriage at the button.

?: Please excuse me for parking in front of the mansion.

Bowing and speaking with a voice that was deeply imbued with formality, but also one that commanded a great strength, the elder gentleman butler greeted YN.

Caught off guard by the display, YN immediately felt an air of inadequacy to this man. Still dressed in his groundskeeper attire, while it was clean for the most part considering his previous light workload for the day, it was nonetheless not nearly as refined as the gentleman before him.

Standing back up straight, his muscular build was apparent. With neatly combed back white hair, an aged face and sky blue eyes that beckoned an aura of wisdom and experience, YN could immediately sense this wasn't any regular servant or butler.

Almost taken back by the powerful presence this gentleman gave off, he was slow to respond.

YN: A-Ah, well, ya know... you gotta park it somewhere, right?

As if expecting an equally formal greeting of his own, the gentleman remained silent in reply.

YN: If you'd like, I can take your ground dragon to the stables around back to rest and—

Going to place his hand on the jet black scales of the ground dragon as he offered his valet services, YN barely dodged having his fingers removed.

Ground Dragon: Sqwaa!

YN: Yah!

Being utterly frightened for the second time in a brief span, his worked nerves were apparent to the butler who remained unmoved by the near dismemberment before him.

?: Please excuse her behavior, she is most... temperamental towards most who approach her.

YN: I— I see. My apologies, dragon-san.

Bowing to the ground dragon, it appeared if this action again regained him no better standing toward her, or the gentleman who stood to her side.

If these two are just the ground dragon and butler of whoever the visitor is, I can't imagine what the nobleman or whoever they're bringing here is like—

?: Nyow would you look at that, Wil-Jii, this poor guy doesn't have a clue on how to properly greet guests.

Stepping around from the backside of the carriage following the sound of a door opening and shutting, was a figure of a person dressed in a light blue dress. Speaking in a light voice, it almost included an air of mockery in it. With their cat-like ears and comically flat chest, YN was reminded a great deal of Daniela.

Another cat-like demi-human, huh?

?: You must nyot have worked here for very long to greet guests so terribly. First day on the job?

Trying to focus on improving his performance, YN tried to regain his skill he had used when greeting the chef whose mind-games had plagued the mansion not so long ago.

YN: I've only been here briefly, but please excuse my inexperience, typically I am attending to matters that more closely regard the condition of the mansion, not its honored guests.

Trying his best to imitate the maids, the renewed calmness worked to ease the stoic gentleman, "Wil-Jii" expression slightly.

I know I can do better, but these two just have such a powerful aura to them, especially the older guy...

"Wil": —By that then, you must mean the facilities of the mansion, namely its flora?

Slightly, he flinched at the gentleman's words being directed at him. Judging YN by the clothes he continued to wear, "Wil" had guessed correctly in nailing down YN's responsibilities.

YN: Yes, I primarily attend to the gardens and yards you see around us.

"Wil": A virtuous duty to uphold. Tell me, which flowers, if any, do you find yourself particularly fond of—

?: Ohhh nyow I see! You're the groundskeeper! One of the two I'm supposed to come see!

Cutting off the gentleman's words, the demi-human stepped well within YN's own personal space.

?: I gotta ask! Were you the one who really messed up his Gate in that attack by the dragon? What did it look like? How big was it?

YN: Uh—?!

Caught off guard by the barrage of questions, he struggled to deal with them, and instead could only prattle out a surprised sound at their nature.

Taking a step back and giving him a face of disappointment, the cat-like demi-human folded their arms and tapped their foot.

?: Aww don't tell me you're the one who messed up his Gate during the mabeast attack. That's way more boring than a dragon, right Wil-Jii?

"Wil": According to what was relayed to our Lady on this request, both acts were great feats of heroism.

Their "Lady?" Who could that be?

YN: Um, I think there may be some confusion, my Gate feels perfect fine—

?: Yeah but one was just a couple stinky forest dogs and the other was a full fledged dragon!

'A couple of stinky forest dogs?' That head mabeast could have torn these guys limb from—

?: Wil-Jii, you gotta agree, dealing with a dragon is a lot scarier. Especially since you're someone who's fought one before.

YN: —hk!

Almost denying what his ears had heard, YN was astonished to hear what this demi-human had revealed about "Wil-Jii."

He's fought a dragon before? I guess that explains why he gives off such a powerful presence...

Hearing his reaction to such a revelation, the gentleman turned his attention towards YN. Feeling as if he was being looked right through, a voice full of serenity and kindness sounded out.

Turning his gaze to behind where YN stood, the gentleman warmed his expression to the maid who descended the stairs.

Rem: Honored guests, Emilia-sama has returned and currently her and Roswaal-sama are awaiting your arrival in the tea room. Rem is here to lead the way.

Bowing and showing as much courtesy as she could, Rem's blue bangs swayed gently as her maid dress rippled calmly in the mid-day breeze.

Also bowing in reply, "Wil-Jii" also showed a great amount of respect.

"Wil": Thank you for your warm hospitality and for receiving us.

Rem: It is Rem's pleasure.

Keeping her formal, expressionless face and tone of voice, as soon as "Wil-Jii" turned to attend to the ground dragon that would need to be taken still, Rem quickly flashed a bright smile to YN. She knew her formal tone and behavior was something that might make him feel uneasy, especially given what she at one point had seen in his memories.

With his back still turned, the gentleman spoke as he worked the harness and yoke of the ground dragon and carriage.

"Wil": It must take a considerable amount of effort, skill, and luck to crack the icy surface of such a formidable, but beautiful woman and have her share such a warm smile with you.

Opening their eyes wide at the gentleman's observation, especially since he'd had his eyes elsewhere, he turned to see their shocked expression and smiled slightly in satisfaction at the effect of his own words.

Putting a hand to their chin, the cat-like demi-human in the light blue dress also gawked at Rem's simple, yet failed attempt to hide such a personable action. Especially one that was a stark contrast to her usual self around guests and associates of Roswaal.

?: Yeah... nyow that you mention it, I don't think I've ever seen Rem-chan smile, or have anything other than her her normal expression.

For anyone outside of the mansion's staff, bearing only a few rare examples of only the last month or so, it was exactly as the demi-human said. No one ever saw Rem, or for that matter as well, Ram, show any expression or have any emotion in their voices. To everyone, they never smiled, openly joked, or showed any interest in anything, spare taking orders from Roswaal.

With Ram being so inclined to serve the Margrave as best as she possibly could, and Rem only wishing to copy her elder sister, her previously frozen heart also contributing to her social shut-in, "all business" behavior. These two things worked in tandem to keep Rem as monotone and formal as possible, doing her best to keep the utmost air of professionalism on at all times.

The only time either of them had shown any difference from a sentient doll (or to YN and Subaru, a robot) was when they joked in their signature off-hand, yet subtle way. Either through the use of sarcasm or underhanded mockery, that was the extent either of them had shown of themselves to the guest, strangers, and associates.

Yet, in the presence of someone who was clearly familiar with who they were, this had changed.

Approaching the two, the demi-human's voice filled with a bantery tone as they leaned in towards YN.

?: So what caused that? Does it have something to do with the new fella here?

"Wil": Ferris, is the answer not as clear as day before you?

Recalling how her eyes had been upon giving YN that smile, "Wil-Jii" sternly looked into YN's now for confirmation.

Feeling uneasy by the mix of her personal feelings, and where she should be formal and reserved, Rem bowed once more and returned to her cold tone in apology.

Rem: Please forgive Rem, she did wish to make this about herself and—

"Wil": There is no need. You will find no reason to beg forgiveness from either of us for such a thing.

Looking back to the gentleman and twitching their cat ears, the demi-human was now more confused than before as to what his words implied.

Paying the one in the blue dress no mind, the gentleman gestured towards the two staff members.

"Wil": Just by the sensation in both of your eyes...

Pausing for a second, YN had expected the mood to stiffen and become heavy, yet it hadn't.

"Wil": —Am I correct to assume?

With more silence hanging in the air, YN was about to gulp back his anticipation and croak out a response for more clarification, yet it was Rem who had answered before him.

Rem: Yes.

Ditching the coldness in her voice, Rem gripped YN's arm.

Rem: Rem is YN-kun's Rem,—

Turning her face to look at him, she knew YN was incapable of seeing her expression hidden behind her bangs.

Rem: —and YN-kun is Rem's YN-kun.

Seeing the look in both of their eyes as she said those words of declaration, "Wil-Jii" finished detaching the ground dragon from the carriage.

"Wil": You've warmed this old man's heart with good memories on this otherwise normal day. Thank you.

Swearing he saw one of the gentleman's eyes glass over as he turned away to grab the harness of the ground dragon, YN saw him wipe the sweat from his dry brow, a feint for wiping his own eyes rather.

"Wil": Ferris, you should head inside. It would be a waste to let such good tea go cold.

Rem: There is a cup waiting for Wilhelm-sama as well.

Wilhelm: The consideration is very much appreciated. I will retrieve it and then return out here to the carriage.

Rem: Very well.

Bowing, Rem continued to speak how she would to YN or Subaru, or any other member of the mansion's staff or residency.

Rem: Could YN-kun please take the ground dragon to the stalls for some feed and rest?

YN: O-Of course.

Still somewhat caught off guard by how everything unfolded, YN obliged and walked up the now free ground dragon. With Rem turning to head back up the stairs to the mansion, the demi-human, Ferris followed. Crossing paths with the white haired gentleman, Wilhelm, YN bowed his head to let him pass. Yet, as he did, he felt a hand gently place itself on his shoulder. While he could clearly feel that the hand was experienced and wise, the voice of its owner also reflected those traits as he spoke one final thing, only audible to them.

Wilhelm: Treasure her and that precious smile. You may never know when that wonderful light in your life will be ripped away from you.

Proceeding up the stairs as well, YN had been left alone with no one else but the ground dragon. Somewhat left speechless and unable to move, the gentleman's words pierced YN to his very core.

'Treasure her'... 'because I'll never know when she'll be ripped away from me'...

Turning to get one last look, it was too late. Wilhelm, Ferris, and Rem had all already departed inside the mansion.

Feeling a solemn gust of wind blow, YN was left alone with his thoughts.

As the breeze died through, the ground dragon voiced its impatience.

Ground Dragon: Kyaaa...

Getting YN's attention, it rustled its black scaled body, shaking the harness of leather that still hung from it, as if trying to draw his attention to it. Accompanying that a few blink of its orange eye, he got the idea.

YN: Sorry, sorry. Let's get going.

Grunting with satisfaction, YN led the ground dragon to the stables for its promised meal and rest.

YN: I'm really sorry that went so rough...

Up on the second floor of the mansion, by a window overlooking the carriage parked below, YN confessed his less than skillfully handled meeting of the guests.

He had been called aside upon returning inside from the stable he had led the stubborn ground dragon into.

I really hope I don't get a scolding like how Subaru gets when he messes something up...

Unlike how he'd seen her when scolding Subaru, she neither had her arms crossed, nor was her foot tapping. With her pink hair remaining as calm as she was, she finally spoke.

Ram: While it was not befitting of the experience Roswaal-sama would hope to normally offer guests upon arrival, it cannot be helped.

With Rem busy with other household chores and tasks, and the guests currently discussing matters with Emilia and Roswaal, Ram alone was left to inform YN of the upcoming events just over the horizon.

Ram: Ram can understand struggling on your first opportunity, especially since the clientele visiting are of such notoriety and stature. There is no reason to fear a scolding.

Am I really that easy to read?!

Calming his inner thoughts, YN decided to prioritize his questions.

YN: Notoriety? Stature? W-Who...who were those two?

Remembering the pressure he felt from Wilhelm and the aura from around Ferris, YN's curiosity on these two piqued upon hearing Ram describe them as such.

Tilting her head to the side, Ram spoke with a genuine curiosity of her own to him in reply.

Ram: Does YN really not know who those two were?

Shaking his head slowly, Ram closed her eyes and gestured to YN with her palm up in her typical maid like fashion.

Ram: The demi-human, Ferris, is Felix Argyle. He has earned the title of Blue in the Kingdom Lugunica and is perhaps one of the greatest healers in all of the world, if not most certainly Lugunica itself at the very least.

Nodding his head, YN remembered the incident only a few days ago, recalling how he had learned Roswaal carried the titles of Red, Yellow, and Green.

YN: So they nabbed the title of Blue away from ol' Rod-chi huh?

Ram: Roswaal-sama is skilled in almost every type of magic imaginable, yet he is incapable of performing any healing magic, as he is incompatible with it.

YN: And 'Blue' is water, or in other words, healing, like how Rem can.

Ram: That is mostly correct, yes.

YN: He did mention something about damaged Gates to me, is he the one who's going to look at mine and Subaru's gates?

Ram: Yes, however their visit is for more than just that...

YN: Oh?

Taking a step over to the window, Ram looked down below.

Outside, it was Subaru who could be seen by the carriage parked below.

Only—

Ram: It appears Barasu is making a fool of himself to Wilhelm-sama.

YN: Wilhelm...

Repeating the name, he was unsure why it carried such a weight. But before he could inquire, Ram had already turned back to YN to explain.

Ram: While one of their tasks was to meet with Emilia-sama regarding your own, and Barasu's treatment, they have also come as official emissaries from the Capitol.

Wondering why the Capitol would send such esteemed personnel to be emissaries, YN could rationalize only one possible motive.

YN: I want to guess it has to do with the Royal Selection?

Nodding in reply, Ram explained more.

Ram: Yes, a conference will be going on, and Emilia-sama is being required to attend.

Turning to look out the window more, YN watched as the white haired gentleman below conversed with Subaru. Also turning her attention back down there as well, Ram snorted.

Ram: Bararu is probably annoying the same information out of Wilhelm-sama that Ram is giving to YN.

YN: What's his reason for being here? Is he a friend of Ferris's?

Ram: Both Felix Argyle and Wilhelm van Astrea are pledged to another candidate running in opposition to Emilia-sama.

Wait a second...

YN: 'van Astrea?' Like Reinhard?

Ram: Yes. Wilhelm-sama, was the husband of the former Sword Saint, and is the Grandfather of Reinhard van Astrea.

Remaining silent at hearing such a revelation, YN spoke under his breath.

YN: I guess that explains the whole 'dragon fighting' thing Ferris mentioned...

Letting out a small "Hah" as Ram normally would, it was much friendlier towards YN.

Ram: Even when someone doesn't have a clue they are speaking with the Sword Demon, his pressure still manages to weigh heavy on those first meeting him.

He's called the 'Sword Demon'? Man, no wonder Reinhard is so powerful, between that and being descended from the previous Sword Saint, he was basically bred to be the best.

YN: *Sigh* Still, that's all the more reason I should have greeted them better...

Turning to YN, Ram reassured him.

Ram: In the end, all that truly matters is that you are good at the job Roswaal-sama has assigned to you. And to Ram, that means you help take work off of Rem.

Smiling at him, YN nearly gasped aloud. Her doing so was rare enough even to him, given his position, let alone at all. Speaking with sincerity, Ram in a rare form, praised YN.

Ram: But to Ram, all she requires is how YN takes such good care of Rem.

Left speechless, Ram turned back to the window.

Ram: If YN wishes to improve those skills though, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future to learn. Ram is certain that if he wants to, he can get better.

Unsure of what to say in reply to those words, Ram lightened the atmosphere by putting her hands on her hips and joking as she did.

Ram: Regardless, for you both to be acknowledged by the Sword Demon like that...

Recalling how Rem had drastically changed her tone and declared what her and YN's feelings were to each other, from the new information he had gathered, Rem saying so to the "Sword Demon" surely had meant something that YN had not garnered before.

Shrugging, Ram concluded her observation.

Ram: —He is the reason we all have the famous song sung by so many bards... 'The Sword Demon Love Song.'

As the pink haired maid spoke the title of the song, that one word bounced around and echoed in YN's mind as it had before.

'—Love...'

This word seemed to take on a new meaning when coupled with the idea of Rem, and again, it seemed to make his heart ache.

Seeing YN lost in thought, Ram knew his conversing was going to become more shaky as it went on. Unknown to why though, she had turned and begun to return back to Rem and assist her as she had before taking YN aside.

But as she left YN staring down below to the carriage still parked out front, she knew of only one other thing she should tell him in this state of mind.

Ram: That song—, it's one of Rem's favorites. YN would be wise to ask her about it sometime.

Turning to head down the stairs, Ram injected one last order.

Ram: —Only when things have settled down, through.

With the "L" word still ricocheting around in his mind, YN knew what Ram meant by that. "Don't overwhelm Rem when there any many things to be done." That was something that definitely fell into their promises to lean on each other.

YN: O-Of course. Sometime less busy.

As the pink haired maid departed, YN was left alone with his thoughts.

..."—Love Song" huh?

Having loaded the final piece of luggage onboard the carriage, YN wiped the sweat from his brow.

YN: Well, at least it's not as much as last time. This trip really only should take the better half of a day.

Recalling all the trunks Emilia has packed on their trip to Saluzzo, he was thankful it wasn't a repeat of that.

I think Emilia has learned to pack lighter since then.

Noticing gouging in the wood of her one remaining trunk though, he dashed that thought.

I guess it was more like she lost most of them when the whole rear ended up getting ripped off.

He'd failed to remember it until now, but since it was only his and Subaru's trunks left up front to make room for Emilia's, YN hadn't realized that she had lost them while the shapeshifting beast pursued them.

That really was my fault...

Finding yet another reason to feel guilty for having tugged the reins and endangering everyone for his own sake, the sound of a silver bell chiming, as if chastising the wind that jingled it snapped YN out from his thoughts.

Emilia: Subaru, I mean it!

Subaru: Owowowow...

Having taken the butler by his ear, Emilia sternly looked at YN's wayward traveling companion with a frustration not normally seen in her amethyst eyes.

Emilia: You're only to work on getting your Gate treated and keeping promises to the people you met. Okay?

Subaru: Please Emilia-tan my ears can't take anymore!

Letting him go, the half elf crossed her arms and sighed to herself.

Emilia: Honestly, your recklessness is worrying enough with the Royal Selection going on.

?: Are we missing all the fuuuuuuun?

Finally arriving out, the Lord of the Mansion approached the readied carriage with his loyal maids, each flanking his side.

Only giving Roswaal a sharp look in reply, Emilia silently responded to the clown.

Roswaal: Myyyy if looks could kill...

In truth, Emilia was still rather upset with Roswaal. She had expected to travel to the Capitol, and leave Subaru and YN in the hands of Ferris to be healed at the mansion, but plans had changed.

This was due in part to Wilhelm's arrival just the day prior.

The deal was altered with the need to have Ferris nearby in the Capitol, and with Emilia just so happening to have to be due to arrive there, the change was made to have them both treated in the Capitol as well.

To say the least, Emilia still wasn't happy about this.

Choosing to disregard an argument he didn't wish to start, Roswaal turned to YN.

Roswaal: Everything is finally set then?

Clapping the dust from his hands, YN removed the gloves from his hand and stuck them in his back pocket.

YN: I think so, but that's not enough luggage for six people.

With the entire mansion having to depart for this trip, he had expected a lot more to have been loaded before they departed, but that wasn't the case.

Roswaal: Six was a last minute addition. I dreeead leaving Beatrice-sama all alone in the mansion, but a promising opportunity to help advance Emilia-sama's candidacy popped up last minute, and I'll need Ram to be in attendance with me. Speaking of which—

Ram: A courier arrived early this morning, Roswaal-sama. The meeting is to go on as planned the day before the Royal Conference.

Roswaal: Splendid. And Rem?

Rem: The mansion has been secured. All doors and windows have been shut and locked. Any other provisions that had needed to be made have been accounted for.

With each maid having taken a step forward upon speaking, and then a step back, they attended to their employer with the highest degree of professionalism.

Roswaal: Very well. Shall we not waste anymore time?

Subaru: Uhhhhh...

Shooting him a look of contempt, Ram broke her and Rem's mirror symmetry.

Gulping at her glare, Subaru excused himself.

Subaru: I'm uhh, going to go use the little butlers room before we leave.

Snorting at his excuse, Roswaal could only shrug at Ram.

Roswaal: Oh well.

Taking his final steps towards the carriage, the maids hastily moved in front, and held the doors open for him. Following him inside, YN was left alone next to the entrance stairs of the mansion with Emilia.

Not wishing to have an awkward silence build up between the two, YN sought to perhaps understand Emilia's frustrations better.

YN: Emilia-sama, don't you think you're being a tad harsh on Subaru?

While the invitation to conversation was welcoming in helping improve her sour mood, the formal way he had addressed her lessened its impact.

Emilia: And here I was hoping you'd speak to me normally from now on... But to answer your question, it's because I need him to not continue over exerting himself.

YN: I see.

Realizing Emilia was set in her opinion on this, he sought to maybe speak of something lighter, but she instead went on. Leaning towards him and pointing a single finger at him, she scowled.

Emilia: —And that goes for you too. I know you're not as much as a dunderhead, but I'd be just as hard on you as well if not—

Cutting off her words, Emilia's tone changed to one that was much more somber.

Emilia: —if not for Rem also worrying about you.

Perking herself back up, Emilia reintroduced her pointing finger.

Emilia: Make no mistake, the only reason you're both coming is to get healed, got it?

Seeing her rollercoaster of emotions, YN could only raise both eyebrows at her. While Emilia might have expected an eccentric reaction like how Subaru would more than likely have given her, since he hadn't rebuked her, she was forced to simply accept his silent answer.

Crossing her arms, she turned away slightly.

Emilia: Good... I'm glad you understand.

Feeling a gentle breeze blow past, the would-be silence between them was broken up.

Subaru: Okay, I'm good to go!

Waving as he ran up, the last resident to leave the mansion had arrived, and with that, they could depart.

As the three approached the carriage door, it opened to greet them. Entering in first, was Emilia, followed by Subaru, but before YN could enter—

Rem: YN-kun.

YN: Oh, hey that's right, aren't you going to be driving us there?

Rem: Yes, but—

Roswaal: YN-kuuuuuuun, I really hate to say it, but I had completely forgotten this carriage only seats four inside comfortably. Would you mind riding outside with Rem?

Seeing it as time alone with Rem, YN didn't have a problem with these arrangements at all.

YN: Yeah, sure—

Emilia: Roswaal! That's rude!

Ram: Emilia-sama—

Trying to calm the half elf, Ram's words were in vain.

Emilia: Subaru, just squeeze next to Ram, and YN can sit next to me.

Subaru: Why me? Emilia-tan why don't get I get to—

Ram: —Disgusting, as if I'd let Barasu sit next to me.

Subaru: 'Disgusting?!'

Emilia: —Ram, please!

Ram: I must refuse, it would make Roswaal-sama too cramped. Besides, Barasu smells like a wet dog.

Subaru: —I what?!

Emilia: Subaru, you don't. —And don't let her tease or intimidate you.

Subaru: It's not you who's on the receiving end of Nee-sama's wrath! You can say that!

Ram: Barasu, if you even try to—

Helping the blue haired oni down to the ground from the step to the inside of the carriage, YN shut the door on their argument brewing inside.

Smiling at his agreement to ride outside with her, Rem took YN by the hand for only a short walk to the driver's seat. Climbing up and extending a hand down to assist Rem up, the two were finally alone together, spare the muffled banter that continued inside the carriage.

Scooting close to each other, Rem snapped the reins of the ground dragon and commanded the carriage onward. Leaving the mansion's property, Rem relaxed more and leaned her head on YN's shoulder as the warm sun above danced in streaks of light penetrating the tree canvas above. Entering the forest between the mansion and Arlem village, they each remained silent as they simply enjoyed each other's company.

A/N: Thank you all again for your support. Let's hope the hiatus won't be too long. Until then, everyone, please take care.