A/N: Hello again and welcome back for this week's chapter! Big thanks to ShuTDowN for finding a wording error in the last chapter.
I also just wanna take a moment to thank everyone who continues to come back and read these chapters every week and leave the nice comments. I read 99% of all of them, so even if I might not respond, I do read them at the very least.
Chapter 62: The Endless Eight – Part 8
As the ground dragon carriage rumbled along, YN and Rem felt their perspective pangs of guilt. It hadn't hit them until now, but neither of them could believe their actions. To betray Beatrice in such a cruel way, and for things to take such an unforeseen and unpredictable turn with the self destruction of what was supposed to be an esteemed property of the Mather's family.
It's all because this loop is a throw away. is what they kept telling themselves, trying to justify actions they couldn't accept as their own.
Neither of them said it to each other, but they both knew that was on their mind.
On the main road to Costuul still, the two were silent as they heard faint mumblings from inside the carriage where Emilia and Subaru still sat, unknowing of the brash actions taken not so long ago, and oblivious to the events that would still surely take place.
While a guilt still increased in his own chest having told Rem that this would need to be a loop where she herself would not be continuing on with, his own thoughts began to get the better of himself.
Maybe that's also on Rem's mind... I should say something again even though I know we still already talked about it... Granted, that was before we did what he had to back at the mansion, so they might have shaken her up again...
Looking over to the maid that sat to his right on the drivers bench, he could see her single visible azure eye beautifully reflecting the late evening sun that was burning orange just above the horizon. With YN in charge of the reins, Rem was looking at the sunset with a somber expression. One leg crossed over the other, Rem rested her elbow on the higher leg and rested her chin in turn on her hand.
Or... Maybe I shouldn't bring it up... She might have forgotten that in place of trapping Beatrice and ruining the mansion. It would just be compounding the painful thoughts...
As the carriage proceeded onward, the sun momentarily dipped behind a high hill, putting them in a dark shadow. With the change in brightness, this caused Rem to notice YN was looking at her. At first turning her eyes, she saw him. Smiling, she uncrossed her legs, placed both her hands in her lap, and turned in YN's direction.
Rem: It makes Rem's heart flutter when she sees her YN-kun gazing at her so intensely...
With a small blush growing on her face, Rem tilted her head when she saw the continued worried expression on YN's face.
Rem: —? YN-kun, is something wrong?
Unable to lie to the person who held his heart, YN said what was on his mind.
YN: Rem... I could ask you the same thing.
Tilting her head to the opposite side, Rem asked what YN meant.
Rem: YN-kun could ask the same thing of Rem?
Casting her eyes downward, Rem couldn't hide her feelings either.
Rem: Then the answer to that would be 'yes.' Just like YN-kun, Rem too is distressed after having to do the things we've done so far, and more than likely, that won't be the end of it...
Looking back up, Rem pushed back her negative emotions and smiled.
Rem: But Rem must be as strong as YN-kun.
Seeing the blue haired beauty forcing her smile, YN's expression remained unchanged.
She's suffering...
YN: Rem, I can understand how you feel about having to do the things we've done, but, given that I told you that this isn't going to be a future you'll be able to live with, even if you wanted to...
Feeling more guilt build up in his chest, YN looked away, but continued what he was saying.
YN: —To tell the truth though... It seems like you're taking all this too well, Rem.
With no immediate response from implying his suspicions to her honesty, Rem finally reacted.
Gently placing her soft, delicate hands on his face, Rem turned YN's head to face her, and brought it forward and toward her own face. Kissing him lightly on the lips, caressed his cheeks with her thumbs as she answered him.
Rem: Our promise to each other was to lean on one another. Rem has to lean on her YN-kun most of the time, so during these times where YN-kun has nowhere else to turn to, Rem will be the one to help hold him up and be the one to assist in any problems he has.
Sliding closer to him on the bench, Rem nestled her head against his chest and just under his own head.
Rem: Even if we both have touching moments like this that Rem would like to cherish... if it means forgetting them in exchange helping pave a path to a future where YN-kun and his Rem can be happy and safe, Rem will make that sacrifice.
Hearing her sincere words, tears of relief bubbled up in his own eyes.
YN: Rem... I—
Rem: Now now—
Sitting herself up, Rem tucked her hand into her sleeve and wiped YN's eyes.
Rem: Rem can't let YN-kun have a repeat of when we brought down Emilia-sama's luggage. If his eyes are all still puffy and his cheeks red when we arrive in Costuul, Subaru-kun and Emilia-sama might notice.
Knowing she was right, YN pulled himself together.
YN: You're right... Thank you. If you want to, or need to talk about any of it, please don't bottle it in. Okay?
Gently placing her hand around his closest one to her that still held its half the of the ground dragon reins, Rem responded.
Rem: There is one thing Rem must apologize for, as she is certain YN-kun hadn't expected it when Rem did it.
Confused on what she meant, Rem's face turned a slight pink as she looked forward and away from YN, slightly embarrassed by the rash action she had taken that she was now speaking of.
YN: I'm kind of lost as to what you think you did.
Rem: When YN-kun had decided to involve Nee-sama so intimately, Rem knew at that exact moment that YN-kun truly didn't intend to have this be the final loop.
Looking back at him, Rem concluded what she meant.
Rem: —Rem is sure she worried YN-kun greatly when she told Nee-sama he was from beyond the Great Waterfall...
Recognizing why she might think she did something wrong, YN patted the blue haired oni on her head, reassuring her.
YN: I was worried, but you took a risk I wasn't about to take, and it paid off. There's no telling how much would be different right now if you hadn't.
Pulling the maid in for a side hug, YN leaned the side of his head against the top of her head.
YN: It's for times like that Rem, I'm truly thankful we have each other, and can rely on each other's strengths.
Rem: Rem is also very thankful, hearing YN-kun say that makes her heart feel warm.
Offering to take the reins from him and give him a break, YN passed them over to Rem. With the two knowing they were both in a better mood, Rem went on to explain more about her choice to inform Ram about YN's origins.
Rem: The only reason Rem even went ahead with telling Nee-sama was because she knew this loop was not permanent. Had YN-kun not entrusted Rem with that information, it is like what he said when Rem told Nee-sama to begin with; Rem wouldn't know where we would be now.
With his mind now free to wander with the reins no longer in his hands, YN began to recall all the points Beatrice had told him, specifically the ones on Rem.
So I'm captured as bait... specifically to get Rem to come after me, so that Leo guy can get her horn...
To YN, this all seemed like a sound plan someone could come up with.
Except, one thing didn't line up.
How did Leo know about me and Rem being close? And how did he know she was an oni...
The plan lacked it's main motivation, information.
Beatrice did say he said he was hired to capture me but changed his motive to capturing Rem's horn once he learned about her...
Thinking hard on it, YN couldn't imagine how this man could have gained that knowledge—
YN: —Unless...
Hearing him speak under his voice, Rem looked over to YN who was still deep in thought, looking at the last bits of sunshine to make it over the horizon.
Rem: —?
YN: Hey, how do you think this all got set in motion?
Rem: Rem doesn't follow.
As her bangs swayed from shaking her head, YN thought of a better way of asking.
YN: How do you think that Leo guy learned that you and I are close? And how did he find out that you're an oni? The amount of people who know both of those things... You could count them on one hand.
Realizing that such a thing couldn't be a simple coincidence, Rem put a hand from the reins to get chin.
Rem: That is a most concerning realization...
YN: Given everyone we know who knows these things, I don't see any of them willingly telling Leo...
Rem: Then the information must have been acquired through subterfuge... An informant must have overheard something.
YN: A spy basically?
Rem: Likely someone in the village who keeps an eye out for those from the mansion coming to the market...
YN: Eh, wouldn't you and Ram be able to tell though? I mean, you both did find me and Subaru when we were staking out the mansion...
Rem lightly scratched her cheek and looked downward in response to YN's question. While it was cruel to bring up one of many things Rem regretted the most, Rem understood that YN was genuinely inquiring.
Rem: That was only because Nee-sama knew who she was looking for through her clairvoyance. If this informant is unknown to either of us, we have as good of a chance of finding him as YN-kun does.
YN: Ahh, I see.
As the carriage continued onward, they each mulled over different ideas in their heads silently, trying to figure how such information could get out.
After several minutes of silence, Rem perked up, and looked at YN as if she might have some sort of idea.
Rem: YN-kun, since this has all happened before, and the same travesties happened each time for the same motive, unknown to us, perhaps it's possible the information that Leo acquired hasn't arrived to him yet.
YN: 'Hasn't arrived to him yet?' What do you mean?
Rem: Rem means, what if that information was gathered between now, and when the attack first happens? It would have been yet to happen if our obliviousness to the loop's existence hadn't occurred.
Understanding the point Rem was trying to make, that did make sense to YN, given he knew no one at the mansion would willingly work with this guy.
Right?
YN: So then it might be best if we lay low and keep a low profile is what you're saying? And watch what we say even if we think others won't hear.
Rem: Precisely.
YN: I see but—
Gesturing with his thumb behind them, YN brought up another possibility.
YN: —what if it was one of them running their mouths? How do we go about asking them to watch what they say about us?
Looking right ahead as she drove the ground dragon along, Rem could only manage to shrug, unsure of how to prevent such a thing.
YN: I think we're just going to need to keep an extra close eye on them, and maybe hopefully prevent them having too much outside contact.
Rem: How would we manage that?
YN: Right when we get into the city, we go straight to the inn, and don't leave until morning. We'll have to use every excuse imaginable, but we should be able to pull it off.
Rem: Rem will try and think of as many as she can.
Giving the blue haired oni a much deserved headpat, the two spoke of things of a much lighter topics until they reached the city of Costuul.
Approaching the gates, the four traveled into the large city. While nowhere as big as the capitol, YN and Subaru nonetheless were surprised at its size.
YN: This place is massive... If you told me this was the capitol I wouldn't know any better...
Subaru: Yeah, neither would I.
With Rem having gone back into the carriage to grasp at the possibility of any clues or leads that could be garnered from Emilia, Subaru had come out to be co-pilot as YN picked up his second driving shift, hoping to perhaps see if he could convince Subaru of somehow keeping his publicly heard words to a minimum.
At least this way, if one of them is with one of us, they have a much less of a chance of saying anything we won't hear.
Still chasing the possibility that the information about Rem and YN that helped set up the attack came from Subaru or Emilia by accident, the two who were aware had decided the best course of action was to keep one of them to themselves each.
Guiding the carriage through the crowded city streets, Subaru finagled with a map Emilia had given him to help find the inn, which seemed to be steeped in the deepest section of the densest part.
With progress being slow, it seemed like the longest part of the journey had just begun, and with it being well past supper time, all four were finding themselves more and more famished since they all had to skip dinner for this trip.
After passing food stalls and tents, the aroma of the cooking food had become too much for the carriage's most important occupant.
Sticking her head out the door just far enough to have her silver hair blow in the light breeze, Emilia posed a question to the driver.
Emilia: YN, would it be possible for us to stop and get some food? Me and Rem are reeeeally hungry.
Oh crap, if Subaru and Emilia get out in this crowd, there's no telling who might hear them... That informant might be around here, anywhere... He might already be tailing us...
Thinking of an excuse, YN had the perfect one pop up.
YN: Ehh— Uhh, Emilia-sama, we need to check into the inn before it gets too late. With the current progress, I fear we might be cutting it close...
Emilia: Hmm, I guess we can wait till then, once we get set in, maybe then we can—
Sticking her head out next to Emilia, Rem suddenly joined in as backup for YN.
Rem: E-Emilia-sama! Please, allow Rem to cook something once we have our room! Emilia-sama should eat a healthy meal before such an important day tomorrow—
Subaru: Oh come on Rem-san, Emilia-tan never gets to indulge in things like this. Let her live a little.
With more and more opposition mounting, YN sought to quell the argument this might break down into.
YN: Let's decide what we can do once we get to the inn, okay? We have a little bit of time to think and decide.
Flying out and hovering around, the spirit Puck agreed with YN.
Puck: I gotta agree with YN here, this back-and-forth is really making it hard to get my beautysleep.
As dusk loomed closer and closer, of course the little gray cat that was Emilia's contracted spirit would begin to grow tired.
Nodding to her spirit, Emilia stood down as Puck materialized into the green crystal around her neck.
Emilia: That is a better idea. Fine, we'll decide once we arrive.
Moving back into the carriage, Rem followed, but before she did, she gave a wink to YN, hidden from the other two. Traversing the crowd for longer, YN, with Subaru's sub-par navigational skills eventually got them to the inn.
With Rem taking Emilia into the lobby for check in, YN and Subaru focused on getting the carriage and ground dragon parked up. Returning with some of Emilia's luggage by her request, the moment finally came when they would discuss what the plan was for the evening.
Emilia: I'm still really hungry, and I'm sure Rem is too...
Subaru: Yeah I'm starved. All those good smelling food stalls really made it worse too, but I'm so tired I don't know if I can navigate a crowd... Hey Emilia-tan, is there any way we can order delivery?
Emilia: 'Order delivery?' Wouldn't the food go bad if they have to mail it?
Slumping his shoulders, Subaru lamented on the lack of modern creature comforts in this world.
Subaru: Nevermind...
Actually, that gives me an idea...
Snapping his finger, YN gave Rem a look that said "Don't worry, I've got a plan."
YN: Subaru, why don't you stay here and help Emilia-sama unpack while me and Rem get some food to bring back?
Looking back to Rem, YN saw her eyes light up, and could practically hear her voice projected into his mind.
Rem: YN-kun has Rem's utmost faith!
Emilia: I guess that's not a bad idea...
Subaru: Woah-wait! Where are you two going to go for it?! We don't have a menu to choose from—
Rem: Subaru-kun will just need to enjoy anything we bring back.
YN: Alright then, I guess we'll handle provisions. Any preferences?
Raising her hand like a school child, Emilia voiced hers.
Emilia: I do! No green peppirs.
YN: Noted. Subaru?
Giving a look with narrowed eyes, Subaru only vaguely answered.
Subaru: Just nothing weird.
Rem: Rem will be sure to find something everyone can enjoy.
Taking YN's hand, Rem stepped towards the exit.
Rem: Now then, Subaru-kun, please remain here with Emilia-sama and help her unpack, we will be back shortly.
As Emilia waved them goodbye, Rem and YN descended the handful of steps from the inn and onto the busy street of Costuul.
Walking in the incredibly crowded streets, Rem kept a tight hold on YN as she led the way. Whenever Rem did this, YN could let his mind wander as she guided him. He trusted her more than himself to get him to the right place.
Looking about, YN observed the many people and places around him. The street was lined with vendors of all sorts selling food, trinkets, goods, etc. As Rem was looking for a place she could procure food for everyone from still, the two remained near the side of the street, walking near its edge so they could see what all the stands, tents, and carts had to offer.
As she led him on, many of the vendors called out, trying to get the two to buy fruit, rugs, hats... Many different things.
Passing a couple particularly pushy merchants, Rem stepped back into the thickness of the crowd as she looked back at YN.
Rem: Rem isn't having much luck on this side of the street... Maybe we should try the other?
YN: Sure, if you think that's a good idea, I'll follow you.
With no argument, Rem began to cut through the crowd of walking people as she made her way to the middle of the street. As the two approached the middle, there was a break in the crowd as a single lane of ground dragon carriages was slowly passing through the street as well. Their progress was made slow by the content influx of people walking in front of them, but those that did stayed clear enough to not get hit.
Waiting for an opening, Rem patently held YN's hand. As a large cargo carriage went by being pulled by two ground dragons, YN looked about more. Noticing a plume of smoke or steam from the opposite side of the street, YN focused in on the stand where it came from.
It was a taller stand, wooden, and with a large awning. But what really drew YN's attention was the man sitting up high, working a large wok on top of a roaring fire. Watching as the man added ingredients and shook the wok about, YN realized this may be what Rem might be looking for. As the man threw in a large amount of water, a large plume of steam wafed out from under his canvas awning.
YN: Hey Rem, what about that stand over—
Pointing in its direction, he suddenly felt something land on the back of his outstretched hand.
And then on his arm.
And again on his hand.
And on his head.
Much of the hustle and bustle around the two of them seemed to come to a near halt, voices quited, and motion slowed. Many of them looked up at the sky above, a dark and cloudy evening with just enough light left before the street lamps would begin to turn on. Others held their hands out, palms turned upwards as if awaiting a gift from a stranger.
Feeling more things bounce on his arms, head, and hand, the heavens opened a floodgate from above.
As the deluge suddenly picked up, the noises of conversations and voices picked up, louder than before, and people moved with more haste. Everyone wanted out of the rain, and off the street.
Seeing their customers begin to leave though, and not wanting their own merchandise to get wet, many vendors and merchants begin to immediately shut shop, and close down. Doors closed, carts shuttered, and tents folded down.
Finding herself in the midst of the confusion, Rem turned to YN for cause.
Rem: Ah, rain!
With the crowd around them moving to disperse, Rem was unable to make progress across the street. But, seeing the wok stand may also begin to close, YN decided to take initiative. This time, taking the lead, YN kept Rem close to him as he muscled his way across the avenue and towards a place that Rem may need to visit before it closes.
YN: Stay close and hold my hand, okay? Don't let go.
With a blush on her face, Rem nodded in agreement.
Crossing the carriage lane, YN pushed through the crowd on the other side, keeping Rem behind him to prevent her from being thrashed about.
Rem: Umm, YN-kun, all these places are closing, shouldn't we look elsewhere?
YN: Just a little farther, Rem, you'll see what I'm taking us to.
Reaching the stand, the man who worked the wok was about to turn in his awning as he saw two soaked people rush up to his stand.
YN: Wait! Please hold on!
Nodding to them, the man propped his awning back open. As YN looked to Rem, he brought her forward, giving her the stage to order.
I think that's supposed to be the menu, but it's handwritten so I can't read it that well...
As Rem ordered, much of the crowd in the street had either gone away, or ran inside somewhere, as well as most of the curbside shops. The street was now only occupied with carriages moving at a quicker pace, and the occasional late crowd member, running with their hands over their head to escape the continued deluge.
With four orders placed, YN let Rem have the limited space under the canvas awning, sheltering her from the rain as YN proceeded to be soaked.
Rem: YN-kun will catch a cold! Please switch with Rem!
With rain dripping down his face and soaking his hair and clothes, YN responded with a smile on his face at Rem's concern.
YN: You know I couldn't do that to you.
Giving him a weak smile of appreciation, the man in the stand handed Rem all four orders stacked neatly and wrapped in a tied cloth to keep them together and dry. Bowing, the man shut the stand, and left the two back out in the rain.
Having gotten what they set out to find, Rem and YN ran back to the inn, determined to not let what they just got get wet.
Making haste, the two found themselves in a nearly empty street with the only sounds being their own breathing, the rain landing hard on the rooftops around them, and the splatter of water underneath their shoes as they ran across puddles forming in the cobblestone street.
Occasionally they would look back at each other, laughing as they both shared this rainy moment, having not a care in the world.
Arriving back to the inn, YN led Rem through the back entrance, near where the ground dragon carriage was stored.
YN: We probably shouldn't go in the front looking like this.
Rem: Yes, it would not reflect well on Emilia-sama if her staff looked like we do.
Proceeding upstairs and to one of their booked rooms, Rem unlocked the door while YN held their orders.
Opening the door with a *Ker-chunk* of the lock, Rem called in.
Rem: Emilia-sama? Subaru-kun? We have returned.
Subaru: Oh good! I'm starved!
Emilia: Oh, you guys are back, how did it— Oh!
Coming around the corner, Emilia stopped and held a hand over her mouth, giving a worried expression.
Emilia: YN! You're soaked!
Looking down at himself, it was true.
Rem: YN-kun insisted that Rem have the one spot where she couldn't get wet.
Emilia: O-Oh, that was nice of him...
Subaru: That's all well and good but—
Snatching the bundle of orders from YN's hands, Subaru complained.
Subaru: —it's going to be all for not if YN gets all the food soggy from his dripping! Go change!
While he was still dripping wet, YN had found himself standing in a small puddle of water from staying in one spot for too long.
Emilia: Subaru is right, you'll catch a cold.
Scratching the back of his head, YN knew they were right.
YN: Yeah, I probably should... I'll come back and dry this up.
Rem: Allow Rem. Please, waste no time, while she would like to attend to a bedridden YN-kun, she prefers if it were back at the mansion where she can have everything she needs to spoil him.
YN: Alright, alright.
As Subaru and Emilia went through the orders, YN went to the other booked room and changed into his only other clothes, the ones he had first arrived to this world in, which had turned into his leisure clothes.
Having finished changing as quickly as he could, he heard the door to the room open behind him.
Huh? I thought I locked it...
Looking behind him, the familiar hue of blue was the first thing he recognized. With his and her orders in her hands, Rem smiled weakly.
Rem: Subaru-kun and Emilia-sama are enjoying their dinner on the covered part of the balcony, which is too cramped for three people, so Rem thought she would come to this room instead.
Turning fully to greet her, a slight frown grew on her face.
YN: —?
Confused as to the change in her expression, Rem sat the order on a small table.
Rem: YN-kun.
Walking up to him, Rem put her hand on her hips.
YN: W-What?
Reaching her hand up, Rem ran her fingers through his hair. Taking her hand back, Rem flicked the water she had gotten on it off.
Rem: Rem sees someone forgot to dry their hair.
YN: O-Oh, woops. I'll go do that—
Rem: No need, Rem will have to do it, it seems. Please sit.
Pulling out a chair, Rem pointed at it for YN to sit in. Doing as she asked, Rem returned with a towel from the bathroom. Standing behind him, Rem drooped the towel over his head, and began to dry his hair.
She just wanted an excuse to do this, didn't she?
Leaning in, Rem pressed her chest against his back, and whispered into his ear.
Rem: Ara~, what is Rem supposed to do with her YN-kun?
With a bit of red forming on his face, YN answered.
YN: I guess the only thing you can do is continue to do this, isn't it?
While not rejecting her advance, YN was also cautious as to not egg Rem on to more things.
Pulling the towel off his head, Rem stepped in front of YN, and lightly played with his hair, pushing it over and parting it in different ways. Bending over in front of him, YN was given a good view of the same chest that had been pressed up against him not a moment earlier, but looking up, he noticed something else in her azure eyes. A tinge of a different emotion.
YN: Rem, you look a little upset.
Noticing a small amount of concern on her face, Rem continued to run her fingers gently through his hair.
Rem: Rem is just slightly upset that YN was told to go change so harshly. Neither Emilia-sama nor Subaru-kun thanked him properly either despite getting so wet...
YN: —? I think their concern for my condition was 'thanks' enough. Did they thank you at least?
Rem: Yes, but Rem doesn't need any, such an errand is part of Rem's responsibility as a maid. It is expected of her.
YN: Well, I'd still want to thank you, after all, you did the hard part.
Rem: And what would that have been?
YN: Ordering. I couldn't read the handwriting on that sign at all...
Smiling as she finished getting YN's still slightly damp hair to just how she liked it, Rem stood back up straight.
Rem: Now then—
Pulling up a chair next to him, Rem sat as she brought the orders over to them both.
Rem: —before they get cold.
Sitting next to each other, Rem and YN enjoyed their meal together. YN still wasn't sure what it was called, but the dish was good, despite one part.
Rem: Rem doesn't think YN has ever had this dish before, does he like it?
YN: It's definitely not as good as your cooking, but it's good. I just don't care for whatever these are...
Poking at it, YN had begun to pile what appeared to be a roasted vegetable or fruit of sorts from the rest of the dish.
Rem: Oh, yes. That's not very surprising... Rem doesn't mind them, but Nee-sama and Emilia-sama dislike them as well, so Rem doesn't cook with them very often at all, so it's probably YN-kun's first time having them.
YN: Huh, I see. Well, I'll have to ask for this without them if I get this again.
Rem: They're very commonly put on Hambulgars too, YN-kun should also keep that in mind as well.
YN (mouth full): Ham-whats?
Dumbfounded at the sound of a familiar word from his old world, YN swallowed his half chewed bite hard.
This time, Rem knows I'm from a different world and no one else is around, so we can freely talk about this now.
Rem: Hambulgars, YN-kun has probably never heard of them since Rem hasn't made them before.
Holding his hands out like he was holding a hamburger from his world, YN described them.
YN: They're about this big? A bun cut in half, grilled ground meat of some sort with other various condiments?
Blinking twice at YN's spot on description, Rem's response was delayed, somewhat flabbergasted that he'd known what they were.
Rem: —! Did YN-kun already know what they were then...? No... He couldn't have.
With Rem getting a clue, YN nodded in response.
YN: I know them as 'Hamburgers', but it sounds like the same basic idea.
Setting her utensil down, Rem blotted her mouth with a napkin.
Rem: For what they are and what they're called to be so similar... That's a very odd happenstance.
YN: Admittedly though, sometimes people call them steamed-hams, but that's a regional dialect... Oh well, I'm sure that's not the only thing that's similar like that we'll come across.
Pouting at his carefree summary, Rem teased him, closing her eyes and folding her arms.
Rem: And here Rem was thinking she'd get to surprise her YN-kun, but it seems that opportunity has passed her by.
YN: I-I'm sure there's other things you can show me!
Opening her single visible eye, Rem smiled back at him, dropping her pout.
Rem: YN-kun is lucky he's so cute with his hair like that right now or maybe Rem would continue to be upset.
Giving her a bashful smile and red face in reply to her compliment as he took another bite of his own meal, YN considered keeping it this way.
YN: I guess if you like it enough, I can try and make it look this way more often.
Reaching her hand out, Rem slightly readjusted his hair as it began to settle now that it was drying out more.
Rem: Rem would like that, but it seems YN-kun's hair will only stay that way when it's damp.
Giving him a warm smile for his attempted effort, Rem resigned from trying to correct it.
YN: And here I was thinking I'd have the looks to get me out of any situation with you.
Rem: YN-kun already has that.
Reaching for Rem's hand on the table and holding it, YN and Rem tightly gripped each other's fingers. As the two stared down at their intertwined fingers, a sudden sadness fell over YN as he remembered the reality of their situation.
She won't remember any of this... And just telling her won't have the same effect...
Rem: YN-kun...
With Rem already correctly guessing what had made the smile on his face go away, Rem placed her other hand on top of their other two.
YN: I'm really sorry Rem. I know we've talked about this twice now but I still can't shake the feeling of guilt knowing you won't have all these precious memories.
Moving her chair next to his, Rem sat next to YN, and placed his hands on her lap and held them with her own.
Rem: Rem can't understand the emotions YN-kun might be feeling, but Rem wants her YN-kun to know she still isn't bothered by it. This is all for our future, and Rem will endure it.
Trying to consult him, he felt water begin to build in his eyes once more.
YN: Truthfully, I'm also afraid I'll bring up one of these moments in the future to you, but I'll forget you don't have a real memory of them, and I know that'll happen, and I'm so sorry for it.
Moving one of her hands to the side of his face, Rem gave him a sympathetic look. Gazing back into her azure eyes, YN continued.
YN: It's just that every moment I spend with you is equally precious as any other. I still feel so overwhelmed sometimes about how we're together and how you see so much in me that I could never hope to see, especially when you're such a special and beautiful person.
Choking back more of his emotions, YN was also somewhat frustrated with himself.
YN: —And it's really selfish of me to keep having these moments with you because they end up only being for my benefit.
Gently grabbing his shoulders, Rem turned him in his seat to face her. Placing her forearms on his shoulders, Rem leaned in and pressed the side of her face into his chest, nuzzling her hair under his chin.
Rem: Then Rem wants YN-kun to be as selfish as he wants. If having these moments helps his mind during these tough times, Rem wants to help as much as she can.
Leaning back off of him, Rem continued.
Rem: Rem only has one selfish request of her own.
Lightly tapping the tip of his nose with her finger as she said this, Rem made her own desire known.
Rem: Rem only wants YN-kun to be willing to have new precious moments with her, so we can have those to remember together.
YN: Of course! I could never not do that.
Leaning back in, Rem hugged YN over his shoulders again, but this time Rem reached up and kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear.
Rem: Thank you for granting Rem her selfish request.
Standing back up, Rem made quick work of cleaning up, moving her chair back to where it belonged.
Rem: It is getting late, so Rem will be retiring to the other room with Emilia-sama to help her prepare for tomorrow.
YN: Yeah, Subaru and I should probably go to bed here soon too. I made him a deal I would cover for his driving shift so he could spend more time with Emilia in the carriage.
As he said that though, a quick pang of pressure developed in his mind.
Rem: When did YN-kun make that deal with him?
Putting a hand to forehead, YN felt a small cold sweat begin to form.
YN: I... I don't know. All of sudden I just had that memory float into my mind. But I don't know why I just did.
Rem: Are these more memories of YN-kun's forgotten loops coming back?
YN: Maybe but... I feel more tired all of a sudden. I think we should call it a night...
Unsure of what he was currently feeling, both YN and Rem knew it was pointless trying to dig for more understanding of something they had no way of figuring out.
Giving him one last hug, Rem wished YN a goodnight, and left to send Subaru in, and prepare for tomorrow.
Having proposed the idea of shift skipping to Subaru, he had happily agreed. Traveling on, YN, Subaru, and Rem had made a good impression on the passer-bys once they loaded in Emilia in front of the inn, capturing an air of high class that impressed everyone who saw.
Leaving the crowded city, Rem and YN were treated to the beautiful scenes of flowers in a shallow valley they rode through, and after Subaru's skipped shift, he came back out to the drivers bench, replacing Rem as they neared their destination.
Getting closer to the city that was their destination, YN felt an anxiety build in his chest.
This is where the attack is supposed to happen, huh?
Subaru: Hey, YN. Look!
YN: Wha— huh?
Subaru: This town! Don't you think it looks a little out of place?
As the carriage was pulled through the entrance of the town, Subaru gawked at the architectural similarities the town of Saluzzo had with a Japanese Edo Period village.
Subaru: How can you not immediately notice all this! How did it get like this?
Truthfully, YN knew and understood why Subaru was acting this way, after all, it was extremely odd for there to be this type of architecture here. But for some reason, it never caught YN attention, almost as if he somehow already knew it was going to be like this.
I can't picture any memories of actually seeing the town, only during the attack, and even that's blurry...
Calling Rem out, Subaru barraged her with questions for any knowledge she might have, but in the end, her expertise only knew that it was a common style of architecture seen in Kararagi, where a merchant by a name of "Hoshin of the wastes" had pioneered the style when he united the City States into one unified state, making it the fourth in the world, and the one to the far west.
With Subaru being unsatisfied, YN knew he'd need to later inform Rem of such a similarity.
Arriving at their destination, it was the largest building in town, a small wooden castle of sorts, mimicking itself in the Japanese style Subaru had only seen on school field trips before. Offloading from the carriage, the four were greeted by their host.
?: Emilia-sama, that must be you.
Approaching them was an older wolf or dog-like demi-human wearing a grayish-blue yukata. The hair on his head and around his face was grayed like an elder's would be, and his eye's matched his garments were exaggerated by the large focal glasses he wore.
With their host bowing to Emilia, she thanked him for his hospitality.
Emilia: We are honored to be here.
Rem: Margrave Roswaal-sama sends his regards and appreciation for your support of Emilia-sama's Royal Election candidacy, Julio-sama.
Being second to speak after Emilia, Rem bowed and spoke in her formal maid tone, something YN hadn't heard in a long time.
Julio: It is my pleasure. It's my firm belief that the people of Saluzzo will rejoice in hearing that someone like Emilia-sama will be a royal candidate. Many of the same things they feel I'm sure she feels as well.
Standing up from her bow, Rem responded.
Rem: Nonetheless, Roswaal-sama is grateful for your assistance in this matter, especially when there was great deal of resistance at first.
Waving away the concern, Julio replied.
Julio: Think nothing of it. Like I said, it's my pleasure.
Forgetting the weird similarities of the town for a moment, Subaru stepped forward now.
Subaru: Excuse me, why was there a great deal of resistance in having Emilia attend at first?
Julio: Oh! My, more faces I failed to see were there. My apologies, these eyes aren't what they used to be.
Bowing in the direction of YN and Subaru, Julio adjusted where his large glasses sat to help better focus on the two.
Julio: But yes, there actually wasn't any resistance, at first only however. When the Margrave wrote us a letter saying he was to be sponsoring a demi-human for the throne, many of us were very optimistic for what we all hoped would be a chance for real representation.
As he continued though, a somber expression glinted off his glasses as they were angled towards Emilia.
Julio: What was written next in the Margrave's letter was concerning to most of the elders though. Once they learned this demi-human was a "silver haired half-elf," many of them wanted to immediately draft a statement of rejection...
Subaru: That's so shallow! None of them have even seen or met her and they're deciding that!?
YN: Yeah, that is messed up.
Putting his hands on his hips, Julio straightened his back.
Julio: I agree. It's unfortunate, but Emilia-sama will need to make a very good impression at the festival, that will be her first step to overcoming the prejudice. But since you both feel so strong about it, that must mean the two of you are YN-dono, and Subaru-dono.
Subaru: Huh?
YN: How do you know who we are? We're just the help.
Looking over at YN, Subaru shook his head.
Subaru: You might be just 'the help,' but I aspire to be more and win over Emilia-tan's heart. But I will agree, it's odd to know who we are...
Giving a hearty laugh to their banter, Julio answered them.
Julio: The Margrave said in his letter he'd be sending Emilia-sama's trustworthy entourage along as well that helped save the village of Arlem from an attack of sorts. Mabeasts if my memory serves right.
Emilia: That's right, Subaru saved all the village's children from a terrible curse from a mabeast pack.
Rem: And YN-kun made sure everyone was safe after he slayed the head mabeast responsible for the curse.
Surprised to hear the finer details, Julio looked back over to the butler and groundskeeper, as if seeing them in a higher light.
Bowing after readjusting his glasses, Julio replied.
Julio: Then please, allow me to welcome you two as well to Saluzzo, YN-dono, Subaru-dono. We are honored to have such kindred souls as visitors.
Bowing in return, YN responded.
YN: Thank you for the warm welcome, Julio-san.
Straightening his back and readjusting his glasses once more, the demi-human lightly clapped his hands.
Julio: Now then, there is much to discuss before tonight's events, so please, follow me inside.