Chapter 2: A broken puzzle piece can still be used
After Subaru finished changing and stepped into the steaming hot bath, he marveled at the sight before him. The room was vast, the air thick with steam, and the baths shimmered like something out of a dream.
"Wow… this place is massive. It's like I just stepped into an onsen from some high-class resort," Subaru said, his voice filled with awe. "You've gotta admit, this is impressive, right, Beako?"
Beatrice, standing by the edge of the bath with her usual stoic demeanor, seemed distracted. Her blue eyes weren't focused on the grand bath but on Subaru himself, as if she were trying to piece something together.
"This must feel unfamiliar to you now, I suppose," Beatrice finally said, her voice softer than usual.
"Yeah, it's all pretty new to me," Subaru admitted as he slid into the warm water with a contented sigh. "Still, it's kind of weird hearing you say that like you don't really know me better than I know myself. You're not hiding something, are you, Beako?"
Beatrice clicked her tongue, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Hmph. Don't get ahead of yourself, I suppose. It's not like Betty knows everything about you. But…" She trailed off, her gaze growing distant.
"But what?" Subaru asked, tilting his head curiously.
Beatrice hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Betty… remembers fragments, I suppose. Little pieces of you that feel… familiar. Like echoes of a story Betty can't quite grasp."
"Fragments?" Subaru blinked, leaning forward in the water. "You mean, you actually don't fully remember me? From before I lost my memories?"
Beatrice gave a small nod, her usual confidence wavering. "Not everything, I suppose. Just flashes. Moments but the more I spend with you the more they seem to grow. But they're enough to make Betty… certain of one thing."
Subaru raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"
"That you're important to Betty," Beatrice said firmly, her voice gaining strength. "Even if you've forgotten everything, and even if Betty's own memories are a little incomplete, there's no doubt in Betty's mind that you and Betty share a bond, I suppose."
Subaru's chest tightened at her words. He didn't remember their connection, but the weight of her conviction made him want to believe it.
"Well, that's comforting, I guess," Subaru said with a sheepish smile. "At least one of us has some clue about what's going on. So… about this contract of ours. You said I'm your contractor, right? What does that even mean?"
Beatrice straightened, as if the question brought her back to more solid ground. "It means that Betty is bound to you, I suppose. A spirit like Betty requires mana to exist in this world, and as Betty's contractor, you're the one who provides it. In return, Betty protects you and assists you in any way she can."
"Wait, I'm feeding you my mana?" Subaru blinked in surprise. "I don't even know how to use mana, let alone share it with someone else!"
"Of course you don't," Beatrice said with a huff. "You've always been hopeless with magic in my memories, I suppose. But that doesn't matter. The contract ensures that Betty can draw what she needs from you automatically. It's why Betty is still here, even with you in such a pitiful state."
"Geez, thanks for the vote of confidence," Subaru muttered, sinking deeper into the water. "So… this contract. When did we make it? And why? Was it just because you needed mana to survive?"
Beatrice hesitated again, her gaze dropping to the water. "That's… part of it, I suppose. But not the whole story."
"Then what's the rest of the story?" Subaru pressed, leaning forward.
"Betty doesn't know if you'd understand in your current state," Beatrice said quietly. "But… you were someone who gave Betty a reason to stay in this world. Before you, Betty was… lost. Trapped in a cycle of waiting for something that might never come. But then you appeared, and everything changed, I suppose."
Subaru frowned, trying to make sense of her words. "I gave you a reason to stay? How?"
Beatrice looked at him, her expression softening. "You were kind to Betty. You treated Betty like she was more than just a tool or a spirit to be used. You made Betty feel… seen, I suppose. And even now, when you've forgotten, you're still the same Subaru who gave Betty hope."
Subaru felt a lump in his throat. He didn't remember any of what she was talking about, but the emotion in her voice was impossible to ignore.
"Beako…" he said softly, his heart aching for her.
Beatrice quickly turned away, folding her arms as if to guard herself. "Hmph. Don't get all sentimental, I suppose. Betty only told you this because you wouldn't stop as you promised to remember this for her."
Subaru clenched his fists, a mix of guilt and determination swirling within him. "Alright. If I made that promise, then I'll do my best to live up to it. But Beako… if I don't remember everything about who I was, how can I be "That" person you need me to be?"
Beatrice smiled faintly, her usual poker face giving way to a rare glimpse of vulnerability. "You don't need to be "that" person. You're already the person Betty needs, Subaru. Memories or not, you're still you, I suppose."
Subaru grinned, leaning back in the bath. "Got it. So, what else do I need to know about this contract? Is there some kind of spirit handbook I should be reading?"
Beatrice sighed, shaking her head. "There's no handbook, I suppose. But Betty will teach you everything you need to know. That's part of Betty's duty as your contracted spirit. So stop asking so many silly questions and focus on relaxing, I suppose."
Subaru laughed, the tension in his chest easing. "Alright, alright. I'll shut up and relax. For now."
As the steam swirled around them as well as a large amount of time had passed, Subaru couldn't shake the feeling that, even with his memories gone, he and Beatrice shared something special. Whatever their past had been, he was determined to make their future just as meaningful.
And Beatrice, watching him out of the corner of her eye, silently vowed to protect the bond they had forged, no matter what
As Subaru rested against the edge of the bath, his curiosity flared up again. The peaceful atmosphere only gave him more time to reflect on Beatrice's words, and he couldn't leave it alone.
"Alright, Beako," he said, sitting up slightly, droplets of water running down his face. "I know you told me to relax, but I still need to know more. What does our contract mean in full? What are the rules, exactly? There's gotta be more to it than just the whole mana-sharing thing."
Beatrice let out an exaggerated sigh, placing her small hands on her hips."Very well. Betty will explain the rules in full, I suppose. But listen carefully, because Betty will not repeat herself I suppose."
Subaru nodded, giving her his full attention. "Got it. I'm all ears."
Beatrice cleared her throat, her usual aloof demeanor taking on a more serious tone. "The contract between Betty and you is a binding magical agreement. It is not merely a transfer of mana, but a promise—one that ties Betty's existence to yours. As long as the contract remains active, there are several rules we both must follow."
"Rule number one," Beatrice began, raising a finger. "Betty is bound to protect you. This is the most fundamental aspect of the contract. As Betty's contractor, your safety is Betty's top priority. That means if you're in danger, Betty is obligated to act—even if it puts Betty at risk, I suppose."
Subaru frowned. "That sounds… kind of one-sided. What about your safety? Am I not supposed to protect you too?"
Beatrice shook her head. "A contractor is not required to protect their spirit in the same way, I suppose. Spirits like Betty are far more durable than humans. But…" She hesitated for a moment, her voice softening. "Betty would prefer it if you didn't treat this as one-sided. A partnership works best when both sides care for each other, I suppose."
Subaru smiled at that. "You can count on me. I might not be a magic powerhouse, but I won't let anything happen to you if I can help it."
Beatrice gave a small nod before continuing. "Rule number two. Betty may draw mana from you as needed to sustain her existence and perform her duties. However, Betty must exercise caution, especially with your broken gate, I suppose. Drawing too much mana at once could harm you—or worse."
"Broken Gate? What is that?," Subaru said, grimacing slightly. "Most mean it is pretty important, huh?"
"Precisely," Beatrice replied, her tone firm. "A gate is something most of the people have here that allows them to use magic for example." Beatrice cast Murak to make Subaru lighter.
"Woah, I feel much lighter all of a sudden," Subaru said as he tried swinging his arm in the water.
"What, how did I get a broken gate anyways and does that mean I can't use any magic at all" Subaru wondered if he could use it to begin with.
"For how you got your gate to break, sorry I don't remember, But you can use magic thanks to the connection you have with me" Beatrice explained to Subaru.
She held up a third finger. "Rule number three. The contract cannot be dissolved on a whim. It is a bond of trust, and breaking it would cause great harm to both parties. Only under specific circumstances—such as our mutual agreement or something to happen to me or you—can the contract be nullified."
"Beako…" Subaru's voice was gentle, but Beatrice quickly cut him off.
"Focus on the present, I suppose," she said sharply, though her voice lacked its usual bite. "Betty will not allow this to happen again."
Subaru leaned back, sensing he wouldn't get more out of her on that topic or what she means to happen again just yet. "Alright, what's next?"
"Rule number four," Beatrice said, her voice regaining its composure. "You are forbidden from contracting with other spirits. And you must hug and care for me a lot to make me make up for the hundreds of years of missed out memories I suppose."
Subaru smirked. "Hey, you don't have to worry about that last one. I am more than happy to make you have plenty more memories. Cause to me you're… well, you're Beako. That's enough."
Beatrice's cheeks flushed faintly, and she turned her head away. "Hmph. Flattery will get you nowhere, I suppose."
"So," Subaru said, counting on his fingers. "Protect me, you draw mana but carefully, we can't dissolve the contract unless it's mutual, and no contracting other spirits. What else is there to talk about?"
"There is one final rule," Beatrice said, her voice growing softer. "Rule number five. The bond between contractor and spirit is not just magical—it is emotional, I suppose. Without trust, without a genuine connection, the contract weakens. If either party truly loses faith in the other… the contract may unravel on its own. So we must always be honest and close with each other."
Subaru blinked, surprised by the vulnerability in her words. "So, if either of us gives up on the other, it's over?"
"Yes," Beatrice said, her gaze meeting his. "That is why Betty does not take contracts lightly. And why you must not, either."
Subaru leaned forward, his expression serious. "I won't. You can count on me, Beako. I don't remember much about our past, but if we've made it this far, I'm not about to let anything break us now."
Beatrice's eyes softened, and for a moment, the tension in her posture melted away. "Good. Then perhaps this contract will endure, I suppose."
Subaru grinned, sinking back into the bath. "Alright, that's enough heavy stuff for now. Let's just enjoy the hot springs, huh?"
Beatrice rolled her eyes but allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "Very well. But don't get too comfortable, I suppose. Betty won't hesitate to lecture you again if you forget any of this."
Subaru laughed, the warmth of the bath and Beatrice's presence filling him with a sense of peace. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them—with Beatrice by his side. After he was done bathing he went to get change as he noticed there was a "Wow, are these clothes for me?" Subaru asked, putting on a white long-sleeve button-up shirt, a black t-shirt, and some semi-formal black pants. "And they fit me just right."
"That would make sense, I suppose, as you live under the guise of a knight for that girl," Beatrice said, waiting for Subaru to finish changing behind the door.
"You mean Emilia, right? Who is she, and is there anyone else I need to know about?" Subaru asked, fully dressed, leaving the bathing room. Beatrice, seemingly guiding him, walked toward their room.
"Emilia is a half-elf, a dragon priestess, and a candidate to become the queen of this kingdom we reside in," Beatrice explained, holding Subaru's hand as they walked.
'She's a half-elf? Then she must be pretty since this is another world. Maybe she has some pretty hair color, like white or silver,' Subaru thought to himself before asking his next question. "You mentioned something about her being a candidate for queen. So why is that?"
"That's because this kingdom lost its royal family, and, using the guidance of the divine dragon Volcanica, he selected five people to be rulers, I suppose," Beatrice replied.
"And Emilia is one of them? So, if she's running for queen, then who else is in her party, aside from me, you, the two maids here, and Meili, I guess?" Subaru wondered who else was part of Emilia's camp.
"There are only a few more members in this camp that work to make Emilia queen. There's Roswaal, the sponsor of the camp, Otto, the internal affairs officer, Ram, another maid, Annarose, the owner of this manor, Clind, her butler, and Garfiel, the knight—well, your temporary replacement as knight of Emilia, I suppose," Beatrice said, glaring at the thought of Subaru being replaced from his job.
"Replacement, huh? So, that means I'm no longer her knight at the moment, right?" Subaru asked Beatrice.
"That is the case, but that doesn't matter since you're back now to continue your duties when they return from their trip, in fact," Beatrice said, puffing out her chest with pride, knowing Subaru would do his best, as always.
"Thanks, Beako, but I wonder how I lost my position, is it because of my imprisonment in the royal dungeon," Subaru said, curious about what led to his imprisonment.
Beatrice flinched a bit but calmly reassured Subaru. "Yes, in a sense, as it would be hard to protect Emilia if her knight was gone for a bit."
"That makes sense. Do you know why I was in there to begin with?" Subaru tilted his head.
"That is because—" Before Beatrice could finish, they arrived at the front of their room. "That doesn't matter at the moment, as we've finally arrived at our room."
"Huh, but it's just a room. We can still talk about it," Subaru argued back.
"We can, but it's been a long day, so it's best to rest a bit since your body isn't in its most perfect condition," Beatrice lied, whispering "Vita" underneath her breath as she turned her back to Subaru.
"What? I feel fine though—" Subaru said, but his body started feeling heavier.
"What do I suddenly feel?" Subaru said as he struggled a bit to stand up straight.
"Because of the physical strain you had after being in the cell all day, I used Murak to make you light," Beatrice deceived Subaru.
"I see. Alright, we can talk about why I was in trouble with the royal guards later," Subaru caved in, and as he and Beatrice lay down on the bed, she released the spell.
After some time spent with each other, there was a knock at the door. It was Frederica, announcing that it was finally time for dinner. Hearing this, Subaru and Beatrice walked to the dining room to find Meili, Petra, and Frederica waiting there to finally eat. They all sat down to the meal Frederica had prepared, and Subaru asked a question.
"So, what can I do now? I don't really have anything else to do," Subaru said, taking another bite of the meal.
"You can take more time to rest, I suppose," Beatrice commented back.
"That's true, Beako, but I don't want to rest the whole time. Even if I want to do something other than that," Subaru responded.
"Oh, I know! Hey, Frederica, if you don't mind, I would like to work as a butler under your care," Subaru said with a smile, making both Beatrice and Frederica shocked.
"Pardon me for my concern, Subaru-sama, but you don't really need to do that, as you are our guest," Frederica said, trying to deny Subaru's request, and Beatrice agreed with her.
"Yes, listen to the maid. Just spend the time doing something else, like spending it with me in fact," Beatrice tried to convince Subaru, but it seemed to fail.
"Sorry, Beako, even though I'd love to spend the entire day hanging out with you, I'd find it hard to be employed in this camp and not do anything. That's why I want to help. You understand, right?" Subaru pleaded with Beatrice, which made her cave in and allow him to do what he wanted.
"Fine, I suppose, but you still have to spend time with me," Beatrice said, wanting Subaru to accept this condition, which he did.
"Great, thanks, Beako," Subaru said as he turned to Frederica. "So, can I please work here for now, Frederica?"
Frederica looked around the room to see Meili eating her meal, Petra looking somewhat excited to have another coworker, and Beatrice not caring about this as much anymore. Frederica thought about what Subaru had said, considering that he was employed in this manor, even though she didn't have any recollection of it. But regardless, since Subaru had obtained Beatrice's blessing and seemed eager to get to know more about him, she agreed.
"After some consideration, Subaru-sama, I would like to welcome you as our newest butler in the Roswaal L. Mathers camp," Frederica said, as Subaru smiled, happy to be of help.
'Alright, I get to help while spending time with the people here,' Subaru thought to himself.
"Does that mean I can be his superior, Frederica-nee-sama?" Petra chimed in.
"Yes, it does, Petra," Frederica said, making Petra clasp her hands in joy.
"Con~grats, Petra, you get to have an underling," Meili said, continuing to eat her dinner.
"And good luck to you, Onii~san, as you're go~nna need it in this huge place," Meili added, giving her last thoughts to Subaru.
"Thanks, Meili. Even if you don't mind, and don't worry, Petra, I'm sure we'll get along," Subaru said with a thumbs up. The group smiled, enjoying the rest of their dinner.
Meanwhile, in a different part of Pristella, a certain clown was deep in thought. He walked around the room, his pink maid observing him.
"That's very surprising. Beatrice is the one who said he smelled like misama, but she's also the one who asked me to free him from that place," Roswaal said, his tone no longer his usual one.
"What do you think of this whole case, my dear Ram?" Roswaal asked the maid.
"I don't have any idea at all, Roswaal-sama. However, if that man poses a threat, I will not hesitate to eliminate him," Ram said.
"I'm thankful for that, my deeeeear Ram, but that isn't much of an issue. Beatrice told me something interesting about that boy," Roswaal smirked, his usual tone returning.
"What about the boy that Beatrice-sama told you, Roswaal-sama?" Ram asked, raising a single eyebrow.
"It seems that the booooy is not only intertwined with our camp but also her coooontractor," Roswaal said, making Ram surprised.
"But isn't Emilia-sama her contractor?" Ram asked, causing Roswaal to nod his head.
"But how is that possible—?" Ram began to ask before remembering the case of her sister, who was currently in a coma. "Unless he had his name eaten as well." Roswaal was glad Ram understood why he had been walking around thinking about this.
Back to Subaru and the others, they had all gone to their respective rooms to do their own things. Subaru was getting ready to sleep in his bed, while Beatrice was enjoying some tea, waiting for Subaru.
"I can't wait to get along with everyone, Beako," Subaru said, dropping onto his bed, lying down with one of his arms resting as Beatrice's pillow.
"That's good for you, Subaru, but remember, don't overexert yourself," Beatrice said, worried for Subaru.
"Don't worry, Beako, I'll be fine as long as I have you by my side," Subaru yawned, closing the light.
"Hmph, you best know that I will always be by your side," Beatrice puffed her cheeks as Subaru began to close his eyes.
Seeing this, Beatrice also began to lay on Subaru's arm, hugging him. "Good night, Subaru."
"Good night, Beako, and thank you for being by my side," Subaru said, hugging his contracted spirit as he fell asleep.