Reward

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Rem knocked on Suzune's door, her voice gentle but firm. "Suzune-sama, it's time for dinner."

Suzune, who had been lying on her bed, took a moment to gather herself before getting up. She opened the door to see the blue-haired maid waiting for her. "Alright," she said, her voice steady. "Lead the way."

Rem nodded and turned to walk down the corridor, with Suzune following close behind. They made their way to the dining room, where Suzune took a seat opposite Emilia. The room was elegantly decorated, with a long table set for the evening meal.

Ram stood by the side, informing them, "The Lord of the mansion is getting ready by changing his clothes. He will be joining us shortly."

Beatrice, who had been playing with Puck nearby, glanced at Suzune with curiosity. "Who is this brooding girl, I suppose?" she asked, her tone as direct as ever.

Emilia smiled gently, though there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "This is Suzune. She helped me find my stolen insignia earlier today."

Suzune, sitting across from Emilia, desperately tried to muster the courage to speak to her. She felt an overwhelming desire to talk to Emilia-tan, to say something meaningful, but her new form seemed to resist. What is wrong with me? Why can't I just talk to her like I used to? It's like this body doesn't want me to be close to her.

After several long moments of internal struggle and hesitation, Suzune finally spoke, her voice low and strained. "Emilia-tan," she began, hoping to sound casual, but the words came out harsh and cold, as if she were issuing a challenge rather than initiating a conversation.

Emilia flinched at the tone. "Y-yes?" she replied, clearly taken aback.

"I... uh... I believe you," Suzune stammered, trying to compliment Emilia's hospitality. But the words twisted in her mouth, coming out as if she were making Emilia feel indebted to her. "You owe me a great deal for what I've done for you."

The atmosphere grew tense. The maids and the Great Spirits looked at Suzune with irritation, their eyes narrowing at her abrasive tone. Suzune's heart sank. Damn it, why can't I just say what I mean? Why does everything sound so wrong?

Emilia tried to maintain her composure, though it was clear she was uncomfortable. "Thank you, Suzune," she said softly, her eyes searching Suzune's face for any sign of warmth. "I appreciate your help. Truly."

Suzune's frustration boiled over. "No, that's not what I meant," she said, her voice rising slightly. "I mean, I wanted to say... you have a lovely home and... and thank you for letting me stay here." She struggled to soften her tone, but it still sounded more like an accusation than gratitude.

Puck floated closer, his eyes narrowing. "Suzune, was it? You should be more mindful of how you speak. Lia deserves respect."

"Perhaps."

Puck floated back to Beatrice.

Ram stood at the entrance of the dining room, her voice calm and measured as she announced, "The Lord of the mansion, Roswaal L. Mathers, has arrived." Just then, Roswaal made his entrance, dressed in his usual flamboyant, clown-like attire. His mismatched eyes glinted with mischief as he took his seat, his movements fluid and theatrical.

"Ah, Raaam, dear Raaam," Roswaal drawled, his unique accent and sing-song tone making his words almost musical. "You've outdooone yourself, I see. Everything looks simply maaaarvelous."

"Thank you, Roswaal-sama," Ram replied, bowing slightly. "We have a new guest, as you can see."

Roswaal turned his attention to Suzune, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "And who might this... intriguing young lady beeee?" he asked, his voice dripping with intrigue.

Emilia, sensing the need for introductions, spoke up. "This is Suzune Natsuki. She helped me find my stolen insignia earlier today."

Roswaal's eyes widened slightly, a playful smile curling his lips. "Is that so? Well, well, well, it seems we owe our thanks to Suzune. You should be rewarded for your noble deeeed."

Suzune pondered what she should ask for. In previous timelines, she had stayed here as a servant and as a guest. Working as a maid might be good for blending in, but then she glanced at Ram and Rem, who stood side by side behind Roswaal. Yikes, if working as a maid in this mansion meant dressing up like that, then no thanks. The thought of donning the frilly uniform made her shudder internally.

Staying as a guest was okay for the most part. But… wouldn't Rem try to kill her on the fourth night? And with her current attitude, she wouldn't be surprised if Rem tried to kill her on the very first night. She needed to tread carefully.

"I am broke beyond what your brains are capable of imagining," Suzune said, the words slipping out before she could stop them. Shit, Roswaal's smile faded slightly, irritation flickering in his eyes. She quickly added, "I would like to stay here until I find a job and a place to live."

Roswaal raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Oh, so what are your qualifications?"

"I am good at—" dying? Nope. "—household stuff, cooking, washing clothes, doing the laundry, and… everything."

"Everything?" Roswaal echoed, a smirk playing on his lips.

Puck, who had been watching quietly, floated closer and chimed in, "Define everything."

"Uh, educational: Mathematics, Pure and Applied Science, History, Philosophy, and Hand-to-Hand Combats. Also, I am great at household chores." Why did she glare at Ram and Rem? Oh no… was she challenging them?

The twins exchanged a look, Rem's eyes narrowing slightly while Ram maintained her neutral expression, though her lips twitched with the hint of a smile.

"Fantaaaaastic!" Roswaal exclaimed, his voice a crescendo of excitement. "Then would you mind demonstrating your combat abilities?"

"Why should I?" Suzune retorted, feeling cornered.

"Why not? Do you haaaave something to hide?" Roswaal pressed, his tone teasing but insistent.

A lot, actually. "What's in it for me?" Crap, she hadn't meant to sound so mercenary.

"If you impress me, I miiiight hire you."

"As?" Please, not as a maid…

"As Emilia-sama's bodyguard!" Roswaal declared with a flourish.

"Roswaal! I don't need a bodyguard!" Emilia protested, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Nonsense, you just lost your insignia today. Which meeeans, you are… reckless and careless, Emilia-sama!" Roswaal's words were a playful reprimand, but his eyes held a serious gleam.

Emilia-tan's bodyguard? Oh, that's not bad. Suzune thought. "You better stay firm on the pact," she warned.

"Of coooourse, Suzune-chan!" Roswaal replied, his voice dripping with amusement.

Beatrice, who had been watching the exchange with mild interest, finally spoke up, her voice as disinterested as ever. "You are a strange girl, I suppose."

Suzune nodded, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation. This was a role she could manage, and it would keep her close to Emilia. But the path ahead was still fraught with uncertainty. "Alright," she said, her voice steady. "When and where do you want me to demonstrate my combat abilities?"

Roswaal clapped his hands together, his eyes twinkling with delight. "Tomorrow morning, in the training grounds. Be ready to impress, Suzune-chan!"

Emilia, still looking somewhat flustered, glanced at Suzune. "Thank you, Suzune, for everything. I hope you settle in well."

Suzune tried to respond kindly, but her new form betrayed her. "You better appreciate it," she said, her tone harsh despite her intended warmth. Shit, why couldn't she talk normally?

As the conversation wound down, Suzune couldn't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation. This new challenge was daunting, but she had faced worse. And now, she had a purpose: protecting Emilia. It was a small step, but it was a step forward. "Alright," she said, her voice steady. "I'll be ready."

"Excellent!" Roswaal exclaimed. "I loooook forward to seeing what you're capable of, Suzune-chan."

"Okay, Rosewall."

oOo

In the dimly lit room, the flickering candles cast long shadows on the walls as Ram sat comfortably on Roswaal's lap, her slender form pressed against his. She felt the familiar sensation of mana flowing from his body into hers, a warm and almost intoxicating energy that revitalized her. She closed her eyes, her breathing becoming slow and deep as she absorbed the power.

Roswaal's mismatched eyes sparkled with mischief as he gently stroked her hair. "Raaaam," he drawled, elongating the vowel as he always did, "what do youuu think about our neeeew guest?"

Ram took a deep breath, feeling the mana surge within her. She gasped softly and clutched at her clothes, steadying herself before answering. "Suzune-sama is extremely suspicious yet quite straightforward," she replied, her voice slightly breathless from the mana intake.

Roswaal's grin widened, his interest piqued. "Do youuuu think she could be a threat? Or perhaps an assassin sent to eliminate our dear Emilia-sama?"

Ram's eyes opened, and she gazed up at him, her expression serious. "It is possible," she said slowly, choosing her words with care. "When you offered her the position as Emilia-sama's bodyguard, she agreed instantly. That could indicate hidden motives."

Roswaal's lips curled into a sly smile. "Ah, I seee," he murmured, his fingers tracing patterns on Ram's arm. "Then we must be cautious. Wouldn't you agreeee?"

Ram nodded, her grip tightening on his clothes. "Yes, Roswaal-sama. We should test her."

Roswaal chuckled, a low and sinister sound. "Indeed. Tomorrow morning, you and your sister will fight her. And I want you to nooot hold back. After all, an assassin should be able to handle whatever is thrown at them with ease, don't youuuu think?"

Ram's eyes widened slightly at the command, but she quickly regained her composure. "Understood, Roswaal-sama. We will test her thoroughly."

Roswaal's grin grew even wider, his excitement barely contained. "Excelllent," he purred, elongating the vowel once more. "Let's see what our mysterious guest is truly capable of."

Ram shifted slightly on his lap, adjusting her position as the mana continued to flow into her. She felt a surge of determination, her mind already planning the test for Suzune. "We'll see if she has any hidden abilities or if she's just another pretender," she said, her voice firm.

Roswaal nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I'm counting on youuuu, Ram. Make sure it's a test she'll never forget."

Ram bowed her head slightly, her resolve unwavering. "Of course, Roswaal-sama. We won't disappoint you."

As the mana flow began to slow, Ram felt a sense of readiness wash over her. Tomorrow would reveal much about their new guest, and she was determined to uncover the truth. She rose from Roswaal's lap, her movements graceful and deliberate, and stood before him.

Roswaal's gaze followed her, his smile never faltering. "Gooodnight, Ram. Prepare well for tomorrow."

Ram bowed deeply. "Goodnight, Roswaal-sama." With that, she turned and left the room, her mind focused on the challenge ahead. As she walked down the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, she felt a mix of anticipation and caution. Suzune would be tested, and Ram would ensure that no secrets remained hidden.

Back in his room, Roswaal leaned back in his chair, his grin never fading. The game was afoot, and he couldn't wait to see how it would unfold.

TBC

Next Chapter: The Girl Restricted by Heaven!