CHAPTER 5: THE BROKEN ROSWAAL MANSION FAMILY

What happened? One second, she was in the mansion with Emilia and Ram and suddenly, she seemed to have lost all strength. Darkness. That was all she could see. Images flashed through her mind and suddenly, it was like she understood something. Something that she would never forget.

Soon, she noticed something. A sensation. Her eyes were closed. Even though she wanted to open them, it was like they were forced shut. It was strange as soon after, her eyes opened on their own. As she could now see, she saw what appeared to be a ceiling. Like one of the rooms in the mansion.

What is this? It was the only question she could ask for what she was seeing. The next sensation she felt was her body. But it didn't feel like her body. There were so many things that were different that she couldn't name them all. Suddenly, her mouth moved. Her mouth moved to say words on their own, but the voice the said those words were not her own.

"I don't know that ceiling." The voice spoke.

It was a voice she recognized instantly.

Subaru?

She would've widened her eyes in shock if she wasn't forced to keep them the way they were. Suddenly, she could feel her body begin to move on its own to sit up if what she could now say was a bed. She was forced to turn her head to scan the room. The room was definitely not one of a peasant, but rather a noble. She could feel what seemed to be hands move as she was forced to look down.

Her body differences were made clear. She was now a guy. Or more specifically, she was now Subaru. But how? She didn't understand. Subaru was now wearing a robe. His hands moved to open the robe to look at his stomach.

"The wound on my stomach is gone. Considering this, it must've been her... Emilia's healing power, huh?"

The hands move the robe to cover the stomach. Subaru moved off the bed and walked to the door. Opening it, it leads to a hallway. He steps a foot out of the room and looks both ways into the hallway. Nothing. He walked out of the room and closed the door behind him before turning to his right. It wasn't just Crusch that was watching this.

Felix had no idea what he was seeing. He made the same connection as Crusch with this being Subaru they are seeing. But why were they in this weird view, forced to move and speak? It didn't take long for him to realize that this was Subaru's view he was seeing. But he wasn't interested in that as one person came to his mind.

Ms. Crusch.

She was the only person he could think about. If this was happening to him, then what about Crusch? Wilhelm didn't have much of an opinion. Although he wasn't stupid. He made the same connections at Crusch and Felix. But he as merely curious as this could give him some insight to the boy he respected.

Although he did have one question. Where was Subaru? He knew Subaru worked at the Roswaal mansion, but how did Subaru end up with Ms. Emilia? That question was also answered as he saw the flashing images before his eyes opened to reveal that he was in a bed.

Their view was forced to look at a painting on the wall before their legs started moving to walk through the hall while Subaru's voice spoke.

"Well, at any rate, it seems I got out of using Return by Death this time..."

Return by Death? It was a question in all their minds. But this wasn't a question as they immediately understood what he meant. Return by Death. It was something that made them all feel sad, if it wasn't for something not letting them. They could feel their emotions being manipulated by whatever they were seeing. They didn't have time to think as Subaru spoke once again.

"Still, isn't it normal to wake up and see a girl by your bed asking, 'Are you awake?' after she'd cared for you the whole time?"

It also didn't take them much to realize just who he was referring to when he said, "a girl". Despite how they felt, the boy seemed rather calm. Even if the scenes didn't play out fully as they were just flashing images, they knew what this boy had been through since coming here and the pain he felt. It made Felix want to throw up just thinking about it. Crusch and Wilhelm were stronger than that as they watched with interest to this boy that completed so many great feats.

Felix would've been shaking in fear if he could. But all he could feel was his body wasn't forced to move and speak on its own. What really put him off was not being able to feel his ears or tail, instead his ears were in a different place and his tail was completely gone. His mind was racing for an answer until Subaru continued speaking.

"Feels kinda flawed for a story about being summoned into another world."

These words weren't something Crusch could easily ignore. Another world? Unfortunately, she wouldn't get an answer for this question as she could feel Subaru's body come to a halt. Their eyes were brought to the attention of a painting on the wall. It was the same one they saw not long ago. They were unable to speak out or even speak to each other.

Whatever this was though, they all had one feeling. They all felt sick.

"A looping hallway..." Subaru speaks while looking at the painting. "Is this one of those things where I can't get out until I find the right room?"

Felix finally calmed down as he realized there was no use in struggling. Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm all watched with curiosity as they had all made the same connections. They were looking through Subaru's view. The only thing they didn't know was whether this was where Subaru was now or not? If this was where Subaru was, then that'd mean he's in the Roswaal Mansion. But the mansion was dark while what they were seeing was lit up. So that didn't make sense.

Could this be... Before Crusch could finish her thought, Subaru began speaking as he looked to the door to his right.

"The typical pattern dictates that the first doo is likely the goal." Subaru's hand moved to grab the doorknob before he swung the door open. The first thing they all noticed was a girl sitting on a stool. It as also the first thing their attention was forced to notice. But this wasn't just any girl. It was a girl that they all recognized as The Great Spirit, Beatrice.

In the girl's hand was a book. Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm were all intrigued. But not as intrigued as the others who were experiencing the same thing. Emilia, Ram, and Rem were all in shock. Had Subaru really met Beatrice this early? Petra was only happy to see Beatrice in front of her as was Beatrice herself. This means that Subaru would start living under the same roof as Beatrice.

For Petra and Beatrice, this means that Beatrice could protect Subaru. This sent feeling of happiness that soon vanished in Beatrice as a single though entered her mind.

How did you know about the curse, I suppose?

The rest of them simply became happy that Subaru was now under the roof of the Roswaal mansion. That feeling of death and pain would never come again. Rem, on the other hand, felt scared. She remembered how she thought of Subaru. Her thought on Subaru back then wasn't a good one. But she couldn't do anything right now. So, for now, she only prayed that she didn't do anything... regretful.

"What a profoundly aggravating man you are, I suppose." Beatrice spoke toward Subaru.

Subaru quickly pointed toward Beatrice as he said, "First NPC found!"

Subaru slowly walked in as he looked around. This made it clear just where they were. It was a library. "You're gonna ruin that cute face with that cold attitude." Subaru spoke while walking. He smiles widely as he places a finger on both cheeks.

"Come on, smile! Smile!"

"The only smile worth giving you is a derisive sneer." Beatrice replied back in her high-pitched voice.

Subaru then began acting smug as he placed his hands away from his cheeks. "Are you mad because I guessed it right on the first try?" Subaru placed a hand on the back of his head as he continued. "I've always been a pretty lucky guesser. I can understand why game masters would want me in all the event, but sorry!"

Looking at the girl in front of them, she looked annoyed. This attitude Subaru had only made them all disgusted. It was like he wasn't taking anything serious. Like he thought about everything as a game. It truly disgusted them. Not only that, but the way he was acting toward a great spirit made them quite confused. Well, not Emilia, Ram, Rem, Petra, and Beatrice. They understood that Subaru was from another world based on what they saw.

For Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm, it didn't click for them that Subaru was from another world. To them, Subaru was just disrespecting a great spirit with his attitude. Subaru's eyes focused on Beatrice as he spoke again.

"So, what is this place, anyway?" His eyes looked around the room as Beatrice answered his question.

"Hmph! It's Betty's multi-purpose room, which serves as a library and bedroom, I suppose."

Subaru's smile faded as he looked at the girl. "Talk about your token response."

Betty only seemed angered by this comment as Subaru continued speaking. "Are you one of the manual girls everyone's into now?"

Upon saying this, Betty closed the book she was holding, making an echo throughout the library, startling Subaru.

"Betty has had just about enough." She speaks as she hops off the stool she was sitting on.

Betty walks toward Subaru as she says, "Time to teach you a lesson, I suppose."

As Betty continued walking toward Subaru, Subaru himself backed up until his back was touching the doors as he says, "What are you gonna do?" He puts his hands up in a defensive position.

"Don't you dare move." Betty speaks in a stern tone.

Subaru flinches as fear is shown on his face. A shadow was casted on Betty's face. "Anything you'd like to say?"

This fear wasn't just Subaru's as Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm all felt it. It was strange as they never though they'd feel fear quite like this. It was different. Different than any fear they'd ever felt.

Subaru smiles nervously as he says, "D-Don't hurt me."

Betty's eyes shift to look up at Subaru with a serious expression not fitting her appearance. Betty lifted her right hand and placed it on Subaru's stomach. It was weird. They could feel Betty's hand on Subaru's stomach as if this body was their own.

Subaru looked down with confusion as to what this little girl was doing. Suddenly, it was like an electric shock went through their body. The pain was unlike anything they've ever felt. Subaru screamed as tears flowed down his face.

Betty stepped back as all of Subaru's strength was zapped and he fell forward onto his stomach.

"What did you do to me, you drill loli?" Subaru spoke as he looked up at Betty.

"I only collected the man from your body, I suppose. It confirmed that you are not an enemy." She replied.

Subaru smiled nervously as he struggled to remain looking up. "You're not human, are you?" Subaru spoke. "And I don't mean your personality..." Betty just stood over Subaru with a small smile as Subaru struggled to even keep his eyes open.

"Took you long enough to notice, I suppose."

"I take it back. Your personality isn't human, either."

Betty simply turned around and walked back to the stool as she said, "Do not measure a proud, noble being by your standards, human."

Subaru's strength gave out as he finally passed out.

Outside the Roswaal mansion

Garfiel continued punching the barrier with all his strength and rage while Otto and Fredrica just watched.

"Why don't you take a break, Garf? Can't you see your punches aren't doing anything?" Otto spoke to Garfiel in a nervous tone.

Fredrica simply ignored them as her focus was on Petra's wellbeing rather than anything else. None of them knew what was happening. Why was Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm allowed inside while they aren't? It didn't make sense. What made Crusch and her camp qualified to enter the barrier and not them? Was there something that allowed people to enter the barrier? Something they didn't have? They still didn't know where this barrier came from. All they had was questions and no answers.

And no one was more angry about that than Garfiel. One thing that felt even more off about this was the absence of Roswaal. This was his mansion, so where was he? Then, a single thought popped into the mind of Otto.

Did Roswaal create this barrier?

Otto walked up to Fredrica and placed a hand on her shoulder. This got her attention and made her turn to look back at him. She was confused as she saw the serious expression on his face.

"Listen, we need to do something." Otto spoke.

What did he mean? Fredrica was only more confused by his statement.

"Whatever is going on inside the mansion isn't good. We need to find a way to take it down."

Fredrica turned her whole body to face Otto as she responded. "What do you mean? What can we do out here besides wait?"

Otto took his hand off her shoulder as she turned completely around. He placed his hand on his chin as he looked down with a thoughtful expression. In the background, Garfiel continued screaming as he punched the barrier. He finally tires out which halts his punching.

He breaths heavily to catch his breath before turning to see Otto thinking to himself.

"Hey, what cha' thankin' about?" He shouted toward Otto.

Otto looked up and toward Garfiel as he said, "I'm trying to think of a way we could break the barrier or at least a lead on where the barrier came from." He looked back down to continue his thinking.

Fredrica then thought of something. "Do you think someone in the capital might know?"

Otto looked up at Fredrica as he asks, "Like who?"

Now it was Fredrica's turn to look down with a hand on her chin. After a bit of thinking, she looked up at Otto and said, "What about one of the royal candidates? Maybe Ms. Anastatia?"

Before Otto could reply, Garfiel spoke.

"Whateva' it takes t' break down tis damn barrier. If ya believe that this chick can help, then I'm all for it."

Otto agrees and they decide to head to the capital. Now whether they could actually meet and speak with a royal candidate is where their problem starts. The take Otto's carriage and heads on the Laifus highway toward the capital.

Opening their eyes once again, they see the same familiar ceiling.

"I know that ceiling." Subaru speaks.

"Oh, he has awakened, Sister." A voice spoke from beside him.

"Indeed, he's awakened, Rem. Another voice spoke.

It was then that they realized just who they heard speaking beside Subaru. Subaru's eyes shift to his right to see the window.

With a smile he says, "Me, a denizen of the night, waking up in the morning? I'm getting all emotional." Subaru closes his eyes as he says, "I'd better go to sleep a second time- No, I woke up earlier, so this makes the third."

"My, what a deadbeat thing to say. Did you hear that sister?" A girlish voice spoke from beside Subaru again.

"Yes, truly the words of a loser. I heard him, Rem." Another voice speaks.

Subaru's eyes open quickly with an angry expression as he shouts, "All right! Who are these two voices that keep criticizing me in stereo?!"

He quickly sits up in bed and looks side to side. To his left, he notices two girls in maid outfits. One had blue hair and the other had pink hair. They were holding hands while looking at Subaru.

Subaru's heart skips a beat as he blushes and says, "N-No way... Maid costumes exist in this world, too?! Maids were always the personification of elegance in my mind..." He turns forward with a smile as he shouts, "This ain't so bad, either!"

Rem and Ram immediately realized something as they watched the scene in front of them play out. This isn't what they remember. This means that Subaru will die yet again. Meanwhile, Petra was just happy that her picking the profession of maid would get the attention of her crush. It made her feel warm, or it would have. Emilia could only feel cheerful at the interaction happening in front of her.

Beside Subaru, the maid twins continue speaking.

"How terrible. You are being violated in the mind of our guest, Sister." The blue-haired girl spoke first.

"It is terrible. You're experiencing the ultimate shame in the mind of our guest, Rem." The pink haired girl followed.

Subaru stared at the two maids and wiggled his fingers weirdly as he says, "Don't underestimate my capacity. You're both fair pray in my fantasies."

This interaction only made everyone feel weird and dirty. This wasn't the young man they knew. The one that brought down the white whale and archbishop of sloth.

A knock on the door gets Subaru's attention. He turns to find Emilia standing at the door.

"Can't you wake up more peacefully, Subaru?" Emilia speaks.

Subaru is surprised by Emilia's appearance, but he slowly smiles as he realizes Emilia is safe. He then notices her outfit. "Whoever picked that outfit totally gets it!" He shouts.

Emilia only replies to Subaru with a soft smile as she says, "I don't know what you're talking about, but the fact that I know it's something stupid is disappointing."

It was here where Emilia started to feel despair as she saw herself in front of her. This wasn't what she remembered. Well, she would have felt despair if she could. But she was forced to feel happy along with Subaru as he saw her.

Crusch was only confused why she felt happy by just seeing Emilia. She also couldn't forget the pain she felt not long ago when she met with Betty. It was something she never felt before.

Suddenly the girls in maid outfits began speaking again.

"Listen to this, Emilia-sama. My dear sister was just violated by this man?"

"Please listen to this Emilia-sama. Rem was held prisoner and shamed by this man."

The two girls were now pointing at Subaru as Emilia walks up to them as she says, "And you two, don't tease him too much."

"Yes, Emilia-sama. My sister is very sorry."

"Yes, Emilia-sama. Rem's sorry, as well."

Now standing by his bed, Emilia has her hands together and down as she says, "Subaru, are you feeling alright? Does anything feel off?"

Subaru turns to Emilia as he says, "Huh? Oh, I'm just a bit groggy from oversleeping. It was you who saved me, wasn't it, Emilia-tan?""

Emilia looks confused as she says, "Huh? 'Tan'? What does 'tan' mean?"

Subaru becomes nervous which shows on his face as he rubs the back of his head and looks away from Emilia. "Uh, you can just ignore that one." He blushes as he speaks.

He then gets serious as he looks up at Emilia. "Seriously, though, thanks. You saved me." He bows his head as he speaks.

"No, I'm the one who should thank you." Emilia replies. "You barely know me, but you risked your life to save me. It's only natural I'd heal your wounds after that."

Subaru is only in shock as Emilia speaks to him. He smiles before he says, "Well, then, once again, I guess it's time to start a new day!" He stretches before getting out of bed.

He follows Emilia out of the room, through the halls, and around the mansion. "This place is really huge... The yard isn't so much a yard as a field."

Now outside, Subaru starts to do some stretches. They were all confused as much as Emilia was while Subaru stretched.

"Those are unusual movements. What are you doing?" Emilia asks Subaru.

Subaru starts to stand straight up and looks at Emilia as he says, "My homeland's ancient practice of warm-up exercises."

He then stands facing forward with his arms by his side as he says, "Come on, Emilia-tan, join me! Radio calisthenics, number 2!"

He then starts bouncing up and down as he says, "Bounce on both feet to loosen up your body!"

"Huh? You're kidding! What is that!" Emilia replies in a surprised tone.

"Just do what I do." Subaru tells Emilia as his eyes shift to look at her.

Emilia then follows with copying Subaru as he does more stretches.

"I'll drill the essence of radio calisthenics into you!"

He then stretches his arms into the air as he says, "Now, raise your arms and shout 'Victory!'"

Holding Subaru's hand with her arms up, she says, "V-Victory!"

Suddenly, another voice shouted, "Victory!" It was obvious that the voice was Puck's.

Subaru and Puck look at each other.

"Hi, Subaru! Great morning, isn't it?" Puck speaks with a smile.

Subaru smiles at Puck and places his hands on his hips as he says, "Well, for me, it's been nothing but chaos since the wee hours of the morning."

His smile fades as he crosses his arms and says, "Looping hallways and a mean little girl on a rampage..." He then looks up and smiles as he says, "And then, shedding the sweat of passion with Emilia-tan."

"Don't make it sound so scandalous!" Emilia immediately replies. She then looks up at Puck as she says, "Good morning, Puck. Sorry I put you through so much yesterday."

Emilia holds out her hands as Puck floats down on top of them as he says, "Morning, Lia. I almost lost you yesterday. I can never thank Subaru enough. I must do something for him."

Subaru closes one eye as he raises his hand. "Okay, then..." Walking over in front of Emilia, he says, "Let me pet your fur whenever I want."

Emilia looks surprised as she says, "Huh? That's all?"

"For a first-rate fur master such as myself," He then picks up Puck with a satisfied smile as he continues. "being able to love on the object of your petting affections at any time is worth just as much as a multimillionaire's riches!" He pets Puck as he speaks.

Now playing with Puck's ears, Subaru comments, "Oh man, these ears!" He brings Puck up to his face and rubs his cheeks on Puck as he says, "I'm in love with how soft you are!"

"I know you feel that way since I can somewhat read your mind, but I'm amazed you can actually say it." Puck replies. "It's okay, Lia. I can't find any malice, hostility or ill-intent in Subaru."

Subaru looks at Puck with a smile as he says, "It's so cute how you call her 'Lia,' too."

"Not as cute as your 'Emilia-tan'!"

Suddenly, Emilia cuts into the conversation. "You really are strange, Subaru."

"Huh?" Subaru utters as he looks over to Emilia, only to see her smile, making him blush.

She then looks away as she says, "Oh? What brings you two here?"

Subaru turns to see where she is looking to find the maid twins. The twins bow in sync as they say, "Emilia-sama. Our lord, Roswaal-sama, has returned. Please come inside."

As Otto steers the carriage, Garfiel sits impatiently in the back. His face shows his anger and annoyance. Yet also acceptance.

"Ya really think 't a good thin' to leave big sis back 'ere?" He speaks while resting his head on his knuckles.

Otto shows a look of worry as he steers the carriage, making the Patrache run as fast as she could.

"It was her choice to stay behind. Plus, I think it may have been for the best." Otto shouts in response to Garfiel. "We need someone there watching. Plus, she wants to wait for Petra. It works out perfectly."

Garfiel only becomes angrier by this. The fact that him, supposedly the shield of the Emilia camp, was this powerless against a barrier.

"What 's tha' bastard Roswaal doin'?" Garfiel questions no one as he looks out the back of the carriage.

Suddenly, Otto notices something. It looks like another carriage. In that other carriage, was none other than Anastatia Hoshin. Driving the carriage was Julius and inside with Anastatia was Mimi, Hetaro, and Tivey.

Julius notices Otto's carriage. Mimi has her head out the window with a smile.

"Sit down sis. You need to stop making a scene." Hetaro spoke.

Anastatia just smiles as she watches Mimi. She has a feeling that something interesting is going to happen soon. But not this soon. Suddenly, she feels the carriage slow to a stop. This confuses her. Why did Julius just stop the carriage? Suddenly, she heard Julius speak.

"My lady, it seems we've run into something."

"Huh? What 's it?" She replies as she leans forward.

"It's Otto." He replies.

She leans back as she says, "I see. So, Emilia's 'ere?"

"I don't believe so." Julius replies in an ominous tone that piques Anastatia's curiosity.

She gets out of the carriage, telling Mimi and her brothers to stay in the carriage. Now outside, she meets up with her knight, a boy with green clothes, and another boy with blonde hair. How strange.

"Thank you for joining us, my lady." Julius says as he bows.

"So, what's goin' on 'ere?" She questions, walking up beside her knight.

"There's a problem in the Mather's domain." Otto starts the conversation.

"Problem?" Anastatia says in a confused tone.

Julius looks at her as he says, "Apparently, a barrier has been placed around the mansion."

"A barrier?" Anastasia places a hand on her chin as she thinks to herself. What could be happening in the Mather's domain? Her thoughts are interrupted as Otto speaks.

"We were on our way to the capital to get in contact with a candidate or really anyone who could help."

She looks up at Otto as she says, "What's ya leader doing. Emilia, right? I also heard that Subaru was missin'. 's that true?"

Otto nods as he says, "Yeah, Subaru is missing. As for Ms. Emilia..." Otto looks away nervously before he says, "She's trapped in the barrier along with Ms. Ram, Petra, and Ms. Beatrice. Also, that girl called Rem that Subaru talks about is also in there, but I don't know if the barrier has down anything to her."

As Anastatia looks down to think again, Julius speaks up.

"This is quite the troubling situation."

"Yeah, with Natsuki missing... I mean, just where could he have gone? Why now?" Anastatia tries to come up with any answer she could.

"I believe we should make our way to the mansion as quickly as possible. With Subaru away, anything could go wrong." Julius suggests with urgency and care in his tone.

Anastatia sighs before looking up at Julius with a serious expression. "Let's go."

Julius immediately agrees before climbing back onto the front of the carriage.

"Me and Garf will continue heading to the capital. Maybe there's someone there who could help. Maybe we could get Reinhard." Otto speaks, getting Anastatia's attention.

Anastatia nods in agreement before climbing into the carriage.

"So something bad is happening at the mansion?" Tivey speaks as Mimi still has her head out the window.

Julius wastes no time getting the carriage moving as Otto and Garfiel take their carriage and continue to the capital.

"Ya think we could get Reinhard?" Garfiel asks as Otto gets the carriage moving.

Otto smiles nervously as he says, "Who knows. I don't think he'd turn down a request for help. If anyone could do it, it's him."

As Otto heads for the capital and Anastatia heads for Roswaal's mansion, there are still two camps that have yet to catch wind of Subaru Natsuki's disappearance.

Reinhard with Felt, talking with happy expressions and Al with Priscilla putting his head to the ground once again. Not any of them have any clue about Subaru's disappearance or what's going on at Roswaal's mansion. Who is next to be caught within the mysteries at Roswaal's mansion?

"You may have any reward you request. Just name your desire." Roswaal speaks with a proud smile and his arms extended out.

Subaru places his hands on the table and stands up as he says, "In that case, I have but one request. Hire me to work in this mansion!"

There is a moment of silence before Ram sneezes.

Next thing they all knew, Subaru was in what appeared to be a huge wardrobe. He was wearing oversized clothing.

"That's not quite right..." Emilia speaks from his left. "Wasn't there anything else that fit, Subaru?"

Looking at Emilia, he says, "Oddly, some of the girls' stuff fit me, but..." He felt weird as Emilia, Rem, and Ram were all in front of them.

"Our deepest apologies, sir... I mean Subaru-kun." Rem speaks first.

Ram then follows. "You look ridiculous, sir... I mean Barasu."

Subaru turns to her with a bored expression as he speaks in a dull tone. "Um, Nee-sama, you just turned my name into a blinding curse."

Ram ignores Subaru as she turns to her sister. "Rem, do you notice anything when looking at Barasu's ridiculous appearance?"

Rem pauses for a second before putting a hand to her chin as she says, "His shoulders are shaped funny, his legs are short, and his eyes are scary?"

Subaru immediately responds with a angry expression as he points toward Rem and shouts, "Two of those are things I can't do anything about!"

"We can't allow you to work here in such shady-looking attire." Ram speaks while looking at Subaru. "People would question Roswaal-sama's dignity."

Despite this interaction between themselves and Subaru they had no memory of, one question came to their minds.

How will he die?

They already knew these were Subaru's memories. It was the only conclusion they could come to. Well, for Emilia at least. She was the only one who knew for a fact these were Subaru's memories, which only broke her heart more as she saw these interactions Subaru had with her that she doesn't even remember. Ram also knew from what Emilia told her beforehand.

So how will he die? That was when a single answer came to Emilia's and Ram's minds. The mabeast attack. That was how he knew about the attack. It must be. He died to the mabeast. Despite this information, they were still unable to do anything but watch through Subaru's eyes as he gets closer to his death. They grew anxious.

Rem, Beatrice, and Petra also knew they were watching Subaru's memories, and they also came to the same conclusion as Emilia and Ram. He will die to the mabeast. To Meili. Petra and Ram knew of the little girl, as of Rem, she was asleep before everything that happened during the sanctuary.

They were all anxious, or at least they would've liked to. But instead, they were forced to be cheerful.

"Let us alter the jacket at the very least. Rem, if you please." Ram speaks.

Emilia smiles as she waves to Subaru. "All right, I have to study for the royal selection. Good luck with your work, too, Subaru."

Subaru gives Emilia a thumbs up as he says, "Yep! Leave it to me, Emilia-tan!"

Rem walks up to him with a tape measurer as she says, "I will take your measurements. Stand still with your back straight."

Subaru takes off his jacket and puts his arms straight out to his side as Rem moves around behind him. She holds the tape measurer up to his chest, making him make a weird sound.

"Please don't make strange noises. It's unpleasant." Rem speaks.

Rem continues taking Subaru's measurements as he shouts, "That was beyond my control! This is awkward for a guy in various ways!"

Next thing they knew, images flashed across their views. Memories of Subaru being shown around the mansion. Suddenly, they were standing in front of a wooden door with Ram.

"And this is the lavatory." Ram speaks.

As Subaru reaches for the doorknob, he says, "In a mansion like this, the restroom must be huge."

Opening the door, he was expecting a bathroom, but instead, he saw Betty. She was lying in a bed hugging Puck with a happy expression.

"You're so great, Bubby! Your fur is the best!" Betty shouts as she rolls around in bed.

Betty immediately stops as she notices Subaru at the door. Subaru becomes smug as he speaks to her.

"Don't worry. I won't tell a soul. The feel of that fur would make anyone-" But before he could finish, Betty interrupts him by throwing him out of the room with her magic.

But he doesn't stay down as he quickly gets up and runs to the door and opens it as he says, "Hey! Let me finish!" But when he opens the door, it was just a normal looking bathroom. Betty was nowhere to be seen. This only made him confused. But Ram explains to him what he just saw.

"That was Beatrice-sama's Door Crossing."

Subaru smiles as he says, "So it's a spell that can connect any door in the mansion to her own room?"

"Once Beatrice-sama has eliminated her presence, there's no way to find her without trying every door in the mansion."

Subaru turns around as Ram speaks before his attention is drawn to a single door.

"She's in here!" Subaru shouts as he opens the door. He guessed correctly. His sudden shouting startled Betty.

"That was impressive, Subaru!" Puck speaks as he peaks around Betty to wave at Subaru.

Betty only looked back with annoyance as she says, "You picked the right door again?"

Subaru only becomes more smug as he says, "What did I tell you? I'm a flag crusher who makes game masters cry."

"I don't understand what you're saying!" Betty replies.

She wasn't the only one who felt this way. Emilia, Rem, Ram, Petra, Crusch, Wilhelm, and Felix were all confused by what Subaru was saying. Well, trying to understand what Subaru was saying here is the least of their problems.

Their thoughts are once again interrupted as they felt Subaru's body move closer to Betty.

"I don't know who you are, either. Ros-chi's little sister?"

Betty only wished she could turn her view away from the version of herself being shown in front of her. It was hurtful. Seeing a version of herself interacting with Subaru in ways she doesn't remember and a version of herself that still treated Subaru poorly. It was hard to see. Even as she was only looking through Subaru's view, her physical body still shed a tear from what she was seeing.

She only wished for something, anything that could invalidate everything she was seeing. But it didn't seem like that was coming anytime soon. Despite her belief in these being Subaru's memories, she still hasn't seen anything she actually remembers. Sure, she saw Subaru saving Emilia, which she knows happened, but she wasn't told in much detail everything that happened. She just hoped something would invalidate her belief in these being real things Subaru's been through.

The more they experience these things through Subaru's eyes, the harder it gets for them to think or even feel like themselves. It was as if their entire being was being synced with Subaru as they see his memories. It was a feeling that only made them feel more sick. None of them enjoyed the feeling of their emotions being manipulated in such a way.

"I'd never want to be his sister, I suppose. Hmph!" Betty shouts in a spiteful tone.

Luckily, Puck answers his question. "Betty is the librarian who oversees the Roswaal's mansion's forbidden library."

Subaru only looks with a confused expression as Ram walks up behind him.

"Roswaal-sama is the greatest magic user in the kingdom. He has many books that mustn't be seen by others. Beatrice-sama is contracted to protect them."

"If you get it now, then go away." Betty suddenly shouts out as she slams the door in Subaru's face.

Now outside with Ram, she says, "This concludes our tour of the mansion. Any questions?"

Subaru is disappointed as he says, "I know it's no use saying this after it's over, but shouldn't Emilia-tan be the one with me for the tour event?"

Ram ignores him and walks back toward the mansion as she says, "If you have no questions, lets get to your actual job. You'll help me with my work, Barasu."

Subaru feels happy and excited as he shouts on impulse. "This must be where my hidden skill as a butler reveals itself!"

Ram once again ignores his outburst as she continues speaking. "My work today is caring for the front yard and garden, helping to prepare lunch," Ram continues speaking of her chores, but all of that gets drowned out as Subaru just stares in shock.

Next thing they noticed, the sun was beginning to set. Subaru laid on a bed.

"I'm exhausted..." He speaks as he stares at the ceiling.

Suddenly, he hears a knock on the door.

"This is Rem. Do you have a moment, Subaru-kun?" A voice speaks from outside the door.

Even though she was now in Subaru's view, Rem remembers how she felt about Subaru when they first met. Considering he didn't have the conversation with her that she remembers, she only wished to feel fear.

Subaru sits up as he looks to the door. "Sure, I'm good. I won't do anything weird, so come on in." He places his hands in his lap as he waits.

"Your permission actually makes you sound less credible. Pardon me, then."

Opening the door, Rem enters with Subaru's butler uniform. Noticing this, Subaru speaks with shock. "You finished that already?"

"When it is Roswaal-sama's clothing, my priority is to be careful, but since this is yours..."

"Did you just imply that you cut corners?"

Subaru takes the uniform and puts it on over his tracksuit and was surprised. "I hate to admit it, but it's perfect." He then smiles as he says, "Well? Do I look good?"

Rem just stares as she says, "Combined with the rarity of gray clothes, no one in any kind of strange garment could rival you."

"Okay! Not a compliment at all!"

"What shall we do with that?" Rem questions, looking at Subaru's pants folded on the desk beside his bed.

"This one's easy. Got a needle and thread?" Subaru moves over to pick up his pants as Rem replies, "I brought them. Shall I repair it now?"

"Nah, I'll do it. Don't underestimate my sewing skills." Subaru grabs the needle and threads and begins repairing his pants.

"I'm surprised. I must give you full marks for your sewing. Like you, however, it does not seem very useful." Rem's voice was cold as she spoke.

Suddenly, their eyes opened to show they were now in a kitchen and Subaru is trying to cut vegetables. But all he could do was cut his own fingers and making a mess.

"You may get full marks for sewing, but you're still useless with a knife, Barasu." Ram speaks as she cuts the tatoes flawlessly. However, he does this with almost any chore he does. When he does the dishes, he drops the plate. When he's wiping the bath, he slips around the floor. When he's washing clothes, he burns his hand.

Suddenly, it was nighttime. It was his fourth night. He was outside watching Emilia communicate with the lesser spirits. She glowed brightly in the night.

"It's not that fun to watch, is it?" Emilia speaks as she notices Subaru's expression showing he's in awe.

He only smiles as if he's dreaming as he says, "Nothing is ever boring when I'm with you, Emilia-tan."

Emilia smiles as well as she says, "That makes me happy, even if you're only flattering me."

The lesser spirits vanish before Emilia turns to face Subaru.

Subaru rubs the back of his head with a smile. "Besides, we haven't had a chance to just talk for the past few days."

"That's right. It must've been difficult for you to learn your work here." Emilia replies.

"Yes, it is! It's killing me! I wish I could be comforted in your arms, your chest, and your lap, in rotation."

Emilia steps closer to Subaru as she says, "Yeah, yeah. If you can joke around like that, you must be fine." She taps Subaru's forward. He falls to the ground, now looking up at the stars.

"The moon sure it pretty." Subaru speaks.

Emilia sits beside him as she says, "Yes, it's far beyond our reach."

This is when everyone felt off seeing this. This intimate moment with a candidate to the throne. Their feelings were that of love toward Emilia. Once again, it felt disgusting, even for Emilia. This feeling of love for herself was horrible. It felt utterly disgusting. It was the worst feeling she could ever experience.

Subaru jumps up to look at Emilia as he says, "I got a really touching response without even trying!" He felt happy.

Emilia turns to him and smiles. It was then that Subaru was once again bewitched by her. A moment of silence, just admiring Emilia's smile until she says, "Still, don't you think you're a bit lacking in ambition? Like that time with Puck, and in the capital, when you asked for my name."

Subaru smiles at her as he replies. "You just don't get it, Emilia-tan." He looks back up at the sky. "I want what I want at that exact moment, and I want it from the bottom of my heart. At that time, I wanted to know your name. I had no expectations for tomorrow, and I was in a knew land, nervous and uncertain of my future."

As he speaks, he starts to think of everything he's been through since coming to Lugunica. "When I think about it calmly, there were probably other things I should have wanted. But I can't lie to myself. Same with request I made to Ros-chi. I'm flat broke right now. I could cheat him out of a fortune and live it up, but I can just as easily obtain and ongoing source of livelihood, right?"

"In that case, couldn't you have become a permanent guest, rather than an employee?"

That's when it hit him. He jumps up with his hands on his head as he shouts, "I've never thought of that!"

He then notices Emilia looking at his hands with a shocked expression. They were bandaged up. He quickly jumped up and hid his hands behind his back, not wanting Emilia to see them.

"Oh, man, talk about pathetic... You should keep your efforts a secret, huh?"

Emilia stands up and looks at him with a worried look. "Do you want me to use my healing magic?"

Subaru's hands twitch as Emilia asks. He thinks about it for a second before responding. "Nah, I'm fine like this."

Emilia is confused by this as she asks, "Why?"

"It's kind of hard to explain, but..." He looks down at his bandaged hands. "Well, this is proof of the effort I've put in. I don't actually dislike exerting myself, you know? Learning to do something I couldn't before...Well, it's not so bad." Subaru felt happily as he spoke to Emilia.

Emilia thinks for a second before smiling as she says, "That's right... Yes, I think you're right. Really, Subaru, you idiot."

"Hey, what's with that reaction?" Subaru questions with his arms crossed. He smiles again as he says, "This is where you fall for me all over again."

Emilia looks away with a cute expression as she says, "I never fell for you to begin with." She turns back to him with a soft smile. A gentle expression.

"Honestly, you're so silly."

The wind blows her hair, creating such an image that Subaru couldn't help but stare at her in awe.

"EMA..."

This sudden speaking, startles Emilia. "Huh?"

"It's short for 'Emilia-tan, major angel.'"

"I'm thanking you, and you're joking around again! Anyway, I know you're working hard, but how did your hands get so torn up?"

Subaru began to show and tell where he got his hands all torn up. "I cut this one with knives in the kitchen... And this is from when I went to town in the evening to shop, and a little animal some kids were playing with bit me."

"It wasn't a result of your effort?" Emilia questions.

"Those kids were ruthless, hitting and kicking me, and wiping their runny noses on me... it sucked, damn it."

"You do seem like you'd be good with small children, Subaru."

An idea then pops into Subaru's head. "I know! Wanna come with me tomorrow to get revenge... I mean, to watch the kids and that small animal?"

Emilia looks sad. "It's not that I don't want to go with you...

"Then let's go!" Subaru interrupts.

"But if I'm with you, it might cause trouble for you."

"Okay, got it! Let's go!" Subaru interrupts again.

She turns to look at Subaru. "Are you listening to me?"

"I am! I hang on every word you say, Emilia-tan!" Subaru smiles widely.

"Sheesh... Only when I can take a break from studying and your work is done, all right?"

Subaru's eyes widen as if he was in shock from what he just heard. He then celebrates. "All right! Roger that!"

Suddenly, Subaru is walking through the mansion still happy with his promise to Emilia. But before he heads back to his room, he decides to stop by the library to see Betty.

He opens the door as he says, "Hey, loli girl! You're still up?"

Betty replies in her same cutesy voice. "So now you can break through my door crossing like it's natural, I suppose."

She starts playing with her hair as Subaru takes a step closer.

"Oh, I just wanted to say hello before going to bed. Can I try that too?"

Betty doesn't let him get any closer as she says, "Only Bubby may touch me, I suppose." Her voice showcased her annoyance.

"No fair that only you get to have fun." Subaru replies with his hand extended toward her, wanting to touch her hair.

"Well, I'm in a good mood, so I can let it go-"

Subaru is interrupted as Betty says, "Enough! Just get out of here!"

Subaru is then sent flying out of the library.

No lying in bed, Subaru is super excited.

"For our date tomorrow, I'll have to come up with an excuse to ditch the kids in the village. Oh! First, I've gotta find out where all the good views and flower fields and stuff are.."

He quickly sits up as he can't seem to sleep. "Crap! I can't sleep while I'm thinking about this! Oh, I know!"

Subaru lays back down and covers up. "One Puck... Two Pucks... A hundred and one Pucks..." Subaru finally goes to sleep.

His eyes open and he has a burst of energy.

"A new dawn has come! A dawn of hope!"

He jumps up, standing on his bed as he continues shouting.

"Natsuki Subaru is going to make giant strides today!"

He then notices two people in his room. It was Rem and Ram. He quickly becomes embarrassed and hides under the cover as he says, "What?! You were in here?! I'm so embarrassed! You should've said something!"

Rem and Ram just stare at Subaru with confused looks.

"Sister, Sister... Our guest appears to be a bit confused." Rem speaks first.

"Rem, Rem... It looks as though our guest has gone crazy."

Subaru laughs nervously as he responds, "Why are you calling me a guest?" He sits up and looks at his hands as he says, "You two and your jokes..."

He then notices something. The bandages on his hands are gone. His hands shake as fear seeps into his mind, and he begins to sweat. His face shows his fear as he pulls his head back. One though entered his mind.

The wounds... are gone.

Suddenly, she jerked up, coughing and covered in sweat. Crusch had no idea where she was. It took her some time to get used to her surroundings. Despite being back in her real body, the fear still remained. It nearly drove her mad until she gained her composure.

A noise from beside her got her attention. She turned to notice Emilia and Ram, also in the same state as she was. Emilia was just crying while Ram just had an expression of disgust. She wanted to speak, but it took her a second to catch her breath.

"Wha... What was that?" Crusch asked.

Sadly, no one answered her question. Emilia could only utter a single word.

"Subaru." She held her hand over her mouth as the tears just continued flowing.

Ram only looked away. "Barasu." Her voice sounded like one of disgust as she just stared at the ground.

Meanwhile, Felix and Wilhelm woke up. Wilhelm coughed a couple of times but quickly gained his composure. Looking around, he noticed Petra, and Rem hugging each other while Betty sat near the wall with tears in her eyes. But what really scared him was Felix's reaction. Felix was shaking with nothing but fear as he gripped his head and pulled at his hair with tears falling down his face.

Felix couldn't help but break down. This wasn't something he could handle. But that all changed when one person came to mind.

Ms. Crusch.

He quickly gets up and runs down the hall.

"Felix!" Wilhelm shouts, but it doesn't stop Felix. Wilhelm wanted to run after him, but he had something more important to do. He had to worry about himself. He had to process just what he saw. It didn't take much to come to the conclusion of these being things Subaru has experienced.

This only made it worse when he remembered Subaru dying to Elsa and the feeling of pain it came with. The fact that Subaru, this kid he respected went through something as unfair as that and still pushes to help others. It hurt. It hurt so much. So much so that all he could do was sit on his knees with his fists clenched.

"Subaru... Is this why I saw what I saw in you when we first met? That look in your eyes... I was right." If anything, this hurt the most. Just how right he was yet unable to help Subaru even the tiny bit. It gnawed at him, and it hurt.

"Are you alright, Petra?" Rem speaks as she looks down at the young girl. Petra didn't speak, only nodded.

"Why couldn't Betty protect you, I suppose?" The spirit girl could barely speak through all her sobbing and sniffling. The fact that Subaru died under the same roof as her hurt more than anything else. She failed. She failed him. She couldn't believe that Subaru would actually care for her after she failed him and treated him so horribly. How could he? She let him die. She failed him who knows how many times.

"We're here, Garfiel." The merchant speaks.

Garfiel jumps up and looks out the window. "Do ya thin' we gettin' Reinhard?"

Otto's body tenses up as he smiles nervously. "Let's hope so."

AUTHOR NOTE: HEY, THIS CHAPTER WAS SHORTER THAN I THOUGHT I WOULD MAKE IT. BUT SOMETHING I WANTED TO SAY. WHENEVER THE CHARACTERS ARE EXPERIENCING SUBARU'S MEMORIES, I'M USING THE SUB VERSION OF THE ANIME TO KEEP THE STORY STRAIGHT. BUT I'M DECIDING THAT GOING FURTHER, I MIGHT USE LINES FROM THE DUBBED THAT I FEEL SOUNDS BETTER THAN THE SUBBED, BUT IT WILL ALL BE FROM THE ANIME VERSION OF RE: ZERO.

I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE IS READING THIS STORY IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT I'LL CONTINUE TO TRY AND MAKE THE STORY MORE INTERESTING. I'M ALSO SORRY FOR THE LACK SUBARU SCENES THAT FOCUS ON SUBARU AND HIS FAMILY IN THIS CHAPTER. IT'S JUST SO HARD TO COME UP WITH INTERESTING STUFF TO DO WITH THAT.

I'M THINKING OF MAKING THE NEXT CHAPTER ONE SOLELY FOCUSED ON SUBARU AND HIS FAMILY.