Chapter 95: Is It Strange To Meet Like This?
Holding each other tightly, YN started from the very beginning, of how Rem had felt the connection with Ram flare up, and how along the way back they were attacked by the Witch Cult. He spoke in little detail though of what had become of Rem in that loop, but did say how she had given him the last of strength to free himself.
With the retelling of the first loop, Rem, just as she had felt last time, was filled with an acute selfishness, but also relief to know that now YN could fully relate now to how she felt about the Witch Cult, and could in hopes, sympathize with her completely on how her own traumatic night at the hands of the Witch Cult had been for her and Ram. While she was sad to know YN had to experience that pain, what admittedly countered that sorrow was the knowledge that they could better understand each other now in regards to that trauma. This would in turn deepen their own bond with each other, and not unlike how YN would always claim their tragic encounters of long lost loops made their feelings for each other stronger, Rem hoped this shared experience would work in a similar way.
YN went on to explain the last loop as well, how him and Subaru had gotten into a disagreement, and how his car had been stolen by him. He also relayed the painful moments of [Rem's] last moments as she worked to let him escape, and how he had spent his own final moments with Ram.
With his head currently buried in Rem's chest as the two laid on their sides of one of the large guest beds, Rem gently kissed his forehead in admiration for how well he got along with Ram.
Rem: YN-kun deserves that reward for taking such good care of Nee-sama. Rem can tell how much he also cares for her as well by his exceptional recognition of how Nee-sama felt on the inside.
Lightly stroking his hair after he'd been talking for so long, Rem admitted to him her own guilt regarding how she felt with the Witch Cult attack, and how she was thankful that the other [Rem] had done so much for them.
Rem: Rem will do what she can, and right now that is comforting her YN-kun.
YN: We really should go look for Subaru... He doesn't have Emilia to hold like I did with you right after you died...
Rem: That is very true... Subaru-kun is probably distraught after having just Returned from such a horrific experience.
Agreeing, Rem went to get up first. Having to move past YN to do this though, she opted for moving over him. As Rem was doing that, she halted her motion just as she was right above him.
In a most compromising situation, Rem remained over the top of YN, her body completely covering his own with only her arms holding herself up above him, and her legs straddled on either side of him.
Looking down at him, Rem's eye's gained a spark of lust to them, but as quickly as it had been lit, Rem extinguished it with a shake of her head. Choosing to wrap her arms around him in an embrace rather than tear his shirt off and have her way with him as he laid on his back below her, powerless really to resist her either way, she nuzzled him gently.
Rem: Perhaps... maybe Rem and YN-kun could meet like this again once we return to the Mansion for good...?
YN: Umm, 'meet like this?'
While his face was ruby red and a nervous sweat lingered on his forehead from how she was over the top of him, he still didn't understand what she had meant. It was vague, even for her.
Lifting herself off his body, Rem returned to how she was, holding herself above him and looking right down at him.
Rem: On a night where Roswaal-sama leaves on business, and Nee-sama attends at his side... Rem would like to sneak away with her YN-kun to one of the unused guest rooms on the far side of the Mansion...
With her voice as shaky as could be, and her face blushing up, YN could begin to guess what she was offering. She wasn't speaking in a lustful way, which he would have expected, but rather, she sounded as if she were being as sincere as possible, hoping to offer anything she could to YN, even this.
Rem: Rem would make sure it was memorable for the two of us. —that the sheets were made, the room is dusted, and that the bed or floorboards don't rattle or creak excessively.
Looking away, her blush increased greatly.
Rem: It would be Rem's first time... So perhaps some candles would be a nice addition... O-Only if YN-kun wanted of course...
Feeling like his heart was going to pound right out of his chest, he was speechless in reply to her, unable to form the words. Between everything she said, her warm breath rained down on him from above, marking this was an intense situation for Rem as well.
Rem: U-U-Unless YN-kun would rather wait until our wedding night! —If that is even something he would desire to have...
Expelling a large sigh, Rem's worried expression softened as gazed down upon the one who so tenderly held her heart.
Rem: Rem must apologize, she hadn't considered what YN-kun might want... and—!?
Pulling her down to him again, YN held the maid as tightly as he could. While he couldn't answer her still, he still wished to show he appreciated her desire to want him so much.
The two each felt a burning sensation inside their chests at this moment, one of passion and intense feelings, but each felt it for different reasons.
Rem longed to say words she struggled to have the courage to utter, still ultimately afraid she'd drive away the one she said them too. Her inadequacy and guilt remained heavily in her psyche, and while everything good between the two of them was still treasured by her, it felt undeserved.
Yet for YN, it was a different story. He did not know what the feeling from which this stemmed from. It was like this every time someone mentioned certain words, he would freeze up and feel this way. It wasn't bad or unwelcoming in the least, just that it was only for Rem he felt this way for. It was an emotion that superseded every other feeling he'd ever had for anyone else.
But as the two held each other in a sea of emotions and dismay, Rem was duty bound, much like her tenured nature, to seek accomplishment of their goals.
Lifting herself off of him after a satisfactory embrace, Rem offered her hand to the one who held her heart as she stood.
Taking it, YN was helped up, and given one final hug and kiss before being led to the door, Rem was keen on finding Subaru and making sure they both could reach a happy future together past this ordeal.
Thinking Subaru was out still though, they both expected to have to spend some time going to look for him, but rather as they re-entered the common area to prepare to leave, a familiar voice spoke, sitting at the very same seat YN had been in upon his Return.
Subaru: Hey you two. I'm not interrupting, am I?
Opening in a way to make sure YN didn't feel cheated this time by a pushy request to immediately jump into action, Subaru endeavored to avoid the argument of the yester-loop.
Realizing how it was now Fire Time based on the way the time crystal in the common area now glowed, YN knew Subaru must have waited for his time of consolement to run its course before seeking him out.
YN: Uhh, no actually... You seem like you want to talk though.
Subaru: You could say I'm in a chatting mood.
Moving to take a seat across from Subaru, Rem spoke up.
Rem: Rem will go and attend to other matters and let YN-kun and Subaru-kun speak privately.
With a bow, Rem had gone to excuse herself, but it was Subaru who stopped her.
Subaru: Oh, hey Rem. Can you sit in on this too? It's important.
YN was a bit startled to hear his suggestion, causing a slight worry of suspicion to take seed in his mind.
I hope he doesn't try the same trick he tried with Emilia here... If he does, there'll be some explaining to do...
Looking at YN as if seeking approval, he nodded to Rem and she took the seat next to him, also across from Subaru. Sat beside him, Rem cautiously reached under the table to YN's side, and grabbed his hand to hold it. Clearly, she had a similar worry, as she also took the leg of his that was closest to her and halfway hooked it around her own as if seeking as much contact as possible. While her shoulder was already butted up to the side his too, and her seat touching his, this was all Subaru could see, and thus thought nothing more of it.
Jeez Rem, you wanna sit on my lap while you're at it?
Cursing his own thoughts knowing she would jump at that offer regardless, YN admittedly found her clinginess here cute and endearing since she also made the effort to keep it hidden.
Clearing his throat though, Subaru began their conversation.
Subaru: I uhh, learned of some troubling news while out on my walk through the market.
YN: Oh? And what would that be?
As Subaru spoke, YN could tell he was dropping tiny hints just by the way he started. He clearly was choosing to speak in a certain way and discuss matters of the previous loop without actually speaking of them.
Needless to say, this confused YN and Rem both. She had offered to excuse herself and let them speak freely, so why go through the extra effort? Was this a test?
Being forced to go through with it though, YN had to mimic Subaru.
Subaru: It's about Emilia, she's in danger.
YN: Would this have to do with her candidacy being announced?
Playing along, he replied in a way he knew Subaru would understand, as well as Rem, walking a verbal tightrope.
Subaru: More than likely. It seems with Puck showing himself at the Conference, some bad guys have hatched a plan to try and rob his crystal from Emilia.
Rem: Umm, Rem has a question?
Speaking up, Rem readjusted herself as she sat.
Rem: How did Subaru-kun learn of this while just out on his walk?
Going immediately for the hardball question, Rem cemented her feigned ignorance as quickly as she could, wisely recognizing the need to in this situation to make herself look legitimate.
Rem, you are amazing.
Scratching the back of his head, Subaru's entire persona of "the informed man" shattered.
Subaru: Well, if I explained I might be here all day, I'm just going to have to ask YN here to take my word for it.
Gesturing to YN for backup to clear himself, he nodded back at the black haired boy.
Rem: If YN-kun trusts Subaru-kun's word, so shall Rem.
Genuinely handling the concept that she should just go along with what each were going to say in the tenured exchange of words, Rem had once again beautifully navigated the pressured social situation.
RMT!
Stanning Subaru in his mind for a moment, his real life counterpart quickly brought the conversation back together.
Subaru: Anyway, I learned that these guys mean business, and they intend to hold Puck hostage from Emilia.
YN: But how would they manage that? Wouldn't Puck just fly away?
Subaru: You have to remember, he can only come out in the day time, and has to retreat to his crystal at night. They plan to steal him just after dark. Even if he returns to Emilia by the morning... If Crusch's reports and rumors are correct on who these guys are, Emilia being vulnerable during that time is very dangerous...
Rem: What did Crusch-sama's reports say?
Keeping up the facade, and offering an air of trust to Subaru, Rem wished to move the conversation along in a safe, but efficient manner should things accidentally begin to become too vague to really strategize as she knew they needed to.
Subaru: A lot of troubling things, and it makes the planned theft against Emilia look minor in comparison.
YN: That sounds bad...
Subaru: It's worse than you can imagine. Besides the thieves targeting Emilia, The Witch Cult isn't happy that Emilia is a candidate, and it's rumored there's been sightings of a gathering around the Mather's domain, too close to Arlem and the Mansion for comfort.
Rem: The Witch's Cult...
Feeling her body tense up as her hand still remained in his, YN could tell this wasn't Rem simply keeping the act going, she was still very upset at the Witch Cult for obvious reasons.
YN: Can it get any worse than that?
Subaru: It can. Currently, Crusch's goal is to seize and kill the White Whale, which has been active along the Lifaus Highway. She's amassed pretty much any and all carriages, weaponry, supplies, surplus manpower... You name it. Meaning our way of getting help to the village is severely hindered.
Laying out their obstacles, Subaru had successfully explained the situation.
YN: So, what do you propose we do? We can't rely on anything from the Capitol if that's the case, it's all already being used by Crusch.
Subaru: I think we should take your car and catch up with Emilia in Fleur in case the Lifaus Highway closes from the Mist. If we can prevent Puck from being stolen from her, Emilia won't be defenseless if something bad were to happen involving the Witch Cult.
With actual strategy being employed finally to their problems, YN had an idea for letting Subaru relay more under the guise of an educated guess.
YN: Is it possible the thrives are working with the Witch Cult?
That would make sense. If they can get Emilia to be weakened during the night, that gives them the best chance to—
Subaru: No. I have it on good authority these guys were hired by someone else.
Concretely answering, YN was surprised by such a definite conclusion.
YN: Are you sure?
Subaru: Pretty sure. The thieves themselves are trying to avoid the Witch Cult too.
Unsure of what to say next, it was Rem who spoke up.
Rem: Does Subaru-kun plan to warn Emilia-sama before the attempt of theft happens, or wait until it happens to ambush them?
Shaking his head, he answered.
Subaru: I don't want to take any chances, so I'd rather warn her before anything bad can happen.
Rem: If Rem may, she finds an issue with that.
While Rem was fully aware Subaru was dead set on helping Emilia, and understood how he felt was a parallel to how YN had felt from not being able to help her, she endeavored to point out the flaw she saw. Nodding at her to continue, Rem tenured her voice and word choice to be as polite and understanding as possible.
Rem: While Rem is fully trusting Subaru-kun based on YN-kun's own trust, Rem must point out that Emilia-sama's trust is an entirely different matter. Given Emilia-sama and Subaru-kun are already on shaky ground in the realm of trust, it may be seen as yet another breach of what remains of that trust if he were to suddenly appear before her, regardless of Subaru-kun's intentions.
Summarizing, Rem concluded her point in a more firm manner.
Rem: It may very well be against Subaru-kun's best interests to accompany us in halting Emilia-sama's theft. Rem would even go as far as to say his presence alone may have an adverse effect on Emilia-sama's ability to resist the threat.
Looking down at his folded hands on the table, Subaru couldn't find fault in Rem's logic, no matter how much it pained him to accept it.
Sighing in frustration, he shook his head.
Subaru: Then what am I supposed to do? I'm useless if I say here, or go with you both. No matter what I try, it's no use...
Seeing the courage in his eyes begin to fade, YN tried coming up with an idea.
YN: It might actually be beneficial, if you stayed here. Arlem might need help, and to do that, someone is going to have garner that support through favors.
Subaru: Do you just expect me to just wander the streets here turning over stones and suddenly find the solution to our problem?
YN: Not at all. But you're a lot more likable than I am, especially to the important people of the Capitol, and I think you can use that to your advantage.
Subaru: But how?!
Shrugging in reply, YN acknowledged his weakness.
YN: I can't improvise as well as you can. You know that. Think back to Saluzzo, you're the one who came up with the winning strategy.
Subaru: That was just luck...
Still unaware of the loops he had gone through, Subaru didn't view the situation as the same.
YN: Regardless, I think you stand a much better chance talking to people to negotiate a possible rescue party, should we need it.
Subaru: But—!
Rem: Roswaal-sama did instruct Rem to let Subaru-kun 'do what he must.'
Feeling forced to reiterate that fact now to Subaru, YN was surprised to hear Rem do so. He knew that she was aware that this was essentially permitting Subaru to take off any restraints not only for this loop, but any future ones as well.
With a deep breath, Subaru reluctantly accepted his role.
Subaru: Fine. If you two going ahead is the best way to save Emilia, I'll accept that. But the both of you alone can't stop a potential attack from the Witch Cult against Arlem. That's where I'll come in.
Standing up, Subaru held a fist to his chest.
Subaru: I'll do my best to get some help in case that happens. Regardless, some extra manpower will be nice if we wanna go looking for them. But with anything available in the Capitol currently being used by Crusch, I'll need to look in places she couldn't or didn't for support.
Needing to reiterate that he wasn't "certain" a Witch Cult attack would occur, Rem played her part as well as noting she understood it was "speculation".
Rem: If Crusch-sama's reports indicate Witch Cult activity in the Mathers Domain, Rem would like to see any help possible to simply search for them should they linger about.
With their jobs divvied out, there was nothing more to discuss at the present moment with the information they had.
Subaru: Hey, before you two go—
As Rem and YN had gathered what little things they might need, Subaru stopped them before they departed.
Subaru: If things don't go as planned on your end, just stay in Fleur, and if things don't pan out here, I'll try and make my way there as soon as I can.
Rem: Fleur shall be our rallying point to regroup.
YN: Gotcha. If we manage to keep Emilia-sama safe, we'll be at the Mansion and try to prepare for a Witch Cult attack.
Subaru: Yeah, if I don't see either of you in Fleur, I'll assume things worked out and head for the Mansion too.
With a plan not unlike "one if by land, two if by sea," YN and Rem finally set out for their journey, as Subaru sought a way to do what he could with that little he had.