Chapter 4: Spookiest Night In The Miload Manor
The grand library in Roswaal's mansion was unusually quiet, save for the occasional rustling of pages as Beatrice idly flipped through an ancient tome. Then, suddenly, her tome began to glow. The light grew brighter and brighter until the book vanished from her hands, only to be replaced by a new, pink-covered book. Beatrice's eyes widened in shock.
"Where is Mother's tome, I suppose?!" Beatrice exclaimed, standing abruptly, the pink book slipping from her hands and falling to the floor.
As it hit the ground, the mysterious book flipped open to a random page. Beatrice froze, her sharp gaze locking onto the glowing text within. There was no way she wouldn't have noticed someone entering her domain—so what was this?
"Is this something Mother left for me, or… could it be fromthatperson, I wonder?" she murmured, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. After four hundred years of waiting for an answer, could this finally be the moment?
"Maybe just a little look wouldn't hurt, in fact. I suppose the book is already open, and nothing strange has happened… yet." With a hesitant curiosity, Beatrice leaned down, picking up the book.
The moment her fingers touched the cover, it began to glow even brighter. The dazzling light revealed a chapter that seemed entirely foreign to her, and yet, as the words settled into her mind, memories—or rather,knowledge—flooded her thoughts. It was about something called "Halloween."
Flashback Pov:
It had all started one crisp autumn morning when Subaru burst into the sitting room, his boundless energy as irrepressible as ever.
"Everyone, gather around! I've got abrilliantidea!" he declared, clapping his hands loudly to get their attention.
The room's occupants exchanged wary glances. Subaru's "brilliant ideas" often turned out to be a mixed bag.
"What nonsense are you planning now, Barusu?" Ram asked, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms.
"It's not nonsense; it's genius!" Subaru retorted, puffing out his chest dramatically. "We're going to celebrate Halloween!"
"Halloween?" Emilia repeated, tilting her head slightly. The sunlight caught her silver hair, making it shine like moonlight. "What's that?"
"It's a holiday from my world! You dress up in costumes, eat candy, and have a blast. It's spooky and fun—what's not to love?"
Petra's eyes lit up, practically sparkling with excitement. "Costumesandcandy? That sounds amazing, Subaru!"
"It sounds like a waste of time, I suppose," Beatrice muttered, floating closer to the group with her usual pout. "Why should we care about some holiday from your world, in fact?"
"Because it's fun, Beako!" Subaru grinned at her, his confidence unwavering. "Trust me, you'll love it once you get into the spirit of things."
"I'll reserve judgment, in fact," Beatrice replied, though a small part of her was already curious.
With that, Subaru launched into an enthusiastic explanation of his plans. Decorations for the manor, games, and—most importantly—costumes. While some, like Ram and Garfiel, were initially reluctant, Subaru's relentless energy eventually wore them down. Even Beatrice found herself roped into the festivities.
Over the next few days, the mansion underwent a dramatic transformation. Orange and black garlands hung from the walls, jack-o'-lanterns flickered with warm candlelight, and cobweb props dangled from the ceiling. Subaru even set up a cauldron of punch and a table overflowing with sweets, much to the delight of Petra and Meili.
But the highlight, without question, was the costumes. Subaru took it upon himself to assign outfits for everyone, proudly proclaiming that his choices wereperfectreflections of their personalities.
Ram was given a demon maid costume—a sleek black-and-red ensemble complete with devil horns but it seems to be only one horn. Though she had initially scoffed at Subaru's suggestion, she wore it with her usual poise, the horns blending seamlessly with her natural aura of superiority.
Petra, ever eager to please, donned a cat girl outfit, complete with a bell collar that jingled softly when she moved. Meili's costume, chosen by Subaru, was an adorable Red Riding Hood outfit, complete with a red cape and a small wicker basket.
Frederica, unsurprisingly, was assigned the role of a wolf, her outfit emphasizing her beastly elegance. Otto, much to his dismay, was dressed as a pumpkin merchant, his bright orange attire adorned with green accents and accompanied by a sack of "pumpkin goods" but actually just tiny boxes filled with snacks and treats.
Garfiel, of course, was ecstatic about his role as a gladiator. He practically lived for the chance to brandish his wooden sword and flex his muscles at every opportunity.
Emilia's costume, carefully handpicked by Subaru, was a breathtaking snow queen gown. It shimmered with silver accents, and the delicate crown resting on her head made her look like royalty. She had blushed furiously when Subaru presented it to her, but she wore it with a quiet, radiant grace.
And then there was Beatrice.
"Ta-da!" Subaru announced, holding up a frilly pink-and-white magical girl outfit. "Beako, this one's for you!"
Beatrice stared at the ensemble, her expression utterly blank. "You're joking, I suppose."
"Not at all!" Subaru said, his grin widening. "You're already magical, so it'sperfectfor you. Plus, you'll look absolutely adorable!"
"Hmph. You're insufferable, in fact," Beatrice muttered, snatching the outfit from his hands. "But fine. I'll wear it—only because I feel sorry for your ridiculous efforts, I suppose."
The evening of Halloween finally arrived, and the grand hall buzzed with excitement. Everyone admired each other's costumes, laughter filling the air as games were played and candy was shared. Beatrice, despite her earlier reluctance, floated near the center of the room in her magical girl attire. Her wand sparkled under the lantern light, and her twin tails swayed as she moved.
"Hmph. Ridiculous," she muttered, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
"Looking great, Beako!" Subaru called out as he passed by, dressed in a black cloak with vampire fangs.
"Don't patronize me, I suppose," Beatrice huffed, though her cheeks turned a light pink.
Subaru then turned his attention to Meili, who twirled in her Red Riding Hood outfit, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. "Do I look scary, Onii-san?" she asked.
"Scary? Nah," Subaru replied, crouching to ruffle her hair. "But you look absolutely adorable. Just watch out for Frederica. Wolves love Red Riding Hood, you know."
"Very funny," Frederica said dryly, baring her teeth in an exaggerated grin.
As the festivities continued, laughter echoed through the hall. Emilia twirled in her snow queen gown, her silver hair glimmering as she smiled. Otto, despite his earlier protests, joined in the fun, though he kept a wary distance from Garfiel, who was swinging his wooden sword with wild enthusiasm.
Then, something unexpected happened. Standing near the buffet table was a figure no one recognized. She was stunning, with long, flowing black hair and a sleek scarlet dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her bold crimson lips curled into a mysterious smile as she sipped punch, her every movement exuding elegance and confidence.
"Who's that?" Garfiel asked, his jaw practically hitting the floor.
"Did Subaru invite someone from the village?" Emilia wondered aloud, tilting her head, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
"No," Ram interjected, her sharp gaze narrowing as she folded her arms. "If someone new had entered the manor, I would have noticed."
The mysterious woman had quickly become the center of attention, her elegance and charm effortlessly captivating Garfiel, Otto, and even Ram. Petra and Meili stood frozen, their wide-eyed gazes fixed on her, while Frederica and Emilia exchanged curious glances.
"She's so pretty," Petra whispered, tugging at Frederica's sleeve.
Beatrice, however, floated nearby with suspicion etched across her face. Something about the woman seemed…off. Familiar, even. Narrowing her eyes, she drew closer, her curiosity overriding her usual reluctance. The woman, as if sensing Beatrice's approach, let out a soft, melodic laugh.
"That laugh… I've heard it before, I suppose," Beatrice murmured, her brows furrowing in thought.
Just then, the woman's gaze met Beatrice's, and she smirked—a playful, almost mischievous grin that sent alarm bells ringing in the spirit's mind.
"It couldn't be, in fact…" Beatrice muttered under her breath, her eyes widening in realization.
The woman strode to the center of the room with an air of confidence. Everyone's attention was on her now as she paused dramatically, her hands reaching up to grasp the flowing black locks atop her head. With a theatrical flourish, she pulled off the wig, revealing a mop of messy black hair beneath.
"Surprise!" the woman declared in a voice far too familiar. "It's me—Subaru Natsuki!"
The room erupted into chaos.
"WHAT?!" Garfiel roared, doubling over with laughter. "CAP'N, THAT'S YOU?!"
"Subaru?" Emilia gasped, covering her mouth in shock.
"That's Barusu?" Ram said, one brow raised in mild disbelief. "I'll admit, you actually look decent for once."
"You looked so pretty, I didn't even notice!" Petra exclaimed, clapping her hands together in amazement.
Meili giggled, bouncing slightly on her toes. "Onii~san, you tricked everyone! That's so cool!"
Beatrice, her face flushed bright red, glared at Subaru with indignation. "You're utterly absurd, I suppose! What kind of fool goes to such ridiculous lengths?!"
"A fool wholovesHalloween!" Subaru shot back, striking a ridiculous pose in the scarlet dress. "Come on, admit it—you're impressed."
"You're ridiculous, in fact," Beatrice huffed, crossing her arms and puffing her cheeks. "To think you'd spend all this time causing such nonsense."
Petra tugged on Subaru's sleeve, her eyes sparkling. "Subaru, how did you even do all that?"
"Makeup, wig, voice acting—the works!" Subaru said, his chest puffed out with pride. "I wentall outfor the ultimate disguise!"
Garfiel, still clutching his sides as he laughed, managed to choke out, "Yer kiddin' me, right, Cap'n? You did all thatjust forHalloween?!"
Subaru grinned, his fangs gleaming under the lantern light. "Of course! Halloween is about surprises, and let's be real—I make averyconvincing lady, don't I?"
Ram rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched upward. "Barusu, your idiocy knows no limits."
Beatrice, still fuming but unable to hide her intrigue, muttered, "How could anyone mistakeyoufor a woman, I suppose? Your voice alone is a dead giveaway, in fact."
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Beako!" Subaru wagged a finger, smirking at her. "I told you—voice acting! Istudied forthis. You've gotta admit, I nailed it."
"You're insufferable," Beatrice snapped, her cheeks still faintly pink. "To think this is what you've been doing instead of being useful… Truly, your stupidity knows no bounds, in fact."
"But you had fun, didn't you?" Subaru teased, leaning in closer with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Beatrice huffed, her cheeks puffing out slightly. "Only a little, I suppose," she mumbled, her expression softening.
Subaru grinned even wider. "See? Mission accomplished!"
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and teasing as Subaru, still in his elaborate disguise, danced and joked with the group. Even Ram found herself chuckling at his antics, while Otto begrudgingly admitted that Subaru's transformation was impressive.
Present day Pov:
The pink book in Beatrice's hands finally stopped glowing, releasing its hold on her. She stumbled back, collapsing into her chair as she struggled to process what had just happened. Her fingers trembled as she looked down at the book, its soft glow fading into a gentle hum.
"W-whatisthis book, in fact?" Beatrice whispered, her voice unsteady. She recognized some of the faces she'd seen within its pages, but others were foreign. It felt as though she'd glimpsed a false reality—something between a dream and a prophecy.
"I-is this the future of me and my contractor? Is he the one who will make Betty… happy?" Her voice faltered as she traced a finger over the image of a certain boy in the book.
"S-Subaru… Is that person's name Subaru?" she murmured, caressing the small, intricate illustration of him. Before she could think further, the book began to glow again.
"W-WHAT IS GOING ON, I SUPPOSE?!" Beatrice yelped as the pink book suddenly lifted into the air, pulling her upward as well. She clung to it tightly, her voice desperate. "No! No, Betty wants to keep reading! Betty wants to know more about that person, in fact!"
The room was engulfed in a blinding light as the book radiated its final glow. Beatrice cried out as she was thrown back into her seat, her hands now gripping her ancient tome. She blinked in confusion, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
The pink book was gone.
Beatrice's heart sank. She searched frantically for the mysterious tome but found no trace of it. Her shoulders slumped as tears pricked her eyes. "It's gone… I never truly had it, I suppose."
Before her despair could fully take hold, the tome in her hands began to glow faintly. She gasped as it opened on its own, revealing a single, cryptic line:
"Subaru is coming. Today. With Emilia and Ram in a carriage returning from the capital."
Beatrice's eyes widened as a bright smile broke across her face. "Subaru is coming! Betty must be there to greet him, in fact!" She floated out of the room, her heart lighter than it had been in centuries.
Unseen by her, one of the bookshelves began to shimmer. A single book glitched, its title changing fromThe Practicality of Yin Magicby Echidna toThe Stellar Archives, Vol. 613679: The Butterfly That Knows Before the Storm by the Catalyst of Greed.