Chapter 24: I Ship It

Today was the fourth day of the current loop. Waking up, YN dawned his work clothes after getting ready and went to leave his room. Just as he went to turn the knob to let himself out, he turned his head and looked at the window of his room.

Huh, I must have woken up somewhat later than I normally do.

The light outside his room was lighter than it normally was when he departed his room for work. Although, it was still very early nonetheless.

Reaching the foyer, YN put on his work shoes, and recounted what Ram had tasked him with for his duties for today.

In addition to the normal daily tasks like sweeping, I have to... trim the short trees next to the lawn, scrub the pathway that wraps around the north half of the mansion, edge around the front gate and fence... and there was one other thing...

Opening the door that led to the back patio of the mansion, YN was given a greeting he did not expect.

Rem: Good morning, YN-kun!

Halfway stunned, halfway speechless, YN blinked in response to the Surprise-Rem that had appeared and called to him, standing in the fountain that laid between the back lawn and the patio.

The fountain, however, was not running, and was mostly drained of its water, but there Rem stood, shoes off, scrubbing broom in hand, upturned as she called and waved to YN.

Seeing her only reminded him of the last task Ram had given him. Scrub the fountain clean.

Waving back to her, YN made his way over to the blue haired maid, curious as to why she was performing his task.

YN: Rem, what spurred this? Aren't you busy today too?

Stopping her scrubbing once more, Rem smiled and explained.

Rem: Rem is helping YN-kun because of how much he helped Rem yesterday.

YN: You mean with Subaru?

Nodding at YN's answer, he sighed.

YN: No one would expect you to have to deal with Subaru acting like that, alone. It's really no big deal, Rem.

Now shaking her head at YN, Rem replied.

Rem: No, being the maid Rem is expected to be, Rem should have been able to better handle dealing with Subaru-kun.

Bowing, Rem continued.

Rem: Please, allow Rem to repay YN-kun for his help even after his tasks were complete.

YN: Jeez Rem... *Sigh* I guess I can't say no to you on this. But.

Lifting her posture back up, Rem tilted her head in question.

YN: I'm helping you, help me. We'll do it together.

Smiling with brightness only outdone by the morning sun that was rising, Rem nodded in agreement with YN.

Grabbing another scrubber from the pile of tools Rem had set out for the fountain cleaning, the two set to scrubbing all the green out of the fountain.

After a few hours, the two had the fountain as clean as could be.

Stepping out, YN turned to Rem, also ready to step out of the fountain. Extending his hand to Rem, she grasped it. Stepping up, out, and down, Rem looked like a princess being helped out of carriage by the driver.

Both of them turned back to face the fountain, admiring their work.

YN: This looks way better now.

Rem: It does, indeed.

YN: Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

Shaking her head, Rem responded.

Rem: No no, this is Rem repaying her debt.

Turning towards Rem, YN replied.

YN: There doesn't need to be any debt though. We can just help each other out, right? That's what—

Stopping himself, YN had meant to say "That's what friends are for." but he had thought against saying that.

"Friend"? That might not be the best choice of words. She might imply that I don't feel very strongly for her. Or maybe might think it's too strong of a word. "Co-worker" might work? No... she might really imply I don't have any emotions towards her then.

His mind raced in the single second of silence that had passed.

Mid sentence, he had stopped, leaving Rem waiting for the rest.

Two seconds now. Rem tilted her head in curiosity to the silence between them.

Think think think! C'mon!

Wracking his mind for an appropriate word, the third second was creeping ever close.

Just as he was about to give up, and before three seconds, Rem completed his sentence better than he could have ever hoped to.

Rem: —That's what people who rely on each other do.

Hearing her complete his sentence, YN's chest calmed, the word was chosen, and it couldn't have been a better choice to convey meaning while not being too potent in its value. Letting the relaxation spread to his cheeks, YN smiled at the blue haired maid.

YN: Yeah. That exactly.

With the fountain cleaning complete, YN set out about his later tasks.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, he had finished his last task of cutting the grass by the mansion's main front gate and fence.

YN: If Rem hadn't helped me earlier with the fountain, there's no telling how much later I would have had this done.

The time was just after mid-day, normally much later then YN was out working until.

Gathering up his tools, YN put them away, and headed into the mansion for a late lunch.

YN: I probably missed the sit down, but hopefully Rem saved me something in the kitchen.

Stepping up the stairs to just enter through the front of the mansion, before YN reached the top most step, the doors to the mansion opened, almost automatically or awaiting his arrival.

In the opened door, stood the other three staff members of the mansion.

Subaru: YN! Geez we were looking all over for you! Where were you? We were about to leave without you!

Dumbstruck at the sudden arrival of everyone and the fact that he had apparently been missing, YN could only answer with an "Uhh."

Ram: We don't have time to stand here all day and watch you be slack jawed. We need to get to the village and back before dinner preparations need to be done.

Walking past YN, Ram descended down the stairs, and only stopped once YN asked his question.

YN: But wouldn't you know where I was? You're the only person who dictates what my tasks are for the day.

Ram: Yes, and we checked everywhere.

YN: Nobody ever came out to the front gate where I was cutting the grass...

Ram: And just how long were you out there for?

Scratching his head and thinking, YN came up with an answer.

YN: Probably the last hour and a half?

Taking her eyes off YN, they instead landed on Subaru.

Ram: Barasu.

Knowing almost instantly if he were in trouble, Subaru stood with his posture straight up.

Subaru: Y-yes, ma'am!

Ram: Did you actually go out to check for YN?

Averting his eyes and poking his fingers together nervously, Subaru answered.

Subaru: I might have just looked from the third story to see if I could see him.

Snorting, Ram turned around.

Ram: How unheeding. Your friend was out missing and that's the level of effort you put into searching?

Walking down the stairs, Ram continued on her way.

Following Ram down the stairs, Subaru chased up to her side, arms to his side, trying to justify his actions.

Subaru: Oh c'mon! We knew he was fine, and he was!

The two continued down there steps and down the walkway to the gate, bickering till out of direct earshot. YN gave a light laugh at the almost comedic scene that had unfolded. With only him and Rem left up on the front porch, Rem walked up next to YN.

In a soft voice, while still looking out over to her sister and Subaru, Rem apologized.

Rem: Rem is sorry for not looking harder. It was scary not being able to find YN-kun.

Looking downward, Rem continued.

Rem: Rem also didn't want to leave without YN-kun, but if we left any later it might have poorly impacted the rest of the day.

YN: Hey don't worry about it. I'm fine, aren't I?

Rem turned her gaze up to YN, who was smiling at her.

Rem: You're not... upset?

Shaking his head, YN answered.

YN: Not at all, Rem. I appreciate the sentiment though.

At his answer, Rem gave a sunbeam of a smile, her head tilting, letting her bangs show both of her eyes.

YN was speechless at the display of beauty before him, until a thought crossed his mind a second later.

YN: Oh. Uhh, Rem, where are we all going out to?

Leaving her head tilted, Rem continued to look at YN when he asked his question.

His heart always seemed to skip a beat when he saw both of her blue eyes open, seeing his reflection in them.

Rem: Subaru-kun asked to visit the village of Arlem if we needed ingredients, and Nee-sama agreed since he offered to carry them back.

Knowing the real reason for wanting to go to the village, YN was thankful that Subaru had handled that, giving him a sense of relief.

Halfway to the front gate, Subaru and Ram quit their bickering and noticed Rem and YN weren't with them. Turning around, both Ram and Subaru looked back at YN and Rem still standing at the top of the steps in front of the mansion's main front door.

Although out of earshot, the two could see they were having a pleasant conversation, Rem giggling at something with YN laughing.

They were both silent watching them, until Subaru spoke up, extending his arms out, making a camera frame out with his fingers, centered on the two up on the porch.

Subaru: Ya know, those two are pretty cute together, don't cha' think?

Ram was silent, prompting Subaru to look over to her.

Silent still, Ram's bangs swayed from the slight breeze. A blank expression hung on her face.

A moment later, Ram turned and continued walking to the front gate. Looking back to the mansion, Subaru saw the grounds keeper and the maid heading down the steps. Waiting up for them, they regrouped, and picked up Ram who was waiting at the front gate, allowing the four to walk together to the village.

The four walked their way down the road to the village of Arlem. Conversation was had between Rem, YN, and Subaru, with Ram interjecting with her snide comments towards Subaru.

Reaching the village, the four stood in the middle of the marketplace. Before the group could decide on how things were going to be, Subaru split off, seemingly dragged away by the village children to play with them.

Sighing as she saw Subaru playing games with the children, Ram gave an expression as if she had somehow expected this to happen.

Ram: It looks as if Barasu has decided on what he'll be doing for the duration of our visit.

Turning to face Rem and YN, Ram was silent for a moment, looking at the two. Tilting her head, Rem silently questioned her sister.

Rem: — ?

Ram: Given we're already short handed now on our shopping trip, why don't you two go enjoy yourselves? Ram will take care of the shopping.

Almost immediately, Rem protested this idea on the grounds that it placed the entire burden of the trip's task on her older sister.

Rem: Nee-sama. No, allow Rem to—

Putting a hand up to stop Rem, Ram cut her off.

Ram: Rem. It's okay. Give yourself a break today.

The two were speaking like they were having a sisterly conversion in front of YN as if he weren't right there.

Looking down, Rem raised her head back up, smiled, and nodded.

Rem: Rem will do as Nee-sama suggests.

Ram turned her gaze to YN, a blank expression on her face, not saying anything. A moment later, Ram turned around and began walking over to the market stalls. Waving, Rem called out as she walked away.

Rem: Rem and YN-kun will meet you back here once you're done!

Ram continued walking, somehow not acknowledging Rem, but also doing so at the same time.

The two were like that, YN guessed.

With Ram away, shopping, Rem turned to YN with a smile.

Rem: YN-kun's never been to Arlem before, right?

YN was hesitant for only a split second. He didn't want to lie to Rem, but at the same time, telling the truth was out of the question.

YN: Well, I think technically me and Subaru would have to have passed through here to get to the mansion, right?

Putting her hands on her hips, and puffing her cheeks out ever so slightly, but keeping most of her previous smile, Rem answered.

Rem: YN-kun knows what Rem means.

Dropping her hands, Rem's expression returned to a slightly excited one like before.

Rem: Well, it's Rem's duty as your senior to show you around.

The village wasn't the biggest, only taking YN and Rem a few minutes to fully tour it. The market was rather lively though, with traveling traders occupying a few stalls.

Towards the entrance of the market area to the main road leading out of the forest though, the villages ran a few food stands, of which the smell traveled across most of the market square.

Smelling the aroma of food, it immediately reminded Rem that YN hadn't eaten like her, Ram, and Subaru had before leaving.

Rem: Oh! YN-kun!

YN: Hmm?

Rem: Isn't YN-kun hungry? YN-kun been working so hard.

Turning around before YN could answer, Rem looked around at the lines at the food stalls across the lane from them.

Spotting one with no queue, Rem spun back around.

Rem: Let Rem go get YN-kun something—

YN: Rem.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, keeping her from running off, Rem turned back around again.

YN: Don't worry about me. I'm fine, honestly. I don't want to be a bother.

Giving him a worried look, Rem responded, shaking her head.

Rem: But YN-kun isn't a bother at all.

YN: I appreciate your offer Rem, but really, I'm fine.

Nodding, Rem regained her composure.

YN: I gotta say though,—

Wishing to change the subject, YN scratched the back of his head and looked around.

YN —this village is a lot more lively then I thought it would be, at least in terms of its size.

Rem: Arlam village is by no means a trading hub, but it is unique in that occasionally traveling merchants come through in hopes of selling or buying goods from the villagers as they are in the Mather's Domain.

Walking a short ways, both Rem and YN sat on a bench facing most of the commotion of the market.

The two sat and people watched. Making observations on exchanges between merchants and customers, and commenting on the clothes or just how certain people looked.

With still no sign of Ram being done shopping, or Subaru showing back up, YN and Rem sat on the bench, passing the time with idle conversation.

With a lull in the conversation, YN sat back and closed his eyes, enjoying a small breeze blowing by. Opening his eyes back up he turned them to Rem, who was still looking out upon the market.

The early afternoon sun shined brightly on her blue hair. YN watched the side profile of her face as the shadows of her bangs danced across her cheek.

He did also notice, seemingly hidden away at the angle he was viewing her from, that an air of slight worry hung over her, as if she was thinking about something intensely.

Breaking the moment of silence, YN spoke.

YN: Rem, everything alright? You look uhh, a little lost in thought.

Turning her gaze over to YN, her face remained the same, almost as if half acknowledging him, but still thinking. Not a second later though did she snap herself out of it and smile at him.

Rem: Everything is just fine. Rem was just caught up in... a thought.

Taking her delay as a sign of worry, YN guessed as to what it was and leaned forward as if going to stand up.

YN: Is it about your sister? I guess it has been awhile, we can go looking if you want and then—

Closing her eyes and shaking her head at him, the answer cut him off. Opening her eyes again and putting a hand to her chest, Rem explained.

Rem: When Nee-sama says she will do something on her own, she will. Rem has no reason to worry about that, but rather...

YN: —?

Rem: —Rem was wondering what to make YN-kun for dinner since he skipped his midday meal. But...

Saying this with a slight blush of embarrassment, Rem looked down and continued.

Rem: Rem doesn't know what YN likes the most.

Oh this again.

Again not wanting any special treatment while working towards the goal of survival by earning trust, YN again tried to play off the offer without being rude.

YN: It really doesn't make a difference to me, everything you make tastes fantastic.

Rem: But Rem wants to make something special for YN-kun and all his hard work. At least let Rem do that. Unless YN-kun doesn't like Rem's cooking...

Not quite sure if Rem was just trying to guilt trip him at this point with that last part thrown in there, YN had another, bigger, dilemma with her question.

There was simply no way for him to answer it, as the names and ingredients of so much from his and Subaru's world simply doesn't carry over here.

From only his limited understanding of this world, nothing really sharing the same name as similar things from his world was an issue already.

And even then, things like appas vs apples were just dissimilar in their own physical ways enough that it would prove difficult to substitute one for the other.

Taking a breath, YN thought of the best way he could to answer Rem in a truthful manner.

YN: The truth is Rem...

Hearing him speak in a more serious tone, Rem threw away her previous intentions, and gave YN her fullest attention.

YN: Food here is completely different from where I'm from. Things taste different, smell different, almost everything really. Almost nothing is the same. But that's not a bad thing. It's just...

Looking up at Rem with a smile of slight embarrassment, YN continued.

YN: I don't think I could begin to describe what I like. It's not out of anything secondary like not liking your cooking, it's just I wouldn't know where to start.

Realizing how much he had just revealed to her, Rem was slightly stunned at this information. Nonetheless though, she tried to understand.

Rem: A lot of things really have been a new experience for YN-kun, hasn't it?

YN: Like you wouldn't believe.

Having this moment between the two of them, YN yearned to spill everything. He yearned to just tell her everything he could, just to talk and talk and talk and show her everything he could about his world. Just even to tell her he's from a completely different world. He was tired of side stepping questions and giving dodgy answers. He just wanted to—

?: Rem. YN.

However, and arguably thankfully, a voice interrupted their moment, calling out to them as they walked up.

With Rem being the first to look over at instant recognition of the voice over the many in the market, she replied.

Rem: Nee-sama.

Standing up, Rem walked forward a few paces to meet face to face with the nearly identical maid. Ram stood, holding two bags in each arm, almost completely covering her face from where YN could see.

Ram: Everything we needed has been procured.

As soon as she had said that, Rem grabbed half the bags, and to Ram's surprise, YN grabbed the other half, leaving her with no bags.

With her face hidden from Ram by the bags she held, Rem winked in approval to YN, to which he responded with a nod, also hidden from Ram by the bags he held.

Ram: Well, that leaves the only thing left to do now is find Barasu.

YN: I don't think that's going to be very hard to do.

Looking over, YN could see a large number of people gathered around the village's center park.

Squinting at them, it appeared almost as if they were performing—

Ram: Just what is Barasu doing?

YN: Looks like he's leading a radio-calisthenics class.

Rem: Umm, a... what class?

YN: Morning stretches.

Ram: And why would he be doing that?

YN: That's the million dollar question.

With that, the trio walked over to the gathering. Almost anyone who wasn't involved in actively trading had seemed to be participating.

As they arrived, it appeared Subaru had just finished up. Getting high fives, fist bumps, and even a rump grab from the village elder, Subaru walked up to the trio.

Subaru: Woo, that was great! So, how did shopping go?

Snorting, Ram was first to answer.

Ram: How ungentlemanly like of Barasu, abandoning his companions to go be the village idiot.

Subaru: Hey! I only agreed to carry the bags back, didn't I?!

Ram: Hmph.

Stepping forward, Rem asked Subaru a question.

Rem: How was Subaru-kun's, ummm—

Looking at YN now, Rem looked to him now for clarification as she asked Subaru.

Rem: Rabio-calenetics?

YN: Close enough.

With a nod from YN, Rem turned back to Subaru for the answer, he replied.

Subaru: Oh. Uhhh, pretty well I imagine. Everyone seemed to like it.

Ram: Then does that mean you're ready to leave and you can stop shaming us by association in front of the villagers?

Subaru: Hey I'm not shaming anyone by association!

Calming down, Subaru continued.

Subaru: But yes, I did accomplish my goal of meeting the villagers. This place will also make the perfect date location for me and Emilia-tan!

Ram: Good for you. Now uphold your end of the agreement and carry everything back.

With the four having departed the village and heading back to the mansion, Subaru and YN walked together, both carrying two large bags each, a few paces behind Rem and Ram who were talking about how they each spent their time in the village. From back there, they could talk strategy about how to deal with this evening, as it was the third night.

YN: I gotta hand it to you, good idea using the stretching class to draw in all the villagers, did they all touch you?

Subaru: Yep. All in different places too, so if one laid a curse on me, I'll know who did it.

YN: And you're sure Beako will be able to lift it?

Looking down the road at the twins, YN's gaze stopped on Rem, the side of her face visible, turned towards her sister, talking and smiling.

Speaking in a quieter, softer tone, YN continued.

YN: I really don't want to screw up this loop.

Nodding, Subaru elaborated.

Subaru: Yeah. During the loop where I jumped off the cliff, the one where you were the butler, I stayed in Beako's library and bugged her with all sorts of questions about curses, shamans, everything. She can detect them and undo them before they activate.

YN: Well, I'd have her check sometime tonight before it gets too late.

Subaru: Don't you worry, Natsuki Subaru is on the case!

With the quartet arriving back at the mansion, the four walked up the steps to the main front door, only to be greeted by Roswaal opening the door and stepping out.

Immediately, the twins bowed and gave their respects.

Ram: Good evening Roswaal-sama.

Rem: Yes, good evening Roswaal-sama.

Ram: We will begin dinner preparations immediately.

Roswaal: Ahhhh but there is no neeeeed for that.

Standing straight up from their bow, each took a closer look at the mansion's owner.

Strangely enough, Roswaal wasn't dressed in his usual clown attire, but rather a tuxedo and top hat.

Rem: Does Roswaal-sama have other plans for tonight?

Roswaal: Yes indeed I do, a rather bit of troublesome news reached me, so I will be away on business until at leeeeeeeast tomorrow. Ram, Rem, please look after things until I return.

Taking a few steps past the twins, now bowing again, Roswaal walked up to Subaru and YN, and spoke in a hushed tone.

Roswaal: I expect great things from both of you. Please look after Emilia-sama and keep a close eye on her.

Subaru: Yeah, yes, of course, you can count on us, right YN?

Nodding, YN agreed.

With that, Roswaal floated upwards. At first neither could hardly believe their eyes at the spectacle.

Roswaal: Please take care of things while I'm gone, everyone!

And with that, Roswaal jettisoned upward towards the sky and rocketed towards the horizon.

In their complete shock at the existence of a flying man, Subaru dropped his bags, with YN almost losing his as well.

Locking vision to the twins, Subaru blabbered in disbelief.

Subaru: R-Roswaal can f-f-fly?!

It was now the evening. With the lord of the mansion away, dinner was a much less formal matter, and because of that, preparations were a fraction of what they normally were.

Ram: Barasu, I will be up with your meal when I arrive for your study session. Please go wash up until then.

Subaru: Woah hold the phone, eating dinner in our rooms!? Do you think it's right that just because Roswaal leaves that's okay?! You might as well set fire to the books in the study and dance on the roof!

Ram: Do you have any idea how much work it is setting the table up with the cloth, cutlery, plating, and everything else that goes into it? Evidently not. Be happy that Rem and I are even choosing to feed you tonight.

Slumping over, Subaru obeyed, and headed up the stairs for his room.

Turning to Rem, YN spoke.

YN: I think I might do the same if that's alright.

Nodding, Rem agreed.

Heading up, YN returned to his room, and set out his study equipment. Close to a half hour later, Rem returned, bringing with her their meal.

YN: Oh wow Rem, thank you.

Rem: It isn't really anything special. Rem is sorry it isn't something more elaborate.

Being handed his bowl of soup, YN took a spoonful and tried it.

An explosion of rich umami nearly overloaded YN's sense of taste. If physically possible, his clothes would probably have come flying off from the pure flavor of the dish alone.

His eyes opening wide, a worried expression covered Rem's face.

Rem: Was it too hot for YN-kun?! Or did Rem season it incorrectly?

Eyes still wide open and in a state of near disbelief at the flavor that came from the simple looking soup he held, YN remained silent until finally looking back up to the still worried Rem.

YN: This is...

Gulping, Rem was awaiting a harsh verdict.

YN: —quiet possibly, the best soup I've ever had. Saying it's amazing is an understatement. I can't find the words to describe it.

Rem's face slowly but surely went from one awaiting dread to being lit up brightly with a wash of pure happiness from YN's praise.

Instead of sighing in relief, Rem breathed in more, puffing out her chest in confidence and accomplishment of herself as a grin also grew on her face.

Rem: Rem doesn't know what to say... it was only something made very simply and easily because it was so late.

YN: Everything of yours I've had has been amazing, but this is really something else. You gotta give yourself more credit Rem, you're a really good cook.

Looking down at the floor now, a blush slowly reddened her face as she spoke in a low, but happy tone.

Rem: That makes Rem very happy to hear. Very, very happy.

YN: I gotta be careful though. Your food'll slowly start to desensitize me from normal food and I'll be addicted and starve if I can't eat your cooking.

Putting a hand to her mouth and laughing, Rem responded.

Rem: A cruel, but hopefully avoidable fate.

Setting the bowl down, YN turned back to his studies and Rem took her usual seat on the edge of YN's bed.

Rem: So what is YN-kun working on tonight?

YN: Well, I was hoping to maybe get some questions answered about ro-glyphs—

*BAM*

Just as YN's studying had just begun, his bedroom door slammed open.

With Rem and YN turning to meet the abruptly opened door, there in the doorway stood—

Subaru: Where's Ram? We have a problem in the village. It's urgent.

Rem: Is Nee-sama not with you, tutoring?

Shaking his head, Subaru answered.

Subaru: No, but we need to find her quick and get to the village.

Getting more confused at the entire situation, Rem asked another question.

Rem: What is the issue with the village?

Subaru: It's a long explanation, I'll say once we find Ram.

Putting her hand to her chin, Rem thought for a short moment.

Rem: Nee-sama said something about wanting to take a bath while making dinner...

Subaru: So your telling me not only did she forget to bring me food but also forgot about tutoring me!

Shaking his head, Subaru wasn't about to let himself derail the conversation.

Subaru: Ugh, I guess that doesn't matter right now. C'mon, we gotta go find her.

With Rem and YN standing up to follow Subaru, the trio rushed down the hall together. YN and Rem had to nearly jog to keep up with Subaru's fast pace as they headed down the hall to find the other maid sister.