Inside the Forbidden Library, Beatrice silently sat on her stool.

Alone as usual.

However, for the first time in centuries, the Great Spirit of Yin found herself distracted for an unusual reason. Twirling her hair around her finger for the umpteenth time, Beatrice found her thoughts drawn back to the examination of the boy that Bubby's contractor had brought back to Roswaal's mansion.

With an initial appraisal, this 'Subaru' possessed an average human's body. Muscular from most likely a lifestyle that involved lots of movement, but average nevertheless. Subaru had no scars from battle (before the Bowel Hunter, she supposed) and possessed no calluses that would at least have indicated that he usually wielded a weapon.

However, a second and thorough appraisal had Beatrice getting a headache for the first time in centuries.

Multiple torn muscles, extreme exhaustion, ruptured internal organs, and those were just the injuries from the Bowel Hunter. The headache inducer? Subaru's body itself had already started to heal the damage before Emilia had stabilized him and when he had been placed in a bath to be cleansed, there had been some panic after the body promptly stopped healing at all until he got pulled out. Luckily, an alternative had been found by Beatrice who occasionally splashed water onto the bloody parts.

Also, there were two other abnormalities in Subaru's body, one overwhelming and the other subtle.

The first was that the boy reeked of the Witch's Miasma. It was only Roswaal's hasty order that held Beatrice from slitting his throat the moment she noticed.

The second was the reason for her headache. When she read his mana, it was like his body became the equivalent of a mist hanging about. She couldn't see past whatever was shielding his body, all hazy and murky and deceiving. Why is it that she would sometimes feel scales where human skin was supposed to be, in fact?! It was as if his body was of two separate species and it was incapable of choosing a 'true' form.

Was it an Authority?

Beatrice had heard enough of those Archbishops to have an idea of what to expect.

(Although these Archbishops were nothing more than subpar wannabes if Mother's notes were to be believed, except the one who had inherited Mother's Greed. Authorities were curses of the World compared to the blessings that were Divine Protections, each having the capability to wreak chaos and discord while leaving destruction in it's wake. Before the wannabes of the recent days, the Witches of Sin had been the real deal with their Authorities. The ones who were actually capable of killing the entire World by their lonesome if left to their devices.

The Authority of Sloth, {Hidden Titan}, had been capable of easily matching the Divine Dragon in physical power.

The Authority of Greed, {Visual Prowess of Discernment}, had granted Mother nigh-omniscience.

The Authority of Gluttony, {Perpetual Voracity}, had driven people to eat themselves while disregarding everything else, completely unable to satisfy their suddenly insatiable hunger.

The Authority of Wrath, {Immaculate Restoral}, dictated that for whomever that was saved, a hundred were destroyed elsewhere.

The Authority of Lust, {Faceless Bride}, which had dictated the rise and fall of empires by complete accident.

The Authority of Pride, {Reprisal Breakage}, punished 'evildoers' for their crimes, no matter the reason or guilt.

The Authority of Envy, {*******}, brought madness into existence and devoured half of the World, leaving tangible aftereffects still going strong after four centuries.)

*Ding*

Beatrice cutely tilted her head as her spatial looping spell activated from the mansion's guest leaving his room unaccompanied. Unless he had the sense to return to his room, it looked like the human would have to wander the same hallway for a reeeeeeeeeally long time-

"The typical pattern dictates that the first door is likely the goal!"

Beatrice stared blankly as both her {Infinite Corridor} and {Door Crossing} were somehow bypassed by this... this... "What a profoundly aggravating man you are, I suppose."

"First NPC found!" Subaru pointed a triumphant finger at her. "You're gonna ruin your cute face with that cold attitude. Come on, smile! Smile!"

Beatrice didn't take that taunt. "The only smile worth giving you is a derisive sneer." 'Also, what is this NPC thing he called me, in fact?'

"Are you mad because I guessed it right on the first try?"

'This little...' Beatrice's cute little eyebrow's furrowed.

"I've always been a pretty lucky guesser..."

'How dare he belittle Betty's work?' A little pout appeared on her adorable face.

"I can understand why game masters would want me in all the events, but sorry!"

'Betty should have let him drown, in fact!' Beatrice's dainty fingers gripped her book tighter.

"So, what is this place, anyway?"

"Hmph! It's Betty's multi-purpose room, which serves as a library and bedroom, I suppose." Beatrice replied in anger.

"Talk about a token response." Subaru rubbed his chin in consideration. "I'll give full marks for cuteness at least, but your attitude definitely needs work."

*SNAP!*

That.

Was.

It!

Beatrice had reached her limit. No matter his comments on Beatrice's obviously supreme beauty, how dare he say that her attitude is anything less?! Closing her book and putting it away, Beatrice jumped down from her stool and approached the fool. "Time to teach you a lesson, I suppose."

"Hey, what are you gonna do?" Subaru was startled when Beatrice glared up at him after she had walked close enough to pin him against the door.

"Don't you dare move." Beatrice held back the urge to smile as the human finally showed some appropriate fear. "Anything you'd like to say?"

"D-Don't hurt me."

Request rejected.

"Betty marvels at your ability to joke, even when faced with obvious danger." Placing her hand on his belly, Subaru had a brief look of utter confusion until he screamed in pain as his mana was sucked away from his body, leaving him to fall down in a pained and paralyzed heap.

Gasping heavily, Subaru looked up to the spirit standing before him with a smug smile on her face. "What did you do to me, you drill loli?!"

"I only collected the mana from your body, I suppose. It confirmed that you are not an enemy to the residents of this building."

Lie.

Beatrice had just wanted to torture the fool just a little bit. A true reading wouldn't have caused any pain in the slightest. Still, she hadn't expected him to stay awake after that. Another effect of his abnormal body?

Subaru slowly got up to his elbows and smirked in exhaustion. "You're not human, are you? And I don't mean your personality."

The smug smile on her face grew wider. "It took you long enough to notice, in fact."

"...I take it back. Your personality isn't human, either."

"Do not measure a proud, noble being by your standards, human." Beatrice walked away from him as he fell into unconsciousness.

Beatrice took her seat again, gazing down at her defeated opponent in satisfaction. When she had she last done something as enjoyable that didn't involve Bubby? As her thoughts trailed off, a sudden one slammed back into clarity.

Who was going to take Subaru back to his bed?

"Hmph! Even unconscious, you are such a troublesome thing, I suppose!"


Natsuki Subaru groaned as he woke up, commenting on his first sight. "I know that ceiling."

"Oh, he has awakened, Nee-sama."

"Indeed, he has awakened, Rem."

Two toneless voices spoke from Subaru's left as he smiled to himself. "That drill loli sure did a number on me, rendering me unconscious again. Well, I'd better go to sleep a second time. Wait, I woke up earlier, so this will actually be the third. Perfect and easy for a NEET like me."

"Did you hear what this slacker just proclaimed, Nee-sama?"

"Yes, I heard him, Rem. Truly the words of a slob."

"Alright!" Subaru sat up suddenly, a fresh glare on his face. "Who are these two voices that keep criticizing me in stereo?! Are you two..."

Subaru trailed off, blushing and gawking at the sight before him.

Frilly dresses of black and white.

Artistically placed ribbons and bows.

Twins of strong resemblances and opposing colors.

"To think that the beauties that are maids exist in this land as well! And they're twins as well! There are so few personifications that could perfectly convey elegance, cuteness and sexiness in one go!"

"How horrible." The blue haired twin spoke, her voice still toneless despite her words. "Our guest looks like he is ripping away your dress and dignity in his mind, Nee-sama."

"How terrible." The pink haired twin spoke, sounding no different other than having a slightly lower voice. "Our guest is no doubt subjecting you to various depravities in his mind, Rem."

The twins' maid outfits had the typical black color as its base with the expected white outlines. Their dresses nearly reached all the way down to just above their knees, unfortunately hiding their thighs from sight. Over their necks were a frilly collar which was seemingly disconnected from their dresses, but drew attention to their busts, which Subaru pleasantly noted had variety, with the pink haired twin being a bit smaller in size compared to the blue haired twin. Along with that were white stockings that went all the way past the bottom of the maid outfit, rendering it hard for Subaru to see exactly how high it went. However, if one thing was for sure, they both looked absolutely wonderful in that outfit.

"Don't underestimate my mental capacity. You're both fair prey in my fantasies!" Subaru wiggled his fingers while looking at them with a creepy smirk. "When thinking of maids, the 'Master' archetype is naturally a must!"

"Please, sir, leave Rem alone and take just Nee-sama instead."

"Please, sir, leave Ram alone and be satisfied with just Rem instead."

Subaru recoiled in shock. "You're selling each other out?! Joke or not, it's crazy unsetting for twins to ditch each other like that!"

*knock*

*knock*

A gentle knock on the door sounded and made Subaru focus his attention elsewhere. "Can't you wake up more peacefully, Subaru?"

Subaru smiled warmly at Emilia, before noticing her outfit. Different from the formal white and purple dress, the simple pink dress hugged her form well without being too revealing, with even her white stockings doing well to draw attention to her shapely legs until they stopped short, revealing a small amount of the pale thighs beneath the short dress. "I'd like to shake the hand of whoever designed that dress for you!"

"Are those reeeeeeeally the first words you're saying to me after waking up?"

"Please listen to this, Emilia-sama." Ram pointed at Subaru. "Rem was just violated by that man."

"Please listen to this, Emilia-sama." Rem pointed at Subaru. "Nee-sama was just held prisoner and shamed by that man."

Emilia smiled and walked towards Subaru's bed. "And you two, don't tease him too much."

"Yes, Emilia-sama. Nee-sama is very sorry."

"Yes, Emilia-sama. Rem's sorry as well."

'You two don't look sorry in the slightest.' Subaru childishly stuck out his tongue at them. Surprisingly, Ram gave an over-the-top sneer while Rem raised an unimpressed eyebrow at him, finally showing separate emotions.

"Are you feeling alright? Does anything feel off?" Emilia asked Subaru as she smiled gently at him.

"Huh? Oh, I'm just a bit groggy from oversleeping and whatever that drill loli did to me." Subaru grimaced as he rubbed his stomach from the memory. "It was you who saved me wasn't it, Emilia-tan?"

"Huh? 'tan'?" Emilia tilted her head cutely. "What does 'tan' mean?"

"Uh, you can just ignore that one." Subaru looked away as he blushed then he bowed his head in gratitude. "Still, thank you for saving me."

"No, I'm the one who should thank you. Even though we started off on bad terms, you still risked your life and and helped me back at the Capital. It's only natural I'd heal your wounds after that." Emilia smiled warmly at him.

Subaru nodded and smiled back, having to fight back tears. 'No, it's not like that... You helped me first.'

He thought back to the memories of his first loop. 'Not only were you the first friend I made in this world, you also died back then due to my weakness. Even if that scenario no longer exists due to {Return by Death}, I will- No, I must never forget that.'

"Let's call ourselves even then!"

Emilia blinked in confusion. "Even?"

"Yup! Let's have a friendship where neither owes the other!" Subaru flashed a thumbs up at the surprised Half-Elf. "So let's get along, Onee-chan!"

"Did you hear him, Nee-sama? Our perverted guest believes that he can be siblings with Emilia-sama."

"I heard him, Rem. Our deluded guest seems to have drawn Emilia-sama into his fantasies as well."

"You two..." Subaru shook his head. "I'm not gonna let your trash talking get in the way! It's time to start a new day!"


"Rem."

Rem turned away from the window to regard her sister. "Nee-sama... I-"

"Control yourself, Rem." Ram cut her off. "Unless he gives any overt signs of malice, Emilia-sama's guest is not to be harmed. Given his perverted foolishness, it is unlikely that he was you think he is."

"But he reeks of the Witch's scent." Rem turned her gaze back to the window, seeing the Witch Cultist so brazenly petting the Great Spirit with his hands and face. "Rem doesn't know how he has deceived Puck-sama but-"

"You and I both know that Puck-sama takes Emilia-sama's safety far more seriously than anybody else in the world." Ram sighed. "If Barusu meant even the slightest ill intent towards his contractor, Puck-sama would've left pieces of him all over the landscape."

Rem knew.

Nee-sama was right.

But still...

He reeked.

How dare he come in here and smile like that? Was he monstrous enough to smile that way to his victims? If he was somehow deceiving Puck-sama, how many others had he slaughtered? Since the moment the black-haired boy entered the mansion grounds, the urge to choke him and discard his filthy Witch-scented body was becoming an overwhelming demand of life.

Shouldn't she just be proactive and make a preemptive-

Rem's thoughts halted at the sensation of her sister's lips softly pressing against her jaw. Like the magic element Ram favored, Rem felt all the negative emotions in her get gently blown away, like dark clouds giving to a strong gust. "N-Nee-sama..."

"Rem, do you trust me?" Ram whispered into Rem neck, pressing her body flush against Rem's and pinning her to the wall.

"Always, Nee-sama." Rem breathily replied, her hands weakly encircling Ram's waist as she tilted her head and surrendered more of herself as one of her sister's hands grabbed one of her breasts and started to softly knead it through the cloth.

"No matter what happens, if Barusu turns out to be the threat you believe he is, I will kill him myself." Ram muttered as she kissed Rem's neck, slowly trailing downwards to the inviting cleavage and pushing a leg between her sister's and forcing them apart. "So be sure-"

Ram suddenly halted, her head turning to the direction of the mansion's entrance. "Roswaal-sama has returned. Let us alert Emilia-sama and Barusu."

"Y-Yes, Nee-sama."

After straightening their clothes and fighting down her blush, Rem stoically followed Ram and approached the intruder that had entered into their lives and brought back the memories of that horrid night. The emotions she felt at that night, she could still recall them perfectly.

Those emotions... would never be forgotten nor forgiven.

"Oh? What brings you two here?"

Rem and Ram bowed down and spoke at the same time.

""Emilia-sama. Subaru-sama. Our lord, Roswaal-sama, has returned. Please come inside and join us in breakfast.""

After all, every single day she lived after that night was all just to atone for those selfish feelings.


"Hire me as a worker in this mansion!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"What?" Subaru raised an eyebrow at the bemused faces all around him.

"Subaru..." Emilia tried to convey her confusion in words. "Your request is... Isn't it too little?"

"I don't know if you've realized it yet, but I'm a foreigner with nothing but what I have on me. I couldn't even buy a single appa with the currency I had on me." Subaru explained while comically wiping a tear. "Not only do I need a job to earn a living as well as settle myself, it also allows me to sleep under the same roof as you!"

Puck laughed from his position in Beatrice's arms. "So childish."

"...in that case, couldn't you have asked to become a guest?" Emilia deadpanned. "That would be better, I think."

"That kind of solution existed?!" Subaru slapped his head in shock before turning to his new boss. "Ros-chi, I take it back. Please treat me as a guest-"

"Rejeeeeeeeeected!" Like an actual clown, Roswaal L. Mathers actually had the gall to raise his arms and cross them into an X above his head. "Your first request has already been accepted, since men don't go back on their words. Welcome to the Mathers Household, Butler Natsuki Subaru."

Subaru sighed before shrugging. "Anyway... From how huge this mansion is, since Ram and Rem can't possibly handle all of it well, I guess I can help out. I hope we'll all get along from now on, okay?"


"That's not quite right…" Emilia stared at Subaru as he wore unfit clothes. "Wasn't there anything else that fits, Subaru?"

"Oddly, some of the girls' stuff fit me, but…" Subaru sighed. 'Still, that dress belonged to someone who's got a bigger build than these two twins. Is there another maid I don't know about?'

"Our deepest apologies, sir… I mean, Subaru." Rem stoically deadpanned.

"You look ridiculous, sir… I mean, Barusu." Ram mercilessly stated.

Subaru's eye twitched at that. "Um, Nee-sama, you just turned my name into something that sounds too much like a blinding curse."

(KingVessel: I still haven't found the meaning for 'Barusu'. Any clues, readers?)

Ram ignored him and looked at her sister. "Rem, do you notice anything when looking at Barusu's ridiculous appearance?"

Rem appraised him. "His shoulders are shaped funny, his legs are short, and his eyes are scary?"

Subaru glared at the twins. "One of those is something I can't do a single thing about while the other two are obviously from these clothes!"

"We can't allow you to work here in such shady-looking attire. People would question Roswaal-sama's dignity." Ram replied, clearly showing her priorities as far as Subaru was concerned. "We should alter the jacket at least. Rem, if you please."

Emilia started leaving the room and waved at Subaru. "All right, then. I have to go study for the royal selection. Good luck with your work, too, Subaru."

Subaru waved away with a thumbs up. "Yeah, leave it to me, Emilia-tan!"

Rem stepped closer to him and held up a measurement cord. "I will take your measurements. Stand still, with your back straight."

Subaru complied as Rem got to work taking his measurements, only to yelp after her arms encircled him from behind.

"Please don't make strange noises." Rem didn't waste a second in chastising him. "It's unpleasant."

"That was beyond my control!" Subaru replied with his cheeks coloring. "This is awkward for a guy in various ways! Can you imagine the sensation of a cute girl memorizing the details of my teenage body?"

"Watch your words and thoughts, Barusu." Ram warned. "You're no longer above us in terms of status, so if we can now get away with breaking your bones, I'll start with those wiggling fingers of yours."

After that followed a tour of the mansion which included the VIP room, the bathroom, kitchen, dungeon ("If you do anything bad, this will become your new room, Barusu." Ram sneered. "So be sure to behave."), as well as what was supposed to be a lavatory.

Subaru stopped to open the door himself and take a peak but all he found was a little girl playing with a small cat on a bed. Definitely not a bathroom.

"You're so lovely, Bubby~! Your fur is of such high pedigree..." Beatrice trailed off at the sudden intruder.

"Don't worry. I truly understand how Puck's fur is totally first rate- Woah?!" Subaru barely managed to dodge the purple blast of magic that could've hit his face. "Woah, calm down! Can't we get to know each other a bit?! You're the only one I haven't exchanged self-introductions with!"

"Betty doesn't need to introduce herself to the likes of you, in fact!"

"Beatrice is the Caretaker of the Forbidden Library and a spirit like me." Puck answered for Beatrice, shocking the girl. "As you know, Margrave Roswaal is a renowned Magic User but you should also know that he was born into a long line of great Magic Users like him. As a result of that, a lot of grimoires and tomes have been gathered together and would require someone capable of safeguarding them all."

Beatrice hmphed before cuddling Puck again. "Yup, that's how things are~ Bubby is correct as usual~!"

"Interesting..." Subaru took a look at the books in a nearby shelf. "Just out of curiosity, is there something regarding parallel worlds?"

"Betty will not answer that, in fact." Beatrice snapped. "Normally, only Roswaal and Puck are the only ones permitted inside here but to think that someone like you would disregard Betty's {Door Crossing}! Twice even!"

'{Door Crossing}?' Subaru tilted his head. "Speaking of which, is that related to that looping corridor from befor-?!"

Before he could finish, Subaru's personal gravity seemed to shift from downwards to behind, causing him to literally fall out of the library and back under Ram's gaze. 'Oh? Black panties and white garter belts. Nice and memorized.' "Hey, what's the big idea, you drill loli?!"

Once opening the door after getting up, Subaru was faced with the real lavatory instead of the library and bed he expected.

"That was Beatrice-sama's {Door Crossing}." Ram explained. "Thanks to that, Roswaal-sama's library has no clear location in the mansion as Beatrice-sama can easily connect any door in it to the library."

Subaru wryly chuckled. "Ignoring security potential, that spatial spell is easily the most convenient thing I've ever seen before."

"Once Beatrice-sama has eliminated her presence, there's no way to find her without trying every door in the mansion."

"In situations like that..." Subaru smiled at Ram and looked around. "Unless one is capable of doing stupidly huge calculations in an instant..." He quickly had his sights on a closed-door down the hallway and ran to it. "Instinct is the way to go!"

"Aahh!" Beatrice screamed in surprise when a smirking Subaru burst the door open.

Puck waved at the boy with a surprised look. "That was impressive, Subaru!"

"You picked the right door again?!" Beatrice growled at him.

Subaru pointed at himself with a smug smirk. "What did I tell you hours ago? I'm a flag crusher who makes game masters cry."

"I still don't understand your words, I suppose!" Beatrice snapped. "Begone already, butler!"

"So back on my earlier question, is there any magic one can use to reach across parallel worlds?"

"Hmph!" Beatrice turned about to face him. "There isn't, in fact! Assuming that such a spell existed, the sheer mana needed to perform something that goes beyond the Od Laguna's boundaries would drain even Roswaal dry."

"...I see." Subaru's quiet answer gained surprise from the others, stunned to see the serious expression on his face. "That means I may never see them again..."

"...if you get it now, then go away." Beatrice closed the door in his face. Basking in the silence for a bit, her eyes wandered to a large black book on the nearby table. 'Parallel worlds...'


The next few hours that followed was like a montage of Subaru's epic fails at household chores. In his defense, the tools were quite different from the modern conveniences he was used to. However, there was no denying that his fails were nothing short of epic.

Peeling potatoes? He cut himself on three separate fingers and fucked up the potatoes so badly that Rem pitied the farmer who had painstakingly grown them.

Washing dishes? He dropped one on the others, causing a chain reaction which almost broke every other plate inside the sink.

Wiping down furniture and the windows? In his speed to get it down, he rubbed in fresh dust from the windows into the table he'd just cleaned.

Cleaning the bathroom? He started well but soon slipped and began wiping the floor with his newly made uniform as he slid across it.

Doing the female laundry? His slowness... was actually quite realistic for him, considering his unfamiliarity with the tool and the fact that the blushing young man was washing female clothes, as Ram wouldn't let him touch Roswaal's clothes at all.

Tending to the bushes? He cut his finger with the scissors. Many times. Even with his Mythical Zoan recovery abilities, how was this boy not anemic yet?

Later at sunset, an exhausted Subaru, now wearing his tracksuit instead of his butler uniform, dropped on his bed and breathed heavily. "I'm exhausted..."

Someone knocked on his door. "This is Rem. Do you have a moment, Subaru?"

Subaru slowly and tiredly sat up from his bed. "Sure, I'm good. I won't do anything weird so come on in."

"Your permission actually makes you sound less credible. Pardon me then." Rem entered carrying some clothes.

Subaru blinked at the finished uniform in her arms. "You finished that already?"

"When it's Roswaal-sama's clothing, my priority is to be careful but since this is yours…"

"Did you just imply that you cut corners?" Subaru snarked as he quickly put the suit on and looked at himself before posing like a JoJo. "I hate to admit it, but it's perfect. Well? Do I look good?"

"Combined with the rarity of your... tracksuit?" Rem mulled over the strange garment's name. "No one in any kind of strange garment could rival that unique pose of yours."

"Okay! Not a compliment at all!" Subaru wailed dramatically. "I can't tell who's more hurtful between you and Ram!"

Rem shrugged demurely. "As wonderful as Nee-sama is, you must have been completely deserving of whatever she said of you."

Subaru frowned before remembering an idea he'd gotten earlier. "Hey, Rem, are there any large spaces here where someone can train or exercise?"

Rem blinked. "There is a space behind the building that can be used but why do you need to use it?"

"Because I'm still a weak Level 1! May be Level 5 if I wanna add my abilities into the mix." Subaru instantly replied. Sugarcoating wouldn't help in the slightest. In the words of Roronoa Zoro himself, one can't get anything done by giving excuses. "Back in the capital, Emilia-tan and I faced someone terrifying. She would've killed us all if Rein hadn't gotten involved. If I'm a Level 5 and Emilia was a... Level 10, Elsa was a Level 70 while Rein was straight up Level MAX."

"Levels...?" Rem shook her head. "No matter. I understand, Subaru. You must have noticed that all of the residents within the mansion are powerful combatants."

"I know about Puck but even Beatrice?"

"Especially Beatrice-sama, Subaru." Rem took a deep breath. "This is actually ideal for the both of us. Due to Emilia-sama's status as a Ruler Candidate, she will need to be surrounded by capable guards. As someone who is constantly wanting to be in her presence, as well as a safeguard for Roswaal-sama's reputation, a weak butler under our banner is unacceptable."

Wincing at the blunt words, Subaru nodded nevertheless in agreement. 'It's only thanks to Rein's strength that we got past that crazy woman. However, that just means that I'll have to train until I feel like I'm dying. In the end, in both reality and fiction, there's no difference if one wants to become stronger than their present self.'

Subaru let an exasperated sigh escape his lips as he remembered how Reinhard had blown a powerful shockwave from just swinging his sword. 'Then again, body limiters are apparently not a thing here like they aren't in One Piece! I swear I'm gonna match him for sure! Also, if I should definitely look into achieving Haki, too. Armament, at the very least.'

"That is why... I will personally oversee your training." Rem stated as she placed a hand on Subaru's shoulder. "Be prepared for tomorrow, Subaru. I will-"

She patted his shoulder.

"-ensure that-"

Another pat, this time heavy enough to buckle his knees.

"-that you become a person-"

Another pat, this time causing an unmistakable wince from Subaru.

"-worthy in both trust and ability-"

Was she even looking at Subaru at this point?

"-as a Butler of the Mathers Estate."

A final pat and Subaru nearly crashed to his knees, accidentally hugging the maid for support. As he held her close, inadvertently pressing her face into his neck, the silent room was filled with the sounds of knuckles popping as Rem clenched her fists and drew a sharp breath.

"Release me, Witc- Subaru. Right now."

Subaru instantly complied, reeling from the repressed murderous intent in her words. Even if she instantly left without a word, Subaru would never forget the glare she'd given him.

It was the same look one would've given a person who had murdered their parents as cruelly as possible.


Rem breathed heavily as she swiftly headed back to her room.

To think that he would dare hold her close like that. He had such a detestable stench that made her feel like retching.

His smell wasn't that bad. He smelt of the ocean she'd seen on that day Roswaal-sama had taken them to a beach after Nee-sama had asked what an ocean was. The Witch's taint laid deep in the soul rather than the body.

And how numerous were his sins that his soul was tainted at such a young age? No, Rem was better off not actually knowing what would make one gain such adoration from the Witch of ENVY.

He didn't possess a Gospel or any weapons and he still risked his life in protecting Emilia-sama.

Witch Cultists were known to be efficient infiltrators. Emilia-sama was a Ruler Candidate and the most disadvantaged one due to her heritage. Subaru was a foreigner from an unknown land. Rem didn't know how he has managed to deceive Puck-sama of all spirits. If the Witch Cult were to bring chaos to the Royal Election, why not through the weakest link?

Still, Emilia-sama would be sad if Subaru had to die.

Still, Emilia-sama would be alive if Subaru had to die.

Well, no matter. Subaru wished to train the following day. Then and there, Rem would truly test his worth. If he passed, he'd be free of suspicion and earn her trust.

If he failed, he'd be free of his life and earn his death.

Soon...

Soon...

It would soon be over.

Of course, it would soon be over.

After all, there was no better kind of Witch Cultist than a dead Witch Cultist.


"You didn't tell me that your friends lived all alone in the forest, Petra."

"I didn't know that they lived alone in the forest!"

The house wasn't particularly special. Just a a simple, brown-painted abode, just like most other homes in Irlam Village.

"Alright then." Petra's father squatted down before them, sharing his daughter's cyan eyes which were filled with determination rather than happiness. "Thanks to my very persuasive daughter, I guess you two can stay here for as long as you want. At the very least, it's much better than leaving you two alone in a forest filled with Mabeasts."

She didn't mind.

Thinking he was a puppy instead of the Wolgarm Shaman he was, they allowed her to bring in Wol-Wol, so it was fine. As long as Mama didn't say otherwise, she already made sure that none of them went within twenty meters of Petra and the other kids.

Beside her, her 'sister' smiled patiently, her red eyes hiding the cruel madness behind the innocence of the child she currently looked like.

"By the way, what are your names?"

The young girl with indigo hair and olive green eyes clutched her puppy tighter. "Meili."

The young girl with golden blonde hair and blood red eyes gave off a smile that showed off her upper fangs. "This lovely lady's name is Emerada!"


Chapter 04: 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕨 𝕚𝕤 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖!


KingVessel: *sips a drink quietly* What? Did you think that Elsa wouldn't tell her boss who has dragon transformation abilities that there was another person with dragon transformation abilities in Lugnica?