"Run… Away… Together?"
Rem sounded out each of the words to make sure she had heard them right. Surely Subaru was not suggesting what she thought he was.
"Y-Yeah! Well, when I say, 'running away', I obviously don't mean it in the literal sense. I mean, what would we even be running from? Ha ha. It's just an expression meaning that you and I are gonna be living together far away from all the unnecessary stress of this Royal Selection stuff! We don't need any of that burdening us, right? We can forget about all of it and find ourselves somewhere new, a nice little town where we won't have to worry about anything beyond finding a job and paying our living expenses… Not that there's anything to actually worry about, of course! Yeah, everything is totally gonna be fine back at the Village and everyone is gonna stay healthy and happy there now that we've dealt with the whole Wolgarm thing, ha ha."
"Subaru…"
"Ah right, so by far away, I mean like really far away. Like outside Lugunica, you know?" Subaru continued his fast-paced rambling. "Can't say I'm too keen on Gusteko though. I've heard it gets really cold there and I don't really do well with cold weather. And I think we all know Wollachia is pretty much impossible to enter. Ah, what do you know? Looks like Kararagi is the only viable option in that case."
"..."
"Oh, don't worry though because I actually have the perfect place in mind. Yeah, so I've been looking into it and there's this one place in Kararagi called Banan that's apparently super friendly to newcomers if you can make the right connections. We could totally settle in there, get jobs, and make a… well, a modest living. I mean, I'm not gonna lie and say it'll be easy from the start. But, you know, with our mutual love, we'll definitely still be able to have a happy life together!"
"That does certainly sound nice but—"
"What about Ferris healing my Gate? Ah yeah, I do kinda feel bad about leaving that unfinished. Although… It's only a problem if I actually want to continue using magic, right? And honestly, this yin magic crap has been more trouble than it's worth and it's way too tempting not to abuse it, so maybe I'd even be glad to not have it as an option at all."
"While that is an issue, Subaru, my actual main concern is—"
"Won't it be difficult for us to adapt to the culture? I mean, it might at first. But I'm sure we'll get the hang of it pretty quick. Who knows? Maybe we'll even become influential enough in the community to bring some of our own traditions there! Not that it's a big deal if we don't but it would be nice, especially for our kids. Ah whoops, maybe that's thinking a little too far ahead… Whenever you are ready for that though, I do happen to have the perfect names in mind."
"Halibel, Tia, Rigel and Spica…" Rem murmured.
The moment she said the names, Subaru looked like she'd just punched him in the gut. His facial expression quickly shifted between shock, nostalgia, joy and melancholy before finally settling on embarrassment.
"Ah gees, was I saying those names in my sleep or something? And you heard that?! Argh, bury me alive right now!" Subaru held his head with both hands and shook from side to side in an obviously exaggerated fashion.
When he was done acting embarrassed, Subaru sat back up and cleared his throat.
"Well, yeah… I guess one or two of those could be good names… But that's not important right now! Since we've already decided where we're going, all we need is to find a dragon cart to take us there as soon as possible… Oh, not that there's something we're in a rush to get away from! I guess I'm just a little concerned we won't be able to find a dragon cart for a while if we don't hurry up."
"But I haven't actually agreed yet…"
"Yeah, yeah, but you're obviously going to, right? You love me, right? You'll go anywhere as long as it's with me, right? And that's one of the many many many things that I love so much about you, Rem! So come on! Let's start packing our bags and get moving! No time to waste!"
"Subaru, you still have not addressed something very important!"
Just say yes! This is the moment you've been waiting for ever since you first fell in love with him! Finally, all of Subaru's love belongs to Rem and Rem alone…
"Oh? That's odd, I was pretty sure I went over everything. Let's see…"
Then why did it feel like it still didn't belong to her?
"Financial situation… Check."
There was certainly a Rem that Subaru was madly, even obsessively, in love with. But it somehow seemed as if that Rem was different from the one currently sitting in front of him. He was gazing intently at her, and yet it appeared like he didn't actually see her. It was difficult to explain but it was almost like Subaru was looking past her towards someone else entirely. Some other Rem that he'd imagined in his dreams perhaps, one he'd already imagined marrying and having children with. Could this Rem really live up to the standards set by this ideal Rem who Subaru believed to be his 'love', his 'everything' and his 'reason for living'? And was Rem really about to lie to Subaru and pretend that she really was this perfect Rem who lived only in his imagination?
"Culture… Check."
Why does it matter? Say yes and worry about all that later! Just become the Rem of Subaru's dreams! Why must you always get in the way of your own happiness, Rem?! Subaru wants you and only you now.
"Family life… Check."
The reason should not be your concern. Accept Subaru's offer and go live a happy life with him. And whatever you do, don't you dare mention —
"Lady Emilia, Subaru!" Rem yelled, causing Subaru to flinch in surprise. "Subaru… What about Lady Emilia?"
There was a part of Rem that strongly wanted to kick herself for reminding Subaru of his first love, and in such an aggressive manner too, but she couldn't allow herself to leave such an important matter unresolved. Though, if she was being honest with herself, Rem did somewhat dread Subaru's response.
"Hmmmm? What about Emilia?" Subaru answered the question with another question, raising his eyebrow.
Surprisingly, Subaru didn't seem to have understood the significance of what Rem had asked him. And even more surprisingly —
Just Emilia... So Subaru really has cast away his feelings for her…
— Subaru had said the name so casually, without a shred of special emotion.
Even so, and even if this would make Rem want to kick herself again, she really needed to understand exactly how Subaru truly felt about Lady Emilia.
"Were you not looking forward to meeting with Lady Emilia again after your recovery was complete so that you could reconcile with her?"
"Ohhhh, ha ha. I did say something like that, didn't I? But nah, I understand now that Emilia and I going our separate ways really was the right idea. Don't get me wrong though, I do seriously feel bad about how our last conversation went down and not being able to apologize for it. I just think it showed that we weren't as compatible as I'd hoped. Not that I'm blaming Emilia for that…" Subaru shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh well, it is what it is. I guess that in the end it was just a childish crush and nothing more."
Upon hearing this, Rem bit her lip and tightly grabbed the hem of her skirt. For some reason, Subaru's dismissive attitude made her uneasy. It made her anxiety about also being treated the same way in the future resurface. Subaru tilted his head in confusion at Rem's reaction before coming to a realization and delivering a hard smack to the front of his face.
"Hold on, Rem! You can't possibly be thinking my love for you is like that too, right?!" Having her feelings brought to light made Rem look aside in shame. "You're comparing two things that are nothing alike! My feelings towards Emilia were a one-sided crush, ok?! 'One-sided'! That's what makes it childish. I was blindly in love with someone who very obviously didn't feel the same way about me… and clearly never would."
Rem could not help but notice the tinge of bitterness that accompanied Subaru's words. She also would have disputed the statement that Emilia would never feel the same about Subaru. The lap pillow… Going out with him on that 'date'… Even trying to keep him out of harm's way and being indignant about him trying to defend her honor… All of those were expressions of Emilia's feelings for Subaru, complicated as they may have been.
And did Subaru's words not somewhat imply that he would just be using Rem as a substitute for Emilia?
So what?! Rem can just be Lady Emilia's replacement then! If it makes Subaru happy, isn't that good enough?!
No… That's not what Subaru would want. Certainly not the same Subaru who had taught Rem to stop thinking of herself as just a replacement for Sister. That Subaru would not want Rem to just think of herself as a stand-in for Lady Emilia.
"But it's different with you, Rem." Subaru said, placing both hands on Rem's shoulders and looking into her eyes with a serious expression. "You love me." It wasn't a question. "You want to be with me." Not a question. "I make you happy." A confident, almost arrogant, assertion of fact.
Subaru's statements were, of course, all true. And yet, Rem was still bothered by how he seemed to just know them. Not only was Rem finding it difficult to ignore the unease caused by Subaru being able to read her like an open book, but she was also upset by all the heartfelt confessions that she would no longer be able to make. It was Rem herself who had been waiting for the opportunity to tell Subaru that she loved him, that she wanted to be with him, that he made her happy.
"So come on, Rem. Let's stop wasting time and go be happy together."
And then there was the uncomfortable idea that Subaru seemed to be taking everything for granted. In Subaru's mind, Rem had already agreed to go with him and this conversation was just a formality. Why else would he keep glossing over everything and be so dismissive of any and all concerns?
Rem also couldn't shake the suspicion that this proposal by Subaru was directly connected to his odd behavior earlier that day. Either his breakdown had been caused by agonizing over making this decision or Subaru was trying to escape whatever had led him to that broken state. Whichever was the truth, Rem did not like it one bit. And so, it was out of her boundless love for Subaru that she finally came to her decision.
"Subaru…"
"Yes, my beloved Rem?"
"I… truly appreciate you choosing me and wanting to be with me over anyone else. It truly makes me happy from the bottom of my heart." Rem held back tears as she made her most difficult decision of her life. "But I will unfortunately have to decline. I fear for what indulging this selfish desire will do to you."
Subaru's face contorted beyond recognition into an expression of bitter loathing the likes of which Rem had never witnessed before.
"What. The. Hell. Are you talking about, Rem? Selfish desire? Have you forgotten that I'm doing all of this for US?"
"It is not a selfish desire for Subaru, no." Rem shook her head emphatically then lowered it in shame as she continued. "It would be Rem's selfish desire. The idea of a happy, peaceful life with Subaru far away from all troubles… It makes my heart flutter and I find it truly difficult to resist. But it would be selfish to accept this offer right now, because it would be at Subaru's expense."
"Huh…?" Subaru paused, entirely baffled by Rem's words. "At my expense? Have you lost your mind, Rem?! I'm the one asking for this! This is what I want!"
"But not what you need, Subaru…" Rem mumbled softly.
"Oh, come on! That's the issue? And what if I told you my life literally depended on it?! What then, Rem?!"
Rem slowly shook her head, tears filling her eyes.
"Subaru… told Rem… that we need to laugh together when talking about the future."
Ironically, hearing that very statement made Subaru look like he was about to burst into laughter.
"For fu— Is this your idea of a joke or something?!" Subaru scoffed with a look of utter bewilderment on his face. "You're really going to throw away our future because of something stupid like that?! Because of the words of some idiot kid?!"
Rem's face turned bright red from embarrassment and anger.
"Those are the words spoken by Rem's hero! Those are the words that saved Rem! Those…" Rem bit her lip. "… are the words that made Rem fall in love."
Nothing could have prepared Rem for Subaru's disappointed expression.
"The words that made you fall in love with me…" Subaru sneered. "So that's it then? Your love for me is really that damn superficial?! I mean… I don't exactly have a leg to stand on because my crush on Emilia wasn't that much deeper. But still… I guess I expected more from you, Rem. My mistake…"
The words were like daggers piercing Rem's heart. She fought the urge to break down and weep. Instead, she took deep breaths as she tried to explain herself.
"I did not mean it was the only rea—"
"Save it. You've already made your position clear. There's no point in discussing this any further."
Now Rem really was on the verge of crying. If she wasn't careful with what she said next, she could end up losing Subaru forever. Rem wiped away her tears and put on her best impression of a smile.
"Now may not be an opportune time… But it could be a good idea to discuss this again in a week."
She held Subaru's hands but he had clearly lost all interest in anything she said or did.
"A week from now would be far too late." Subaru muttered to nobody in particular as he laid down and went back to staring into empty space, just as he had prior to the conversation.
"What does that mean, Subaru?! Too late for what?! Please, let Rem help! Whatever it is, we can solve it together!" But her pleas fell on deaf ears. Subaru had already completely tuned her out.
"V-Very well, Subaru. I can see you are tired and would prefer to rest for now." Rem could feel that she was seconds away from bawling her eyes out, her heart utterly shattered by the one she loved. "I shall see you at dinner then."
With that, Rem raced out of the room so that Subaru wouldn't have to see her cry.
She… Said… No…?
Though on the surface Subaru looked indifferent, he was still reeling from the unexpected direction that his conversation with Rem had taken. The idea of Rem rejecting his offer, the same offer that she had gladly and gratefully accepted in the previous loop, was unthinkable.
How could you betray me like that, Rem? After all I've done for you?! How dare you!
It just didn't make any sense. How could this be the same Rem he had loved and cherished for so many years? The same Rem who was always so understanding and willing to do absolutely anything for his sake. The same Rem who loved him more than life itself.
But maybe that was precisely it. Maybe this really wasn't his Rem but some impostor Rem put in place to prevent him from going back. Surely there could be no other explanation.
So that's your game, Satella?!
If the Witch was so determined to play with his feelings in this way, Subaru's best course of action was to refuse to participate. He would simply reject this twisted reality and hope to find his Rem, the real Rem, in the next loop. And in the meantime, he would simply wait for death to take him.
And he didn't particularly care how that happened.
Subaru didn't come to dinner that night. Rem kept staring at the empty seat for what seemed like hours, hoping that he would eventually change his mind and come to eat. Neither Lady Crusch nor Ferris questioned the absence as Rem hadn't told them Subaru had become lucid again.
If she had, Rem would also have been forced to tell them about the conversation that she desperately wanted to forget. At its conclusion, Rem had run to her bedroom and cried into her pillow. Going from loved to loathed in such a short time was a lot to deal with.
And yet, Rem knew she had ultimately made the right decision. Loving Subaru meant that she had to do what was best for him, even if it made him hate her.
Even so, she couldn't help but be concerned by him skipping out on dinner. And even if he did hate her, Rem was still responsible for taking care of Subaru's wellbeing. Lord Roswaal himself had personally ordered her to do so.
That's how Rem found herself outside Subaru's room, plate in hand, knocking on the door and waiting patiently for any kind of reply. When none came, Rem slowly opened the door and cautiously stepped into the bedroom, hoping that she wasn't walking in on Subaru changing or waking him up while he was sleeping. Her worries were for naught because, though Subaru was lying in bed, he was staring up at the ceiling.
Subaru was lying so still and silent that, for a moment, Rem was worried he might have died. Steady breaths and occasional blinks reassured Rem that Subaru was very much still alive, though it almost seemed as if he wished he wasn't.
"Su—" Rem stopped herself as she figured she no longer had the right to address Subaru so casually. Dutiful maid that she was, Rem opted for a more formal address. "Master Subaru…"
Subaru did not respond, nor make any indication that he had heard her.
"Master Subaru, I understand that recent circumstances have upset you but it is still important that you eat." No reply. "I shall place your meal here then so that you may enjoy it at your convenience." Rem bit her lip nervously. "P-Please do not hesitate to call for me if you require anything else, Master Subaru."
Rem curtsied and left the room crying.
Sleep did not come easily to her that night as she found herself constantly worrying about Subaru.
Subaru didn't show up for breakfast either. Rem had a difficult time concentrating on her food, lost in thought and hoping that Subaru was just oversleeping and would be arriving at any moment.
"So Subawu is still acting all strange, huh?" Ferris enquired, his cat ears twitching.
"Yes, Master Ferris, he has not improved at all since yesterday." Rem's statement was technically true.
"Good grief. At this rate, Ferri is gonna have to go and spoon-feed him to make sure he doesn't die from starvation. Or would mew rather have that honor, Rem~?" Ferris winked playfully in Rem's direction.
"…"
"Ugh, it's just a joke. I sure hope the other members of your Camp aren't this sensitive all the time. Honestly, Ferri's heart goes out to poor Lady Emilia, meow."
"Ferris, I do believe Miss Rem would greatly appreciate it if you would stop teasing her." Lady Crusch said sternly.
"Of course, Lady Crusch. Ferri is sorry, Rem." Ferris' cat ears drooped in shame from the rebuke.
Once again, Rem found herself repeating the motions of the previous night. And once again, there was no response from within Subaru's bedroom so Rem let herself in. The plate of food from dinner that she'd left on the dresser had remained entirely untouched and Subaru was still in the same position with the exact same blank look on his face. Rem could see from the bags under his eyes that Subaru hadn't even slept at all.
"Master Subaru…" No reply. "You really must eat. Both Lord Roswaal and Lady Emilia made Rem promise to ensure your safety and your health." Still nothing. Rem began seriously considering Ferris' suggestion, though it embarrassed her. "If… If you will not eat by yourself, Rem will have to feed you."
Even this threat of being spoon-fed like a toddler had no effect on Subaru. Unfortunately, this forced Rem to make good on it. She expected to encounter aggressive resistance the moment she pulled Subaru's shoulders to sit him up in the bed but he didn't react at all. Nor did he make any attempt to either assist or hinder Rem in feeding him, though she did have to physically pull down his jaw because Subaru wouldn't even open his mouth. Being so thoroughly ignored like this, as if she didn't exist, hurt Rem's feelings far worse than any of the things Subaru had said to her during their argument.
Please acknowledge me, Subaru. Hate me if you must but at least recognize that I exist!
And yet, Subaru's blank expression remained. So Rem laid him back down to rest once she was convinced he had eaten enough, repeating her statement from the previous night that Subaru should feel free to call for her if he needed anything.
Once again, Rem left the room with tears streaming down her cheeks.
By lunchtime, it became clear that the situation was unsustainable. Rem was forced into a decision that she had dreaded having to make.
"Lady Crusch. Master Ferris. Master Wilhelm… Rem would like to once again thank you on behalf of her liege lord and on behalf of Lady Emilia for all that you have done for Subaru…"
Rem grit her teeth. She still had the opportunity to back out and figure out some kind of alternative. It hurt her greatly to admit that she felt ill-suited to assist with Subaru's current condition, especially as she was at fault for causing it. Rem knew, however, that there was someone much more suitable to deal with Subaru in situations like this. One who could provide him with the kind of motherly care that Rem felt she herself could not adequately give. One who was able to restore Subaru's vim and vigor in a way that no other person could. And so, for Subaru's own good, Rem had no choice but to rely on that person's help now. With her own two hands, Rem would once again be forced to tear apart an opportunity to attain true happiness for the sake of Subaru's wellbeing.
"Unfortunately, it appears that Subaru's state has not improved at all and likely will not be able to while under Rem's care. It is Rem's solemn duty as Lord Roswaal's loyal maid to do everything in her power to ensure Subaru's recovery… Which in this instance means returning him to the Mansion and ensuring that he is reunited with Lady Emilia." Rem's voice cracked as she said the last words, every syllable breaking her heart anew.
"WHOA!" Ferris nearly choked on his food. "Rem?! Why would you do something like that? Surely mew could fix Subawu's condition given enough time, meow? Ferri just can't understand why Rem would give up such a perfect opportunity to get close to Subawu."
Of course Ferris couldn't. Rem could barely understand it herself.
"Master Ferris… I appreciate the concerns… But I shall put it like this. Imagine that you were in a situation where the only way to ensure Lady Crusch's health and happiness was to let someone else take care of her… Would you not do so for her sake?"
"Eh? Absolutely nyot." Ferris replied in a deadpan tone. "Lady Crusch belongs to Ferri and Ferri alone."
"Ferris, if you say such a thing in that way, Miss Rem is liable to believe that you are being serious with your words." Lady Crusch warned.
"Heh heh! And what gave mew the impression that Ferri was joking, meow?" Ferris stuck his tongue out mischievously.
"Ferris…"
"Sorry, Lady Crusch." Ferris bowed his head, sighing. "It is really a little difficult for Ferri to admit but Ferri would indeed do everything for the sake of Lady Crusch, even at the expense of Ferri's own happiness… Nyo, that is also a lie. Lady Crusch's happiness is Ferri's happiness."
"It is the same with Rem, Master Ferris." Rem held her palm to her chest. "Subaru's happiness is Rem's happiness."
"I understand that you have thought this through thoroughly, Miss Rem. Very well, if there truly is no other choice, I see no reason to try persuading you to stay any longer." Lady Crusch's gaze suddenly turned cold. "But I am sure you are aware this means unilaterally ending Natsuki Subaru's treatment at the hands of Ferris and that I need not remind you of our being enemies when next we meet."
The atmosphere at the table abruptly changed, making even the servants tense up as they brought more dishes. Likely sensing that she had been a little too hostile with her words, Crusch made a clarification.
"Please do not misunderstand me, Miss Rem. This statement is not to imply that I have ill will towards any of you. It is merely circumstances that have led to our clash being an inevitability. Personally, I respect Lady Emilia and have no quarrel with her. Nonetheless, it is an undeniable truth that she stands between me and the Throne. Do not presume that I would be any more merciful with Lady Anastasia, Lady Priscilla, or even that child Lady Felt."
"Of course, Lady Crusch. It is understandable that you and Lady Emilia would be at odds considering your differing philosophies and visions for this great Kingdom. Rem takes no personal offence from this fact and is certain that neither would her liege lord nor Lady Emilia. It is all Rem can do to thank you for your hospitality and patience."
"That is truly fortunate." Crusch nodded. "Even so, it pains me that I am unable to fully uphold my side of the bargain with Lady Emilia. As a gesture of goodwill, I shall provide you with a dragon carriage for your journey. It may not be the finest we have but… certain circumstances prevent me from sparing anything better, I'm afraid. I am confident that it should suffice, however."
"Oh my, Lady Crusch's boundless generosity makes Ferri swoon~ Ferri is falling in love all over again, meow."
"It goes without saying that Rem deeply appreciates this act of kindness, Lady Crusch. Subaru and I shall set off shortly."
Rem found herself by Subaru's bed one last time. He'd remained as she'd left him. Once again, she went through the humiliating ritual of manually feeding Subaru with the latter seeming to have no opinion regarding the situation. When that was finished, Rem began packing up his things.
Unable to stop herself, Rem lay her head against Subaru's chest. Even this display of affection towards him without his consent did not elicit any kind of response. But at the very least, it let her listen to his heartbeat and reminded her that he was alive.
"Rem is taking Subaru back to the Mansion…" Rem whispered. "Rem is taking Subaru to see Lady Emilia. Lady Emilia makes Subaru happy, doesn't she?" Rem couldn't stop the hurt from bleeding into her voice. "Rem knows that she can't…"
With that, Rem picked Subaru up and carried him to the dragon carriage. As expected, Lady Crusch had been unable to spare any drivers and it would be up to Rem to steer them towards Lord Roswaal's Domain.
As they exited the Karsten Manor's grounds, Rem began having second thoughts.
Though not of returning to Lady Crusch. Rather, Rem was seriously considering Subaru's offer once again. Nobody would have to know if she made a sudden turn towards the west and set a course for Kararagi. This land dragon likely wouldn't be able to handle such a long journey but Rem was certain that convincing a merchant heading home to let two passengers ride in his carriage, for generous compensation, would be a simple matter.
It would be so easy. And it's what Subaru wants, isn't it?
Subaru ignoring Rem over the last day had seriously weakened her resolve. Though she had sworn to prioritize what was best for him, it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain so unselfish in the face of such a situation. Because it wasn't just what Subaru wanted, Rem wanted it just as much.
After all she'd given up, wasn't she entitled to happiness too?
But would Rem truly be happy… Could she truly be happy if it meant doing something that she knew, in her heart of hearts, was wrong? Subaru was clearly trying to defer confrontation with something or someone. And the look in his eyes had told Rem that Subaru felt deeply guilty about it. Would she be able to live happily with Subaru, knowing that his conscience was eating away at him on the inside? And worse still, with the knowledge that she had enabled him? That she had been his accomplice? That she'd had the option to stop him but had chosen not to, because of her own selfish desires?
"Even if Subaru will not appreciate it…" Rem muttered aloud, gritting her teeth. "Rem must remain true to her heart!"
With renewed resolve, Rem turned her back on temptation and set off to Roswaal Mansion.
The carriage was overturned and in pieces.
The headless body of the land dragon that had dragged it lay on the ground besides it, cleanly decapitated by a single slice.
Subaru had been thrown out of the carriage and tumbled some distance away.
All around him were Rem's sworn enemies, hooded Witch cultists with their daggers poised at the ready.
One of the cultists knelt towards Subaru, prompting Rem to shatter their skull with a perfectly aimed throw of her spiked ball. A single glowing horn had burst out of her head, fueling her with rage.
"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH SUBARU!"
The other cultists immediately responded by launching their daggers at her, which she deflected with one of the broken carriage wheels.
The overpowering stench of the Witch coming from the cultists drove Rem berserk as she swung her flail with tremendous force, a desire to kill them overriding all of her senses and instincts.
"DIE! DIE! DIE!"
She butchered one after another but there were far too many of them and some were proficient at magic, launching fireballs at her. By the time she'd finished defending against the onslaught, Subaru was already being carried away by one of the cultists.
"Damn you, Witch cultists… Taking away Sister's horn and Rem's reason to live wasn't enough for you… NOW YOU'RE HERE TO STEAL REM'S REASON TO DIE TOO?!"
Rem got one last glimpse of Subaru's face as he was taken away. She could have sworn that the blank expression on his face as he looked directly at her had changed ever so slightly. That there was new emotion in his eyes.
Cold.
Disdainful.
Accusatory.
I warned you, Rem. Why didn't you listen to me? Why didn't you trust me? This is all your fault. Those were the messages conveyed by those eyes.
Too late, Rem finally realized what Subaru had so desperately wanted to run away from.