AN: Hello everyone! I'm glad so many of you liked last week's chapter. For this week, we get to hear many, many question that we had finally become answered! Some of you might have guessed what/who was behind everything, some of you might not. Next week's release is going to be long, and since so many of you enjoyed the last chapter that was like it, I'm sure it'll be popular as well.

That being said, going back re-reading this chapter made me realize how fun many of the cast members were to write. Hopefully with Arc Three coming up, I'll be able to write more with them.

ALSO: This chapter will have a few spoiler's in regards to ARC FIVE, so please be aware.

Feeling the trickling of sunlight against his eyelids, YN began to stir awake.

First, the softness of the sheets and pillows were felt as his arms and legs awoke, followed by the aroma of them being freshly laundered.

Taking in a deep breath through his nose, the sweet smell of flowers also entered YN's mind. Slowly opening his eyes, the brightness of the morning sun was coming in unobstructed as the curtain over his window was continuously held open by the soft breeze coming through.

This reminds me of my first loop... Everything is the same practically.

Rubbing his face, YN observed the room. His room.

Well, other than the room I guess.

YN: I'm back at the mansion, that's for sure...

Getting up and out of bed, he shuffled across the floor to the window. Noticing the height of the sun, a small flame of concern built up in his chest.

It's pretty late in the morning now, isn't it?

Looking around at the gardens below, it was there that YN noticed something.

YN: That's—!

Pulled out, in plain view was the ruined carriage, uncoupled from the ground dragon that had so tirelessly pulled it. Putting a hand to his head, YN tried his best to recall his most recent memories.

I passed out... But now we're here. How did we make a multi-day trip in just one night?

Realizing he couldn't hope to find the answers to the questions he had here, YN dressed himself in his casual clothes and went to his door.

Let's see, at this time of day, Rem and Ram should be preparing for lunch down in the kitchen— hk!

Thinking to himself as he turned the handle to his room's door, YN had not expected the destination on the other side. Stepping through the door, the smell of dust and old books filled his nose. Shutting the door behind him, so did the drill haired girl opposite of him shut her book.

Beatrice: It appears you're finally awake, I suppose.

YN: B-Beatrice—!

Wait. No no, it's alright. She never read my memories this time. She has no clue what happened, or what was happening.

Gulping back down the fear that had momentarily manifested in him, YN sighed in relief in his mind. While he had expected to be in the mansion's hallway, just down from Rem's own room, YN had found himself in the Forbidden Library.

YN: Um, can I ask why you were—?

Beatrice: Betty is just doing as she agreed. 'Watch him until he awakes and then send him to me.'

YN: 'Send him to me'? To where? I—, I gotta find Rem first and—

Beatrice: Betty does not have time for this, in fact. She can at least see why she was asked to do this now.

YN: Who asked? Was it Rem? I just need to go find her —Hk!

Raising her palm, Beatrice commanded her magic. Opening the door behind him and launching him out, YN was ejected from the hidden library by force.

Rolling across the floor, YN came to a stop.

YN: What the hell—?!

?: Ahhhh, YN-kuuuuun, how very nice of you to drop by!

Having his own external thoughts cut off, YN sat upright and looked around.

This carpet, and that door... and that voice!

Turning around from facing the ornate double hinged doors, YN scrambled to his feet.

I'm in—!

Roswaal: I heard you all had quiiiiiiite the adventure in Saluzzo.

At his desk in his study, fully adorned in his clown makeup, Roswaal sat resting his head on his folded hands. Straightening his posture, YN cleared his throat and answered his employer.

YN: Yes. It was an... ordeal.

Roswaal: And you and Subaru-kun handled it so well. I am very thankful for your dedication to protecting Emilia-sama, although it is a pity she could not speak before the crowd.

YN: …Am I to understand you've already been filled in on everything?

Gathering that Roswaal had probably already been briefed on things from either Rem, Emilia, or potentially even Subaru, YN wasn't sure how much he'd need to tip-toe around what he said to Roswaal. He hadn't a clue if Rem had informed him of Julio's involvement or any accompanying theories they had.

Roswaal: Oh quite so. After all, that was nearly three days ago.

YN: Th-Three days?!

Roswaal: Indeed. That's what happens when you push your body and Gate to such extremes though.

Shrugging at this, Roswaal leaned back in his hair.

Roswaa: Subaru-kun only woke up yesterday, but after Emilia-sama's account of what happened, as well as Rem's much more detailed report, any further unclear information was filled in by him.

Closing one eye, Roswaal stared at YN with his yellow eye only.

Roswaal:Buuuuuuuut, that's not to say I don't have questions for you.

Swallowing some apprehension, YN nodded, prompting Roswaal to sit back forward in his chair.

Roswaal: In your opinion, what do you think prompted the attack? And who do you believe was responsible for it?

Wait, I know for a fact Rem didn't tell him I was the target, and I know she wouldn't have said her horn was, that would raise too much suspicion on how she knew that. I need to give open ended answers that don't seem like I'm trying to hide anything.

YN: I never really considered what it may be. Between finding out about it and the attack actually occurring, we weren't given much time to contemplate these things.

Roswaal: I can understand that... Rem also informed me of Julio-saaaaan's assistance in the matter too.

YN: I take it then she also told you how we came to learn about the attack then? —And how we got that assistance?

Roswaal: Of course. Julio-san is not a man who could hold back such information with such tenured principals. As for the... help, Rem haaaaaad to inform me of the promise she made on my behalf. If she did not, I would have been forced to kill him myself for such a betrayal.

Saying that with a smile, YN could tell Roswaal was serious when he said that.

Roswaal: After all, such collaborators deserve no less mercy, don't you agree, YN-kuuuun?

Feeling as if that statement were directed with suspicions, or rather judgment towards himself, before he could answer, Roswaal tilted his head back in laughter.

Roswaal: I asked the same question to Subaru-kun and received the same look! My my, I believe my sense of humor is becoming somewhat too dry. Nonetheless—

Sitting back forward, Roswaal grabbed a letter off his desk.

Roswaal: This is for you.

Approaching the Margrave and taking it, the envelope was sealed with a wax crest, much like one he'd seen inside Julio's wooden castle (or warehouse rather?). Opening it up, YN inspected the letter's contents.

Reading it silently to himself to hide the fact he was struggling to do so, It was a letter from Julio, fully dictating and accounting what had happened after his absence in dealing with the dragon initially.

YN: So he is alive... That's good.

Roswaal: Unless the dead have gotten veeeeeery good at writing on parchment, it would appear so, yes.

The letter went on to further express his feelings of gratitude and his thankfulness to them for securing a peaceful path for him going forward. With this, he had plans to fully restart his trading company.

YN-dono, you have my sincerest thanks. Please give my regards to Subaru-dono, Emilia-sama, and Rem-chan. I hope our paths will cross again one day. Until then, please take care. I wish you and Rem-chan both a happy life.

Your friend, Julio.

Folding the letter back up, YN placed it back into it's envelope.

YN: Thank you for delivering this, Roswaal-sama.

Roswaal: 'Tis not a problem!

Waving his hand at YN, he once again returned to a serious expression.

Roswaal: Aaaaand for what it's worth, I think you and Rem made the correct choice. Given Subaru-kun's account and Rem's, recruiting Julio-san appeared to be the difference in getting away. It was an adequate measure to take, and one small pardon of crimes committed so long ago is a small price to pay to ensure Emilia-sama's safety.

Bowing, YN replied.

YN: It was not one made easily.

Roswaal: I'm sure it wasn't. But, I would ask that you please return to your room for the time being and rest. —And before you ask, Rem is currently comforting her sister, so they are both indisposed right now.

YN: I see. I'm sure Ram was worried sick.

Nodding at his correct guess, Roswaal spoke more.

Roswaal: Since everyone arrived back yesterday morning, I had hoped to give everyone a few days off to rest and reflect on what happened, but unfortunately, due to Emilia-sama's request, I must modify that.

YN: Emilia-sama's request?

Puzzled as to what that meant, YN repeated the same words as Roswaal.

Roswaal: Yes. You see, Subaru-kun's Gate was baaaaaadly damaged, and as a reward for his heroism, she has requested the best healer in the Kingdom to try what they can to repair it. She also asked that you, too, also have your Gate inspected.

YN: My Gate? I feel fine though..

Roswaal: As one student of magic to another, I feel like I don't need to inform you that using your Od in lieu of mana is not the best for health. It does take years off for life after all!

YN: I understand. I'll be more careful.

Roswaal: Good! Now then, tomorrow, in accordance with all this, I will need to take my leave with Ram and Subaru-kun for another business trip.

YN: Subaru will be going for a change?

Roswaal: Yes, he will need to be looked at by another healer to determine if he can even be helped in the first place. But because Subaru-kun is Subaru-kun, he'll be left under Ram's care while I attend to some matters involving the pardons which were promised to Julio-san.

YN: Then it'll only be me, Rem, and Emilia-sama here tomorrow then, won't it? Hence the need to work.

Roswaal: Preciiiiiiiiiiiiisely!

YN: Understood. Is there anything else needed of me then?

Roswaal: None at all. You may be dismissed.

Bowing one more time, YN turned and took his leave. Exiting through the study's door, he found himself in the hallway as expected, and thankfully not in Beatrice's library again. Returning to his room, YN laid down on his bed, and let his still existent fatigue and his soft bed lull him back to sleep.

*Knock* *Knock*

Being stirred from his shallow, late morning nap, a knock was had at YN's bedroom door.

Lifting his head off his pillow, he lazily looked around the well-lit room, forcing him to squint and his vision to blur, further increasing his disorientation to just waking up.

?: I'm coming in.

As the door opened with a "ker-chunk" a black, white, and pink vestige appeared in the doorway.

?: Normally I would be forced to judge you harshly for sleeping this late, but it was Roswaal-sama's instruction for you to do so.

Getting a pretty good idea of who was speaking to him, YN sat up in bed and tried to wipe his eyes, but in doing so, felt something else.

YN: Wha—? Huh—?

Feeling his hand touch something liquid before reaching his eyes as he brought them up across his face, the person in the doorway had approached, and their figure and face were clear enough to make out.

Ram: But for this, Ram will judge you harshly.

With a covered plate in one hand and a cloth napkin in the other, Ram placed the plate on YN's bedside table and took the napkin to his face in a less-than-gentle fashion.

YN: Ack—! Ram, why—?

Ram: Drooling in your sleep? Rem has my deepest sympathies.

Wiping his sleeve across his already cleaned face in reaction, YN tried to plead his case.

YN: I—! I don't normally—!

Ram: You do. Rem wipes it each morning when she wakes you up.

YN: Huh?!

Picking the cover off the plate, Ram released a cloud of steam upward as a handful of what was her signature dish glistened with moisture were presented.

Ram: Granted, she did tell Ram that you only start once she begins... petting you. But that's besides the point— Now eat.

Grabbing one of the steamed tatoes, Ram shoved it in YN's mouth.

YN: Hmm!

Ram: You haven't eaten in nearly two days, your Gate is potentially damaged, your mana was completely depleted, and worst of all, you did something incredibly stupid. Unbefittingly stupid of you, I might add.

While not scoldingly hot, YN nonetheless chewed the hot food to clear and free his mouth to speak again.

YN: I—, did I do something to upset you— Hmph!

Being force-fed another tatoe by the pink haired maid, she put a hand on her hip.

Ram: Why yes, you did. How observant. Would you like to guess what it was?

Clearing his mouth again, YN gave himself a deep breath before answering, expelling the heat in his belly.

YN: If I guess wrong will that earn me another forced mouthful of hot-tatoe?

With silence as her only reply, Ram simply stood with the last tatoe in her hand, ready to stuff it in his mouth should he guess incorrectly.

YN: Okay... Did it have to do with what happened during the festival?

Leaning in and squinting her one visible eye, it's ruby-red hue glistened with the light of the early afternoon's sun coming into the room.

Ram: I'll give you one more chance.

Does that mean I'm close? Or so far off that she's giving me another shot?

Racking his mind, Ram began to tap her foot, prompting YN to hastily answer.

YN: Uhh, umm... was it the date me and Rem went on —Hmph!

Obviously giving the wrong answer, YN received his punishment.

Ram: Honesty, was Ram a fool for entrusting you with Rem's future?

Hearing she wasn't entirely serious by the tone of her voice, her words nonetheless worried YN. Forcing the last one down, YN pounded his chest at the warmth that was uncomfortably flowing through him.

YN: —Gah! I guess I need to use my lifeline and phone in my Nee-sama for the answer.

Ram: ... I have no idea what that means but if you must be told—

Pointing at him suddenly, YN nearly went cross-eyed to focus on the tip of her finger as it was nearly touching the edge of his nose. Lowering it, it eventually came to point halfway down his abdomen, just below his chest.

Ram: Ram remembers you being foolish enough to ask for a total explanation of what 'Od' was during the Great-Spirit-sama's hatsumaki, but she did not think you were dumb enough to actually use it.

Shit, I think Emilia might have told her, or she said something to Roswaal about it, who then told it to her.

YN: But if I hadn't then—!

Ram: —Remind Ram, what was your promise to Rem?

Cutting off his words as he tried to explain the gravity of the situation they had all faced, Ram folded her arms and spoke over him.

Silent in reply for a moment, YN wondered what she was getting at.

YN: To lean on each other.

Ram: Exactly. It's not 'for Rem to lean on YN' or 'YN to lean on Rem.' It is a promise for you both to do so, when needed.

YN: But we did! If me and Rem hadn't done our parts, we'd be dead!

Ram: Ram doesn't disagree at all. But you're going-about-of-it, was wrong. There was absolutely no reason for you to recklessly use your Od.

YN: Then I wouldn't have been able to cast my half of the magic!

Knowing Rem must have explained to Ram how they had managed to escape a dragon of all things, she must have known their technique had required both of their techniques.

Ram: YN. Ram implores you. Please, use your brain. She knows you have one.

Putting her fists on her hips, she leaned in, very close to YN.

Ram: What had Rem done for you just before that. She gave you some of her mana, did she not?

YN: Y-Yeah, that's true... But what if she had done that then?! What if she ran out of her own mana and couldn't cast her half—?!

Ram: YN! Think!

Finally raising her voice at him, Ram regained her posture, and took a deep breath, also regaining her composure.

Ram: We are both oni. But unlike her Nee-sama, Rem actually possesses her horn. —A horn that is used to absorb mana from the atmosphere.

Crossing her arms once more, she continued.

Ram: There was no reason for you to not ask Rem for her mana. Given the circumstances, she would have done so. Since the location had changed and there hadn't been much fighting going on, there would have been at least a sufficient amount ambiently around you both to satisfy that.

Finding it hard to fault her, YN at least tried to.

YN: I-Isn't that hindsight though? We were under pressure and—

Ram: —Do you have any idea what happens if you use up your Od?

Admittedly, YN did not know the answer to that, and Ram knew he didn't either.

YN: I guess... I die?

Ram: No. But yes. Just not at first. You'd live, for a while. But your body would quickly begin to break down. You'd become sickly, weak, and grow ever more disconnected from reality as your mind deteriorated.

Leaning in further, this time with more seriousness on her voice, Ram finally explained her point.

Ram: Am I really to let the person I've hung Rem's hopes on— No, the one who cares for Rem so much to be burdened by the husk of the man he used to be?

Standing back straight, she went on.

Ram: How would you be able to keep your promise to her then if your mind goes numb? How can you provide for her if you can't even make it out of bed? What kind of future could you have together if you make her an exceptionally young widow?

Looking down, YN understood where Ram was coming from as she began to speak softer again, using a tone of sincerity she rarely ever showed anyone.

Ram: Rem told me how you stepped between her and the monster, just as it was about to take her life. And how for a moment, she was very afraid, but then you stepped before her, and saved her.

Smiling softly, Ram finished her point.

Ram: I appreciate you risking your own life to save Rem's. I know you don't view it as an expectation of mine, and frankly, it's not one I know I need to have of you, after all. Because I don't have a single doubt that you wouldn't save her.

Hearing her say these things, YN read between the lines and realized what had prompted these from Ram.

She wasn't mad at him.

She wasn't upset either.

She was concerned. Worried.

Scared, even.

Scared of seeing what would become of her little sister. And scared of seeing such an ill fate befall him.

YN: I—...

Shaking his head, YN swallowed his pride.

YN: You're right.

Exhaling a shaky breath, he admitted his fault.

YN: It was dumb. There were better, more rational choices I could have made rather than jumping to the extreme. I'm sorry, Ram.

Giving him a weak smile, Ram picked up the plate her steamed tatoes had been brought in on.

Ram: Ram is glad you've come to see the light and error of your ways. But now she has a request for you.

YN: Yes?

Ram: Tomorrow, as I'm sure you were informed, Roswaal-sama, Ram, and Barasu will all be out of the mansion from the early morning to the late evening. Even though duties are to resume, I want you and Rem to have an exceptionally light day.

Turning around, Ram continued to speak as she walked towards the door to leave.

Ram: If it means leaving non-essential tasks incomplete, so be it. If it means skirting many duties, oh well. Whatever isn't done, Ram will make an effort to complete once we return. If it's a lot, well, she will make Barasu help take up those burdens.

Arriving at the door, she turned again to reface YN.

Ram: I've spent the entire day thus far comforting Rem. She's finally resting now, so I'll ask that you please wait until after dinner is over to speak with her. But when you do, I have that one last request.

YN: Anything.

Looking more softly at him then he'd ever remembered, Ram relayed her request.

Ram: Please, comfort her as best as you can. She feels guilty over everything that happened. I'm unsure why exactly, but being her Nee-sama and knowing her our entire lives, this is not unlike her.

Nodding, YN knew that Ram was asking him to be prepared, and to deal with it promptly. On both ideas, he wholeheartedly agreed.

YN: I will. I promise.

Ram: Good. Now then, please rest more until dinner.

Going to close the door, Ram poked her head back in once more.

Ram: —One final thing. As thanks from me for protecting Rem, I intentionally waited until those tatoes weren't scalding hot to punish you with them. That will be your only reward on the matter, so please do not hound me for any favors.

YN: —Tch! Errr... Thanks... I guess...

Giving him the most sarcastically smug smile she could, Ram replied one last time before leaving.

Ram: Of course~.

As the door "ker-chunk"-ed shut, YN laid back down upon his bed.

Did she really need to act like such a tsun the entire time? Sheesh.

Looking up at his ceiling though, YN took Ram's warnings to heart.

I really do gotta be careful with my Od then I guess... Use too much and I'll become a 'husk,' huh? I can't have that happening...

Feeling his eyes become heavy, YN drifted off to sleep once more, awaiting dinner and chance to reunite with Rem after his two day slumber.

Waking up once more, YN admittedly felt less soreness on his body having woken up for a third time that day. Looking out his window and judging the time of day roughly, YN figured dinner preparation had at least begun and that he should go downstairs to help if he could.

Heading down, YN entered the dining room, where no plates were set yet, despite the sound of something going on in the kitchen.

Huh, that's weird.

Entering where he heard the sounds of cooking, YN poked his head into the kitchen.

YN: Oh, Ram.

Finding the pink haired maid stirring a boiling pot of water that was more than certainly for her tatoes, she tapped the ladle against the side of the pot and turned to greet YN.

Ram: Is there something wrong?

Confused by her question, YN continued into the kitchen, looking for any sign of Rem.

YN: No... I just came to see if maybe Rem was in here or not.

Ram: She is still resting.

YN: Ah, I kinda figured once I saw you were alone in here...

With Ram replying bluntly to everything YN said, he scratched the back of his head, unsure of what he could say next.

YN: I uhh, didn't see any plates out on the table... Do you want me to set it?

Ram: That won't be necessary.

YN: Umm, maybe I can help you with something in here...?

Ram: Again, that won't be needed. Ram will only be cooking for YN, Rem, and herself tonight.

YN: What about everyone else? Subaru? Emilia? Roswaal? Beatrice?

Going back to tending to her pot, Ram answered him.

Ram: Barasu and Emilia-sama departed to the village a little while ago. Another one of those 'dates' from what I understood. And Roswaal-sama had to leave for a business dinner, but he'll be back late tonight. As for the Great-Spirit-sama... you should be able to guess why.

Understanding why the lack of table set up, YN was still concerned with seeing Rem. As a moment of silence hung in the air as Ram began to dish up two plates, YN asked another question.

YN: I guess you'll be taking Rem's dinner to her room then since the table is staying as it is?

Taking each of the simple plates, Ram suddenly passed them to YN, who nearly fumbled them to the floor upon receiving them.

YN: Whaa—!

Ram: If you drop Rem's dinner, you'll have to give her yours, and Ram will not be serving you again.

YN: Eh, huh?

Seeing YN was completely clueless and what she was implying, Ram put her hands on her hips in a lecturing fashion.

Ram: You asked if Ram was taking Rem's dinner to her. Well, the answer to that, is 'no.' You will.

YN: O-Oh. Yeah I can do that.

Ram: Good. Please be sure not to upset her in any way and to show you're completely fine, even if you are sore still.

YN: I'll do as you say. I do feel bad about having to wake her up, but she needs to eat to recover too.

Ram: An astute reasoning.

Somewhat praising YN for his concern for Rem, he turned with his hands full and used his back to push open the door to the kitchen that led out to the dinning hall.

Ram: YN.

Getting his attention one last time before leaving, YN halted halfway out the door, and looked back at Ram.

Ram: Please be sure to keep your primal urges in check. Rem is still recovering after all.

YN: —Hk!

While all the while knowing Ram was teasing him, YN did not dignify her with a response.

Proceeding upstairs, YN carried their dinners up to Rem's bedroom.

Knocking lightly, YN first tested to see if Rem was indeed asleep. A light knock would garner a response if she was still slumbering, and if she was, it would not jar her awake either.

But, with no response, YN shouldered one plate carefully and used his free hand to turn the knob to Rem's bedroom.

Inside it was dark. The drapes were drawn and only a little bit of the evening sun's light filtered through them. Stepping in, YN had only ventured into her room a few times before.

While not being about to see all too well, given the dim lighting, YN assumed It was laid out much like how Ram's was. Recalling the familiar style bed and furniture, it was more than likely Rem doing her best to mimic her sister's own design tastes. Letting the door shut behind him, he felt almost guilty, having to invite himself in as such.

Looking around the room, YN wasn't surprised to see it appeared as spotless as he'd expected. With having a reputation for keeping the mansion clean as could be, Rem really did go for extra effort when it came to her own room.

But fixing his eyes on the most important element of her room, he spotted her.

Under her covers and curled up, YN could tell as clear as day who the lump under the sheets was.

YN: Rem...

Tiptoeing over to her bedside, YN stood on the side she was closest to and was facing as she laid, slumbering away.

Watching as the sheets gently rose and fell with each of her tiny, precious breaths she made, YN admired the sleeping beauty before him.

She does look really at peace here. I almost hate to wake her up—

*Cling!*

Going to set down the pair of plates on her night stand, YN had been distracted by Rem's sleeping cuteness and accidently bumped the plates together, causing their ceramic surfaces to clang at contact.

Ack!

Silently cursing to himself, YN could see he had interrupted the maid's sleeping.

With her brow furrowing, she breathed in shortly, breaking the rhythmic pattern her breaths had before. As her eyes slowly opened, a small gasp came from Rem, probably startled to see a silhouette suddenly blocking the light from the window.

*sniff sniff*

Next, making two small sniffs, Rem's half awake expression instantly softened.

As Rem slightly rustled under the covers, she gently worked her arm she wasn't lying on out from under them. Pulling it out, her hand slowly wandered out slightly, not fully an open hand, but neither a fist, since she could make neither having just woken up.

Moving upward more, Rem innocently reached upward like a needful child, eyes half open and her mind still not fully awake. In a groggy voice, Rem softly spoke the name of who she was reaching for.

Rem: YN... -kun?

Having both his hands free now, he cupped them around Rem's outreached one, and whispered in reply to her.

YN: Good morning, Rem.

Acknowledging she wasn't dreaming, Rem smiled warmly at the one who held her heart before looking behind him at the light coming in and spoke with grogginess in her voice.

Rem: With the light as it is, Rem can tell it must be later then morning.

Looking back at YN with her same half open eyes, Rem, with yet still drowsy senses, pulled YN into her, more than likely unaware she was using her oni strength.

YN: Ywaa—!

Forced to fall on her bed, YN was pulled closer to her. Perhaps forgetting while she was under the covers, and he was atop them still, Rem wrapped both her arms around him in a vain attempt to get closer.

YN: Rem—!

Reaching behind his head, Rem pushed the top of his head under her own chin, and held it there while she took her leg that was still under the sheets and tried as she could to wrap it over his own legs, again, all to pull him closer.

I can't tell if she's still halfway dreaming or if she really did miss me that much!

With her arms hugging him almost as tightly as she could, YN could barely breathe.

YN: Rem, I—!

Rem: Rem missed YN-kun so much.

Hearing tears in her voice and the grip slightly beginning to lessen, small droplets of water fell on YN's brow from above.

Rem: When YN-kun didn't wake up the next day, Rem feared it had something to do with his depleted Od... —but Beatrice-sama was correct, he was just heavily fatigued.

Moving his head out from under her chin, Rem gently put her hands on each side of YN's face.

Rem: Rem is very relieved to see her YN-kun is fine.

Catching the glint of light from between the curtains seems, the last tears in Rem's eyes shined beautifully as she looked upon him. Putting a hand to one of hers, YN reassured her.

YN: I'm sorry I worried you so much. I'm just glad we made it through everything finally... We're safe now.

Rem: YN-kun is right, but he shouldn't apologize, Rem should instead.

YN: No, Rem, if anything I—

Rem: It's Rem's fault YN-kun had to exhaust himself so much. If she had been more aware, or faster, or anything, YN-kun would not have needed to protect her, risking his own life to do so.

YN: That's okay though, I know you'd do the same for me. It's part of our promise in a way, isn't it?

Looking down at the hands they held between them as they continued to lay on their sides, Rem answered.

Rem: Rem is aware she should not feel guilty about the things she saw herself do to YN-kun in his memories anymore since he asked Rem to forgive herself... But...

YN: But?

Rem: —But even now, still, Rem is causing YN-kun to nearly die again for her. YN-kun has tasted death so much that he doesn't begin to hesitate to protect Rem using his own... Perhaps if Rem hadn't done those things, he would not be so quick to throw away his own life for her.

Realizing why Rem felt guilty now, it was not a reason YN had expected.

She feels guilty because she thinks she's desensitized me to death. I have to make her understand that's not the case.

YN: Rem, it's never been about how I view or value myself. I did what I did because of how I value you. I might even go as far to say that if we hadn't had those experiences together, for better or for worse, it's hard to tell if I would have acted the same.

Holding her hand tighter now, YN concluded his point.

YN: We're stronger because of everything that has happened between us. No one else can have what we have with each other. Our story is tragic, but with how much we've built each other up, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I would relive everything from zero and have it all be the same, thousands of times over, if it meant we could stay as we are.

Seeing her eyes glass over with more tears, this time of joy rather than sorrow, Rem buried her face in YN's chest.

Rem: Rem will never feel like she deserves YN-kun, but she will always treasure him and do whatever she can for him. Rem promises.

Holding the blue haired girl and pulling her close, YN kissed the top of her head.

I feel... I feel like I need to say something here... I'm not sure if I understand the emotion... But it's familiar... yet renewed and unknown. When I look at Rem, or talk with her, or even think of her, I've been getting this feeling as of late... ever since that evening in the tavern... The word that demi-human lady said…

'Love'...

For some reason, YN felt that emotion when he thought of the word and what it meant. And when he added the idea of Rem into that same thought space, something new seemed to form from the result. It was blurry though, YN could not see it, or understand it.

Perhaps, if he said what he thought it was aloud, it would gain more meaning. The picture would clear up.

YN: Rem... I—

Suddenly feeling a wash of drowsiness overtake him, his eyes began to become very heavy.

Rem: She is sorry, but after everything, Rem has but one selfish request...

Speaking ever so softly right into his ear as she stroked the back of his hair with her delicate fingers, Rem spoke more.

Rem: Rem would like to see everything she missed, especially since YN-kun can't remember it all either...

What does she mean—?

Rem: 'YN-kun's memories might have clues on what happened.' That is what Rem will tell Beatrice-sama as a cover.

YN: You want... to look into my memories again?

That's why I'm feeling tired... Rem is using her magic on me to make me fall asleep... She's not really giving me a choice here... is she?

Being sure there were happy moments for them both that deserved to be remembered by one of them at least, YN conceded.

YN: But... what about... the tatoes...

Whispering gently in his ear, Rem spoke the last words YN's consciousness heard.

Rem: Rem will make sure they do not go to waste..

Giving only the slightest of nods to her as an answer, YN drifted off into a deep sleep as the maid continued to whisper calming words into his ears, filling his sleep with ecstasy.

Rem: Sleep peacefully, YN-kun.

Placing one soft kiss on his forehead, Rem fawned over his restful face before getting out of bed.

Carrying him much like how a groom might carry his bride, Rem took YN in her arms, and set off in search of the Forbidden Library to have her "selfish request" fulfilled by its watchful librarian.

Touching down and landing softly before the front steps of his mansion, Roswaal returned from his impromptu business meeting. No sooner than he landed, did the front door open for him. With the elder maid sister stepping out to greet him, he turned his gaze up to the moon above as it poked its head out of a gap between the clouds.

Reaching his side, Ram bowed.

Ram: Roswaal-sama, welcome back. Was your business trip successful?

Looking up at the moon until another cloud yet concealed it again, he turned his blue and yellow eyes to the maid.

Roswaal: I'm afraid not.

Ram: That is unfortunate. Ram is very sorry to hear that.

Roswaal: It's of no concern. While the endeavor was... unsuccessful, the results were at the very least, aaaaaadequate. Has everyone made a recovery today?

Ram: Yes. YN finally woke up again for a second time this evening, around the time Roswaal-sama left.

Roswaal: Hmm, I see. And has Subaru-kun recovered as well since I spoke to him last? Will he be able to accompany us tomorrow?

Ram: He is, and I will make sure he is ready and prepared.

Roswaal: And how was our resident groundskeeper after I spoke to him? Did Beatrice report his prognosis to you?

Ram: Beatrice-sama only reported that he was mana exhausted. Anything she could find out about his Od was that while it had diminished slightly from its use, it was negligible at best.

With his expression turning only the smallest bit of sour, Roswaal proceeded up the steps to the mansion as Ram closely followed him. Entering inside, Roswaal removed his black top hat that matched his black formal attire, handing it off to Ram.

As Ram held the hat, Roswaal continued across the foyer and took his first step up on the stairs, before he was stopped by his maid's words.

Ram: Roswaal-sama...

Remaining by the door, Ram slightly fidgeted with the hat in her hands as a pale band of scarlet grew on her face. Knowing what she was requesting, Roswaal turned to her.

Roswaal: I will attend to you once everyone has returned and retired for the evening.

Ram: T-Then you know Emilia-sama and Barasu are—

Roswaal: Yes. I sensed them on my way baaaack. You can rest assured, they are close to returning here as we speak.

Reassuring the maid that she needn't wait long, Roswaal looked back up the dark stairs in the dimly lit foyer.

Roswaal: But, the question remains of your sister and YN-kuuuun.

Ram: They are together right now, but neither are present in their rooms, and I have not been able to locate them, but neither have I looked extensively.

Roswaal: Inteeeeeeresting. Would they by chance be seeing Beatrice?

Ram: That is a possibility. They have sought her advice before after the mabeast attack, perhaps they are doing so again after what happened.

Roswaal: So they could be trying to shed some further light on the attack during Emilia-sama's speech... A rather unexpected development.

Taking another step up the stairs, Roswaal finished their conversation.

Roswaal: Please wait just a little bit longer. Until then, I have some late night paperwork to attend to.

Bowing at her master's departure, Roswaal climbed the stairs and walked to his study. Entering inside, he shut the door behind him. Instantly, the neutral expression that showed through on his clown makeup turned into a frustrated frown.

Loosening the blouse's tie around his neck, Roswaal proceeded to his desk. Looking over a few documents, he sighed as he pinched the bridge between his eyes.

Roswaal: It seems the Mother's streak of satisfied clients is beginning to run out.

Standing back up straight, he removed his white gloves.

Roswaal: While it was my intention for her agent to fail in the Capitol, the job in Saluzzo was supposed to go as planned, more or less...

Reaching into his coat's inner pocket, Roswaal removed a small black book. Running his hands across its simple, yet ornate dark cover, he looked upon it as if it were extremely precious to him.

Roswaal: This failure was in part to my own hasty rational. I failed because I did not wait to read Sensei's instructions, and acted too soon, and on my own accord.

Putting the book down on his desk, he continued to speak to himself.

Roswaal: Nonetheless, despite having been informed of what could only have been her, it was still surprising to hear it confirmed from the source itself.

Touching the book once more, he continued.

Roswaal: A black dragon... and a multi-armed monster... Who else could it have been? The Mother neeeeever gets involved directly like that.

Putting the book back in his coat pocket, it revealed the document underneath it, which reminded him of more things. The document in question being the draft for instructions to his contacts within the Hoshin Company to destroy the evidence they had on Julio.

Roswaal: I suppose there is no harm in following up on the deal Rem proposed to him. After all, I did promise to destroy the evidence in the first letter I sent to him, instructing him on the attack. It is a shame, it seems like it's so hard to find good help these days.

Thinking back, Roswaal turned back to the window behind him, and looked back up to the concealed moon hiding behind the clouds.

Roswaal: First the Bowel Hunter fails, and then Leo...

Thinking back to the circumstances of originally organizing what would later unfold in Saluzzo, Roswaal laughed to himself.

Roswaal: It's not everyday you are forced to bet against your own game pieces... The Mother did warm me against hiring him though. But once it was clear he would betray everyone just for the horn of an oni, that was my key to stoking this event in enough mystery that it would remain impossible to be sourced back.

Sighing to himself, Roswaal looked back at his desk chair, where he would usually attend to Ram with her mana replenishment.

Roswaal: I fear even for my own safety if she ever found out I had informed such a man about her sister's uniqueness... But, that's again why we write these letters with no trace of my own in them.

Turning around once more to the window, two individuals walking up to the mansion caught his attention.

Especially one. The black haired boy that attended to the side of the half-elf that was in the running to be the next king of the lands Roswaal lived in and governed.

Roswaal: Alas, it was never as if she was in any real danger. Rem was to be saved by you, Subaru-kuuuun. The end result was to learn that you had to abandon that anomaly and prevent her from falling victim to Leo. You should have realized Rem is much more valuable to your goals than he ever was.

Scowling once more, Roswaal closed the curtains of the window in frustration.

Roswaal: Somehow though... you found a way to save everyone by rewinding enough times... Natsuki Subaru... Had things gone as planned and that anomaly died, you'd have learned you can't save everyone, and Rem would have become your confidant instead.

Touching the book in his chest pocket once more, it inspired a longing hope in him.

Roswaal: You'll need those strengths to accomplish your goal after all—, no... We'll both need those strengths to accomplish our goals.

Tightening his ungloved hand into a fist, Roswaal finished his thoughts on the matter entirely.

Roswaal: If this was not enough for him to abandon that anomaly and save the others, it will take much more drastic measures...

Letting the tension in his hand slip away, Roswaal sighed to himself.

Roswaal: To remove the anomaly, permanently, from its influence over the one who must be guided, as per Sensei's instructions, must be carried out.

Hearing a knock on his study's door, Roswaal knew exactly who it was. Looking down at his desk, still covered in papers, he at least was reminded of his renewed hope from what he had planned at his "business" meeting.

Roswaal: The next dozen or so days will suuuuurely be something else for Subaru-kuuuun. There cannot be a way for him to succeed and somehow manage to save everyone, including that anomaly.

Ending his self reflection, Roswaal attended to the elder maid who had been patiently waiting, knowing all could do for the time being was obey his Gospel and do as it told him.