Chapter 7
Natsuki Subaru's First Trip
Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the inn room's curtains, casting warm stripes across the worn wooden floor.
Emilia sat perched on the edge of a simple bed, patiently waiting as Puck meticulously combed her silver hair. The cat spirit, still half-asleep, purred softly, his blue eyes lazily surveying the intricate braids he was weaving.
"You want to add such a clause in our contract?" Puck finally asked, his voice laced with surprise. He paused, his paw hovering mid-air, his brow furrowing slightly.
Emilia flinched, her heart leaping into her throat. "It's not that I doubt you or something!" she quickly clarified, flustered. "It's just..."
Puck chuckled, a rumbling sound deep in his chest. "I know, Lia! Don't worry about it!" He winked playfully. "I'll gladly accept it... if you accept mine in return. How about that?"
A spark of hope ignited within Emilia, as her face lit up with relief, and a touch of mischief.
Emilia : "Really? Tell me, what are your conditions?"
Puck straightened, adopting a more serious expression. "In accordance with the evolution of our contract," he declared dramatically, "I shall never intentionally reveal Subaru's ability to others by any means whatsoever. In exchange, Lia, I want to be notified whenever you return to the past. Does that suit you?"
Emilia : "Yes! Thank you, Puck!"
Puck stretched luxuriously, a contented purr rumbling in his chest. "You're welcome! Now that we're done with that, can you fill me in on what happened after I crashed out yesterday?" He yawned, revealing a set of sharp, feline teeth.
Emilia took a deep breath, launching into the whirlwind events since their confrontation with Elsa, the Bowel Hunter. She recounted the identity of the attacker targeting the loot house, the recovery of her insignia, Felt's predicament, and ultimately, their hasty departure from the Capital - accompanied by Subaru.
Puck : "With Subaru?! You took him with you?"
His ears pricked up at the mention of the raven-haired boy. He sounded genuinely surprised.
"Yes," Emilia explained patiently. "He doesn't have a house or money, you know? And he saved my life."
Puck : "In that case, couldn't he have followed the Sword Saint?"
Emilia faltered, her brow furrowing slightly. "I...I thought offering him hospitality was the least I could do, considering what he did for me."
Puck's expression turned sharp. "Do you have that much trust in him?" he probed, his tone laced with concern. "I know he doesn't seem to have ill intentions towards you, but you're a Dragon Priestess. What if he was trying to get something out of you?"
A surprised laugh bubbled from Emilia's lips, the absurdity of the idea washing over her. "Puck! That's ridiculous," she said between giggles. "Subaru would never try anything like that. He's too kind-hearted."
Puck cleared his throat awkwardly, a hint of sheepishness in his expression. "Okay then! If he tries anything funny," he declared with mock seriousness, puffing out his chest, "I'll protect you anyway!"
Emilia playfully patted him. "Puck! Subaru is a good boy!" she insisted, her voice laced with amusement.
Puck snorted, unconvinced. "You should be more cautious, Lia! Men are all wolves in disguise," he cautioned, his blue eyes gleaming with mock wisdom. Emilia tilted her head, a puzzled expression crossing her features.
Emilia : "Wolves? What do you mean about that? Subaru is a human, and you're a spirit, right?"
Puck stammered, caught off guard by Emilia's innocent query. "Haha! I… well…" He was about to launch into an elaborate explanation when a knock interrupted him.
"Emilia-sama," a voice called from the doorway. "Have you woken up?"
"Is that you, Ram?" Emilia replied, her tone brightening. "Please enter."
The peach-haired maid, Ram, swept gracefully into the room, her expression as stoic and composed as ever. Puck went to braid Emilia's silver hair, feigning disinterest as the two women faced each other.
"Emilia-sama," Ram said formally, bowing slightly. "We're ready to get back on the road."
"Alright, Ram! I'm almost ready!" Emilia responded cheerfully.
Ram nodded curtly, her eyes flicking towards Puck before returning to Emilia. "Understood, Emilia-sama. I shall wait for you with Barusu in the inn hall."
Emilia swallowed, feeling a pang of disappointment as Ram left without another word. "Ram…" she murmured softly, her voice trailing off into the silence that followed.
Since her arrival at the Mathers Mansion, she had longed to bridge the gap between them, but their interactions always remained so… distant.
"It's like the universe is conspiring against me!" A man clad in green exclaimed, slumping into a chair across from Subaru in the bustling inn hall.
"If I'm transporting fruit, the heavens unleash a torrential downpour. If I take a shortcut, bandits appear out of thin air! It's just bad luck all around."
Subaru chuckled, leaning back against the worn wooden wall. "Sounds like you've got a knack for attracting misfortune, Otto."
"Misfortune?!" Otto protested, his cheeks flushing crimson. "This is downright tragedy! Tell me, have you ever been robbed by bandits?"
Subaru's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Let's just say I've had my fair share of… unfortunate encounters." He winked, leaving Otto sputtering in indignation.
Ram, who had been silently observing the exchange, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "It seems Barusu has quite the talent for finding trouble," she remarked dryly, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"For finding interesting situations!" Subaru retorted, gesturing around the inn hall. "Unlike some people who seem to wander aimlessly from one calamity to another." He gave Otto a knowing glance.
Otto spluttered, his argument momentarily forgotten as he sputtered, "Oh, very funny! At least I'm not completely lost and illiterate! And penniless!"
Subaru's smile widened. "True, true. But hey," he added playfully, raising an eyebrow, "you could teach me how to be a merchant, and then we can become partners in crime… er, I mean, business!"
Otto let out a sigh, shaking his head at Subaru's infectious enthusiasm. "Partners in misfortune, more like," he muttered under his breath. Despite the playful banter, there was a genuine warmth growing between them.
Just then, Emilia reached at them from her room, her expression brightening upon seeing Subaru as she greeted him with a warm wave.
"Emilia… Emiliaaa… she's way too cute, man!" He lost himself in his fantasies as he caught a glimpse of the half elf's charming smile, before being abruptly brought back to reality by Ram's crisp tone.
Ram : "Barusu, it's time for us to leave."
Otto, sensing the shift in atmosphere, straightened up and clapped a hand on Subaru's shoulder. "Well," he declared, "It was nice meeting you, Natsuki-san! If you ever decide to become a merchant, you can try finding me here. This inn is my regular stop for business."
Subaru nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, fate brought us together, right? We'll definitely meet again." He exchanged a knowing glance with Otto, both men sensing the unexpected connection they had forged.
A deadpanned Ram rolled her eyes. "Two men finding destiny in an inn's hallway? How convenient."
Subaru chuckled and shrugged off Ram's playful(?) dig, giving a final wave to Otto before following Emilia out of the inn.
As they journeyed towards their destination in the comfortable carriage, Subaru took the opportunity to express his gratitude. "I feel bad for taking advantage of your generosity with all this free food and lodging."
Emilia waved away his thanks with a dismissive hand. "Don't be silly, it's no trouble at all." she said, her gaze distant as she observed the passing scenery.
Ram replied sarcastically, "I'll take ten favors as a thank-you."
Subaru : "Ten?! How is that fair!"
Emilia giggled at their antics before leaning closer to Subaru, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Did you know Otto before?"
Subaru shook his head. "No, not at all," he admitted. "We just met today. But it felt like we hit it off right away. He seemed like a nice guy." He paused for a moment before adding softly, "It's strange how easily I made friends with him. It's not always easy for me…"
Emilia turned to face Subaru, her expression softening. "You're making friends more easily than you realize," she stated gently. She couldn't deny the pang of envy that tugged at her heart as she watched Subaru effortlessly connect with others, while she still struggled to bridge the gap between herself and Ram.
"Maybe it is fate after all," Subaru murmured, his gaze drifting towards the passing scenery.
His eyes widened suddenly, jolted from his contemplation by a towering sight that emerged from the vast plains ahead.
A colossal tree, its branches reaching towards the sky like grasping fingers, dominated the landscape.
Subaru : "W–W-WWhaaaat! What's that big tree!"
Emilia, ever eager to showcase her knowledge, declared with childish pride, "I know what it is! That's a giant tree said to be planted here in these plains by a mysterious man called Flugel. The Flugel Tree!"
Subaru's jaw dropped. "Wooow! That's what I mean! That's an isekai fantasy for you!"
Ram, with her usual air of stoicism, couldn't help but remark, "Barusu's ignorance knows no bounds."
Emilia, giggling at Subaru's unbridled enthusiasm, chimed in, "Hehe! Subaru, you're truly childish!"
Subaru feigned hurt. "Why am I suddenly being ridiculed? And also," he added with mock indignation, "I'm not a child! I'm seventeen, you know!"
Emilia and Ram both gasped, their expressions shifting from amusement to surprise. To them, Subaru's delicate features, even excluding his unsettling 'sanpakugan' eyes, clearly marked him as a child.
In this world, Natsuki Subaru's appearance placed him firmly within the 'child' category, regardless of his claims of adulthood.
Puck materialized from Emilia's silver hair, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Seventeen?! I'm impressed that you aren't even lying!"
Subaru beamed. "Hello Puck!"
"Hello Subaru!" Puck greeted back, his tone brightening. "Thanks for your assistance yesterday!"
Subaru : "Don't fret! For Emilia-tan's smile, I can do anything!"
Emilia : "-tan? What's that?"
Subaru scratched his cheek, trying to find the right words. "Ah? That's a… well… an expression of affection that shows people's closeness! Only Puck calling you by a pet name is unfair, right? Let me in too!"
Puck chuckled, "Got to admit that your 'Emilia-tan' sounds very cute!"
A soft blush crept onto Emilia's cheeks as she was surprised by the endearment. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "All right then, I'll accept that."
Subaru stared at Emilia, dumbfounded. He had expected a strong protest or an awkward silence, but instead, she'd accepted it with surprising ease. The unexpected response left him speechless for a moment.
Emilia, suddenly embarrassed by the attention, stammered, "N–No, don't look at me…"
Realizing his gaze was making her uncomfortable, he quickly diverted his attention to Puck. "I expected her to cringe, but I got a positive response… What could this mean, commentator Puck-san?"
Puck : "She doesn't have many friends, so she actually craves things like nicknames. She's easy to please."
"My main heroine is easy to please, huh?!" Subaru exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face.
Ram's icy gaze pierced through him. "I've always had this hunch, but you're a pervert in your own right, Barusu."
Subaru gasped dramatically, then countered with a playful teasing tone, "Perv– Don't be jealous of being excluded, Ram-chi!"
Ram bristled at the nickname, her voice laced with frost. "Stop there! I'm not a target of your unbridled lust!"
Subaru feigned hurt, clutching his chest dramatically. "I'm not a pervert! My intentions are totally pure, amiright, Puck?" He turned to the feline spirit for support.
Puck, ever amused by Subaru's antics, burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Leave me out of this! You're on your own, young man!"
"Gah!" Subaru slumped back in his seat, defeated by Puck's quick retreat. He let out a theatrical sigh, then muttered under his breath, "Man, that's rougher than getting caught in an inescapable Genjutsu..."
Emilia tilted her head, brow furrowed in confusion. "Genjutsu? What's that?"
Subaru realized he might have lost them with his unfamiliar term. He shrugged sheepishly and added, "It's... a kind of illusion from another story!"
His vague explanation only sparked Emilia's curiosity further. She pointed at Subaru's attire – the modern clothes that looked so strange in this medieval setting – and then at his mannerisms, which were decidedly more casual than those she observed in most people around her.
"Your words," she began tentatively, "your dress, even the way you talk... they are all so strange. Where could you be from?"
Subaru hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. He knew explaining another world to these people would sound utterly ridiculous, but he had no other choice. "I… I'm actually from another world," he confessed, bracing himself for their reaction.
Emilia, Puck, and Ram exchanged confused glances. The concept of another world was beyond their comprehension.
"Another world?" Puck echoed incredulously, and gestured vaguely towards the east. "You mean like…beyond the Great Waterfall?"
Ram snorted derisively. "Beyond the waterfall? Don't be ridiculous, Barusu! Such tales are just bedtime stories for children. Anyone claiming they come from beyond the Great Waterfall is either delusional or lying."
She paused, her gaze settling on Subaru with a cold stare. "So tell me, which one are you?"
Subaru : "I… I didn't think they could exist for real either. Before I was summoned here, I always thought of them as just fantasy tropes in light novels… And what's that great waterfall again?"
Emilia took over, her voice filled with pride as she recounted what little she knew about their world. "The land cuts off at the four corners, forming an endless torrent of water called the Great Waterfall. It washes away everything in its path, so no one knows what lies beyond."
Puck added, bouncing around. "If there were another world, it would have to be beyond the Great Waterfall – a place of myth and legend."
Surprised by their understanding of parallel worlds, albeit a warped version, Subaru added, "It's not like... beyond a waterfall in terms of distance. It's more like…" He struggled for an analogy they would understand.
"Like…imagine there are multiple versions of this world, all existing at the same time," he tried, resorting to simple explanations like a child might understand. "Each one slightly different from the others."
He took a deep breath and pressed on, hoping his words would start to make sense. "It's called...parallel worlds. Or dimensions."
The explanation only seemed to further confuse them. Emilia blinked, Puck tilted his head even more, and Ram let out a dry sigh, shaking her head as if dealing with an overactive puppy.
"Imagine… a mirror reflecting another world. Two different realities existing side by side—". His words seemed only to further confuse them.
"A…a mirror?" Emilia looked at him with wide eyes.
"Imagine... like a bunch of mirrors, each reflecting a slightly different version of reality. Like, you might have one mirror where everything is exactly the same, and another where things are… well, different."
Ram rolled her eyes. "Following your outlandish explanation, there is no way to travel between worlds, like nothing could ever reach his own image in a mirror. Just stop before losing yourself in your own daydreams."
She looked at Subaru with a smirk. "Don't expect us to believe such fantastical tales, Barusu."
Subaru let out a sigh, shoulders slumping in defeat. "Alright, I give up! You don't have to believe me."
He turned away, disappointment stinging his heart. He hadn't expected them to accept his story so easily, but he'd hoped for at least a sliver of understanding.
"I believe you, Subaru," Emilia said softly. Her voice was gentle, laced with sincerity that warmed him like the sun breaking through clouds.
A wave of relief washed over him, chasing away the previous despondency. Subaru couldn't help but smile sheepishly, finding comfort in her unwavering belief. He felt a surge of gratitude for her kindness.
"E M T," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Emilia tilted her head, brow furrowed with curiosity. "Hm?"
"It's a short for 'Emilia-tan, Maji Tenshi!'" Subaru explained, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Are you perhaps an angel in disguise?" He asked playfully, leaning closer and meeting her gaze.
A blush crept up Emilia's cheeks as she met his gaze. "You're joking around again!" She lightly swatted him on the arm with a playful pout.
"Thanks, Emilia," he whispered, his heart feeling lighter than it had in what felt like forever.
Her curiosity burned brighter than ever. Subaru's tale, though unbelievable, held her captive. A world beyond the Great Waterfall, a place with different rules and stories… it was simply too intriguing to ignore.
"Tell me more," she pleaded, her eyes wide with wonder. "What is your world like? Do you have magic there?" She paused, then added, almost reverently, "Are there other creatures like Puck? Are there… elves there?"
Subaru : "Whoa whoa too many questions!"
"Okay, hmmm…" He scratched his head, trying to organize his thoughts. "First of all, we don't have any magic. And there aren't any elves, or beast-like people, or even spirits, so..."
Emilia's breath hitched. "Wait, no magic?!" Her voice echoed the disbelief Puck was clearly feeling.
The idea of a world without mana seemed utterly inconceivable to them both. Magic wasn't just a source of power; it was woven into the very fabric of their existence. It felt as unnatural as the thought of breathing underwater.
"Yes, living here feels like a dream to me," Subaru admitted, his eyes sparkling with awe. "In my hometown, things like magic only existed in stories and legends. I never thought I'd ever see spirits or pretty elves, Emilia-tan, Puck!"
Puck stared at him, utterly stunned. "Your world seems frightening… We spirits are mana beings, so I probably couldn't even visit your hometown."
He paused, then added with a cheeky grin, sticking out his tongue at Subaru, "If it's real, and you aren't a delusional madman, that is."
Subaru bristled slightly. "I'm perfectly sane! I never had to do therapy sessions!" he retorted, crossing his arms defensively.
Emilia : "How are you living without mana? I can't even begin to imagine what your daily lives look like."
Subaru : "Well, we don't have mana, so we've simply learned to live without it. There are plenty of resources other than magic, aren't there? Hurray for science!"
The ogre maid, who had been listening intently, decided to play along with Subaru's tale. "Are there really no demihumans in your made-up world?" she asked, her tone laced with a hint of amusement.
Captivated by the possibility, Emilia leaned forward. "Is that true, Subaru?" she pressed, her voice brimming with genuine interest. The thought of a place where demihumans like herself might not face discrimination was alluring.
Subaru : "Yes, only humans and animals. And no magic. Elves, goblins, fairies, demons, dragons… They never existed in our world in the first place… I think."
Ram : "Demons…huh…"
Subaru, oblivious to Ram's internal turmoil, turned his attention back to Emilia, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "At least, I think so… I mean, seeing the surreal beauty of Emilia-tan at this very moment completely shatters my preconceived views of the world."
Puck chirped enthusiastically, "You got it right, Subaru! Lia is the prettiest girl in the world!"
Subaru, emboldened by Puck's words, added confidently, "Let me add, in all the worlds!"
Emilia : "Stop teasing me while I'm being serious!"
Ever the enthusiast for fantasy tropes, he continued, "So, is there any dragon here? I'm a little surprised I haven't seen one since I arrived. Dragons are a must in isekai fantasy, after all."
Ram snorted derisively. "Hah! I can't thank enough the one who messed up your brain to such an extent! What do you think is carrying us right now?" she scoffed, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Wait, that's a dragon?!" Subaru blurted out, his eyes widening in astonishment as he stared at the reptilian creature pulling their carriage.
Emilia chuckled, shaking her head fondly. "Subaru, you silly!" she said, amused by his bewildered expression.
Subaru's mind raced, trying to reconcile what he saw with the image of a fearsome dragon from his stories. "Whoa… In a way, it's kinda draconic, but less… imposing? It doesn't completely fit the image I had from dragons."
"Are there other kinds of dragons then?" he asked, his gaze lingering on the ground dragon. "Like, flying ones? Unless this buddy can actually fly?!"
Emilia : "This one is a ground dragon, so he can't. They are flying dragons, but they're nearly impossible to domesticate."
Puck : "I guess he's thinking about Dragons like Volcanica."
Subaru : "Volcanica?"
Puck faltered for a moment, surprised by Subaru's ignorance. "Wh–.. You really don't know who Volcanica is, do you?"
Subaru puffed out his chest with feigned pride. "I told you before, right? Clueless beyond human comprehension and broke beyond comparison, that is me, Natsuki Subaru!"
Ram seized the opportunity, launching into a sarcastic retort. "A fool who takes pride in being ignorant and useless, I guess that's the kind of man you are, Barusu"
Subaru recoiled from Ram's cutting remark, sticking his tongue out at her playfully in retaliation.
"Volcanica… It actually rings a bell…" he mused, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Ah! I remember, Emilia-tan told me about him. That's the name of the Divine Dragon who sealed off Satella, right?"
A collective gasp rippled through the carriage. Emilia, Ram, and even Puck stiffened at the mention of that name – Satella, the Witch of Envy. Her infamy was such that simply uttering her name was considered taboo.
"What's wrong with you?!" Puck exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief.
Subaru's face paled as he realized his slip-up. He stammered nervously, "Ha–! Sorry, I forgot, that name is a taboo, right, E–mi–li–a–taaan~?" He emphasized her name with an overly sweet tone, hoping to diffuse the tension.
The half-elf flushed crimson, remembering her own blunder – introducing herself as Satella to scare Subaru. "I–I'm sorry, alright?! I'm reeeally sorry!" she stammered, embarrassment washing over her.
Puck glared at Subaru, his furry brow furrowed with suspicion. "What does my daughter have to do with this? Be careful with your next words, Subaru!"
Emilia hastily interjected, trying to shield Subaru from Puck's wrath. "No Puck, it's totally my fault. I… acted dumb when we met. Also, remember, he is from beyond the Great Waterfall, so he doesn't know much about our culture…"
Puck remained unconvinced, his gaze lingering on Subaru. "Hmm…"
Ram chimed in with her usual bluntness, "Don't you ever say that name out loud again, Barusu! I know your foolishness is irredeemable, but even a child wouldn't go that far. Your ability to cause trouble must be linked to your brain's deficiency."
Subaru sighed dramatically. "That's harsh, Ram-chi…" He then attempted to lighten the mood with a poorly timed quip. "So? How do I call her then? Voldemort-chan?"
Emilia : "Vodemoru?"
Puck : "Just call her 'the witch', if you really have to."
Subaru grinned. "Thanks, Puck-sensei!" He quickly shifted gears, steering the conversation in a safer direction. "So… Emilia-tan, about what happened to Felt, can you explain?"
"Fine," she sighed, her gaze turning serious. "I think Felt is anything but in danger… For you to understand properly, I have to explain my situation first."
Emilia's voice was soft but firm as she laid out the precarious state of Lugunica. She described the kingdom's turmoil - how the royal family had been wiped out, leaving a power vacuum filled by martial law. The kingdom desperately craved a ruler, and all eyes turned to potential candidates.
Months ago, Roswaal L. Mathers, a powerful margrave, had offered her his support in her candidacy for the throne. "In short," Emilia concluded, her expression tinged with both responsibility and weariness, "I'm a candidate to become Lugunica's forty-second ruler, with Margrave Roswaal's backing."
Subaru's jaw dropped. "What? I understand now why Reinhard was calling you with honorifics, but what?!"
Emilia offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry to surprise you. I wasn't trying to keep it a secret." With a graceful movement, she pulled out a black, glittering stone, a red jewel embedded in its center radiating an ethereal light.
Subaru leaned forward, mesmerized. "The insignia…"
"A touchstone," Emilia explained, holding the gem aloft for him to see, "for determining if one is worthy of the throne. When it shines like this," she said, gesturing towards the vibrant ruby glow, "it means you're qualified to be a candidate for the title of king."
To both Puck and Ram's astonishment, Emilia placed the touchstone in Subaru's hand. Such a precious object, potentially crucial to her own candidacy, given freely with no hint of fear or suspicion spoke volumes about the trust between them.
As Subaru held the stone, its vibrant glow extinguished like a fading ember.
"Ooo… I see how it works," Subaru murmured, turning the stone over thoughtfully. "But, wait! Emilia-tan, you lost the proof of your status as king candidate?!"
"Don't put it like that!" she protested, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "It wasn't lost! It was stolen from me by a thief!"
Subaru gasped dramatically, clutching at his chest. "That's the same thing!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with mock horror.
Emilia flushed deeper, flustered by his theatrics. "D–Don't change topics!" she said, her voice regaining its firmness. "What I'm trying to say is that yesterday, I noticed that it glowed the same way in Felt's hands!"
"Really?!" Subaru exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Felt can become the next queen then… who would have expected it."
"It seems so... I think Reinhard noticed it as well, and took her with him to gain confirmation. Of course," she added, lowering her voice conspiratorially, "that's a secret between us four only, alright?"
Subaru grinned, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper, while he gave back her insignia. "Alright, Emilia-tan."
Puck chimed in, his tone equally low, "'kay, Lia."
Ram remained silent, though her keen eyes had observed Felt's touchstone reaction the previous night as well. As Roswaal's loyal maid, she intended to discreetly inform her master of her observations.
Gazing once more at the towering tree that dominated their surroundings, a thought settling over the young man like a comfortable blanket. "So I was involved with two princesses for my very first day here, huh," he mused to himself. "I don't dislike this isekai trope. Dunno why I was summoned yet, but it seems that I might be the protagonist of this world, after all."
His smirk and self-satisfied thoughts didn't escape Puck's watchful eyes.
As the last rays of sun bled into the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, they reached a secluded clearing across the road. A large oak tree offered ample shade, making it an ideal spot to make camp for the night.
The ground dragon, weary from a day's work hauling them across the Lifaus plains, lay down with a contented groan, his powerful bulk casting a long shadow across the grass. Emilia and Subaru were bidding farewell to Puck, the feline spirit who needed rest and time to gather mana for tomorrow.
Ram, however, remained vigilant. Her gaze was fixed on the raven-haired boy, Natsuki Subaru. Initial distrust hadn't fully vanished from her ruby eyes.
"Natsuki Subaru." She mused to herself, "A suspicious man who approaches a Royal Candidate the day she got her insignia stolen, how coincidental."
That's what any normal person would think of him. "But Ram is far from ordinary. Ram's superior intellect is definitive about him: Barusu is just a faithful dog who has just found his master."
Ram's intelligence allowed her to see beyond surface appearances and to properly assess Natsuki Subaru. His presence wasn't overtly threatening, but caution was still her guiding principle.
"Yet, for the one in a million chance where I could be wrong, shall I test him?"
With practiced stealth, Ram slipped a small purse containing a respectable amount of silver coins onto a crate near their makeshift campsite. The money wasn't ostentatious, enough to be tempting but not so conspicuous as to raise alarm.
"I'm going to gather firewood," she announced. "Barusu, keep watch over our belongings."
Subaru : "Alright, Ram-chi. But I can help you—"
Ram cut him off with a dismissive wave of her hand. "I'd rather avoid risking getting assaulted by you in a secluded place, Barusu," she said, a hint of sarcasm lacing her words. "I can handle this alone."
Subaru sputtered, indignation flashing across his face. "Kh– I won't do anything!" he protested. "Plus, if you think that of me, why would you leave me alone with Emilia-tan?"
Ram's lips twitched in a barely perceptible smile. "Hah! Someone has to keep an eye on our things," she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "Be happy to be useful for once."
"Aight aight" Subaru grumbled, trying to appear nonchalant as Ram strode away from the clearing towards the nearest groves.
However, instead of simply collecting firewood, she activated Clairvoyance, a powerful surveillance spell allowing her to discreetly observe Subaru's actions from afar.
Subaru seemed utterly oblivious to the purse she had placed near their campsite, his attention completely focused on Emilia. He spoke animatedly, his laughter echoing softly through the twilight as they clumsily worked together to set up camp.
Perhaps he truly was innocent, or perhaps he possessed an intellect sharp enough to avoid falling into such a transparent pitfall.
"Either way, Barusu had passed the first test. For now, at least." Ram thought.
The truth was, Subaru had already earned a surprising amount of trust from Ram. His earnestness, his clumsy attempts to be helpful, even his infuriating tendency to blurt out inappropriate things – all of it chipped away at her initial suspicion.
And perhaps she found herself desperately searching for evidence to justify her doubts, thus implementing this obvious trap.
But, of course, she'll never admit this to anyone, even to herself.
"Firecamp," Subaru exclaimed, his voice brimming with youthful enthusiasm. "I haven't done one of these in ages! It always felt more fun when you had friends around."
Emilia's smile softened at his words. "I never had to camp with people other than Puck and other spirits," she thought softly, her gaze drifting skyward. "It feels nice to be able to relax and just enjoy the moment."
He launched into a description of crackling fires, gooey marshmallows, and spine-tingling stories shared under the stars. Emilia listened with genuine interest, her own smile brightening against the deepening hues of dusk.
"You know," Subaru mused, turning back to Emilia with a thoughtful frown, "Ram… She's kinda odd for a maid. Her whole 'courtless behavior' thing. She's always so direct, so… blunt!" he said with a grin. "But maybe that's just her way of showing she actually cares?"
Natsuki Subaru's luck was that Ram could not hear sounds through Clairvoyance, only see.
Emilia laughed softly, but a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes. "You're right, at least I think so. She hardly behaves like that with me after all."
Subaru tilted his head, pondering for a moment. "Maybe she's intimidated by the difference in rank between you, although I find it hard to imagine that coming from her..."
His words struck a chord within Emilia, who confessed, "I wish I could be closer to them, Ram and her sister. But there's always this… wall between us, no matter how hard I try."
A contemplative silence settled between them as they both gazed into the flickering flames of their campfire.
"Do they hate her for being a half-elf? It must feel lonely…" Subaru thought sympathetically, a pang of empathy resonated through him.
"I understand," he answered gently, meeting her gaze with sincerity. "It's tough when you feel like there's a barrier between you and the people you care about."
After pausing for a moment, he leaned forward, his face breaking into a large grin. "Emilia-tan," he said earnestly, "Maybe I can help bridge that gap!"
Emilia blinked in surprise. "Eh?"
At that very moment, Ram returned with armfuls of wood, her movements efficient and precise. Without a word, she placed the logs carefully, along with stones to form a makeshift fireplace, her expression as closed off as ever. Subaru, catching sight of her arrival, murmured under his breath, "Speak of the devil…"
"Operation Friendship is in full swing!" He thought, while glancing at Ram who sparked the fire with a fire magic stone she held.
He decided to start lighthearted, aiming for Ram's pride.
"Ram-chi," Subaru said with feigned amusement, "You must be an iron woman to ignore such a charming lady…" He cast a pointed look at Emilia, "I think I'd already have sold my soul to be her confidant."
Ram paused for a second before staring at him coldly. "Is this how you ended up alone spending an entire night with strangers? You must be an exceptional confidant, Barusu."
Subaru winced under the jibe, while Emilia let out a slight laugh, amused despite herself. He shrugged. Well, first attempt: failure. But he wasn't going to give up so quickly.
Subaru : "Okay, absurd hypothesis: let's imagine you two are lost in a forest, with no money or resources. Which of you would take the lead?"
Emilia raised an eyebrow in curiosity, while Ram remained stoic, her expression unchanging. Subaru hoped for a statement that would reveal some hidden dynamic between them – perhaps a hint that the half-elf trusts the maid, forcing the maid to admit respect despite appearances.
But the result was a simple, cold observation from Ram. "We'll only know if it happens," she stated, her voice flat. "Why waste our time asking such sterile questions?"
Subaru grimaced inwardly. Missed again. This friendship campaign was proving more difficult than he anticipated.
He frowned and a mischievous grin spread across his face as he hatched a plan – a forced cooperation scenario. Deliberately, he knocked over a bag behind him, sending its contents scattering across the forest floor.
A perfect pretext for them to gather things together... But no sooner had Emilia started to bend over than Ram cut her off: "Emilia-sama, I'll take care of it."
And she did, alone, efficiently gathering the spilled items. Subaru gritted his teeth; she was a lost cause, deliberately avoiding any interaction with Emilia, even the most obvious opportunities for cooperation.
At this point, it was safe to say she was dodging signals on purpose. For a moment, he considered giving up... but that wasn't in Subaru's nature. A cunning smile stretched across his face. If she refused to approach Emilia voluntarily, he was going to create a situation where she would have 'no choice'.
So, in a last-ditch effort, he resorted to a more radical method: staging an accident. Bringing his hand close to the flames of their campfire, he pretended to be caught off guard, letting out a groan of pain.
"Ouch! Hot! Hot! Hot!" He deliberately burned himself.
Emilia straightened up immediately. "Subaru, are you alright?"
She knelt beside him, her hand hovering over the burn before gently seeking his. Subaru glanced furtively at Ram, expecting her to intervene, to rush in and offer a solution or even a glance of sympathy. But the maid remained seated, arms crossed, staring impassively into the flames.
Ram's icy detachment surprised him. "You should cool that with water, Emilia-sama," she advised, her voice as clinical as ever. "There's a flask by the bag there."
Subaru's eyes widened. She was leaving him entirely to the lady, without displaying even the slightest concern for his well-being. Exasperated, he slumped onto a log, defeated. He'd pushed it too far.
Just then, Emilia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her touch surprisingly warm against his skin. "Don't worry, Subaru," she said softly, her gaze full of genuine concern. "It's just a minor burn."
"Thank you, Emilia-tan." Subaru shrugged, a weary smile on his lips. The warmth of her empathy felt like balm on his frustrated spirit.
And then there was silence. A suspended moment, disturbed only by the crackling of the fire and the gentle rustle of leaves from the oak tree, until Ram finally broke the silence.
"Emilia-sama..."
Ram, against all odds, finally turned to Emilia, her gaze direct and unreadable.
"I wonder how was your day after we split up in the capital… How did you meet this oddball?" she asked simply, her tone neutral but laced with a surprising hint of curiosity.
Emilia brightened instantly, delighted by the maid's initiative. A smile bloomed on her face as she began to recount their day, the adventures that had led her to take in Subaru.
She spoke animatedly, cleverly omitting any details about the infernal time loop they were trapped in, focusing instead on the lighter moments of their journey. As she spoke, Ram listened patiently, occasionally offering a quiet nod or a brief question that hinted at genuine interest.
The raven-haired boy watched them in silence, a satisfied smile forming on his lips. Maybe this was just a crack in Ram's wall, but it was a start. A flicker of warmth sparked within him, fueled by the hope that they could one day truly become close friends.
The next day, their carriage bumped along a broad cobblestone road, winding its way through the dense forest.
It was nearly midday when Arlam Village came into view, a patchwork of quaint houses nestled amongst verdant fields – a sign they were nearing their destination.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere buzzed with animated chatter, Puck and Subaru never failing to entertain Emilia and Ram with their playful banter.
Suddenly, the carriage lurched to a halt, jolting its occupants. It wasn't the usual rough ride over uneven terrain; this was different – a sudden stillness, as if the very ground beneath them had gasped in alarm.
Emilia : "What's happening? Why are we stopping, Ram?"
Ram, ever composed, answered, her voice calm but laced with a touch of unease. "Emilia-sama, the ground dragon stopped itself. Perhaps it felt threatened enough to stop so suddenly..."
Closing her eyes, Ram concentrated, drawing upon Clairvoyance. A moment later, she spoke again, her voice tight with warning.
"Many wolgarms are coming for us from both sides!"
Subaru's mind whirled, trying to process how Ram had discovered this threat so quickly. He held his tongue, though, sensing that time was of the essence. The situation demanded immediate action, not idle questions.
"What?!" Emilia gasped, her eyes widening in alarm. "But, the barrier?"
Ram's brow furrowed in concern. "There seem to have been breaches," she said, her voice tight with unease. "This is not normal in the slightest."
Confusion and fear pervaded Subaru as his heart pounded violently against his ribs. He stammered, "W–What's happening?"
Emilia's gaze flickered towards Puck, who sat perched on her shoulder. She reached out with their shared telepathic bond, asking urgently, "Do you think I'm the one attracting them? Like in the Elior Forest?"
Puck's reply came swiftly and with a hint of urgency: "Whatever is the case, we shouldn't stay here for long!"
As if confirming Puck's message, Subaru blurted out, "Emilia-tan, are we attacked or something? Then, should we run away to the mansion as fast as possible?"
"Barusu–" Ram began, but Emilia cut her off.
"We can't," she said firmly, her voice ringing with conviction. "If we leave here and the pack of wolgarms follows us, we'll put the villagers in danger. We have to fix it!"
Subaru opened his mouth to protest, then stopped, sensing the unwavering resolve in Emilia's gaze. He simply murmured, "Emilia…"
"Don't worry, Subaru!" she said, her voice filled with warmth and confidence. "As long as you stay there, everything will be okay."
Puck chimed in, his tone lighthearted yet determined, "Yes! Lia and I are used to these situations."
Subaru felt a familiar pang of frustration, squeezing his fists tightly. Despite their courage and abilities, he couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness, of being utterly reliant on them because he wasn't strong enough to assist or protect them.
Worthlessness. This familiar sensation gripped at his heart.
Emilia wasted no time. With a graceful leap, she bounded out of the carriage and landed on the right side of the road. A flurry of movements followed as she coalesced multiple hovering ice spikes, ready to launch at a moment's notice, aided by Puck's potent magic. "El Huma!"
At the same instant, Ram flung herself out of her driver's seat. Drawing her wand, she stood poised, her eyes focusing on the approaching threat from the left flank.
The air crackled with anticipation, and then the wolgarms surged forward, a snarling, clawing mass. They were met by Ram's swirling wind magic, slicing through them with deadly precision, and Puck's ice spikes, shattering bones and sending shards of frozen fury flying.
Subaru watched from the relative safety of the carriage, his breath catching in his throat as he witnessed the carnage unfolding outside.
He pressed his forehead against the glass, his gaze fixed on the horrifying spectacle. "Wolves?!" he stammered, disbelief lacing his voice. "No, are they monsters?! They're scary! But, damn… Emilia-tan…"
Emilia moved with an effortless grace, a whirlwind of power amidst the chaos. She seemed to anticipate each attack, her magic flowing seamlessly from her hands.
Flying ice spikes seized their targets with chilling precision. Every single one found its mark, sending wave after wave of the creatures reeling in agony.
"She's actually way scarier than all of them!" Subaru breathed, a mixture of awe and fear swirling within him.
His gaze then shifted to Ram, who stood her ground against the relentless onslaught. Each blast of wind magic she unleashed was a testament to her skill and dedication.
"There is no end! El Fula!" she roared, unleashing a blade of wind that cleaved through the air at blinding speed, taking out multiple witchbeasts in one fell swoop.
But even as she fought valiantly, Subaru noticed her breathing growing increasingly ragged. Her movements became slower, more labored, and a bead of sweat trickled down her temple. The unrelenting tide of wolgarms showed no sign of relenting.
"That's bad...I can't keep up..." she muttered to herself, fear edging into her voice as another wave of the creatures surged forward.
Emilia, having finished dealing with the attack on her own in no time, leapt high enough to reach the top of the carriage in a single bound to help Ram. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight before her.
A wolgarm, one that Ram had narrowly missed, darted forward with lethal intent, its jaws snapping inches from the maid's throat.
"Haidara!" With a shout, Subaru suddenly appeared at her side, swinging with both hands a heavy white blade – Elsa's bonecrusher – into the wolgarm's skull.
Ram : "Barusu!"
Subaru, fueled by the adrenaline of his first kill, grinned with reckless abandon. "Next!" he shouted, attempting to draw his blade from the wolgarm's skull. But it was stuck fast, embedded deep within the beast's bone.
Instinctively, Subaru threw himself in front of Ram, bracing for the next attack, a shield against the impending danger, when a high-pitched, silver bell-like voice cut through the chaos.
"Subaruuu!"
In a blur of motion too fast for the human eye to follow, Emilia materialized between Subaru and the oncoming wolgarm, shielding him with her own body. She clenched her teeth, her expression etched with fierce determination, as she was struck by the beast's fangs.
Subaru gasped, a wave of horror washing over him as he witnessed the blood gushing from Emilia's bitten arm.
Puck : "Liaaa!"
But before the cat spirit could even move, Emilia acted. With a speed that belied her injury, she seized the wolgarm by its throat, squeezing tight until it let out a strangled whine.
In an instant, ice surged from her fingertips, encasing the beast in a solid block of frozen terror.
"El Huma," she uttered coldly, her voice devoid of emotion as she unleashed a barrage of ice shards, each one finding its mark with deadly accuracy.
The surrounding wolgarms were decimated in seconds, their cries echoing through the night as they fell victim to her wrath.
Only the cracking sound of the ice and the chilling silence that followed broke the tense atmosphere. Subaru and Ram stood frozen, mesmerized by the silver-haired mage's display of power and ferocity.
Subaru's eyes flickered to Emilia's bloodied arm, his protective instincts kicking in with a jolt. "Emi–" he started, reaching out instinctively.
But Puck was faster, "Lia! Your hand!". With a flurry of motions, the cat spirit materialized beside Emilia, his tiny paws glowing with healing magic as he began alleviating the pain from her wound.
In such moments, Puck always hated his own lack of aptitude for healing magic, and the fact that he couldn't do better than giving first aid to his contractant.
He then noticed something dark pulsing faintly from the bite mark. "A… curse?" he thought grimly.
"Emilia-tan, are you okay?" Subaru asked, his voice laced with concern.
Puck turned a furious glare towards Subaru, ready to unleash a torrent of reprimands for putting Emilia in danger. But before he could utter a word, Emilia was already striding towards Subaru, her trembling form radiating worry.
"Subaru! Are you okay?!" Her voice trembled with urgency, tears welling up in her amethyst eyes as she scanned him for any sign of injury. "Are you hurt?!"
Subaru, Ram, and even Puck were stunned by her reaction. Despite the pain etched on her face and the blood staining her arm, Emilia's first concern was Subaru's well-being.
"I'm fine!" Subaru stammered, his heart swelling with a mixture of guilt and gratitude. "And you? This wound… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…" The words tumbled out in a rush, each one laced with regret.
Emilia sighed, a hint of amusement softening her features. "Subaru, I'd rather hear a single 'thank you' than a lot of 'sorry's."
Subaru's shoulders slumped slightly at this, his cheeks flushing crimson. "Thank… you…" he mumbled, barely audible.
A radiant smile bloomed across Emilia's face. "You don't have to apologize, I'm fine." she said, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance.
Her gaze shifted to Ram, concern lacing her voice. "Ram, are you okay?"
Ram bowed slightly, a hint of fatigue in her movements. "I'm fine, Emilia-sama. Just recovering from a lack of stamina."
"I'm glad," Emilia murmured, relief washing over her features. She turned to Puck, who was still hovering nearby, his form glowing faintly with residual healing magic.
"Thanks, Puck, for the healing. I'll take care of it from now on." A series of ethereal orbs materialized around her, bathing her wounded arm in a soft, pulsating light.
"I have to fix the barrier," Emilia announced, her voice firm yet gentle. "Subaru, Ram, please wait for me here. If there are any issues, contact me via Puck, or make a visible signal or noises. I won't be long."
With those words, she swiftly erected a barricade of glistening ice spikes around them, creating a protective ring around the dragon carriage. Then, with a determined nod, she vanished into the dense forest, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight amidst the deepening shadows.
Heart racing, a blue-haired maid with a stoic face betraying little emotion stood before the main doors of the imposing Mathers' mansion. Beside her was a little girl with startlingly bright blonde hair styled in drill-like twintails, an outfit of vibrant hues, and an even more impassive face.
The last rays of the sun painted the sky in fiery hues as a luxurious carriage, pulled by a magnificent ground dragon, slowly made its way down the drive. It stopped before them, the driver, Ram, gracefully stepping out.
Despite clenching her fists until her nails dug into her palms, the waiting maid managed to maintain a facade of composure. The reassuring sight of Ram's warm smile, mirrored in her own calm expression, steadied her nerves.
"I'm glad to see you back, Nee-sama," she voiced, her tone barely audible above the gentle whinnying of the ground dragon.
Ram returned the smile, a hint of weariness softening her features. "Likewise, Rem."
If the girl's hair was peach-colored instead of being sky blue, one could swear she was a perfect copy of Ram. The two exchanged a silent smile, a bond forged in shared experiences and unspoken affection.
Then two, no, three figures – Emilia, Subaru, and Puck – went out of the carriage, making her heart freeze again.
Subaru's eyes widened, his gaze sweeping over the imposing structure. "That mansion is absurdly big!" he exclaimed, momentarily forgetting his weariness. He then turned to Rem, his expression shifting from awe to surprise. "Also… whoa, you look just like Ram-chi!"
Rem remained silent, her gaze locked on Subaru, a myriad of emotions swirling behind her detached facade.
Suddenly, Puck shot himself toward the little blonde girl, Beatrice. "Betty! Please! I dispelled the curse, but her wounds..."
Beatrice's expression softened at Puck's plea, a touch of genuine concern replacing her usual impassive demeanor. "Of course!" she chirped, her tone reassuring. "Don't worry, Bubby, I'll take care of the girl, just like you asked. in fact."
"It seems that Puck-sama was the one calling out Beatrice-sama. I understand now why she was waiting for them with me." mused Rem to herself.
Beatrice walked gracefully towards Emilia, who stood slightly pale from their recent ordeal. A soft glow emanated from her fingertips, bathing Emilia in a soothing warmth.
"It's not that big of a deal," Emilia murmured, brushing aside Beatrice's concern with a gentle smile. "You shouldn't have bothered Beatrice for this."
Beatrice : "Hmph! Stay calm and let me heal you properly. Your healing skills are regular, I shall heal you to a perfect state, I suppose. Of course, it won't be free, I suppose."
Subaru : "You even have a drill-loli here?! Nice to meet you guys!"
He striked his extravagant signature pose, and added "I'm Natsuki Subaru, otherworldly clueless and penniless!"
His flamboyant introduction was met with silence from Rem and Beatrice, their expressions betraying their utter lack of amusement.
Ram sighed, shaking her head as she addressed Subaru. "I assume you're really dedicated to giving anyone such a shameful first impression of yourself. You truly are beyond saving, Barusu."
Subaru sputtered indignantly. "Gah! I'm bullied by one and ignored by the others!" he lamented, throwing his hands up in mock despair.
Emilia, ever the kind soul, intervened with a gentle smile. "I had a lot of trouble at the capital… but that's when he helped me out. I owe him my life, and a lot of other things."
Subaru's eyes widened as Emilia praised him, his entire demeanor shifting to one of exaggerated gratitude. "Emilia-tan, you are melting my heart. EMT!" he declared, clutching at his chest dramatically.
Emilia chuckled softly. "He's… well, a bit peculiar, but he's a good boy!" she said with a fond smile.
"Is that so?" Rem inquired, her voice laced with polite curiosity.
At her vague explanation, Rem shot a glance at the person next to her— her pink haired twin sister who bore an uncanny resemblance to herself.
Ram met Rem's gaze with a silent nod, shook her head before turning back to Emilia. "Emilia-sama could answer you better. It's something that happened while Emilia-sama and I were separated."
Rem : "Separated…? I thought you were with Emilia-sama to escort her…"
"It was to encourage Emilia-sama to be independent and have a strong sense of responsibility," she explained, as if stating the obvious.
A spark of admiration lit up Rem's eyes. "As expected of Nee-sama… I'm very impressed."
Emilia couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange between her two guardians. "You two really do get along reeeally well!"
Subaru : "Frankly, it just looks like an excuse."
He then winked conspiratorially at Ram, offering a thumbs-up. "Don't worry, you can always learn from your mistakes for your next escort mission!"
Ram's response was swift and sharp, her eyes flashing with irritation. "If my methods are so flawed, perhaps your illiterate mind should offer some helpful suggestions, Barusu," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Emilia burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. "S–Stop please! Don't make me laugh too much!"
Subaru seized the moment. "Your laughter is a divine melody! Isn't it, Puck?" he exclaimed, beaming at the cat familiar who sat perched on Emilia's shoulder.
The cat stayed silent for a beat, before answering : "Y–Yes! Lia's laughter is the world's best!"
Rem, observing the interaction between Emilia and Subaru, voiced her theory quietly. "This boy must be someone you met while being separated from Nee-sama."
Emilia nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Yes. I want to offer him hospitality for his help," she said warmly. "Where's Roswaal? I have to report what happened to him."
Ram, ever the practical one, offered her approval with a curt nod. "A wise decision, Emilia-sama."
Rem held herself with an almost unnatural composure, her usual placidity masking a storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface.
Every time Subaru met her gaze, a surge of rage threatened to overwhelm her, forcing her to clench her fists and bite back a retort.
The only ones oblivious to her hostility was Emilia and Subaru himself.
Rem fought a losing battle against the rising tide of fury within her, fueled by three factors.
The first was an unmistakable scent clinging to Subaru.
A cloying miasma, akin to something rotten and corrupt. Every individual she had encountered who possessed this peculiar aura turned out to be affiliated with the Witch Cult, devoted followers of the infamous Witch of Envy who orchestrated unspeakable atrocities in her name.
The massacre of Rem's own village was a haunting memory etched deep within her soul, a brutal reminder of the horror the Witch's cult was capable of inflicting.
The second source of her anger stemmed from a shared bond with her sister, Ram.
Through their unique synesthesia, the twins could sense each other's emotions and fleeting thoughts with unnerving clarity. Earlier that day, Rem had felt a sharp spike of fear and distress emanating from Ram during her encounter with the pack of wolgarms.
This irrational blame directed at Subaru further ignited Rem's ire.
And then there was the unexpected, a revelation so jarring it sent shivers down her spine.
"Is it that man's fault? Emilia-sama… why does she have the witch's scent?"
== END OF CHAPTER 7 ==
Author's Notes :
Finally finished planning Arc2 (and arc3 too), we'll satisfy our morbid curiosity with this one.
Frankly, all of the arcs are nice, but I think I liked Arc 2 less than the others – yeah, when I was a rookie, dumb, battle-hungry weeb... everyone had that phase, right?
I'm not fully satisfied with this chapter, but I reeeally did my best. Hey, no one can be at peak performance all the time...
Happy Birthday RAM & REM ! 02/02 !
Raaaammm! Come out of the mansion, Felt won't jump you! (She pisses me off, just like my big sis - I love them but damn…)
Disclaimer : I don't own ReZero, aight? Aight.