"You need to figure out your feelings towards the maid, in fact. If this sexual relationship gets out, it could be the destruction of this camp."

"I know," he replied quietly, his gaze dropping to the ground. The weight of that truth settled heavily on his shoulders.

"Betty will always stand by you, no matter what," the other continued, softer now, almost as if reading his thoughts. "She knows how much you care about everyone here. But this… this is dangerous ground you're treading, in fact."

"I know. It's just, Ram and I... I don't know if she would even like me that way, I don't know if I like her that way. Both of us were just using an output for our lust."

"Now realizing the consequences of having mindless sex, in fact? Fearing that you might have ruined a friendship or potential relationship with someone close to you."

"Alright, alright," he muttered, his cheeks flushing. "You don't have to rub it in…"

"Betty feels fully justified in pressing you on this matter," she said, her tone almost disappointed. "Betty truly thought you'd have more sense than to let it get this far, in fact."

"I know," he replied, exhaling sharply as he ran a hand through his hair. "But… what do I even do now? How do I bring it up to Ram and question everything we've been doing? She's been… more invested lately, almost like it actually matters to her."

"If the maid is truly invested, then that's all the more reason for you to be honest, in fact. Approach her about establishing a proper relationship instead of this... ambiguous arrangement," she replied, folding her arms.

"But... Emilia..." He muttered.

"Now you think of her?" Beatrice interjected, a note of exasperation creeping into her voice. "After all that's happened, you still think Emilia is an option, I suppose? You've done everything you can to close that door, haven't you?"

Subaru swallowed, the words hitting him harder than he expected. The thought of Emilia was like a tether to an ideal he'd been holding onto, yet somehow, with each choice he made, he felt it slipping further away.

"I guess I have," Subaru admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Honestly, I haven't even thought about her much lately. But… I still want to be there for her, to support her, to protect her. I'm still her knight. That hasn't changed."

"That's fine," Beatrice said, her expression softening. "But think carefully, Subaru. This is more than duty or loyalty. Do you feel truly, deeply, romantically drawn to Emilia? Or is that something you're clinging to out of habit?"

"I… I don't know anymore," he murmured, confusion clouding his eyes. The words tasted strange on his tongue. Admitting his uncertainty made him feel adrift, as if he'd lost sight of something he once held dear but now couldn't quite grasp.

Beatrice sighed, her frustration evident as she crossed her arms. "If you're this tangled up about it, then perhaps Betty's advice would do you some good: take the maid out on one of those dates you keep dreaming of taking Emilia on, in fact."

Subaru nodded slowly, the idea sinking in. "You're right… I really should, shouldn't I? But… I'm terrified of how she'd react. What if she laughs, or thinks I'm not serious, or just brushes it off as a joke? Just asking her to go grab food feels… strange, after all this."

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, giving him a long, unimpressed stare. "You've been sneaking around with her in secret, engaging in all kinds of… improper activities, and now you're scared to ask if you can take her out for something to eat, in fact?"

Subaru let out a reluctant chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "When you put it like that… yeah, it does sound pretty pathetic."

"Indeed." She narrowed her eyes, tapping her foot. "Honestly, have you always been this foolish, I wonder? But there's no use dwelling on it now. What you need to do is approach her and tell her outright. Have a little confidence in yourself, I suppose. Or has that vanished along with your good sense?"

Subaru took a deep breath, steeling himself as her words sank in. He knew she was right. "Alright… I'll try. Maybe a proper date is what we both need."

Subaru rose from his bed, feeling a newfound confidence bubbling up inside him. With a grin, he reached over and gently patted Beatrice on the head, his touch both grateful and affectionate. "Thanks, Beako. I knew I could count on you to help me figure this out."

Beatrice tilted her head up, a glimmer of pride in her eyes, though she did her best to maintain her usual air of superiority. "Well, naturally. Betty is a great spirit filled with wisdom beyond your mortal comprehension." She gave a small, satisfied huff before adding with a mischievous glint, "And if you do succeed in this little endeavor, Betty will be expecting more headpats as payment, with interest, in fact."

Subaru walked out of the room and made his way down the hallway, thinking what to say to Ram. She's usually a little rough around the edges, and she might make a sarcastic remark or two, but that's just how she is.

If she said yes, then what? What would they even do? The nearest village was Arlam, and as far as he knew, there weren't any restaurants or romantic spots there.

'Hey, Ram, want to go to Arlam and pick up some groceries with me?' What a stupid proposal.

He was so lost in thought, he barely noticed his surroundings. Turning a corner on the way to the kitchen, where Ram usually spent her time, he walked straight into someone. The impact startled him, and he stumbled slightly before realizing who it was.

"Barusu, watch where you're going," Ram said, her voice sharp as she landed unceremoniously on the ground.

"Crap! Sorry about that, Ram!" Subaru reached out his hand to pick her up, which she actually accepted.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, and the awkwardness in the air grew heavier. Subaru fidgeted nervously, feeling the weight of what he'd been rehearsing all morning.

"So, Ram," he began, "I've been thinking about… you know, this whole thing between us, and I wanted to ask you something."

Ram raised an eyebrow, her crimson eyes fixed on his. "That you want to stop?" she said bluntly, her tone almost daring him to confirm it.

"What!? No! I mean- I, dammit... What I mean is that do you want to go on a date with me?"

Ram raised an eyebrow, "So you aren't as foolish as Ram thought you would be. In fact, Ram was on her way to suggest the same idea to you."

"You were?" Subaru blinked, genuinely surprised.

"Yes," she replied with a small nod. "Ram has been doing some thinking. And perhaps, just perhaps, the two of us can work toward building a proper relationship before anything… unfortunate about us gets out."

"Holy shit Ram I was just having that exact conversation with Beako."

"That's because great minds think alike, Barusu," she said with a smirk. "Something you wouldn't know much about, I fear."

"Hey, I was thinking about it! Beako just helped me refine my plan!" Subaru protested.

"Pff, whatever you say, Barusu."

Subaru laughed, "Whatever, Ram. Anyway I was thinking we could go out and eat together, but I can't think of anything that's nearby we can go get food at..."

"Because there is none Barusu, why don't we just have a picnic in private?"

Subaru slapped his head. "Why didn't I think of that..."

"Because, as Ram already mentioned, thinking isn't Barusu's specialty," she replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Oh yeah? Well, if thinking isn't my strong suit, then I'll be the one to pack the food, because cooking definitely isn't yours."

Ram's eyes narrowed, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward. "You don't want Ram to prepare the food for the picnic?"

"Yeah, because it will just be a basket full of steam tatoes." He laughed.

Ram huffed, crossing her arms. "Steamed tatoes are a delicacy. Ram feels she should strike you down for such an insult to her cooking."

"I didn't say steamed tatoes were bad! It's just… well, it's all you can make."

"Oh?" she said, her tone sharp but her smirk sharper. "And is Barusu secretly a master chef now?"

"Well... no..."

"Then Ram suggests you watch your tongue," she quipped, flicking his forehead lightly before walking past him. "Ram will allow you to pack the food… but if it's unsatisfactory, you'll have much to answer for."

"Fair enough," Subaru replied with a grin, watching her go.

The small picnic basket was packed with a modest selection, steamed tatoes, small sandwiches, and a thermos of freshly brewed tea. The grassy field they chose was quiet and serene, with a light breeze rustling the trees nearby.

"Pfft, Barusu didn't even bother to dress nice for an outing with Ram."

Subaru tugged on his iconic tracksuit, "Whaddya mean? You can't beat the classics Ram!"

"What Ram means is that if you're going to take her on one of these so called dates, you could at least try wearing something decent."

"Oh, like you're one to talk! You're still in your maid outfit!" Subaru shot back, pointing a finger at her attire.

"Ram has an excuse," she said, tilting her chin up. "Ram doesn't have any other clothing she can wear."

Subaru paused for a moment, then shrugged with a thoughtful expression. "Well… maybe we can fix that, maybe we can get you some."

Ram raised her eyebrow at him questionably. "What exactly are you suggesting, Barusu?"

"I mean we could go somewhere," Subaru said, his tone surprisingly earnest. "Maybe the capital. I could use some of the money I've earned to buy you a few outfits you like. Something that suits you, though, to be fair, everything does."

Ram blinked, momentarily taken aback. Her cheeks flushed a faint pink, and she quickly turned her head to the side to avoid his gaze. "Hmph. Ram accepts your proposal," she muttered, trying to maintain her usual composed tone. Something about Barusu wanting to buy her clothes.

"You do?" Subaru smiled, delighted by her response. "Well then, after this date, maybe we can plan for next week. We'll probably need an excuse to leave the manor, though."

"Ram can say that we need some ingredients that Arlam doesn't sell." though her voice softened ever so slightly.

Subaru chuckled, his grin widening as they walked side by side. "That's a good idea. You're already really cute, but I bet you'd look amazing in some nice dresses."

Ram turned her head away again, her cheeks deepening in color. She didn't respond, though the corner of her lips twitched upward ever so slightly.

Subaru's grin grew wider. 'She won't admit it, but she likes hearing this stuff from me', he thought, a warm sense of satisfaction blooming in his chest as they continued their stroll.

'She really is a tsundere.'

"This is a good spot," Subaru declared, surveying the area. The open field stretched out before them, framed by a ring of trees that swayed gently in the breeze. The wind rippled through the grass, making it look like waves on a green sea.

"Ram, agrees that Barusu picked a good spot."

With a sense of satisfaction, Subaru set down the picnic blanket, and together they unpacked the basket. They settled in, letting the sounds of nature surround them as they started to eat. For a while, neither spoke, simply enjoying the scenery and the quiet company of one another.

"So," Subaru said at last, breaking the silence, "these sandwiches, are they good, or what?"

Ram swallowed the bite she was chewing and turned to him, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "While Barusu is far from a master chef, Ram admits that the food he prepared is… acceptable. But it is missing something."

"What's it missing?"

Without answering, Ram picked up one of the freshly steamed tatoes and held it in her hand. With a flick of her fingers, she used her wind magic to neatly slice it into small pieces, then stuffed the pieces under the bread of her sandwich, creating her own enhanced version.

Subaru watched, intrigued, as she took a big bite. Ram chewed with visible satisfaction, a soft hum escaping her before she swallowed. "Now this," she declared, "is what Ram would call 'fine dining,' in fact."

"You did look like you really enjoyed that."

They ate in comfortable silence after that, finishing their meal and sipping tea. The soft rustling of the leaves and the distant chirping of birds made for a peaceful backdrop.

After a while, Subaru spoke again, his tone a bit more serious this time. "Hey, Ram, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

"Yes?"

"The two of us have been, uh… doing 'stuff' together for a while now, right?" he began, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

"Ram is aware, yes."

"And it's got me thinking," Subaru continued, his voice steadying as he found his words. "I've been thinking a lot, actually, especially after talking with Beako, and I realized something. I want to make this whole thing between us… 'real.' You know?"

"What do you mean Barusu?"

"I mean…" Subaru took a deep breath, forcing himself to meet her gaze. "I mean, I want to make this an official relationship. Not just this 'friends with benefits' kind of thing. I'm talking about real dates, like this one. I want us to… to be together. The more time I spend with you, the more I realize how much I like you. Really like you. Does that make sense?"

Ram kept listening intently.

Subaru pressed on, his words tumbling out in a rush. "While I still care about Emilia, my feelings for her aren't the same as they used to be. But with you… it's different. I like you a lot, Ram. So, what I'm saying is…" He paused, his heart pounding. "Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Subaru winced, bracing himself for rejection, his nerves stretched taut as he awaited her answer.

"Barusu."

"Y-Yes, Ram?"

"Ram has been thinking for a while as well."

"And?" he asked cautiously.

"For as long as Ram can remember, she has only ever looked in Roswaal-sama's direction. Ram was devoted to him, loved him with all her heart," she said softly, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. "Ram thought she could help him, guide him, and pull him away from the obsession with that accursed book. But…"

She took a deep breath, steadying herself before continuing, "In the end, Ram knows deep down that Roswaal-sama will never change. His heart belongs to the witch, and his devotion to her blinds him to everything else. Ram was merely a tool in his plans."

"So what your saying is-"

"Let Ram finish you fool."

"Ram feels happier with you by her side," she said, her tone softening. "Despite your foolishness and your many flaws, Ram knows how deeply you care for her feelings and the wellbeing of others. Ram has watched you grow over the past year, and it has made her realize that… Barusu is a good man."

She reached out and gently took his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. Her touch was warm, reassuring. "Ram accepts your proposal to court her."

"Really? You… you feel the same way?" Subaru asked, his voice trembling with a mix of surprise and joy.

"Ram admits she has been happy when she is around you for the past several months." she replied simply, her lips curling into the faintest smile.

Subaru's chest swelled with emotion. "I'm really happy when I'm with you too, Ram. Especially right now."

Unable to resist, he leaned in and placed a small, gentle kiss on her cheek. Ram stood still, her expression unreadable as she absorbed what had just happened.

"Ram would like another one, please," she said, her voice steady but her cheeks tinged with pink.

Subaru chuckled and leaned in again, aiming for her cheek once more. But just as he was about to kiss her, Ram turned her head at the last moment, her lips meeting his in a soft, unexpected kiss.

For a moment the two of them gently kissed each other in the open field.

When they finally pulled back, Subaru blinked, his cheeks flushed. "You little… you pulled a fast one on me, didn't you?"

"Barusu isn't the only one with good timing."

Subaru felt the heartbeat in his chest throbbing.

As they packed up the picnic basket and walked away from the field, their hands remained intertwined. Subaru wore a wide, goofy smile, while Ram's lips carried a subtle but genuine twinkle of joy.

"Barusu has made Ram very happy today," she said quietly, glancing up at him. "Happier than she has been in a long time."

"I'm glad I can make you feel that way."

"Ram thinks you deserve a reward," she said, her tone suddenly teasing.

Subaru opened his mouth to make a sarcastic remark, but before he could, he found himself abruptly pressed against a nearby tree. Ram stood behind him, her crimson eyes glowing with an unfamiliar intensity.

"Ram's heart is beating like never before, Barusu," she said, her voice low but filled with emotion. "You need to take responsibility for what you've done to her with those honey mouthed words of yours."

Subaru swallowed hard, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through him. "I-I don't know what you mean, but, uh… I'll do my best?"

Ram leaned closer, her smirk softening into something sweeter. "Good. Ram expects nothing less from you."

Subaru felt Ram reach around behind him and tug on his pants from behind. Subaru felt her gentle and soft hands grab ahold of his cock that she fished out.

Subaru bit down on his lips when he felt Ram start jerking him off from behind. His head was up against a tree, not even facing her as she pleasured him with her sudden reach around.

"Barusu is already this hard, be a good boy and let Ram reward you for good behavior."

Being called a good boy did something for him, made the gears in his head turn a little faster, this was probably another fetish of his buried deep down from his Otaku days while still being in Japan.

Ram formed a smug grin on her blushing face when she felt his penis throb from her comment.

"Did the sentence Ram just say make you that excited, Barusu? Such a pervert as always. But Ram will indulge, be a good boy for Ram~"

Subaru huffed as Ram began to stroke him harder, precum was leaking on to the grass below. Sweat formed on his brow as Ram kept going. She was getting better and better as she kept going. The way her fingers grabbed ahold of every part of his penis, soft rubbing from the top of his cockhead to his balls. Subaru felt like he was going to burst, her soft hands felt so good.

"Ram I'm going to cum!"

"Let it all out Barusu, be a good boy for Ram."

His was pulsating harder from her sultry tone and actions against him, soon after, he grunted and moaned, heavy spurts of semen shot out of cock and defiled the poor tree in front of him staining the bark and the grass below him.

"Good boy, Barusu." Ram whispered into his ear. She reached around to his panting face and gave him another loving kiss like earlier. "Did you like that Barusu? You lasted very little this time, usually you're a ravenous beast.

Her fingers were stained with his cum. Ram took her sticky fingers and licked them clean.

"Let's head back Barusu before we stay out too late."

Subaru took a deep breath, pulled his pants up, and walked back to the manor with Ram. Subaru soon intertwined his hand with her's again, his mind still turning from what just happened after such a loving and romantic picnic.

"Will I get more rewards like that in the future, Ram?"

"We will see Barusu, keep being a good boy for Ram and maybe she will reward you with more things in the future."

Subaru kissed her cheek and walked along side her back home. He was going to ride this high for the rest of the week.