A/N: This chapter was a lot of fun to write, a lot of good cute moments and a lot of your typical Re:Zero dread-narrative. Big thanks to ShuTDowN and tobychevy for finding a few spelling errors in the last chapter. But here's the next chapter, please enjoy!

- I should also mention here! -

There are Arc 4/Season 2 spoilers in this chapter, so please beware.

EDIT: Sorry, looks like I accidentally overwrote the previous chapter (60) with this one my mistake. So if you read this and were confused on what was going on, please see the previous chapter.

Chapter 61: The Endless Eight – Part 7

As the two descended the stairs, the pink haired maid breathed a large sigh of relief at their immediate sight.

Ram: Rem, you had your Nee-sama very worried. Where were the both of you?

Taking the helm on that loaded question, Rem answered first.

Rem: YN-kun and Rem were taking care of something important before we departed...

Ram: — — —

Crossing her arms, Ram turned to YN, hoping to guilt him into a more revealing answer, knowing her sister was being vague on purpose.

YN: ...It's my fault... I led us down a rabbit hole from something stupid. I take full responsibility.

Snorting at his response, Ram shook her head in mild disappointment at them.

Ram: Ram can expect this sort of behavior out of Barasu, but from YN? I hope I won't need to be as strict on you, especially since the flower gardens won't be watered by the time everyone who's going leaves.

Scratching the back of his head, the entire memory conundrum made him completely forget his responsibilities outside.

YN: That aside... Ram, we both actually really need to talk to you. It's important.

Ram: It's going to have to wait. All of us are far too behind to waste any more time talking, let alone now. Rem, would you and YN please go and assist in packing up Emilia's belongings? She has quite a large amount of luggage for a several day trip.

YN: Ram it's really, really, import for us to tell you—

Ram: Ram won't repeat herself. Rem, please make sure YN assists you properly.

Not being able to argue with her sister, Rem bowed and obliged.

Rem: Yes, Nee-sama.

Heading back upstairs, YN concluded that at the very least, this gave an opportunity for him and Rem to discuss all these matters without anyone else nearby to listen in, something they hadn't gotten yet.

YN: I get that Emilia is a princess but does she need this much luggage?

Stretching the pain from his back after carrying down several large trunks down three flights of stairs, YN sat down on the top of one of them.

Rem: Rem thinks YN-kun has earned himself a break.

Moving a trunk close to his, Rem sat down on hers as well, sitting back to back with YN as she peacefully smiled at their moment alone together.

The two had been tasked with moving Emilia's luggage for the trip tonight, downstairs and into the ground dragon carriage. Taking a lesser used staircase near the north wing of the mansion, this route was easiest for loading luggage into the carriage since the stable wasn't far from the door.

Leaning her head back and into YN, Rem asked a question that had been on her mind.

Rem: YN-kun, what did you intend to tell Nee-sama?

While only being able to enjoy this tranquil moment for a brief period of time, YN was reminded of the hurdles ahead of them, and knew he should fill Rem in on his feelings and what he planned.

YN: Rem... I don't know how to say this, but...

Moving her hand behind her, Rem clasped YN's in her own.

Rem: Rem wants to hear exactly what YN-kun has to say, so she will be most patient with him. Please, take your time.

Hearing her soft, caring voice, full of concern for no one but him, YN struggled to choke back a sudden tear because of what he might have to say next to her.

YN: This is... your first time dealing with this, in the flesh I mean, not in a memory... dealing with a Return.

Holding YN's hand tighter, Rem responded.

Rem: Yes... it is quite scary but Rem is prepared to do what is needed to succeed. She believes in YN-kun, and will always hold onto hope because he is her hero.

Biting his lip, YN severely struggled to hold back his tears. Everything Rem was saying was like salt on his wounds.

YN: Rem, I— I don't think we're making it out of this loop... I'm so sorry Rem, but this loop needs to be thrown away...

Continuing to hold his hand, Rem didn't respond immediately, instead, she was silent, as if in thought or maybe shock at hearing words she hadn't expected YN to say.

YN: Hey, are you—

Rem: Then Rem can only assume that moments we share together, like this one... will be lost to her?

Hearing the sad tone in her voice, exemplified by how happy she sounded just before, YN was unable to contain his tears any longer.

YN: —hk! *hic* *sniff*

Hearing him, Rem swung her legs across the two trunks, placing herself right next to him as she grabbed both of his hands.

Rem: YN-kun! Are you alright? Rem didn't mean to—

YN: —No. No... Rem I'm so sorry this is extremely unfair of me to ask of you. *hic* I'm so, so sorry Rem... It's cruel and it's my fault.

Using her blouse cuffs, Rem turtled her hand inside one of them and used its soft black fabric to wipe the tears from YN's face.

Rem: There, there... YN-kun misunderstands... Yes, Rem is sad she will not have the memories of these soft, sincere moments together, but part of her promise to YN-kun for him to rely on Rem is why she must do her best to help in whatever way she can. Even if it does make her sad.

Standing up, Rem moved in front of YN. Taking a knee, she slightly looked up at him while putting her hands on his shoulders.

Rem: But Rem isn't worried or upset. She knows her hero will keep his promise to Rem to never leave her behind when he comes back. He'll tell Rem everything that happened, and all the happy moments they shared together.

Moving her hands to both his cheeks, Rem held his face in her hands.

Rem: And if there's a lot Rem has missed, then she'll ask Beatrice-sama to look into your memories like before, when we have more time to do it.

Moving a hand up, Rem gently stroked the side of YN's head and hair.

Rem: So please don't be sad, okay? Rem understands what needs to be done, and wants nothing else other than to make sure YN-kun can successfully accomplish his goal of getting out of this loop with everyone safe and sound so we can all have more happy memories together.

YN: Rem...

Taking the hands she had placed on his head, YN held them with his own.

YN: Thank you so much... I'm so glad you're in my life.

Bringing peace to his heart, Rem was touched by his words.

Rem: Rem feels the same way, that's why she will help any way she can.

Standing once more, Rem sat next to YN, pulling him over so he now leaned on her shoulder as her fingers weaved through his hair.

Rem: Rem can still tell there's a lot of tension built up in YN-kun. Would talking about it make him feel better?

Closing his eyes at her gentle touch, YN answered.

YN: Maybe... I'm just overwhelmed by everything we learned... Especially the Puck thing... How can he be that powerful? I don't get it...

Rem: When Roswaal-sama first invited Emilia-sama to the mansion, he had to travel to the frozen Eilor forest. It's theorized and rumored that Emilia-sama herself was the one that froze the forest, but Rem is unsure if that was through the power of the Great Spirit-sama or not...

YN: I think I do remember reading about it in one of the books you gave me... That the forest was just one day frozen... I guess it is entirely possible. Hey, I think if I can recall correctly, didn't Puck say something once about 'rewriting' the map when him and Roswaal fought? When was that?

Rem: That was when Emilia-sama first met Roswaal-sama.

YN: Well, if he can go toe to toe with Roswaal, I guess he is a pretty strong established character.

Changing the subject, Rem remained how she was.

Rem: Has YN-kun given any thought to electing Subaru-kun's help?

Shaking his head, YN lamented.

YN: As much as I'd like to, it's sort of out of the question. If we tell him Beatrice looked on my mind, that's a whole can of worms that would open up.

Rem: Hmm, that is correct... Can Rem ask a question?

YN: Of course.

Rem: What is YN-kun's plan? Rem knows it involves Nee-sama and that this loop will need to be thrown away... but why?

Taking a deep breath, YN explained his thoughts.

YN: We have three main objectives. The first is to keep Beatrice from coming along. If she does, then no one has any hope of being able to save her.

Rem: How will we accomplish that? Rem knows we won't be able to convince her... So other methods will need to be used.

YN: Which brings us to our second goal; we need to tell Ram everything and get her help.

Rem: B-but isn't YN-kun not allowed to tell anyone about...—

Looking left and right, Rem held a hand up as she whispered.

Rem (whisper): —you-know-what?

Shaking his head, YN elaborated.

YN: You're going to tell her exactly what Beatrice told us. That way it keeps me with my mouth, shut. And free of any consequences.

Rem: Rem sees... If she words it correctly, she would not technically be lying to Nee-sama.

Having spoken with a hand on her chin in thought, Rem looked back up with one of her own.

Rem: What is our third goal?

Hesitating, YN didn't know how to say it without sounding cruel or uncaring. This was about someone he felt was a good friend in this other word.

YN: *sigh* The third objective is... making sure Subaru dies before the memory loss device can be triggered. From there I can handle Subaru's post-death frantics. But we need to return with our memories.

Rem: Umm... Rem doesn't want to doubt YN-kun, but is he sure it's the crystal orb causing the memory loss and not the Death? Rem has no reason to suspect it, maybe the Memories aren't transferring after your death?

YN: I'm sure. We always return with all of our memories, but nothing physically. The fact that we don't consciously remember after a death, but the memories still exist somewhere in there is a tell-tale sign that whatever the mana crystal is doing, it's physical.

Rem: Rem doesn't follow...

YN: The crystal is doing something physically to our minds that blocks us from our memories, it doesn't remove them. By resetting for me and Subaru, it restores us to how we were at that exact moment physically, thus removing that block for all our memories from that time and before, but we also seem to lose the memories after the reset as well. Beatrice's magic must have interrupted how that block was applied to my memories, so some remained unblocked. Once we reset, I retained those memories just like the other times we've reset.

Rem: That would explain why they were so scattered...

Understanding, Rem nodded.

YN: So—

Fixing his posture, YN stood back up.

YN: —we need to reset without the mana crystal being activated, and to do that...

Giving Rem a weak look while he held a hand out to help her up. He didn't want to directly tell her, or necessarily have her be privy the finer details of Return By Death, but at this juncture—

Rem: —It's Subaru-kun's death, isn't it? That's what is needed. YN-kun dying won't change anything...

Somewhat surprised she had figured it out on her own, he realized she at this point could have easily surmised it from everything that was being entailed in this loop. His downward gaze gave her all the confirmation she needed.

Rem: That means YN-kun has a chance of being left behind if things progress too far, doesn't it?

Nodding as Rem was helped up, YN confirmed.

YN: That's always been a possibility, yes.

Giving him a look of resolve, Rem responded.

Rem: Then Rem will make sure to protect YN-kun and prevent such a tragedy.

Receiving a headpat for her motivation, Rem blushed.

YN: And I'll protect you too. I promised after all.

Knowing they would need to be done soon, the two prepared to finish their task.

YN: When we're done here Rem, wait by the carriage. I'll make sure we get our chance to tell Nee-sama and get her help.

Setting out, the two accomplished their task of moving the last of the luggage to the carriage.

YN: Ram, Rem and I finished the carriage preparation. Now, can I ask you to come speak with us? We've still got something important to discuss—

Ram: Ram continues to be more than busy with everything going on at the last minute. I'm sorry but it's going to need to wait till everyone returns. Especially since Barasu had to cover for your abandonment of watering the flowers.

YN: —Tsk! Weren't you the one who told me to be done for the day!?

Ram: That's besides the point.

Taking a heavy breath, YN readied Plan B.

Right now, since she was not used to working like this during a normal day, Ram was rather exhausted, and YN could tell that as well. Her forehead was slightly shiny with sweat and her face was flushed. Just doing a minimal amount of physical labor was enough to get her to breathe heavily.

Rem better be right about this...

YN: I'm sorry Ram, but I can't take 'no' for an answer here.

Ram: What do you— hey!

Taking Ram by the waist, YN hoisted the pink haired maid onto his shoulder.

YN: Up ya go.

Ram: —YN! What do you think you're doing?!

Beginning to head to where he needed to, Ram was still shocked by YN's sudden and unexpected action. Just like how Ram was thrown by Subaru to try and placate Rem during the mabeast fiasco, YN had her slung over his shoulder.

YN: I told you, we can't take 'no' for an answer at this juncture.

Squirming around, Ram lacked the strength to free herself using simple methods.

Ram: YN, release Ram this instant.

If this wasn't a forgone loop, I wouldn't have ever agreed to do this...

Admittedly, it was Rem who proposed this course of action. She knew Ram would be in an exhausted state and thus she was 'vulnerable.'

I hate that she used that word... It makes it sound so creepy.

Ram: What would Rem think if she saw you manhandling her Nee-sama like this?

She's the one who told me to do this!

Rounding the corner of the hallway he had gone down, YN had taken them both down the utility hallway that led to the door Rem and him had just used to take the luggage out to the carriage.

Ram: NY, where are you taking Ram?

'NY?!' Oh she's properly pissed if she's calling me that.

Somewhat hurt Ram had gone back to her cursed nickname for him, YN had to proceed onward. As they neared the end of the hall, Ram began to thump her fists against his back.

YN: Would you stop that!?

Ram: Then put Ram down!

With each fist getting more and more sore from hitting the same area again and again, YN exited the mansion and headed right for the stables where the loaded carriage awaited.

Ram: NY... What do you intend to do with Ram?

YN: Don't get any ideas like that! We just need to talk.

Oh that didn't sound good either.

Reaching just outside the stable, Ram finally summoned a good amount of her remaining strength, and impacted YN's back.

YN: —ack!

Collapsing from the impact, Ram rolled off and away from YN. Finding himself on his back, YN went to get up, but before he could, something nailed him back onto the ground.

A sudden impact to the gut.

As he went to stand, Ram had impaled her fist square into his abdomen, causing YN to feel his guts want to come out his mouth.

Falling back, Ram jumped on top of him, planting herself square into his chest. Using the hand she had just punched him with, she held down one of his arms, while she maneuvered her knee to hold down his other arm.

With her head perfectly blocking the sun from YN's vision, Ram held her free hand high up above her. She did not form a fist, but rather her palm was open, and a swirl of wind magic danced in her hand, making her own hair sway about.

Ram: NY, tell Ram this instant you felt the need to take her away like this. This isn't like you.

Speaking through clenched teeth, Ram was fuming, so much so YN feared for his life from an oni for the first time in a while.

YN: Ram—! I—!

?: Nee-sama please stop!

Snapping her gaze to the stables main door, Ram saw her beloved younger sister, the late afternoon sun shining brightly on the sheen her beautiful blue hair had.

Seeing her immediately calm down some, YN felt some of the pressure on his arms come off.

Ram: Rem! NY is acting strange! He just tired to—

Rem: —Tried to carry Nee-sama here? Yes. Rem knows. She asked YN-kun to do that.

Watching as the wind magic died down, Ram's hair fell flat once more.

Ram: Rem... Why?

Sitting back, Ram placed all her weight on YN's chest at this point rather than his arms while she remained on top of him.

Rem: Rem will explain, but please refrain from sitting on YN-kun any longer. Only Rem is allowed to do that.

With a flash of red going across both Ram and YN's face as they looked at each other, she got up and off him rather quickly.

Rem! Word! Choice!

Going to sit up while avoiding eye contact with Ram, YN suddenly found a hand extended before him.

YN: Huh— Oh.

With a small amount of red still on her face and her other hand on her hip, Ram offered assistance in helping YN back up.

Pulling him up with what felt like no effort on her part, Ram replied.

Ram: Ram can only guess that if such measures were taken to get her to discuss something, it must be rather dire.

Rem: Yes. Please, if Nee-sama could, join us in the stable. What we need to talk about is... rather serious.

Sighing, Ram shrugged.

Ram: Very well.

YN: You're probably going to want to sit down for this...

Heading inside, Ram plopped herself atop a wooden crate, looking down and swinging her legs as she waited for Rem and YN to find seats of their own.

Getting a stool down off a high shelf, YN dusted the seat off and gave it to Rem.

Smiling warmly at his gesture, YN resigned to using a barrel for his chair.

With all three seated, YN tried to kick things off.

YN: So, it's a long explanation, but long story short—

Ram: Rem is expecting then, is she?

YN: —Wha-huh?

Ram: With as much time as you two spend together, Ram can only expect this to have happened sooner or later. Especially times like this afternoon when Ram couldn't find either of you.

Rem: Umm, Nee-sama, that's not—

Ram: YN. Ram expects you to take responsibility.

Rem: Nee-sama~~!

Crying out like a small child, Rem's words were ignored by her sister.

Ram: Ram also expects YN to make an honest woman out of Rem, so a wedding will need to be planned.

YN: Ram, I really think you're mistaken—

Ram: And yes, you have Ram's blessing to do so. And yes, Ram will allow you to name the baby after her if it's a girl.

With a fiery red face, Rem protested the continued misunderstanding.

Rem: Nee-sama! That's not what this is about! Rem is not expecting!

Ram: Oh? What else could this possibly be that YN dragged Ram all the way out here for?

Rem: It's something much, much more serious.

Crossing her arm and pouting while her face remained red, Rem spoke her final thought.

Rem: Besides, Rem already has names picked out...

YN: Okay! Break time!

Standing up and waving his arms about, YN knew this was going nowhere and the derailment needed to be ended now if they were ever going to discuss what needed to be said.

YN: *Sigh* The truth is, Nee-sama, this is a lot more serious, and a lot less light-hearted than I'd like to be.

Hearing the seriousness in his voice, both Rem and Ram stiffened their posture.

YN: It's long-winded but, Rem can explain it best.

Going through with his plan, YN avoided directly saying anything about death, returning, or the Witch by having Rem repeat everything Beatrice told them.

With few questions made by Ram, her expression lacked any sort of surprise or impact of the series of events of pasts that are gone.

Ram: Rem, as much as Ram believes that you believe Beatrice-sama, your Nee-sama finds this entire situation to be very farfetched. It's impossible for me to find any truth in this.

Rem: But Nee-sama—!

YN: Rem.

Putting a hand on her soft, smooth shoulder, Rem turned to meet his gaze. With only a slow head shake and closed eyes, YN conveyed to Rem to not be too upset over it.

YN: We're just going to need to improvise. We'll find a way.

Rem: Rem wants... Rem wants her Nee-sama's help.

On the verge of crying, YN gave a concerned look to Ram as Rem moved in to hold him, burying her face in his chest.

Also giving a sympathetic look, Ram could tell Rem wasn't lying or, being from the looks of it, being deceived. But it was all just too much for Ram to buy into. Her intuition told her there was no way any of what Rem had told her was possible.

But seeing how Ram was reacting to their request for help, YN knew at this point, she remained unconvinced.

YN: C'mon Rem, let's drop this and help Nee-sama with getting ready. We tried our best.

Heading for the exit, YN took the blue haired girl by the hand and gently guided her out. Just as the two were about to step out into the orange late afternoon light from the shade of the stable, Rem turned around suddenly.

Rem: Nee-sama. The truth is... The truth of all of this is—!

Somewhat worried about what she might say, YN nonetheless trusted Rem to know what to say. Putting the opposite hand she held YN's hand with, she placed it on her chest.

Rem: —Rem has also gone into YN-kun's memories! She's seen so much... So she knows first hand everything that is scene is entirely correct. Everything you see has happened...

Ram: — — —

Using her sisterly intuition, Ram knew there was more to what Rem was saying, so she let her continue.

Rem: This isn't... This wouldn't be the strangest thing Rem has seen thus far...

Giving YN a look of suspicion he hadn't seen since his early days at the mansion, he swallowed hard at her doing so.

Ram: Oh? Please, indulge Ram. What did you see in YN's memories?

Turning the hand she held on her chest into a fist, Rem glanced back at YN before answering, as if giving him a look asking him to trust her.

Rem: YN-kun... isn't from this world.

Ram: ...!

Rem: — — —

Ram: Rem... do you mean he's—

Rem: —From beyond the Great Waterfall. Yes.

Looking him up and down as if she had just seen him for the first time, Ram gave him a puzzled expression.

Ram: The same must be true for Barasu then. You're both wearing odd clothes, you were both illiterate, unknowing of even the most basic concepts of magic even a child would know... not to mention that... metia you both have.

Rem: His sell-phone.

Ram: Yes, that.

Brushing off the semantics, Ram approached YN, standing rather close as she did, and stood still as she judged him.

YN: Uhh, Nee-sama can I help you—

Feeling his face be contorted against his will, Ram moved his cheeks around, grabbing various parts of his face, his nose, his eyebrows, his ears.

YN: Ram—!

Pulling him down to her height by his shirt collar, Ram moved her single visible eye nearly right next to his own as she pressed her hands into his cheeks from their sides, contorting his mouth like a fish's.

As if trying to look deep into his very soul, YN was forced to look deep into her own. Seeing its dark, nearly ruby-red hue, YN noticed her eye was identical to Rem's if not just palette shifted to her own color.

They really are cute... but just like when I originally woke up for the first time in the mansion, Rem just has such an impact on me.

Standing away, Ram continued to stare at YN with an immense curiosity. But seeing her opportunity, Rem stepped halfway in between the two.

Rem: R-Rem thinks Nee-sama has gotten a good enough look. Not even Rem gets to do that kind of stuff...

Turning around, Ram returned to her own seat once more and crossed her arms.

YN: Can I inquire what that was all about?

Ram: A thorough examination. Ram believes you both, she is just upset she didn't realize YN was not from this world sooner.

Stepping forward, Rem's face flashed with hope.

Rem: Nee-sama believes us?!

Ram: Yes. You can have Ram's full support moving forward.

Turning to YN, Rem's face became a beacon of light as she practically jumped into his arms out of joy.

Rem: Rem is so happy...

Putting a hand on the back of her blue head, YN pulled Rem in, but looked over to Ram and replied to her.

YN: There is one thing Rem left out... Right before we left each time, you would always make me promise to protect Rem, and I want you to know Ram, I intend to keep that promise.

Closing her eyes, Ram nodded.

Ram: Then once again, YN has proven Ram correct that it was a wise decision to trust him with Rem's heart.

Standing up, she folded her hands in front of her and gave YN an extremely rare smile.

Ram: You did also manage to prove Ram right in one other way as well.

YN: —?

Still holding Rem with her face in his chest, YN tilted his head to the side, curious what she was getting at.

Ram: Ram was correct in guessing there was no man in the world good enough for Rem. He needed to come from a different one.

Closing her eyes, but keeping her smile, Ram proceeded past the two still standing near the exit of the stable.

Rem: Nee-sama?

Coming out from the embrace, Rem moved her head to see her sister. Turning at hearing her, Ram now stood in the daylight where the other two stood in the shade still.

Ram: Ram can only guess this venture will also need Roswaal-sama's assistance. Ram will need to fill him in later, but for now, her word on this matter and her convincing of it will be enough to garner what she imagines will be that much needed help.

Raising a single hand, palm up, in a very maid-like fashion, Ram excused herself from this meeting.

Ram: Please bring the carriage out to the main entrance for departure, from there, come to Roswaal-sama's study. We will discuss more from there.

Leaving with determination, Ram left the two alone in the stable as she headed back to the mansion to converse with its lord.

Looking up at YN while still in his arms, Rem's blue bangs caught a slight breeze coming in, allowing him to witness both of Rem's azure eyes as she smiled brightly.

I think everything is gonna be okay... I really hope so, at least.

As Beatrice prepared the Library for a long term of non-use and solitude, she made sure everything was put away, orderly, and clean of dust and other clutter.

Just like Mother would want, I suppose.

Setting the last of her misplaced books back on a high shelf, she double checked their ordering was correct and in corresponding order with the shelves around. Satisfied, she used her hand to wipe the dust that remained.

Stepping down off the ladder, Beatrice looked fondly over the last book case to be tidied up.

Beatrice: That's everything I suppose.

Turning away, Beatrice's shoes lightly clacked over the tiled floor towards the exit. Baring the time she had cleared the space for Rem to read YN's memories, this was the first time in a very long time Beatrice had seen her main floor so clean.

Waving her hand, she dimmed many of the crystal mana lights that illuminated the Library, creating a rather dark interior. Looking back at the dimly lit shelves and cases, Beatrice looked on to her chair, sitting at the far side of where she now stood by the exit.

With only a small table next to it, it's only other company was a small desk lamp, but seated on the chair itself, was the book that continued to call out to her despite it ending on empty pages.

Perhaps this Leo is Betty's 'someone...'

Staring at her Gospel, closed and seated peacefully on her reading chair, more thoughts filled the spirit's mind.

Maybe... this was all part of mother's plan...

Unsure of what the future held, Beatrice resigned herself from thinking of unknowns, and set about to leave her Forbidden Library for a very long while.

Placing her hand on the doorknob, Beatrice went to twist it to leave, but rather—

Beatrice: A locked door it seems.

Taking a step back, Beatrice held her palm up and facing the door. Concentrating, she closed her eyes and tried to move which physical door in the mansion her Door Crossing was connected to.

Without feeling the same magical confirmation she was used to when changing doors, she opened her eyes, and retried opening the door.

*rattle* *rattle*

Nothing. Another locked door?

Beatrice: No... No it cannot be I suppose. It cannot be—!

Trying to open the door, it remained shut, unopening. Again, Beatrice held her palm up, attempting desperately to change which door was connected to Door Crossing.

Still not feeling the presence of another door, Beatrice tried opening it again to no avail.

Beatrice: No—!

Using her fist, Beatrice banged on the door, taking out her mounting frustration and desperation with each pound she made on the wood.

Beatrice: Someone! Please unlock this door for Betty! Bubby!

Pounding harder and harder, she began to have tears fall down her face as her cries became more and more clandestine.

Beatrice: Open this door! Let Betty out! Bubby! Please help Betty! She cannot get out!

Becoming more desperate, Beatrice threw her pride aside and called out more.

Beatrice: Maid sisters!? Maid sisters!

With each pound, Beatrice's fist became more and more red.

Beatrice: Anyone! Betty is locked in her Library!

As the pain mounted in her fist, she resorted to slapping the door with the palm of her hand.

Beatrice: YN! Subaru! Can you hear Betty?! Please! Even Roswaal! Betty is stuck—!

Saying his name, Betty stopped her hand just short of hitting the door once more. As her mind worked, she let a snippet of what she thought out from under her breath.

Beatrice: Roswaal...

Taking a step back from the door, Beatrice had a terrible and loathsome conclusion come across her mind.

This was... intentional. By—!

Gritting her teeth, Beatrice wiped the tears on her face as she clenched her hands into fists once more.

Beatrice: Betty won't let this stop her! She will save everyone!

Sticking her palm out like she had before when trying to control Door Crossing, Beatrice instead manifested several dark flaming crystals behind her, aimed right for the door in question.

Beatrice: Roswaal! YN! Betty will not be kept from doing what she must!

Impaling her projectiles into the door, the Library was littered with dust, debris, and wood splinters from the impact. Waving the dust away, and patting it off her dress, Beatrice inspected the damage.

Beatrice: Betty wonders if they really thought such a simple idea as a lock could keep Betty inside. Hmph!

Knocking down the rest of the door with a kick, Beatrice exited her library.

Beatrice: They were foolish to think Betty would care enough to preserve a door in that dingy, duty mansion, didn't they? Now, where is Betty—

Entering into a dark room, Beatrice cut off her own words as she took her first step into whatever room she had just found herself in.

With her shoe clacking on a hard stone surface, the smell of her library was quickly dashed away, and replaced by a moist, yet earthy smell as if she were in some old root cellar.

Beatrice: Just where is this, I suppose...

Placing her hand on the side of a cool stone wall, Beatrice could see an ambient glow of light coming from around the corner. Taking both steps out from the Library now, Beatrice ventured forth.

Why does this place seem familiar though...

The smell of, and the texture of the walls and floor seemed to inspire a sense of familiarity in her, except she just couldn't quite pin down just what it was...

Rounding the corner however, Beatrice was met with a sight that immediately sunk her heart.

The source of the glow, almost a bright white, but still blue in color, came from a large crystal in the middle of the room. Supported by a stone base, it's radiance illuminated the entire room.

Beatrice: It... It cannot be...

Staring in utter disbelief, Beatrice looked not at the crystal itself, but rather what it held inside.

Beatrice: Ryuzu Meyers...

A name Beatrice had not spoken in centuries, but often thought of rolled across her tongue and lips.

Beatrice: This was when— *hic* Because she—! *hic*

Seeing her old and dear friend in this crystal, in this place, could only mean one thing. Collapsing to her knees, the tears once more freely flowed from her butterfly eyes.

Beatrice: Betty is in—! *hic* Betty is in—!

As her vision blurred and the light glared from the water filling her eyes, she whispered the answer to herself.

Beatrice: Sanctuary...

Speaking its name, the sudden realization of why she had ended up here took hold.

They did this on purpose... They tried to prevent Betty from coming!

Feeling her anger and guilt inside her mix, Beatrice stood herself up. Without even patting her dress off, she ran back from where she came, determined to head along with them to Saluzzo, whether they wanted her to come or not.

Beatrice: Betty *will not* let them deny her the opportunity to stop this travesty! Betty will—

Expecting to see the halfway demolished door that led back to her Library, Beatrice was met with an empty passageway instead.

While shocked at the scene before her earlier and surprised to realize where she was at, Beatrice had failed to hear that the door she had entered from had fallen the rest of the way off.

Still halfway destroyed from her magic, Beatrice looked at the splintery mess that had fallen off its hinges, severing the path back to her Library.

Speechless, Beatrice was frozen in place as she had lost her only exit. Motionless, the tears once again returned and trying to clench her fists, she failed to do so.

All motivation and hope left her spiritual body.

Falling to her knees again, her arms also collapsed from out underneath her, and on her side, she curled her legs to herself, and held them.

Severed from even the library, Beatrice was lost even to the companionship of her books. And as the realization hit her, a great fear took over her body.

Even mothers Gospel! What if it has more entries added to it! Now... Now Betty won't see...

Feeling a dread like no other fill her very soul, Beatrice cried out.

Beatrice: Betty will never see Mother's words again!

Building and building, her frustration mounted as she cried out more.

Beatrice: Betty just wanted to save you all! Why wouldn't you let her!?

Crying more, the dread overwhelmed her tiny body.

Ceasing her crying, Beatrice went silent.

She shook no more.

She cried no more.

She hoped no more.

With no desire to continue on, Beatrice put herself to rest on the cold stone floor that was home to the Sanctuary's barrier.

Beatrice: Curse Roswaal. And curse YN, that anomaly I suppose.

As she fell silent, Beatrice confided herself to no motion, to no more speech, and to no more enjoyment.

This place would be her prison for her failure to not heed her opportunities in the past to prevent further bloodshed.

Maybe it's better this way. It was Betty's own foolishness that caused this...

With her final concluding thoughts, much like Ryuzu, her dear childhood friend in the next room over, Beatrice existed in a state not unlike hers.

Cold. In the dark. And all alone.

Looking at each other while they stood before the door, Rem and YN nodded to each other, reassuring one another that they needed to have the courage to tackle the obstacles before them.

Using the back of her hand, Rem firmly gave three hard knocks on the solid wood door of Roswaal's study. Almost immediately, the door was opened up, and before them stood Ram.

Smiling at her younger sister, Ram turned around, and addressed the lord of the mansion.

Ram: Roswaal-sama, they've arrived.

Roswaal: Spleeeeeended. Please, let them in.

As Ram opened the door the rest of the way, YN and Rem proceeded the rest of the way inside. Taking her flank next to the man in the clown costume's desk facing them, Rem bowed and YN followed her lead.

Rem: Roswaal-sama.

YN: Roswaal-sama.

Sitting in his chair, Roswaal rested his face on his folded hands, his elbows on the table.

Roswaal: Ram has informed me that we've all found ourselves in quiiiiiiiite the situation. Although I'm not completely up to date with everything, I was still approached by her asking me to yield my normal precautions and assist you with anything you ask so long as it should be towards that goal.

Leaning forward on his desk, the wood made a subtle creaking noise.

Roswaal: Now tell me... hooooooow may I be of assistance?

YN: I take it Nee-sama will fill you in on the finer details later, so this request might sound a bit odd.

Nodding, Roswaal reassured them.

Roswaal: Yes, I do look forward to knowing more, but for Ram to be convinced of this, you have convinced me as well.

YN: Then for starters, we first need to distract Subaru. He needs to stay busy until the moment we leave, preferably outside, away from the mansion.

Rem: Doesn't Subaru-kun still need to pack? And how will we accomplish that?

Taking a step forward from her master's side, Ram answered.

Ram: As much as it disgusts Ram, she will pack his belongings for him. I can also make use of your blunder to finish watering the flowers as well, that will keep Barasu busy outside.

Roswaal: I just ask, what is the purpose of distracting Subaru-kun?

Rem: YN-kun is probably worried Subaru-kun will try and ask Beatrice-sama to come along with us on the trip.

YN: Exactly.

Giving her a small headpat of praise for her intuition, YN returned to his serious tone to Roswaal.

YN: The second, and most important thing we need to do though, is prevent Beatrice from coming along, and if we can, prevent her from even leaving the Forbidden Library.

With no reaction to such a request, Roswaal turned his head to the pink haired maid on his flank.

Roswaal: Ram, please attend to Subaru-kun and his belongings. Do your best to not raise suspicion as well.

Bowing, Ram set off.

Ram: Yes, Roswaal-sama.

Walking past her sister, Rem tugged her sleeve.

Rem: Nee-sama... Please don't be too harsh on Subaru-kun, none of this is his fault.

YN: Well, if she isn't harsh, he's going to think something is up, and that's the last thing we need right now.

Looking down and dropping her hand from her sister's sleeve, Rem responded in a sad voice.

Rem: Yes... YN-kun is correct...

Smiling at her good intentions, Roswaal tried making light of it, nonetheless.

Roswaal: Ram's treatment of Subaru-kun is always that of tough-love though, is it nooooot?

Stiffening her posture, Ram responded as curtly as she could.

Ram: While Ram respects Roswaal-sama's prowess in his observationary skills, this time, he is incorrect.

Roswaal: Fu-fu-fu... Well then, regaaaaaardles, we must keep Subaru-kun occupied for the time being. I will summon you if we require further assistance.

Waving her away with one of his gloved hands, Ram bowed silently once more, and headed for the large wooden doors and opened them.

Rem: Good luck, Nee-sama.

Giving her a silent reply, Ram stopped in the doorway as Rem said those words, and then proceeded out.

Roswaal: Ah, Ram, please leave the door open.

Getting her attention just before the door shut, Ram pushed it back open, and finally departed.

Turning his attention back to Rem and YN, Roswaal continued their conversation.

Roswaal: Now, given Beatrice-sama's abilities, our most impooooortant task is keeping her inside the library.

YN: And how do we do that?

Grinning, Roswaal explained.

Roswaal: You are familiar with her Door-Crossing abilities, are you not?

Scratching the back of his head, YN didn't quite follow.

YN: I know it takes me and Rem a while to run around and open doors for the better part of an afternoon to finally find the right one...

Standing up, Roswaal approached the door to his own study, gesturing to it as he went on.

Roswaal: Exaaaaaaaactly, her trick is to keep the door to her Library hidden amongst all the other closed doors. It's because of that it makes finding her such a pain.

Rem: It does always seem like we end up opening nearly every door in the mansion looking for her...

Roswaal: And it's exactly that facet that we can use to our advantage.

Grabbing a hold of the door handle, Roswaal posed a question.

Roswaal: Rem, can you tell me what might happen if Beatrice-sama decides to leave her Library and only one door is closed in the entire mansion?

Rem: Umm, Rem wants to guess Beatrice-sama will only have one door to choose from?

Roswaal: Correct!

YN: If I'm understanding correctly, the idea is to open all the doors in the mansion to trap Beatrice inside, is that it?

Rem: Rem would imagine so...

Thinking about it, YN found two flaws in the plan. Crossing his arms, he looked to Roswaal.

YN: But wouldn't it actually be extremely unlikely that we end up having the right door be the very last one? And as we go along opening doors, the chances go up of running across her door, so we might end up opening it multiple times. Knowing Beatrice, she'll catch on pretty quickly.

Roswaal: Now, now YN-kuuuuuuun, I can assure you I have thought well in advance about such a conundrum.

Looking back to the door he still held the handle to, Roswaal narrowed his eyes.

Roswaal: Which is why—!

Summoning a strength YN had not expected the wizard to have, Roswaal ripped the door right off its hinges, leaving a spiltery mess on his ornate hardwood and floor rug.

Putting her hands to her face in shock, Rem called out.

Rem: Roswaal-sama!

Giving the maid a smile as if nothing odd had just occurred, Roswaal explained himself.

Roswaal: While it is ceeeeertainly a crude method, it's flawless in that it keeps us from opening any door, and upon its destruction, permanently severs the link with her Door-Crossing.

Still disturbed at her employer damaging his own property as such, Rem stuttered over her words.

Rem: B-But—! Roswaal-sama! The m-mansion has so many doors! If we did this to each one... that would cause so much damage...

Roswaal: Worry not, Rem. I will personally make sure to have a team of the finest craftsmen and restoraaaaaaationists come through while everyone is gone. The mansion will look exactly as it did by the time everyone returns.

Waving away any worry Rem felt, Roswaal explained himself as if nothing about this was out of line in the least bit.

Roswaal: Now then, we must act swiiiiiftly. Rem, be sure to rip any door right off its hinges you come across. We will begin on this floor and I will work upward, while you may work downwards. YN-kun, you should pack your own belongings and be ready to leave with the others.

Rem: Yes, Roswaal-sama.

YN: Yes, Roswaal-sama.

Copying Rem, YN bowed as well, addressing their shared employer in the same fashion.

Leaving his study going to the right, Roswaal went about yanking each door he came across right off the wall. Taking three or four doors as victims before rounding the corner and proceeding out of sight, Rem approached the first door that was to be her own target.

Placing her gentle hand on the knob, she took a deep breath before applying her strength. Pulling, she made the door's destruction look as effortless as Roswaal did.

Rem: Eek!

Holding a chunk of wood with a handle attached in her hand still, Rem dropped it at the sight of the mess she had just made. Looking at her hand, it trembled.

Rem: Never would Rem have imagined she would need to do such a deed... To disrespect the mansion in such a way...

Placing a hand on her exposed shoulder, Rem looked over to YN. Trying his best to give her confidence, he weakly smiled at her.

YN: Well, think about it this way. If you don't tear them down, that's like disobeying Roswaal, isn't it?

Closing her shaking hand into a fist, Rem nodded at his word.

Rem: Yes, YN-kun is right, Rem cannot let Roswaal-sama down.

Going to the next door, Rem wasted no time in dislodging the door from its frame.

YN: Alright, before anyone gets to my room, I'm going to get changed and packed up. Try not to get any splinters, okay?

Nodding and smiling warmly to his concern, Rem thanked him for his words.

Rem: Yes. Thanks to YN-kun, Rem should be able to carry through with this.

Not wasting any more time, YN proceeded on ahead to his domicile, packing his belongings for a trip he had inadvertently taken several times at this juncture.

EDIT: Sorry, looks like I accidentally overwrote the previous chapter (60) with this one my mistake. So if you read this and were confused on what was going on, please see the previous chapter.