A/N: A bit of a change in schedule, normally I upload at 1 or 2AM on Fridays but going forward, it appears I may have to start uploading at 1 or 2AM Saturdays from now on due to a change in my own life. But like always, a big thank you to ShuTDown, tobychevy, and Haseo8 for finding my typing errors. Please enjoy the chapters!

Chapter 48: Dish Duty

Returning from assisting the chef, Rem sat down next to her sister who had just returned from collecting Emilia and Beatrice for the meal.

With everyone present, the chef bowed and readied the meal to be plated.

?: For the first course, you will all share the tastes of—

YN: Please excuse the intrusion!

Slamming the door open, YN made his entrance from the foyer to the dining hall.

Bowing as he held the door open, he made eye contact with the rather large man who was set to start the dinner with an appetizer. Being given a rather prominent stink eye, YN looked away, avoiding the pressure he felt. Clearing his throat, he had the attention of everyone in the room.

YN: Our final guest has arrived. Please, right this way, Schwartz Natsumi-sama.

Stepping aside and doing his best to mimic Rem when presenting a guest, YN invited in the unexpected guest.

Stepping into the room, Subaru— Natsumi made their entrance. With a fan in front of their face, they snapped it shut.

Natsumi: Ah, what a wonderful aroma this dinner has.

With Puck's voice coming into play, the purely androgynous voice matched Subaru's lips. Pointing with their fan, Natsumi gestured to the empty chair next to Emilia.

Natsumi: Is that seat free?

Looking around the room, YN garnered the reactions of the fellow residents.

First noticing Ram, he saw an expression she has never once made before. With a mix of shock and disbelief, it truly looked as if she was moved beyond words. An almost ghastly attitude seemed to hover over her though, as if she was unprepared to see the consequences of such an action.

Next was Rem, who had her mouth covered, seemingly entirely enthusiastic about what was occurring, damn the consequences. A stark contrast from her sister.

Beatrice was almost on the same level of flabbergast as Ram was, utterly struck by what she was seeing before her very eyes.

But Emilia, hers was an expression of curiosity. Simple and nothing more.

Ready however, was YN. Ready for the reaction of Roswaal. This would be their make or break moment. If Subaru was right though, it shouldn't be—

Roswaal: Ah Natsumi-sama! How nice of you to joiiiiiin us. Please, take any seat you'd like.

Catching the rotund man's reaction to this, it appeared as if he had no protest with the idea of a new guest. In fact, with every passing second it seemed his forehead became more reflective from his sweat at the prospect of another woman joining in on the dinner.

With Natsumi—, Subaru putting the fan to cover his face once more, he turned his head back just enough for YN to see his smirk, visible only to him. Taking that as his queue to leave, YN bowed once more and closed the door behind him.

Making increasing light steps while standing in place, YN had made extra sure to put all efforts into not making it seem as if he had his ear right next to the door.

Listening in, most of the conversation was too soft for him to hear anything substantial at first.

With what occasionally sounded like muffled speech, YN had no real clue of how the plan was proceeding. Hearing the sound of plates being set out, he figured everything must be going well.

That must mean that fat bastard is finally serving up the food. Now Subaru just needs to make good on his end of the deal and—

Subaru (muffled): This food is just too good to fight against!

Hearing a voice he shouldn't, YN's eyes opened wide at the prospect that Subaru's cover was now blown.

No, he didn't!

Subaru (muffled): I totally underestimated you! Please forgive me!

With confirmation all avenues for success had just been cut off, YN felt the strong desire for flight.

Backing away from the door, he hurried back upstairs, going to dust more from where he originally left off.

Busted! Busted! Busted!

Hoping there would be minimal backlash from the failed attempt at fooling the chef, YN continued to dust the upper floors as if nothing happened.

Considering it was pretty obvious that everyone else recognized it was Subaru, I highly doubt I can just play dumb and pretend I was fooled too.

Wetting a rag to wipe a window, YN noticed three figures standing by the gate to the mansion. From the floor he was on, he could barely make out the people, one being Roswaal, and the other being the rotund man who they had tried to fool.

But what perplexed YN was the third person. Squinting his eyes, he tried to make out who it could be.

It was a shorter person, with blonde hair.

Isn't that the chef's assistant? Their hood is down now but... why is Roswaal talking to them?

Noticing their body language, YN observed it was the large man who was in charge of the luggage now, standing off to the side as the assistant used to.

Strange. But oh-well. I guess that just means it's clean up time in the kitchen.

Figuring he'd be of more use downstairs, YN finished up what he was doing and departed to assist in the kitchen.

Slowly opening the door to the dining hall, YN peaked his head inside. Hearing the clank and clings of dishes in the kitchen, his assumption that cleanup was still underway was correct.

Heading for the kitchen and opening its door, YN could see the evening sun throwing its colors of orange and yellow through the same set of windows he had encountered Natsumi at. But what caught his attention the most, was the shade of blue his heart knew well.

Turning to greet him with a smile, Rem was surprised to see him.

Rem: YN-kun!

Setting the dish she held into the sink, Rem walked up and hugged him. Feeling a cold sensation on his torso, Rem could tell YN felt something that wasn't right. Taking a step back, YN found his clothes were now damp, transferred from the dampness of Rem's own apron.

Rem: O-oh! Rem apologizes! It's just, Rem hasn't seen YN-kun all day...

Giving the oni a headpat, YN walked around her and picked up a dish in the sink.

YN: Well, it was going to happen sooner or later, I'm here to help after all.

Happy to have his assistance, Rem smiled and took a spot next to YN at the sink. With YN scrubbing and washing, and Rem drying, the two talked of their day together, and most notably, today's guest.

YN: —And how was shadowing the chef? You learn anything?

Nodding enthusiastically, Rem rambled on all the various things she observed, but the biggest was a surprise to even YN.

Rem: —and that's when Rem learned that the large man was actually Dias Lepunzo Elemanso Oplane Fatsbalm VI-sama's assistant.

Thoroughly confused on what she meant, he let Rem continue.

Rem: Dias Lepunzo Elemanso Oplane Fatsbalm VI-sama was the hooded individual, pushing the luggage. The other was her assistant, Rodriguez-san.

Genuinely shocked at hearing such a thing, it made what he saw from the window make more sense. YN had to know how Rem was privy to this information.

YN: Just how did you come to know this?

Taking another dirty dish from the stack and scrubbing, Rem elaborated.

Rem: Both Rem and Nee-sama found out once we started to watch the cooking. The confusion was on purpose.

Whispering to YN now, he wasn't sure who Rem was trying to keep a secret from.

Rem: Dias-sama uses the confusion as part of her technique.

Returning to her normal voice and continuing to dry, Rem went on.

Rem: While Dias-sama was upset more than half of her clients knew, she was rather entertained by Subaru-kun's uhhh, antics.

Still obviously unsure of Subaru's motive, Rem nervously laughed.

Rem: Does... YN-kun know why Subaru-kun decided to hmm, uhhh—

YN: He had this grand conspiracy that Dias-blah-blah-blah was going to ridicule Emilia's table manors and that by doing that it was going to 'condemn her to failure' or something along those lines. It was all very silly.

Hearing YN's take on Subaru's plan, Rem was confused on one aspect.

Rem: Then why did YN-kun decide to help Subaru-kun?

Realizing he might have led on that he knew too much to not be thoroughly involved, YN couldn't tell Rem of his deal with Subaru. While he knew Ram had told her that they had gone shopping for her gift, he was unsure if Rem yet knew of the dinner plans.

YN: Well, I mean, I just—

?: YN.

Hearing the door to the kitchen open hard, the two at the sink turned to see who had entered. Recognizing the voice and clack of her shoes across the kitchen floor, both quickly realized who it was. Fearing he may be scolded for his assistance in Subaru's failed operation, YN readied himself.

Ram: Ram has been looking for you.

YN: Oh, sorry, I finished up in the hallway upstairs and headed down to see if Rem needed help with—

Ram: That's exactly why Ram was looking for you.

Somewhat relieved she wasn't looking to reprimand him, YN was now concerned about what this new issue obviously was.

Ram: You've worked your own duties, plus Ram's, and then covered for her again so Subaru could play dress up. Do you realize you've worked more than Rem on a normal day?

Looking back at his hands that currently held a half scrubbed platter, YN could feel the fatigue in his arms and his hands as he held the platter. He could feel how heavy his legs were, and how sore his feet were from standing on them all day.

Looking back at the pink haired maid, YN knew he really couldn't argue with her, but before he could respond, he felt the platter was grabbed from his hand.

Shaking her head, the blue haired maid now spoke up.

Rem: YN-kun shouldn't push himself so hard. Please, listen to Nee-sama and have some time to yourself. Rem and Nee-sama will finish up here and a few other things, and then Rem will come find you.

Finishing her suggestion with a smile, YN was defeated on all fronts. Letting his fatigue convince him the rest of the way, he agreed.

YN: Alright, alright. I yield.

Drying his hands and switching spots with Ram, YN headed for the door.

Ram: Oh, that's right. YN, when looking for you, Ram had asked Barasu of your whereabouts as well. He also was trying to find you. Ram said if she had found you, that she would direct you to the back patio.

Thinking he maybe knew why he wanted to talk, YN sighed.

Misconstruing the thought behind his sigh, Ram snorted.

Ram: Of course, Ram only said she would tell you, she made no promises on your behalf that you would present yourself, so it is entirely YN's choice if he wishes to deal with Barasu.

Putting his hand on the doorknob, YN took one last look at Rem, partially thankful he was saved from having to explain his deal with Subaru, but also upset that his time with Rem was cut short.

To his surprise though, Rem was also looking back to him as well. Making eye contact, the maid smiled, and seemingly without Ram noticing, blew a kiss to him.

Feeling his spirit somewhat renewed, YN departed, and headed to where Subaru was waiting for him.

Walking out onto the back patio of the mansion, YN found himself alone.

I guess he went looking for me.

Eyeing a set of patio furniture, he grabbed the nearest chair, and sat down for what seemed like the first time today.

Feeling the weight of himself taken off his legs and feet, he began to feel just how exhausted he was. With the evening sun now projecting vibrant hues of orange out onto the mansion's garden, the sun was just low enough to keep the entire patio in shade from the mansion. Feeling at peace, YN let his mind and body relax.

Today was a really long day.

Closing his eyes and tilting his head back, YN basked in the coolness of the shade and the breeze he felt go by. However, his solidarity was brief.

Hearing the mechanical "ker-chunk" of the mansion's backdoor behind him, YN turned to see the familiar face he'd expected to see upon arriving outside.

YN: Fancy meeting you out here.

Subaru: Sorry about that, when Ram pointed out I forgot to wash the make-up off my face I had to go take care of that.

Walking up to YN, Subaru had imagined they'd go walk around the perimeter gardens, but seeing how exhausted he looked, he instead opted to take a seat as well.

Hearing Subaru take a seat on the chair opposite of him in the patio set, YN sat back up and paid him attention. Between the two of them was a small outdoor coffee table with a small potted plant on it.

With silence between them for a moment, neither really knew what to say first until Subaru took the initiative.

Subaru: So, how long did you stick around after I outed myself?

YN: Oh I wanted absolutely nothing to do with it at that point, so I booked it upstairs, made myself busy and was ready to play dumb if need be.

Laughing at YN's answer, Subaru shook his head.

Subaru: I can't say I blame you. I was outdone and defeated before I knew it.

YN: Then I guess you're just another victim of Dias-blah-blah-blah's schemes, aren't you?

Subaru: I can't believe someone like that exists! To let such vulgar rumors spread on purpose and have such quirky rules... Just to mess with their clients!

YN: It is a rather bold business model, I'll give her that much. I did hear your stunt was pretty favorable with her though, it made up for the twins and Roswaal already being in on it.

Subaru: I'm just happy I got to try that food! It was so gooooood.

Smashing his cheeks together, Subaru reminisced over the extravagant food he had.

Crossing his arms, YN reminded Subaru of what else he should remember.

YN: I do believe we still had a deal though, no?

Sighing, Subaru lamented, and scratched the back of his head.

Subaru: Yeah, that's why I wanted to talk to you.

Putting one elbow on the armrest of his chair and leaning his head on his hand, he closed his eyes and shook his head.

YN: Really? Don't worry about it. It was a fool's errand anyway—

Subaru: Because—

With Subaru cutting him off, YN heard a "thunk" on the table between them. Opening his eyes, a large brown burlap bag now blocked the view of the small potted plant from before.

Seeing words on it, YN turned his head sideways so he could read it. Doing his best to try and decipher the word, once he did, he was thoroughly shocked.

YN: I-is that really a bag of—?!

Subaru: Yep. Sure is.

Reading the words a few more times in his head, YN finally said them aloud.

YN: 'Tometos.'

Seeing Subaru's own grin of grandeur, YN didn't know what to say.

YN: H-how?!

Crossing his own arms putting himself on airs, Subaru boasted.

Subaru: I might have been played the fool and let myself be caught, but I am a man of integrity.

Raising an arm and pointing a single finger higher in the sky, he concluded his method.

Subaru: I simply begged until I was given some!

Of course he did.

Returning to a normal composure, Subaru cleared his throat and continued.

Subaru: Thankfully, I think me giving in kinda stroked Dias-blah-blah-blah's ego, so she was more than happy to reward me...

YN: Jeez, I think at this point I might owe you. This is way better than I was expecting.

Standing up, Subaru also put a hand up, as if halting YN.

Subaru: I'd say we're closer to even on the fact Ram didn't kick my ass since you covered for her, covering for me... You must have worked a lot today then, huh?

Nodding, YN could still feel the achiness of entire body, fatigued from a long day.

Grabbing the bag of tometo, Subaru slung them over his shoulder.

Subaru: I'll hold onto these for now though. If Rem sees them she might get curious.

Taking his leave, Subaru departed back into the mansion.

Enjoying the sunset across the gardens for a bit longer, a soft breeze went by.

YN: I wish Rem was here right now, she'd definitely enjoy this view...

Speaking softly to himself as the wind by, YN believed himself to be alone, however—

?: Rem does certainly enjoy it.

Too tired to jump, YN instead looked up and behind him, surprised to see who had actually heard him talk to himself.

YN: Rem.

Smiling in simple response, Rem walked around his seat, choosing to sit on YN's knee.

Rem: During this time of day, the sun shining on the gardens YN-kun keeps looking so well is one of Rem's favorite views.

While appreciative of Rem's recognition of his work, another issue was forefront on YN's mind.

YN: Uhh, Rem?

Responding with a smile and a "Hmm?", Rem was ready for YN's question.

YN: How long were you standing there for?

Giggling in response, Rem gave her honest answer.

Rem: Rem is always watching her YN-kun.

Recalling Ram saying something similar about Rem's habit of watching over him, YN admittedly felt somewhat comforted by it.

If it was anyone but Rem, I'd be a little worried, but honestly having such a cute girl that interested in me? How can I say 'no?'

Standing up from his knee, Rem offered a hand to YN to stand. Without any real effort on his own part, Rem used her strength to help him up, his fatigued body was thankful to her for that.

Taking YN's hand, Rem led him inside.

Rem: Rem has a surprise for YN-kun inside.

Without any real room nor want to deny her, YN was pulled along back inside and up to his room.