A/N: Hello everyone! Here's this week's chapter. Like I said last week, I said those who correctly guessed what the car our dear friend YN had would get a shoutout. Well, Xenomyguy on WP was correct in first guessing it was a Chevrolet Vega (hence the part where I clued in it was star related, the brightest star in the northern constellation of Lyra.) Mach-77 on WP was correct in pointing out it was a Chevy Vega Kammback body style which I didn't expect anyone to know! They're also the author of 'Re:Zero A Racer Starts Life in Another World' which is another great story, so I guess that's why they were so privy to that information! If you like cars and Re:Zero like I do, you'll enjoy their story too.
Also, I would like to give a big shoutout to Rem Supremacy from the OTR discord for the proof reading they were kind enough to do for me to help eliminate more typographical errors. Big thanks to them!
Chapter 81: Sunday Driver
Opening the door for the one who held his heart, Rem elegantly sat inside the car.
YN: Watch your limbs.
Shutting the door, it sealed itself shut with a satisfying *ker-chunk*.
Being enclosed inside by herself for the brief moment it took YN walk around, Rem's eyes danced around the inside of the interior.
Brown like the outside of the car itself, the inside was much more cramped than a carriage, but the seats were considerably more comfortable and supporting, being made of what felt like leather. Feeling the inside of the panel of the door, and the "counter" that lined the largest window in the front, it was a hard material. It wasn't wood, and it wasn't metal like the outside of the car. Truthfully, the material reminded Rem of the little card she'd later asked YN if she could see that had his picture on it.
Between the two seats, one in which she sat in, the other she assumed YN would command from, was a leaver, pulled up. Looking further over, was the round wheel, like a ship's that Rem assumed was used to navigate the direction of the car. And behind it was a large assortment of symbols enclosed by a small window.
Below the wheel, was the area where one would set their legs, and down in there were two pedals.
It reminds Rem of the sewing machine at the mansion, but there are two...
Looking closer she saw an assortment of buttons and knobs on the "counter" before her, each with symbols around them as well.
But a few, she distinctly recognized.
These are exactly like the ones on YN-kun's phone...
The double straight lines, and the sideways triangle. Reaching out to touch them, Rem halted as YN opened his door and got inside.
YN: Well? Was it everything you hoped for?
Feeling nearly overwhelmed by the amount of strange things around her, Rem struggled to answer.
Rem: It is much more than Rem had ever imagined... She cannot explain it, but she has a strong desire to touch every button, if only to see what it does.
Seeing she was rather memorized by the array of shiny toys before her, YN patted her head to bring her back to reality.
YN: You're gonna like this then.
Sticking the key into the ignition, he turned it over and started up the engine.
Rem: Wha—! It's shaking!
Instinctively grabbing the handle that was built into the dash in front of the passenger seat, Rem was alarmed at first.
YN: Don't worry, that just lets us know it's working.
Trusting him as she always would, Rem sat back in her seat once more.
YN: Okay, well, first things first.
Taking the seat belt, YN clicked himself in, and looked over to Rem, who sat confused as to why he was restraining himself.
YN: Oh, here, let me help you.
Reaching over and across her, YN grabbed the belt and pulled it across Rem's lap. Brushing his hand across it, he had thought nothing of it until Rem gave him a rather coy look upon securing the buckle.
Rem: Ara~ YN-kun has never been so bold as to reach out and touch Rem's lap.
YN: —Tch!
Seeing her get that look in her eyes, YN sat back up straight.
YN: W-Well now, I guess we should decide where we want to go and—
*Click*
Rem: Oh, it appears Rem has accidentally found the release~.
Letting the belt slide back across her lap, Rem smugly smiled at him.
You gotta be kidding me.
Taking the hem of her dress, Rem pulled it up, exposing the top of her thighs as she sat in the seat.
Rem: Would YN-kun mind securing her again~?
Gulping down a stone in his throat, YN stared at Rem's exposed skin.
Her beautiful complexion, like last time, was almost too forbidden, too bright, and too scandalous to look at. Her skin was almost so fair that her garter belt to her stockings she wore, lightly indenting her thighs and showing how soft they were, almost blended right in.
With YN hesitating, Rem kept her dress held high with one hand, and used her other to guide his own hand to the belt.
Taking it, Rem slowly moved his hand that held the buckle across her exposed lap.
Feeling the smoothness of her skin, beads of sweat ran down his forehead as his guided hand reached the center of Rem's lap.
They're so soft!
Stopping there however, Rem gave him yet another seductive look.
Rem: YN-kun's hand is so cold. Allow Rem to warm it up.
Pushing his hand between her two thighs, YN found his fingers sandwiched between the softest pillows in the world.
With how high up her thighs my hand already is, any higher and it'll be right next to her—!
Needing to lean over only slightly as YN was most of the way already over her, Rem whispered in his ear, sending chills down his spine.
Rem: Perhaps Rem and YN-kun could go somewhere and lay in the back together.
Offering what could only be what he thought it was, his heart began to race as Rem's thighs started to push harder together around his hand.
Me and Rem?! Together in the backseat doing—?!
Out of pure reflex, YN's leg stiffened, and pushed his foot against the gas pedal.
*Vrooooom!*
Rem: Whaa?!
Surprised by the sudden rumble, Rem's grip on his hand with her own hand and her thighs loosened, and like a fabled king pulling a sword out stone, YN removed his hand from the depths of Rem's thighs.
Quickly buckling her in, YN took his foot off the gas and let the car idle down.
Too close!
Breathing heavily, he wiped the nervous sweat from his brow and looked back over to Rem, sighing in defeat.
Rem: It looks like Rem missed her opportunity for more fun~~.
Deciding he was far too warm, YN rolled down the window with the crank to his side.
Not realizing it at first, Rem's lust was quickly replaced by fascination once more.
Mimicking YN, she herself rolled down her window.
Rem: This is much more convenient than opening them out...
While used to opening the windows on the carriage, Rem was accustomed to the delicate, swing out design, but this way was an ingenious way to have an opening window.
YN: There's really not a breeze though...
Watching as he reached back over, YN slid a small lever under where the Rem recognized the two symbols she had. Moving it from red to blue, YN then turned a dial, and that's when Rem felt it.
Rem: This is—!
As her bangs swayed from a mysterious gust being propelled out from two small rectangular holes in the counter before her, Rem was shocked at what it was.
Rem: —wind.
Putting her hands before the vent, Rem turned them over and felt the sensation upon her skin.
Rem: YN-kun said there was no magic in his world, yet everything in here is so amazing...
Taking his hand once more, she did so in a wholesome way, choosing to wrap her fingers around his own.
Rem: To make carriages that move on their own, and wind that blows with no magic, and preserve music to listen to whenever, and to be able capture moments in time in a still painting, or even as one that moves...
Rubbing her thumb across the back of his hand, Rem finally understood what it felt like.
Rem: To be thrown into a world where one does not understand anything, and everything is an unknown marvel.
Leaning her body over, Rem gently rested her head on YN's shoulder.
Rem: Rem can say she may now understand how YN-kun felt when he first arrived in this world.
YN: Yeah, it was quite the experience at first, but I had someone who was extremely kind to show me the ropes.
Nuzzling her head against his shoulder, YN had decided they had waited long enough.
YN: This thing won't run forever, so let's enjoy it, alright?
Giving him a nod, YN put the car in motion, and headed off.
Staying mainly to the side streets, the two had circumvented attracting any copious amounts of attention. But that didn't stop them having several people at once, mostly children, running after them, seeking out just what the contraption that moved on its own was.
Finding a less trafficked exit of the city walls, the car descended out into the grasslands that surrounded the Capitol.
Rem: Rem is surprised at how quickly this moves. She hadn't expected it to be so fast.
YN: This thing is slow by most standards. There are much faster ones in my old world. But we also didn't get going that fast either. This thing can go faster.
Rem: Hmm...
Seeing the conflicted face on the blue haired maid, YN knew her mind was torn between being cautious and safe, and wanting to be curious and adventurous.
YN: How about a compromise, we'll cruise these tiny roads around the Capitol walls. We won't go too fast, once we are far enough away from everything, we'll be able to go as fast as we're comfortable with. Out there we won't have to worry about anyone stopping us.
Rem: That is an excellent idea.
Taking a well traveled dirt road, it's surface was compact enough to mimic pavement by the use it must get. With the Capitol still nearby, they were far enough away finally to go unnoticed, about a half-hour drive from it, if YN had to guess.
With the sun just beginning to turn the sky its first hues of orange as the day wound down, Rem's curiosity finally got the better of her as they enjoyed the bumpy ride.
Rem: Those symbols, right there. They're the same as on YN-kun's phone. Why is that?
Pointing to the radio's head unit, the oni tilted her head in question.
YN: Oh, that's just the radio. It plays music that's projected through the air. You can't control what song it is, or replay it, but there were a few choices you could tune into and choose which one you liked the most.
Rem: Wouldn't all that music be... very loud?
YN: Well, these big towers put it into the air in a way you can't hear it. But when it gets picked up by the radio, it would make it so you can hear the music.
Staring intensely at the head unit, Rem posed more questions.
Rem: There must have been lots of options then? Rem cannot imagine there being so much music...
YN: It isn't just music. There were talk shows, comedy skits, news and current events. They could even tell you the weather for the next few days and how to avoid traffic jams on your way home from work. Sometimes it was even used to relay information during an emergency. The radio was really useful.
Running her hand across the knobs, Rem could hardly believe something so small and insignificant looking could be that useful, but she would always believe what YN told her.
Rem: Is there any chance we can try it?
Giving her a weak smile, YN shook his head.
YN: It's just like my phone, it won't work here in this world.
Turning the volume way down, YN flipped on the radio and scanned around the frequency band.
*Scrrrrrrrrrrch*
YN: See? It's just static, that's what happens when you don't have the right frequency.
Rem: That is disappointing, but expected.
Poking more at the radio, Rem's finger found an opening in the radio's surface. With a small flap moving back, the insides of the wonder device were exposed.
Rem: What is this?
YN: Oh hey, what do you know? I didn't even realize it had one of these.
Recognizing what it was, YN tried to explain as best as he could.
YN: You can stick these uhh, blocks inside here and they have music on them. It's for when you get tired of the radio.
Rem: Would putting YN-kun's phone inside work?
Giving the idea a small laugh, he found Rem's innocent suggestion to be adorable. Giving her a head pat, he elaborated while driving on.
YN: Not quite. The age difference is quite a lot.
Tilting her head in confusion, Rem didn't understand.
YN: This car is probably two, maybe even three times older than I am. The technology difference between my phone and this is staggering.
Knowing there was no easy way to explain it, he tried changing the subject, hoping not to discourage her.
YN: Hey, why don't you open up that little container, I bet if there are any of those blocks that work in this, they'd be inside there.
Pointing to the glove box, Rem at first carefully examined how it was laid out, and gently opened it by lifting on the odd latch.
Moving a few crumpled up, yellowed papers detailing maintenance and ownership of the car, Rem uncovered two blocks as she'd hoped.
Rem: Are these what YN-kun was after?
Taking them, he observed what they were.
YN: Yeah these. I thought I saw them in there at some point.
Looking the two blocks over though, a pang of hesitation hung over him.
These are a lot different to what I've shown Rem yet in terms of music...
YN: I don't know about these though... You might not like it, or be ready for them yet...
Taking in their artwork cover faces, they were left with two very distinct, very familiar, very recognizable choices to those from YN's homeworld.
Rem: What are they? What do they say?
Giving each a good look, YN read the names off.
YN: 'Pink Zeppelin' , and 'Led Floyd.'
I'm really doubtful she'd like either of these...
Not entirely taking his own tastes into account, he began to guess against showing Rem either of the two choices.
YN: It might be best to just leave them be maybe... they aren't exactly mine, they came with the car.
While Rem could tell YN was trying to be cautious and caring of her own feelings and experiences, her curiosity simply longed to be satisfied, something that grew more and more powerful these days.
Either from watching his memories, or listening to him prattle on about things from another world, Rem's curiosity for all things "YN" never waned.
But, giving into what she thought YN knew best, Rem kept one of the two out.
Rem: —This one.
YN: Huh?
Presenting him with a block, Rem was determined to hear it.
Rem: Rem enjoys the colors on this one. Won't YN-kun play just a little bit of it?
Choosing the one that was all black, but had a picture of light being diffused into a rainbow through a prism, Rem had been enthralled by the timeless logo that was unmistakable anywhere.
YN: Alright... If you really want to.
Hoping this wouldn't ruin music for her with its vast different sounds that she might be accustomed to at juncture, YN popped the track in, adjusted the volume, and hit play.
I guess all there is to do is listen, and drive around...
Having returned well into the evening, Rem and YN had spent the entire later half of the day together, enjoying the ride and the music that went along with it.
Arriving back at the inn, YN was given no other real choice except to park his car where the group had originally parked their ground dragon carriage, as Roswaal would need to arrange for a chartered trip back to the Mansion with Ram having taken the one they arrived in back on her own.
Rem: Rem had a wonderful evening with her YN-kun.
YN: I'm glad. I had a lot of fun too.
Rem: YN-kun looks worried though.
YN: A bit, actually. There's only enough fuel left in that to do that roughly seven or more times...
Referring to his fuel gauge, while YN had filled it only minutes before arriving in this world, he had managed to reduce it nearly one full mark on the range it showed he had left, or just under one-eighth of what it held. While he still retained a mostly full tank, the real worry was just how limiting it still was.
Rem: And YN-kun is sure there's nothing here that could be used in place?
YN: No... There's a really long method to refining the fuel and it has to be just right or it'll run bad.
Rem: Rem is sorry she had him waste such a precious resource.
YN: Don't be, Rem. It's in such short supply we shouldn't rely on it for anything, and time itself will also make it go bad. It makes more sense to use it while we can, even if it's for pleasure. We did make some nice memories with it.
Walking up and hugging his arm, Rem nodded.
Rem: Yes. Rem has experienced things few others ever will, all because of her YN-kun.
Standing as tall as she could, Rem kissed him lightly on his cheek.
Rem: Now, what shall Rem and try and make for dinner? We can have—
?: —Absolutely not!
As the two had walked back to their room, they heard a familiar voice call out from behind the door, just as they were about to enter.
Going inside, Emilia and Subaru were in a deep bout of a disagreement of some kind.
Subaru: But Emilia-tan—!
Emilia: —You and YN were only brought along to be treated, nothing more!
Subaru: You can't seriously just leave us behind though! That Conference could be really important!
Emilia: I am. And I expect you to understand.
Seeing the two who had just entered, Emilia lowered her voice and tried to regain her composure.
Rem: Subaru-kun, Emilia-sama is correct in this matter... The Royal Selection Conference was the only reason Emilia-sama was coming to the Capitol besides to see you two off for treatment.
Slumping his shoulders, Subaru sulked, upset at being defeated on all fronts. But to his surprise, Emilia suddenly took his hand.
Emilia: I'm not asking for much here, Subaru, so please—...
As the two exchanged a gaze, Emilia pleaded with the butler.
Emilia: Let me trust that you won't do anything, okay?
Offering her sincerest request, the half-elf awaited a response from him.
Subaru: Fine! Fine. If I can't meet even your simplest requests, what good am I?
Emilia: You're plenty good. But thank you. I'll trust you on this.
With a moment being exchanged between them, Rem stepped forward.
Rem: Emilia-sama, Rem intends to start dinner for everyone soon.
Emilia: You can skip a plate for me though, and probably Roswaal too.
Rem: Oh, yes, that is correct, Emilia-sama and Roswaal-sama attended their dinner this evening. Rem will adjust accordingly.
Emilia: I see. Thank you, Rem.
Rem: It is Rem's pleasure.
Bowing before she departed, Subaru spoke up now.
Subaru: I'm going to go wash up before it starts then.
Nodding at the black haired boy as if to excuse him, Emilia turned to YN once Rem and Subaru had departed.
I can get why she's being strict, but I still feel like she's going about it wrong. I'm just glad if that was Rem, she'd want me to be by her side more than anything.
Approaching YN, Emilia tugged her own arm to the side, and looked down at the floor.
Emilia: I guess you know that goes for you too?
Referring to the fact she wanted them both to focus on treatment, YN had assumed that was the truth.
YN: I understand, Emilia-sama.
Emilia: To be honest though, I did want to ask you to come separately, but I fear that might entice Subaru into coming anyway.
Somewhat surprised to hear that, YN was a bit put off by that.
Does Emilia really just not want him there? First the thing with Julius —that knight, then that one woman who we saved, and now this... I can't read what Emilia's motive in acting this way is at all...
While not being sure what her rationale was, YN at least thought to move the conversation forward, hopefully in a way he'd better understand her.
YN: Is that you saying you want me to keep an eye on him just in case?
Shaking her head, Emilia explained a bit better.
Emilia: No, I have to trust Subaru to uphold his word. You and Rem don't need to watch him tomorrow. If he goes against that trust... I don't even want to think about it.
Looking back up at YN, Emilia concluded her reasoning.
Emilia: And maybe it is for the better you stay behind as well. If you went but Subaru couldn't, especially after this—
YN: If you expect trust, you gotta give it in return. Having me come along will breach that for him. Perhaps him getting upset saved his trust in you, had I ended up going along.
Emilia: Maybe...
Feeling a tad guilty now, Emilia shook it off.
Emilia: As for trust, I know I can trust you, and Rem, and I'm certain I can trust Subaru too. I have to.
Bowing slightly, YN responded.
YN: Thank you for the confidence, Emilia-sama.
Puffing her cheeks out, Emilia voiced her complaint.
Emilia: You can drop the formalities you know. We're the only ones here.
Scratching the back of his head, YN gave the half-elf a weak smile.
YN: Sorry, force of habit.
Knowing it had to do with Roswaal's presence earlier, YN had gone back to his formal way of addressing Emilia.
Emilia: Oh, by the way, YN.
YN: Hmm?
Seeing her face stiffen, Emilia seemed to swallow a lump of anticipation in her throat.
Emilia: If you're not aware, each of the Candidates has a knight —their own confidant who works much like that Candidate's Second. Like Julius, he's a knight to another candidate.
YN: So doesn't that make him a rival?
Emilia: In a way, but I'd prefer to not think of him that way.
YN: So if every candidate has a knight, are you the only one who doesn't? Or do you get assigned one?
Unsure how it all worked, Emilia was thankful he was showing interest in the subject, which made it easier to speak and hopefully say what she needed to say.
Emilia: No, the Candidate and the Knight usually compliment each other where they are weakest. Me not having one actually came up as a focus point in the dinner Roswaal and I attended earlier.
YN: Huh, did the others there want you to find one soon? Maybe they have someone in mind?
Imagining there would eventually be factionism in this Royal Selection, it only made sense to YN that Emilia taking on a specific knight at request of some royals that may choose to back her would be in part to spread their own influence.
Emilia: All the other candidates had found their knights a long time ago... In fact it was the knights that were instructed to set out and find eligible candidates, that's why my insignia was special. It shows I'm eligible.
YN: Wasn't it Roswaal who nominated you with it then? Does that make him your knight technically?
Shaking her head, Emilia's silver bangs swung.
Emilia: Roswaal is only my sponsor, he doesn't intend to fill the role of "knight" for me, nor would I want him to...
YN: I see. Then I take it they're pressuring you to make a choice soon?
Emilia: Yes, and I think I've nearly decided on who it'll be. I just need to wait for their answer.
Smiling warmly, Emilia's amethyst eyes seemed to resonate with anticipation as she looked upon YN.
Going to say something more though, Emilia was interrupted.
Rem: May Rem borrow YN-kun? She needs help reaching some of the top shelves in the kitchen... Especially with the meal cooking.
YN: Ah! Rem! I'll be right there.
Hurrying along to assist the blue haired maid that held his heart, YN felt a surge of urgency at the smell of cooking food coming for the doorway Rem had so cutely poked her head around.
Watching as YN had departed, to him, he had heard all he thought he was supposed to. For only a moment wondering what kind of knight would be joining their camp, he had been pulled away by Rem, much to Emilia's misfortune.
Emilia: — — —
Looking downward in defeat, she had been left alone in the common area of their space in the inn.
That was my only chance it felt like...
Regretting her missed opportunity, Emilia simply decided to retire for the evening, and slowly walked back to her own bedroom.
Maybe tomorrow I'll get a chance, before I need to leave.
Reaching her door, Emilia stepped inside and slammed the door shut in frustration with herself, but had done so just softly enough to not be heard by the others.
After everyone had bid Emilia farewell the next morning , and wished her well in this Royal Selection Conference, Rem and YN were left with very little to do.
Rem: Rem has given a lesson to Subaru-kun, one on the history of Lugunica's former kings. We can only hope that occupies his attention.
YN: Yeah, Emilia herself said we shouldn't guard him, she says she trusts him after all.
While not entirely convinced Emilia's choice was best, Rem could tell by the way he said that he was worrying.
Rem: Does YN-kun think Subaru-kun would do something as drastic as trying to barge in on the Conference?
Shrugging, he couldn't really answer that.
YN: After Emilia being so sure he'd stay put, but also knowing how Subaru is, it's a coin toss at best. On one hand, it's Subaru doing what he thinks is best, on the other, if he disobeys her wishes, that would be akin to betrayal.
Rem: Those are both things that Subaru-kun would do...
YN: I'd hate to leave and not help a friend from doing something stupid, but if he's going to dig his own grave, can we really stop that?
Rem: It would mean harsh measures from both of us.
YN: I think the best course of action would be to just... let him be. Give him space. If he sees you and me being happy, lounging around the room, it might just be the solt in his wound to push himself past the point of being reasonable.
Rem: Rem can understand. But what should we do then?
Taking the keys out from his pocket, YN jangled them before Rem.
YN: How about we go for another drive, but we try something different this time?
Rem: Did YN-kun have something else in mind?
YN: I do, but it's a surprise.
Rem: Rem has nothing else keeping her here, so we may proceed with pleasantries until the afternoon when Emilia-sama is set to return.
YN: Alright, I'll go tell Subaru we're leaving.
Letting Rem go ahead, he gave her the key.
YN: You can let yourself in with this. It's just like a normal key.
Receiving it with both hands, as if it were a treasured heirloom, Rem carefully held onto the key as she went to go wait in the car for YN.
Moving down the hall towards Subaru's bedroom in the inn, YN knocked with the back of his knuckle.
Subaru(muffled): Yeah?
Opening the door, YN was greeted by Subaru's back, hunched over his desk with a book in front of him.
YN: Rem and I are going out. If we get any snacks or something, do you want anything?
Waving as if he didn't care, Subaru didn't garner a response to his question.
YN: Alright, I'll leave you be then.
Receiving only a thumbs up in reply, Subaru flopped his arm back onto his desk, and flipped a page in the large tome he read.
He's really bummed out...
Shutting the door gently, YN shook his head and spoke softly to himself under his breath as he turned and walked away.
YN: It wouldn't have hurt Emilia to just bring him along and let him stay with the other people I'm sure the Candidates are bringing along.
After recalling what Julio had told him, he knew at least one of the other Candidates was a president of a massive trading company.
I'm sure someone like that has a whole entourage of people following them around that don't just go into every meeting they have.
Knowing it was pointless to dwell on the idea any longer, YN set about heading down to where Rem was awaiting.
Having taken a lesser used gate of the city, it was one traders almost exclusively used during different parts of the season to facilitate extra capacity to enter and leave the city, perhaps for selling certain kinds of seasonal goods. But for now, it was nearly barren.
Driving out into the grassland surroundings past any farms, they came across an outstretched dirt lot of sorts. While it was firm and free of loose dirt like most of the roads around the Capitol, the pattern of many carriage and wagon wheels could be seen in its surface.
Either used as a rest stop, a staging area, or simply a turn-around point, its main feature was that it was large and flat, giving it plenty of room for what YN wanted to do.
Driving to the middle of the vacant lot, YN stopped the car, and shut it off.
Still unknown to what his plan was, Rem looked at the one who held her heart with a tilted expression.
Rem: —?
Without giving her a reply, YN opened his door, leaving the key in the ignition, and walked around the vehicle to Rem's side, and opened her door. Extending a hand, he helped the blue haired maid up and out, and escorted her to the driver's door, and gestured for her to take a seat.
Rem: Wha—? YN-kun, this is the seat reserved for the operator of the car.
YN: Exactly, that's why you're going to need to sit there.
Rem: Huh?!
Looking back and forth to him and the car, Rem seemed confused and concerned.
Rem: But, Rem can't—!
YN: Yes you can, you're capable of doing anything.
Rem: But, Rem doesn't know how—!
YN: That's why I'm going to teach you.
Rem: But—!
YN: Don't worry. Nothing bad will happen. There's nothing for you to hit out here, and there's no real laws here either saying you can't drive this, so there's no risk.
Giving him a weak smile, Rem reluctantly nodded.
Taking her seat, YN took the one next to her. Shutting their doors, the two sat silent for a moment before YN gestured to her hands.
YN: Grab the wheel, you'll need to use it.
Giving her a brief explanation of how it was responsible for turning the front wheels, thus allowing someone to control the direction within reason, he went on to explain all the foreign symbols' importance on the inside.
While most were tiny pictures or numbers that didn't really matter in a world with no speed laws, there was a small set that would definitely give Rem some trouble.
YN: These are for the control of the motion of the car. This one is for 'Park' so the car won't move at all. This one is for 'Neutral' so the car won't move from fuel, but can still be pushed if you need to—
Rem: Umm...
YN: Hmm?
Seeing her worried face, she smiled weakly at him while trying to give it her best attempt still.
Rem: Rem is unable to read YN-kun's language.
YN: Oh... That's right.
Realizing it was letters now, YN struggled for a second on how to improvise and make these experiences easier for Rem before remembering something in the glove box.
Opening it up, was a single, dirty, used sticky note. With some other number written on it, perhaps a telephone number of some kind, or an address, YN didn't care.
Taking an old bank pen that was also in the glovebox, he scribbled over the numbers to hide them, and poked his pen's top part to his chin in thought for a moment.
I gotta translate the first letter of 'Park,' 'Neutral,' 'Drive,' and 'Reverse...'
Writing the glyphs as well as he could hope, YN hoped he had gotten them correct.
YN: Okay...
Pointing at each glyph and reciting what each one was short for, Rem began to giggle.
YN: This one is for 'Park,' this one is 'Neutral,' this is 'Drive,' and the last is 'Rev—'. Huh?
Shaking her head cheerfully, Rem smiled weakly at him.
Rem: Rem is afraid YN-kun drew the wrong symbol, unless he intends to rename the function 'Beverse.'
YN: —tsk.
Scratching out his letter for 'Reverse,' he was reminded he still had a lot to learn about being literate in this world.
Rem: Perhaps Rem should have made YN-kun study as well with Subaru-kun.
Trying in vain once more to write the correct Glyph, Rem simply took his hand as he scratched out his second attempt, and guided his pen's top to form the correct glyph.
Taking the ancient sticky note, he pressed it up against, and over where the old symbols were.
YN: Okay, that should make it easier.
Rem: Rem appreciates YN-kun's willingness to make her comfortable in this setting. He has her utmost confidence.
YN: Of course. Now then, go ahead and place your hand here.
Putting her hand on the key that sat it in the ignition, he let go, and nodded to the blue haired maid.
Rem: Rem just... twists it?
YN: Twist it all the way until the car starts, then just let go.
Giving it a try, the car attempted to start after Rem held the key turned, but it did nothing more than crank and sputter.
YN: Tap the gas pedal when you twist it, that might help.
YN himself had experienced this problem when he had first set out on his own, but before he had been brought to this world. Sometimes the car refused to start back up when it had just been shut off.
I think the person who loaned me this car called this 'vapor lock.'
Letting Rem take another stab at it, the car finally roared to life.
Rem: Oh! Rem did it!
Giving her a brief headpat, YN congratulated her on taking her first step.
YN: Alright, but there's a lot more for you to try and do, are you up for it?
Putting her hands on the wheel, Rem gripped it hard enough to turn her knuckles white.
Rem: Rem will try her best.
After a while of driving around in the dirt lot, it had taken Rem a good while to get used to the pedals, and how sensitive they were. From making the wheels spin by flooring it from a dead stop, to hard stops from also standing on the brake, YN also had to get her used to turning the car, and backing it up.
YN: I'm somewhat surprised at how well you picked it up. It's still rough but normally people struggle a lot more their first time.
Rem: Rem has to admit, it is quite fun to use, although it was scary right when we first started...
YN: Yeah, if I hadn't pulled the emergency brake, we could have been stuck in the grass...
During Rem's first attempt at moving forward, the blue haired maid had floored the gas, and nearly taken them off the road and down a small hill.
Rem: Oh, it does look like we have visitors though.
Seeing dirt being kicked up further down the road, someone on a carriage was headed towards the Capitol, albeit via one of the more abandoned gates YN and Rem had used.
Pulling into the same dirt lot they were in, the carriage stopped. It was a simple, covered wagon, with a large, greenish-blue, but gentle looking ground dragon pulling it along.
Coming to a stop, the ground dragon seemed to look directly at YN's car, before turning its head, ordained with a small, yellow, feather-like crown, to its driver who sat on the bench behind it.
While YN could not hear what was said, it appeared as if the driver of the carriage had spoken to the dragon before disembarking from the seat.
Seeing the young man, dressed in green, walk up to them from where he had parked, YN opened his own door and exited to greet this new guest.
?: Wha—?! There's people inside?!
Slightly frightening the traveler, YN held his hands up as Rem also got out.
YN: Oh, uhh... don't be alarmed! It's just a... uh...
Rem: —Ground-dragonless carriage!
Smiling with a wide face full of pride, it was clear Rem had garnered zero hostility from this person as they approached.
Normally she'd be pretty standoff-ish or cold shouldered to outside people... Ram really was right in saying she's being a lot more friendly towards others if she wants to be.
?: A 'ground-dragonless carriage,' huh?
Putting a hand to chin, the young man approached closer, clearly also enthralled by the car.
He appeared to be a merchant or lesser noble of some kind, as he was dressed in a green, belted tunic with a darker green cloak over that. His dull, gray hair fell long, reaching about his jawline. While not the hair of an elder, he was clearly youthful in the way he carried himself and spoke. Topping off his entire look was a fancy green hat with a feather protruding from one side, adding a bit of uniqueness to his outfit.
?: That's... fascinating. Ah, but anyway—
Taking no real time to beat around the bush, the young man got straight to the topic he had come over.
?: Are you both going to be here awhile? Using this lot?
Giving each other a look, Rem and YN silently asked each other if they understood what this man's intent was.
Rem: We have not laid claim to this area for any purpose. Is there a reason you ask?
?: Oh thank goodness. I ask because of them.
Turning to point way off in the distance, YN was able to see due to his height, while Rem could not, but out on the horizon line was a blur of structures.
Carriages, to be exact.
YN: Friends of yours?
?: You could say that. Merchant's usually travel in troops for safety and to exchange goods and news amongst ourselves.
Oh so this guy is a merchant.
Scratching his cheek, the young man in green seemed somewhat relieved.
?: We all saw your uhh, 'dragonless carriage' kicking up dust in the distance in the lot we normally stop at and regroup before going to the Capitol. No one had a clue what it was, and we got a little concerned. Especially since we usually see nothing out here at all.
Scratching the back of his head now, the merchant's nervous explanation continued.
?: Long story short, we all drew straws to see who had to go see what it was, and I lost.
Rem: Rem would say that was quite reckless to send a single vulnerable person to inspect what it was.
?: 'Vulnerable!?'
Exclaiming from how he was described, the young trader adjusted his hat as he slumped his shoulders.
Rem: This could have been a very large mabeast or worse. Denying to look alone would have been a smarter decision.
?: I mean, yes. But I knew it wasn't something that was 'alive,' but none of them would believe me unless I went and looked first.
Raising a brown to how he phrased that, YN questioned the merchant on what he just said.
YN: How could you tell it wasn't something alive?
With genuine intrigue on how he could tell something like that on such an unknown object from so far away, the merchant only replied with a grin of pride.
?: You could say I had a hunch.
Fine, then. Keep your secrets.
YN: Well...
Turning to Rem and getting a nod, YN gave a wave of departure to the young merchant.
YN: We'll go on and get out your guy's way. You can tell 'em 'sorry' we were taking up space.
?: Oh no, thank you. They'll be very glad to hear you were so cooperative.
Turning to Rem, YN offered her the keys once more.
YN: You think you're confident enough to drive us back?
Rem: Even though it is selfish, Rem would like to just enjoy the trip back as a passenger.
YN: Sure thing.
Happy to oblige the maid that held his heart, they each returned inside the car and turned it on.
Somewhat fascinated still to see a machine move on its own like this, the merchant watched as they turned around. Pulling up next to him, YN rolled the window down.
YN: By the way, I don't believe we caught your name.
Otto: Otto— Otto Suwen.
Sticking his hand out of the window, YN offered to shake, which was met by the merchant.
YN: Mine's YN, good to meet you.
Otto: Likewise.
Giving a simple wave, YN pulled away and headed back down the dirt road that had the Capitol in its direction. Watching as the strange vessel got further and further away, Otto returned to his own carriage and sat at the driver's seat. Pulling the reins, he began his short drive back to his fellow merchants.
Otto: Something tells me that's not the last time I'll see them...
Having been successful in his task, Otto chalked up the experience as just another one of the many odd encounters he'd had in his time as a merchant.
Having moved the car back into the carriage holding once more for safe keeping, Rem waited for YN on the back steps of the inn.
Going up the space that had been their home-away-from-home for the last day now, Rem unlocked the door and entered inside with YN in tow.
Rem: Subaru-kun, how did your lesson go? Do you require any—
Hearing Rem's words halt sharply, she turned to YN who was about to sit down.
Rem: Is Subaru-kun with YN-kun in the common area?
Hesitating before responding, he instantly knew, this wasn't a good thing.
YN: No. He's not.
Rem: — — —
Coming around the corner, they each looked at each other knowing that Subaru's disappearance was the last thing that needed to be happening.
Rem: Rem will check Emilia-sama's room and her own. YN-kun, please check the restroom and your own room, just in case.
YN: I got a bad feeling about this.
Checking each space in what felt like was in vain, Rem and YN regrouped in the common area once more.
YN: So, he's clearly not here.
Rem: Perhaps Subaru-kun is—
YN: Rem.
Knowing he was right, Rem was forced to abandon any benefit of the doubt she could give to Subaru.
Rem: Does YN-kun have any idea of where he could have gone?
YN: Where else do you think he could have gone?
Again, knowing YN knew exactly what this meant.
Thinking for a moment, YN came up with a game plan, and doing so, handed Rem the keys to the car.
YN: Go get inside and get ready to go again. I'm going to ask the desk attendant if they saw him leave.
Rem: Right.
Splitting up, YN headed down to the lobby while Rem returned out to the carriage stowage.
Patiently waiting in the passenger seat, Rem finally saw YN round the corner to be in her vision.
Rem: Oh finally, Rem was beginning to—
Halting her words, something wandered into Rem's nose.
*Sniff*
Rem: No... It cannot be.
Knowing exactly why it was Rem had a worried expression on her face as he entered into the driver's seat and cranked the car to life, YN wiped the sweat from his brow.
Rem: YN-kun, please don't tell Rem that you just had a Return—
YN: No no, don't worry.
Putting the car into motion, YN exited the stowage area in haste.
Rem: Then why does Rem smell—?
YN: I tried telling the inn attendant about my little secret.
Rem: Whaa—?! YN-kun, why?!
YN: Because, this way, you can lead us right to him. Just roll the window down and stick your head out. That way you shouldn't be able to smell me, and only if Subaru's been through somewhere.
Amazed at how forward thinking this was of YN, Rem voiced her only complaint.
Rem: Rem is very proud her YN-kun was able to come up with such a good idea, but please, inform Rem when he intends to use this method if he can.
Sighing, YN knew he had probably frightened Rem with the Scent so suddenly.
YN: I'm sorry, Rem. I'll do a better job to include you in the plans if they involve using something like this. I just suddenly got the idea as I left and thought maybe that might help us.
Taking his hand, Rem smiled at him.
Rem: All is forgiven. Rem is still very thankful her YN-kun trusts her to have such an essential role.
Sticking her head outside the window, the breeze traveling along blew her delicate azure hair. Closing her eyes and breathing in deep through her nose, Rem got a whiff of the Witch's Miasma that wasn't YN's based on how faint it was.
Pointing to the profile of the mighty Citadel at the center of the Capitol, Rem confirmed the worst.
Rem: The scent is definitely coming from toward the center of the Capitol, and is increasing as we draw closer.
YN: Damn it. Of course it is.
Gripping the wheel with white knuckles of worry, YN was hung up on how this was going to damage Emilia's trust in Subaru.
YN: Jeez, he's his own worst enemy sometimes, I swear.
While Rem was thinking similar thoughts, one other came into her mind.
Rem: Wait, YN-kun. If a punishment was invoked from trying to inform someone, wouldn't Subaru-kun also feel it?
YN: I'm well aware.
Rem: But won't that let him know we are potentially looking for him?
YN: Oh I want him to know. I hope he's quivering in his tracksuit right about now knowing we're looking for him, and can find him just about anywhere.
Really increasing his speed as they went along, YN was passing and undertaking carriages left and right.
Rem: Rem supposes that is a good message to send then.
Driving on as quickly as he could without sacrificing safety, YN headed directly for the center of the Capitol where the Royal Selection Conference was being held.
Subaru... don't make an ass out of yourself before we get there!
Screeching to a halt outside the Royal Citadel, just beside where the other ornate and regal carriages had been parked, more than likely belonging to those in attendance, YN shut his car off.
Getting out quickly, he shut the door with a *ker-chunk* as Rem did so as well.
YN: Can you smell him still? I had to go pretty fast back there...
Sniffing the air, Rem followed up with a weak look towards YN.
Rem: Rem cannot be certain. The two of you are close enough now that it may become hard for Rem to differentiate. But, Rem also thinks we may have passed him at some point.
YN: Passed him? Where?
Having to focus with the speed he was driving at, YN hadn't given Rem much of a chance on the final stretch to the Citadel to relay any directions or senses she had garnered.
Rem: The Scent reached its strongest at the gate to the Noble's district.
YN: That's where we were going the fastest...
Knowing from his time with Emilia and Subaru on the first day back to the Capitol, the guard house they had met Julius at was one of the only, if not the only ways into the Noble's District, which one would need to enter to get to the Royal Citadel.
Being all too aware, with the Conference about to begin they would not be let in. So against his own better judgment, YN had waited till an arriving carriage was stopped at the gate to be let through, did he emerge in his car. Running the gate as fast as he could, none of the guards had been brave enough to stop the hunk of metal screaming through the checkpoint.
Having laid on the horn while doing near motorway speeds, he had flashed his headlights at the same time, hoping to make his car look as bizarre and foreign as possible to garner the appropriate right of way.
Rem: Rem still cannot believe YN-kun did something so reckless.
Seeing as it was futile to keep looking for Subaru, YN had to hope he at least could warn Emilia of his arrival if he truly had beat him to the punch.
YN: That wild look you had while I was going that fast sure seemed like you were enjoying it though.
Pouting, and knowing he was correct, Rem folded her arms.
Rem: That is one of the few times where YN-kun should have been looking at what was before him rather than at his Rem.
Giving the maid a short headpat, he reassured her.
YN: You're right, I'll do that.
Taking the hand and rubbing her cheek with it, Rem treasured her confidence in him to listen to her.
Rem: Rem is very happy her YN-kun is so considerate of her. But for now—
As they both turned, they faced the grand entrance of where the Conference would be taking place.
Approaching the door, two guards, clad in armor and thick helmets, lanced their polearms over the door, blocking their entrance.
Left Guard: You seek admittance during a Royal event of the utmost importance.
Right Guard: State your reason or be removed from the premises.
Hearing their demands, Rem bowed to them.
Rem: I am Rem, head maid in service to and answering directly to Roswaal L Mathers-sama, Margrave of the Mathers Domain, the current Royal Court Magician, and Sponsor of Emilia-sama, one of the current Candidates for the Throne. We bring news of great importance to them both.
Speaking in her cold and formal tone, Rem relayed her stature of position to the guards as bluntly as she could, following their request for information.
Looking at each other through their helmets, neither could see each other's face through their closed visors.
Left Guard: Currently, the Conference before the Sage Council has not yet started, but will shortly.
Right Guard: Make your business brief and be sure to keep your words hushed so as to not upset any of the other guests.
Lifting their polearms, the way forward was secured.
Bowing one last time, Rem spoke in her cold voice once more.
Rem: Please pardon our intrusion, and thank you for your cooperation.
Heading inside the large, ornate doors, Rem entered first, followed by YN. Almost not even being able to fully enter the building, it felt as if the doors were closed right on YN as he proceeded in behind Rem.
YN: Jeez...
The hallway they had entered into was some sort of parolier. Dimly lit, minimally decorated, and not at all occupied, it was clear by design alone that this place wasn't one that guests were meant to linger in.
Waiting just a few short steps ahead of him, Rem gave him a smile of sympathy. Offering her hand, YN put his in hers.
Rem: Rem knows how much YN-kun dislikes it when she must speak like that.
Shaking his head, YN tried to reassure the maid.
YN: It's not that I don't detest it, it just seems so much unlike the Rem I know. You're the kindest person I've ever met, so hearing you be so devoid of it, even in your speech alone is a little unsettling. But I know that's just the language of formality, so I have to get used to it.
Suddenly going to lean on him, Rem rested her head against his chest.
Rem: The reason Rem dislikes sounding that way around YN-kun is because she only ever did horrible things to him while speaking that way. She's afraid it might bring back terrible memories of how she had hurt him.
Stepping back, Rem held up the hand she held of his still.
Rem: Even now, when Rem took his hand, and when she leaned her head into YN-kun, he still flinches from her touch.
While YN couldn't outright deny it, he still struggled with what could only perhaps be an ingrained trauma of the events that had occurred by Rem's hands in past loops. And this was not lost on Rem herself, the one person who knew as much about YN, if not more than himself, than anyone else did.
Pulling her back in, YN knew that this wasn't the time or place to be having a moment like this, but he needed to make sure no ill feelings of that ever took root in Rem.
YN: As long as you keep being the wonderful person I know you are Rem, that will go away in time. Our happy memories are going to far outnumber our sad ones someday, but we'll be thankful for everything that has happened because it made us so strong.
Feeling his warmth, Rem felt happy she was so appreciated and coveted by the one who held her heart. Yet at the same time, the cause of the trauma to him that had to be as equally deep as her own guilt resonated once more.
Rem may only be reminded of the reality she must live with because of her sins...
While she felt joy, it fueled the pain that was in her heart still.
Rem must accept that YN-kun will never truly love her.
Coming apart, Rem needed to be strong for now, and fulfill her duties, much like YN knew she must as well.
Rem: Let us go now then. We have only such little time before things start.
Leading him on, the two proceeded to the final set of doors, where their purpose for coming would be found.