Subaru's vision blurred as the dim light of the grand dining hall returned. She blinked hard, her trembling hands gripping the edges of the table before her. Across from her, Emilia-tan smiled softly, placing a game piece onto the board between them.
"Your turn, Subaru," Emilia said, her tone light and cheerful.
Subaru stared at her, unable to speak. Her mind raced, a whirlwind of confusion and dread crashing over her. She was alive. Again.
Her eyes darted toward the entrance to the dining hall. The ornate door stood untouched, the faint sound of wind rustling through the nearby windows. Everything was as it had been before.
But she knew better.
"Subaru?" Emilia tilted her head, concern flickering in her violet eyes. "Are you okay? You've been staring at the board for a while."
Subaru forced a weak smile, trying to keep her voice steady. "Y-Yeah. Just...thinking."
Her hand shook as she moved a piece on the board, her chest tightening. She glanced down at her lap, her legs—whole and uninjured—mocked her with their normalcy. She could still feel the phantom pain, the memory of her severed limbs burning vividly in her mind.
Rem.
She was going to kill her.
Subaru's stomach churned at the thought. But why?
The memory of Rem's cold, hateful voice echoed in her ears. "You're a witch, brainwashing everyone around you. I hate you."
Subaru's gaze darted toward the corner of the room where Rem had stood earlier, silent and polite as always. This time, her absence loomed like a dark shadow over the space.
What could she do?
Could she tell Emilia-tan? Ask for her help?
No.
Subaru clenched her fists under the table, her nails digging into her palms. She couldn't ask anyone for help. Who would believe her?
"Emilia-tan," she imagined herself saying, "Rem is going to try to kill me because she thinks I'm a witch."
The absurdity of it made her stomach twist. How could she explain it without revealing Return by Death? The moment she tried, that invisible hand would clamp down on her heart, silencing her.
Her breath hitched. Her heartbeat quickened, drowning out the faint sound of Emilia humming softly across the table.
She was alone in this.
"Subaru, are you sure you're alright?" Emilia's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts.
Subaru snapped her head up, forcing another shaky smile. "Y-Yeah, totally! Just a little tired, that's all."
Emilia's brows furrowed. "You've been acting strange all evening. If something's wrong, you can tell me."
Subaru hesitated, her mind screaming for her to say something—anything—but no words came. She shook her head. "I'm fine. Really."
Emilia didn't look convinced, but she nodded. "Okay. If you're sure."
The game continued, but Subaru's thoughts remained elsewhere.
What could she do?
She couldn't avoid Rem forever; that much was clear. But confronting her was just as dangerous. How could she possibly defend herself against someone like her? Rem was fast, strong, and deadly.
Subaru bit her lip, her hands tightening into fists. She needed a plan, but nothing came to mind.
The door creaked open, and Subaru's heart jumped into her throat.
A figure stepped into the room, their soft footsteps echoing faintly.
It was Rem.
Her calm, emotionless demeanor betrayed nothing as she approached the table. She carried a tray of tea and desserts, setting it down between Subaru and Emilia with practiced grace.
Subaru's eyes locked onto her, her body tensing. She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears as she watched the blue-haired maid move with precision and poise.
Rem glanced at her, her gaze lingering for just a moment too long. Subaru's stomach dropped.
Was it a normal look? Or was there something darker behind it?
"Thank you, Rem," Emilia said, oblivious to Subaru's rising panic.
"It is my pleasure, Emilia-sama," Rem replied softly, bowing slightly before stepping back into her usual position by the wall.
Subaru's hands trembled under the table.
She needed to figure this out—fast. Rem wasn't just going to wait forever. When the time came, she'd strike without hesitation.
The question was, how could Subaru stop it?
Her eyes flickered toward the tea on the table, the steam curling lazily into the air. She clenched her teeth.
She couldn't let her guard down.
Not for a second.
Subaru paced the halls of the manor, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. The polished floors and high ceilings seemed to echo her unease as she made her way to Rosewall's study. She needed to talk to him. If anyone could do something about Rem, it was Ros-chi—or at least, that's what she hoped.
She pushed the heavy door open, finding Rosewall seated at his desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and the flicker of candlelight. His usual eccentric demeanor was dulled, his posture slumped, and there was a tiredness in his mismatched eyes that Subaru hadn't seen before.
"Ros-chi," Subaru started, trying to sound casual. "Got a minute?"
Rosewall looked up slowly, his usual broad smile replaced by a faint, weary one. "For you, maaaaster, always. What brings you here at this hour?"
Subaru hesitated, then leaned against the desk, keeping her tone light. "Well, let's just say… I've been feeling a bit unsafe lately."
Rosewall tilted his head, his gaze sharpening slightly. "Unsafe? Why, pray tell?"
Subaru swallowed hard. "You know… hypothetically… if someone in this mansion didn't like me. Like, really didn't like me. What would you do about it?"
Rosewall's smile wavered, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. "Hypothetically?"
"Yeah, hypothetically." Subaru tried to keep her voice steady.
Rosewall leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "If such a scenario were to arise, I would, of course, take measures to protect you. But..." His voice trailed off, his gaze dropping to the desk.
"But what?" Subaru pressed, her heart pounding.
Rosewall sighed, looking more downcast than ever. "Some conflicts... cannot be resolved so easily. And sometimes, they must simply run their course."
Subaru's stomach dropped. "Run their course? What does that even mean?"
Rosewall didn't answer. Instead, he looked away, his expression distant and heavy.
Subaru clenched her fists. "Ros-chi, come on. This is serious."
He didn't respond, and Subaru realized she wasn't going to get anything more out of him. Frustrated, she left the study, her unease only growing.
Y—Y
Betty was still in the library, her small frame hunched over a desk, muttering to herself as she scribbled on a piece of parchment. Subaru peeked inside, hoping for a distraction or maybe even some advice.
"Betty," Subaru called out.
Betty didn't even look up. "Mother, I'm busy, I suppose. This equation isn't going to solve itself."
Subaru sighed. "Right, because it can't solve itself."
Betty waved a hand dismissively, clearly uninterested in Subaru's problems.
Y—Y
Next, she found Ram, carrying a tray of tea in her usual stoic manner. Subaru tried to approach her, but the pink-haired maid barely gave her a glance.
"What do you want, Echidna-sama?" Ram said flatly, not even slowing her pace.
Subaru sighed, knowing she wouldn't get anywhere with her. "Never mind."
Y—Y
That left only one option.
Subaru took a deep breath as she made her way toward Emilia's room. Her palms were sweaty, and her nerves were frayed, but she forced herself to knock on the door.
"Come in!" Emilia's cheerful voice called from inside.
Subaru opened the door cautiously, finding Emilia seated on her bed, brushing her silver hair. She looked up with a bright smile. "Subaru! What brings you here?"
Subaru hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "Emilia-tan! Can I sleep with you today?"
Emilia blinked, her brush pausing mid-stroke. "Huh?"
Subaru waved her hands frantically. "Don't ask why, just say yes!"
Emilia looked confused but nodded slowly. "Um… sure?"
"Yes!" Subaru clenched her fists in triumph.
Emilia tilted her head, smiling nervously. "Y-yes!"
Subaru flopped onto the edge of the bed, exhaling deeply. She still didn't know what she was going to do about Rem, but at least tonight, she wouldn't be alone.
Y—Y
Rem's grip on her morningstar tightened as she approached the Witch's room. The cold steel of her weapon gleamed faintly in the moonlight that filtered through the manor's windows. Her footsteps were silent, her resolve unwavering. Tonight, justice would be served.
Her blue hair swayed as she walked, memories flashing in her mind. The screams of her people. The blood on the hands of the Witch Cult. The agony of seeing Nee-sama's horn ripped away, her strength stolen.
And now, this woman, this thing, tainted with a potent witch's miasma, had ensnared Rosewall-sama, Beatrice-sama, and even Emilia-sama. They were under her spell—how else could they be so blind to the danger she posed?
No more.
The door to Echidna's room loomed before her. Rem took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. Her fingers wrapped tighter around the morningstar as she reached for the handle. The faint creak of the door opening echoed through the corridor.
Her eyes scanned the dimly lit room, searching for the figure she despised. The large bed sat at the center, its ornate frame casting shadows across the room. The covers were messy, as if someone had been there moments ago.
But the bed was empty.
Rem froze, her breath hitching. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stepped closer, inspecting the sheets. They were still warm.
"Where…?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
The room was eerily quiet. No sign of struggle, no sign of escape. It was as if the witch had vanished into thin air.
Panic and fury surged through her. She clenched her teeth, her gaze darting around the room. This wasn't right. Where could she have gone?
Rem turned on her heel, her steps no longer cautious as she moved through the manor, checking every corner, every possible hiding spot. The kitchen, the library, even the gardens—nothing.
The thought of the witch slipping away made her stomach churn. Had she underestimated her?
Finally, she reached Emilia-sama's quarters. The door was slightly ajar, and a faint light spilled into the hallway. Rem hesitated, then peeked inside.
Her heart stopped.
There, on Emilia-sama's bed, lay her. The witch. Subaru—or Echidna, as she truly was—curled up beside Emilia-sama, hugging her so innocently as if she had not a care in the world.
Emilia's silver hair shimmered under the faint moonlight, and her serene expression was a stark contrast to the venomous thoughts swirling in Rem's mind.
Rem clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Her morningstar felt heavier now, but not from doubt. No, this was rage. That cunning witch had wormed her way into Emilia-sama's trust so deeply that she was allowed to sleep beside her, unguarded, unchallenged.
Rem's teeth ground together as she turned away from the sight, her footsteps heavy as she left the room. Her mind was a storm of anger and frustration. This wasn't over. Not yet.
She gently closed the door behind her, the faint click reverberating in the silent hallway.
Behind her, Subaru—still curled up against Emilia—slowly opened her eyes, her coal-black gaze catching the silhouette of the maid as she disappeared into the shadows.
Subaru's lips curved into a faint smirk, but it didn't reach her eyes. She had sensed Rem's presence long before she'd entered the room. The weight of her gaze, the malice radiating off her—it was impossible to ignore.
As she stared at the closed door, Subaru's smirk faded. She sighed softly, pulling the blanket up to her chin and snuggling closer to Emilia for warmth.
"Guess I'm not getting much sleep tonight either," she muttered under her breath, her heart pounding against her ribs.
Y—Y
The morning sun crept through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm glow. Emilia slowly stirred awake, her amethyst eyes blinking sleepily as she adjusted to the light. She turned her head, expecting to see Subaru up and full of energy, but instead…
The sight that greeted her made her pause.
Subaru lay sprawled across the bed, hugging the pillow tightly as if it were a lifeline. A faint trail of saliva dripped from the corner of her mouth, glistening against her cheek. Her hands, to Emilia's confusion and slight embarrassment, were cupping her own chest.
"Sushi… Mmm… moooore sushi…" Subaru muttered in her sleep, her voice soft and dreamy.
Emilia tilted her head, unsure whether to laugh or be concerned. After a moment of internal debate, she decided to gently nudge Subaru awake.
"Subaru?" she called softly, shaking her shoulder.
"Mmm… five more minutes…" Subaru mumbled, tightening her grip on the pillow.
"Subaru!" Emilia said more firmly, her voice laced with amusement.
Subaru's eyes shot open, and she sat up abruptly, her hair a disheveled mess. "Huh?! What?! I wasn't drooling or talking in my sleep, I swear!"
Emilia couldn't suppress a giggle. "Good morning, Subaru. Did you… dream about sushi?"
Realizing what she had said and how she'd been sleeping, Subaru's face turned beet red. "I-I… that was just… um… a strategy meeting in my head! Yeah, very important!"
Emilia laughed again, her soft voice filling the room. "You're so silly sometimes, Subaru."
Subaru sighed, burying her face in her hands. "Kill me now…" she muttered, though there was a small smile tugging at her lips.
Y—Y
Downstairs, Beatrice was still at the table in the library, staring at the Euclidean equation Subaru had given her the day before. Her small fingers drummed against the wood, frustration evident in her puffed cheeks and furrowed brows.
"Stupid equation… I suppose it has to have a solution somewhere!" she grumbled.
Subaru, freshly dressed in her signature tracksuit, entered the library. She immediately spotted Beatrice and sighed. "Betty, you're still at it?"
The spirit turned to her mother with a huff. "Of course, I am! I'll show you I'm smarter than you think, I suppose!"
Subaru shook her head, walking over to gently pat Beatrice's head. "Betty, this equation is unsolvable."
Beatrice blinked, stunned. "Unsolvable? You mean you gave me something with no answer on purpose?!"
"I didn't think you'd spend the whole night on it! I'm sorry, okay? Let's take a break. Come have breakfast with me," Subaru said, pulling the paper away and crumpling it.
Beatrice crossed her arms but eventually relented, her lips curling into a soft pout. "Fine, but only because you asked so nicely, I suppose…"
Y—Y
The dining room was quiet save for the clinking of silverware. Subaru sat at one end of the table, feeling the weight of Rem's gaze burning into her from across the room. She avoided looking at the blue-haired maid, knowing full well what lay behind those cold eyes.
Beside her, Beatrice was happily munching on her breakfast, swinging her legs beneath her chair. Every so often, she glanced at Subaru, a soft smile gracing her lips.
Subaru gulped, trying to break the tense atmosphere. "So… Betty, I've decided you'll spend the whole day with me today."
Beatrice's eyes lit up like stars. "Really?! You mean it, Mother?!"
"Yeah, we'll do whatever you want. Consider it an apology for the whole unsolvable equation thing."
Beatrice clapped her hands together, practically glowing with excitement. "This is the best day ever, I suppose!"
Across the table, Puck floated lazily beside Emilia, his tail swishing. He narrowed his eyes at the little spirit. "Betty, you've been spending so much time with her lately. You're not even talking to me anymore."
Beatrice stuck out her tongue at him. "You're free to join us if you want, I suppose. But Mother is my priority."
"Mother this, Mother that…" Puck muttered, crossing his tiny arms.
Rosewall, seated at the head of the table, watched the exchange with a warm smile. His tired eyes softened as he took in the lively banter. For a moment, the anxieties and fears that weighed on him seemed to lift.
Subaru caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "What's with the goofy grin, Ros-chi? You look suspiciously happy."
Rosewall chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. "Oh, nothing at all, my dearest Master. I'm simply… enjoying the moment, I suppose."
Subaru gave him a wary look but decided not to press further. Instead, she turned her attention back to Beatrice, already planning how to make the day memorable for the little spirit.
Rosewall continued to watch, his smile never faltering, though the shadow in his heart grew heavier. The tome's warning echoed in his mind.
Y—Y
The library was quiet, the only sounds being the faint rustling of papers and Beatrice's smug voice as she waved her hands dramatically in the air. Subaru sat across from her, watching intently as the small spirit conjured a glowing barrier with effortless precision.
"See, Mother? This is how you create a proper shield, I suppose," Beatrice said, her tone dripping with pride. "A protective barrier like this is basic magic, so even if you've forgotten everything, surely you can manage this much!"
Subaru squinted at the shimmering golden shield, then crossed her arms. "You're so smug about it, Betty, but let's see if this 'amnesiac Mother' can pull it off."
Beatrice tilted her chin upward, her twintails bouncing. "Go on, then. Impress me, I suppose."
Taking a deep breath, Subaru closed her eyes and focused. She extended her hand, imagining the shield forming before her. The mana swirled around her fingertips, sparking lightly.
Beatrice blinked as the magic began to coalesce far quicker than she had anticipated. Within moments, a shield almost identical to hers hovered in front of Subaru's outstretched hand.
"There!" Subaru said, grinning. "How's that?"
Beatrice's jaw dropped slightly before she quickly schooled her expression, crossing her arms with a huff. "Well… I suppose it's decent for someone who's lost their memories. But don't think you can outdo me, Mother!"
Subaru chuckled. "Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Betty."
The spirit puffed her cheeks, but her eyes betrayed a hint of pride.
After a moment of silence, Subaru let the shield fade and leaned forward. "Hey, Betty… can I ask you something?"
Beatrice tilted her head, curious. "What is it, I suppose?"
"What was this… Echidna like? I mean, if I'm supposed to be her or whatever, I'd like to know what I'm being compared to."
At the mention of her mother, Beatrice's eyes sparkled. "Mother was the most amazing person, I suppose! She was brilliant, a genius beyond compare! She knew everything there was to know about magic, alchemy, and even the laws of the world! She was kind, understanding, and always so composed. Everyone respected her!"
Subaru leaned back slightly as Beatrice began to fan herself dramatically, a faint blush on her cheeks as she continued her fangirling.
"She was elegant and beautiful, and when she spoke, it was like listening to the sweetest melody, I suppose! Oh, and her tea-making skills! Divine! Utterly divine! She could—"
"Okay, okay, I get it," Subaru interrupted, waving her hands. "She sounds like she was pretty awesome."
"Pretty awesome?!" Beatrice huffed, crossing her arms. "Mother was the pinnacle of perfection, I suppose! You should strive to reclaim even a fraction of her greatness!"
Subaru sighed, resting her chin in her hand. "Well, I'll do my best. But seriously, she sounds a little too perfect. I bet she had some quirks, right?"
Beatrice's face softened, her usual sharp demeanor giving way to a rare moment of vulnerability. "Perhaps… she had her moments, I suppose. But to me, she was always the best."
Subaru smiled at that, her heart warming slightly.
After a brief pause, Subaru leaned forward again, lowering her voice. "Betty… what's the deal with Rem? Does she have something against Echidna? Or witches in general?"
Beatrice's cheerful expression darkened slightly, and she looked away. "Rem doesn't hate Mother, I suppose. But she… does despise witches and anything associated with them."
Subaru frowned. "Why? What happened?"
Beatrice hesitated for a moment before sighing. "The Witch Cult, I suppose. They attacked her village when she and her sister were just children. They killed everyone."
Subaru's eyes widened. "Everyone?"
Beatrice nodded solemnly. "Her parents, her neighbors, her entire clan, I suppose. They even… they even cut off Ram's horn, the source of her power as an oni. Rem has hated the Witch Cult ever since."
Subaru felt a chill run down her spine. "That's… horrible."
"It is," Beatrice agreed. "But Mother had nothing to do with the Witch Cult, I suppose. Rem is simply blinded by her hatred. She can't separate her pain from what's in front of her."
Subaru bit her lip, her mind racing. "So she sees me—well, Echidna—as part of the Witch Cult?"
Beatrice shrugged. "Perhaps. Or perhaps she simply sees the witch miasma around you and assumes the worst, I suppose. Either way, you'll have to be careful around her."
Subaru nodded, her hands clenching into fists. "Thanks, Betty. I'll figure something out."
Beatrice reached out, placing a small hand on Subaru's arm. "Just… be careful, Mother. I don't want to lose you again, I suppose."
Subaru smiled, placing her hand over Beatrice's. "Don't worry, Betty. I'm not planning on going anywhere."
Y—Y
Subaru stood before Rosewall in his grand study, arms crossed and a determined expression on her face. She'd spent the morning wrangling answers from Beatrice, enduring Betty's fangirling and cryptic warnings about Rem. But now, it was time to act on her next plan.
"Ros-chi," she began, flipping her long white hair dramatically over her shoulder, the strands shimmering in the light of the room. "I believe we had a deal, didn't we? You promised to teach me magic."
Rosewall, seated at his desk surrounded by stacks of papers, looked up at her, his eyes sparkling with interest. For a moment, he simply stared, mesmerized by the way her hair glinted like moonlight. Then, with an exaggerated clap of his hands, he grinned.
"Oh my, oh my, what an honor it is to witness Master's confidence in her divine form! Truly, such radiance is unmatched!"
Subaru waved a dismissive hand, her cheeks heating slightly. "Cut it out with the flattery. Just keep your end of the bargain, okay? Teach me something cool. Something practical."
Rosewall stood, his movements fluid and theatrical as always. "Of course, of course! I wouldn't dream of disappointing you, my dear maaaaster." He gestured for her to follow him, leading her to an open space in the study where a single, faint scorch mark marred the floor.
He turned to her, his expression serious. "Today, I shall teach you Goa, the advanced form of a basic fire spell. It's one of my favorites, if I do say so myself. Simple, elegant, and oh-so-deadly when used properly."
Subaru tilted her head. "Fire magic, huh? Sounds flashy."
Rosewall chuckled. "Flashy, indeed. But also powerful. Now, watch closely, maaaaster. I'll demonstrate."
He extended a hand, his fingers curling slightly as he began to chant softly. A warm, crackling energy filled the air as a sphere of flame materialized in his palm, growing larger and brighter with each passing second. The fireball hovered there, pulsating with heat and power, before Rosewall flicked his wrist, sending it hurtling toward the far wall. It exploded in a burst of light, leaving a new scorch mark beside the old one.
"See? Simple enough, isn't it?" Rosewall said, turning back to Subaru with a smug grin.
Subaru stared at the aftermath, her eyes wide. "Whoa. That's… actually really cool."
He clasped his hands together, practically bouncing on his heels. "Oh, my dear maaaaster, I knew you would appreciate it! Now, it's your turn. Give it a try."
Subaru took a deep breath, stepping forward to stand where Rosewall had been. She extended her hand, mimicking his posture, and focused on the swirling mana within her.
"Okay, okay, I can do this," she muttered to herself. "Just picture the fireball, concentrate on the energy, and…"
She began to chant, her voice shaky at first but growing steadier as she felt the mana respond. A flicker of flame appeared in her palm, small and unstable.
"Good, good!" Rosewall encouraged, his tone enthusiastic. "Now feed it, maaaaster. Pour your will into it!"
Subaru gritted her teeth, focusing harder. The flame grew, stabilizing into a small but steady fireball. Her heart raced with excitement as she held it there, feeling its warmth against her skin.
"Hey, I did it!" she exclaimed, grinning at Rosewall.
"Marvelous, maaaaster! Absolutely marvelous!" Rosewall clapped his hands together, his eyes gleaming with pride.
Emboldened by his praise, Subaru decided to take it a step further. She flicked her wrist, attempting to launch the fireball toward the wall like Rosewall had.
Unfortunately, her aim was less than perfect. The fireball veered wildly off course, narrowly missing a stack of books and instead hitting a nearby table, which promptly burst into flames.
"Ah!" Subaru yelped, panicking as the fire spread. "Oh no, oh no! Put it out! Put it out!"
Rosewall laughed, waving his hand to extinguish the flames with a gust of wind magic. "Oh, maaaaster, your enthusiasm is truly delightful! Perhaps we should work on your control next, hmm?"
Subaru sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah, that's probably a good idea."
Still, despite the minor disaster, she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. She had done it. She had cast her first real spell.
Rosewall placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression uncharacteristically soft. "You truly are remarkable, maaaaster. To learn so quickly… it's almost as if magic itself remembers you."
Subaru glanced at him, her smile faltering slightly. "Yeah… maybe."
But as she looked into his eyes, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something. Something important.
For now, though, she let it go. She had bigger problems to worry about—like a certain blue-haired maid with a morningstar.
Y—Y
Subaru spent the entirety of the next day glued to Beatrice like a lifeline, refusing to let the Great Spirit out of her sight. She wasn't about to take any chances—not with Rem lurking around every corner, her icy gaze cutting through Subaru like a guillotine. It wasn't paranoia; it was self-preservation. Every time Rem's piercing blue eyes found her, Subaru felt her stomach churn. The memory of her severed legs and the morningstar's crushing weight on her body was still fresh, even if no one else remembered it.
"Mother, you're squeezing my hand, I suppose," Beatrice said, her delicate fingers trapped in Subaru's white-knuckled grip.
"Sorry, Betty," Subaru mumbled, loosening her hold just enough to let Beatrice wiggle her fingers free. "I just… feel safer when you're close, y'know?"
Beatrice raised an eyebrow, a knowing look crossing her face. "You're acting strange, I suppose. Is there something you're not telling Betty?"
Subaru hesitated, her eyes darting around the room. "It's nothing. Just… you know, this place can be kinda creepy sometimes."
Beatrice sighed, folding her arms. "If you say so, Mother. But you're being ridiculous, I suppose. No one would dare harm you with Betty around."
Subaru forced a smile, but the knot in her stomach didn't loosen. She wasn't just scared of being attacked—she was scared of being alone, vulnerable, without anyone to protect her.
Rem, for her part, seemed to be everywhere Subaru went. Whether she was serving tea, cleaning the hallways, or simply passing by, the blue-haired maid was an omnipresent specter. Subaru avoided making eye contact, but she could feel the weight of Rem's stare on her back, heavy and suffocating.
Ram, on the other hand, was a different kind of nightmare. While not physically threatening like her sister, Ram had a sharp tongue and a seemingly endless reservoir of smugness.
"My, my, Echidna-sama," Ram said one afternoon, her voice dripping with mockery. "I didn't know the great Witch of Greed was afraid of something."
Subaru flinched at the sound of her title, turning to face Ram with an awkward smile. "Haha, what? Me? Afraid? Don't be ridiculous!"
Ram smirked, leaning closer. "You cling to Beatrice-sama like a child clings to their blanket. It's almost endearing, in a pathetic sort of way."
Subaru bristled, her cheeks flushing. "I'm just spending quality time with Betty! That's all!"
"Of course," Ram said, her tone laced with sarcasm. "And avoiding Rem entirely is just a coincidence, I suppose?"
Subaru opened her mouth to retort, but no words came out. Ram's smirk widened, and she gave a mock bow before walking away, leaving Subaru fuming.
"That woman," Subaru muttered under her breath. "I swear, she enjoys this too much."
"Ram can be insufferable, I suppose," Beatrice said, patting Subaru's arm reassuringly. "But you shouldn't let her get to you, Mother."
"Easier said than done," Subaru grumbled.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of anxiety and paranoia. Subaru refused to accept anything Rem handed her, even going so far as to reject tea and snacks if Rem had been the one to prepare them. She didn't trust anything that came from the blue-haired maid—not after what she'd been through.
"Subaru," Emilia said at one point, her brow furrowed with concern. "Are you okay? You've been acting… strange lately."
"I'm fine, Emilia-tan!" Subaru said, plastering on a wide, fake grin. "Totally fine! Nothing to worry about!"
Emilia didn't look convinced, but she let it go, much to Subaru's relief.
As night fell, Subaru found herself clinging to Beatrice even more tightly, refusing to leave her side. When bedtime finally rolled around, she hesitated outside her room, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Mother," Beatrice said, tugging on Subaru's sleeve. "You can't avoid your room forever, I suppose. Betty will protect you if you're scared."
Subaru glanced down at the little spirit, her heart aching. She wanted to believe Beatrice's words, but she couldn't shake the fear gnawing at her. What if Rem came for her again? What if she didn't wake up this time?
"Thanks, Betty," Subaru said softly, forcing a smile. "I'll be fine. I just need to… rest."
Beatrice looked unconvinced, but she nodded anyway. "Good night, Mother. Don't hesitate to call for Betty if you need her, I suppose."
"Good night, Betty," Subaru said, watching as the spirit floated away.
She stepped into her room, her heart hammering in her chest. Closing the door behind her, she leaned against it, taking deep breaths to calm herself.
"I can do this," she whispered to herself. "It's just one night. I'll be fine. Everything will be fine."
But as she crawled into bed, clutching the blanket tightly around her, she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. The memory of Rem's cold gaze haunted her, and every creak and rustle in the dark sent her heart racing.
"Just one night," she repeated to herself, closing her eyes and praying for morning to come quickly.
Y—Y
The room was dark, lit only by the faint glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains. Subaru lay in bed, her breathing shallow and her muscles tense. Her heart pounded against her ribs, every nerve on edge.
She had prepared for this moment.
When the door creaked open, Subaru didn't waste a second. She whispered the incantation under her breath, and icy chains shot out from the shadows, wrapping tightly around the figure in the doorway.
"Gotcha!" Subaru shouted, throwing the blanket aside as she leapt out of bed.
The moonlight illuminated Rem's face, her expression frozen in shock as the magical ice bound her arms and legs.
"Not so tough now, are you?" Subaru smirked, her voice trembling with adrenaline. "You thought you could sneak in here and kill me again? Think again, blue demon!"
Rem struggled against the ice, her eyes narrowing in fury. Her lips moved, but no sound came out as the frost bit into her skin.
Subaru raised her hand, summoning a glowing orb of fire. "I've been practicing, you know! You're not dealing with the same Subaru as before. Say goodbye!"
With a flick of her wrist, she hurled the fireball straight at Rem. The explosion of heat and light was blinding, and Subaru shielded her eyes as the room lit up like a festival bonfire.
When the light faded, Subaru opened her eyes, a triumphant grin on her face. "Hah! I—"
The words died in her throat.
Through the smoke and embers, Rem's charred body stood unnaturally upright, her head tilted at an impossible angle. Her mouth opened, and an inhuman growl escaped her lips.
"What the hell…?" Subaru took a step back, her confidence evaporating.
Rem's corpse moved. It lurched forward, dragging the icy chains with her as if they were nothing more than cobwebs.
"No, no, no, no!" Subaru screamed, scrambling back.
Rem's morningstar swung through the air with terrifying speed. Subaru barely had time to process it before she felt the impact.
Her world spun. She saw her own white hair fluttering like a flag as her head separated from her body.
And then…
Nothing.
Subaru woke up with a start, her body drenched in sweat. Her chest heaved as she gasped for air, her hands clutching at the bedsheets.
She frantically touched her neck, her head, her face. Everything was intact.
"It… it was just a dream," she whispered, her voice shaky.
But something felt wrong.
Her eyes darted around the room, her ears straining to catch any sound. It was eerily quiet, too quiet.
Just as she began to relax, she heard it—a faint click.
The sound of the door opening.
Her blood ran cold.
"She's here…"
Y—Y
Author Note:
So, I took the admission test and yeah, I passed... but man, it wasn't enough. There were a ton of people who absolutely crushed it—scored way higher than me.
Guess that means no stethoscope hanging around my neck, no white coat dreams coming true. Not gonna lie, I'm not exactly sad… more like stuck in this heavy, depressing haze, y'know? Maybe that's why my recent updates have been kinda… meh? Feels like I'm running on empty.
But hey, life doesn't stop, right? Gotta figure out a new path. I'm a dreamer, after all—I'm built to keep moving forward, no matter how many times I stumble.
By the way, who wants AN UNTHINKABLE PRESENT for the last loop?
Drop your thoughts in the review section if you feel like it. Seriously, your words mean the world to me. They keep me going, writing faster, better, and with more heart.
Till next time!