Author Note: This will be a wholesome chapter, however this is just the calm before the storm. We shall be resume torturing Subaru soon (Insert sinister laughter...)
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Subaru blinked as she stirred awake, her body sinking into the plush softness of a luxurious bed. The first thing she noticed was how incredibly warm and comfortable it was, far removed from anything she'd experienced recently. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, and her gaze took in her surroundings—a high ceiling adorned with intricate carvings, silk curtains framing the oversized windows, and a room that screamed wealth and sophistication.
"Woah…" Subaru murmured, sitting up cautiously. "Where the heck am I?"
Her mind raced, bits and pieces of memories crashing together like a jigsaw puzzle gone wrong. The sudden flash of thugs in an alley. The chaos of the Loot House. The overwhelming presence of Elsa. The girl—Emilia. And then, the slash—the cold, sickening pain that had bloomed in her abdomen.
Her hand shot to her stomach, her breath catching in panic. "The wound!" she gasped, throwing the heavy blanket aside to inspect herself. To her shock—and relief—her stomach was smooth, unmarked, and entirely intact. "What the…?"
The realization hit her. Healing magic. It must've been Emilia. Of course, it was Emilia. Subaru let out a breath, her shoulders sagging with relief. "Cool! But now I owe her again…" she muttered, her gratitude quickly morphing into mild exasperation.
And then her eyes fell on herself—or rather, the lack of anything on herself.
She froze.
"Wait… where are my clothes?!"
Her gaze darted to a nearby cabinet where she spotted her SuperPhone, along with her other belongings. But aside from that? Not a scrap of fabric to cover her. Panic gave way to embarrassment as her face flushed a deep crimson.
"This is bad. This is so bad…" she mumbled, gripping the blanket and wrapping it tightly around her body. She glanced at the ornate room once more, her confusion mounting. "Okay, where am I? And who undressed me?!"
Despite her mortification, curiosity gnawed at her. Subaru scanned the room, looking for anything remotely resembling clothes. A closet, a wardrobe—anything. But all she found were shelves lined with trinkets and knick-knacks that looked too fancy for her to touch.
Her gaze wandered to a full-length mirror standing in one corner of the room. Hesitantly, she approached it, the blanket still clutched tightly around her. She stared at her reflection—the long white hair cascading over her shoulders, the coal-black irises that glimmered like polished obsidian, the slender, pale frame that looked far too delicate to belong to the Subaru she remembered. Oddly enough, that green-black butterfly hair ornament was still attached to her hair.
"She's cute…" she muttered under her breath, turning slightly to admire the curves and smooth skin of her new form. She struck an awkward pose, then froze, realizing what she was doing. "Bad Natsuki Subaru!" she scolded herself, her voice sharp with shame. "Mom would kill me if she saw me acting like this!"
She paused, considering. "But wait… this is my body now. And I'm a girl. So… technically, no harm done?"
That reasoning was all the permission she needed. Subaru struck another pose, flexing her arms and twisting to inspect herself from every angle. "Alright, I guess if I'm stuck in this form, I might as well own it!"
But the novelty wore off quickly as reality came crashing back. "Okay, focus, Subaru. Where are you? And what the heck is going on?"
Still wrapped in the blanket, Subaru approached the door to her room. The handle felt cold under her touch as she pushed it open, revealing a hallway that stretched on endlessly. It was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that made her skin crawl.
"Long hallways in a mansion? Great, it's always gotta be creepy…" Subaru muttered, stepping out cautiously.
The first door she opened led to a massive bathhouse. Steam hung in the air, and the marble floors gleamed under the soft light filtering through the stained-glass windows. The sheer opulence of it took her breath away.
"Dang. This is… wow," Subaru said, staring at the sprawling bath. She lingered for a moment, tempted by the idea of a soak, but shook her head. "No time for that, Subaru. Mission first. Luxurious bath later."
The next door opened into a storage room. Shelves were lined with all manner of items—vases, linens, and boxes whose contents Subaru could only guess at. She lingered for a moment before moving on.
The third door was different.
The air inside felt heavier, quieter, as though it were holding its breath. Subaru stepped inside and froze.
It was a library. But not just any library—it was enormous. The room stretched far and wide, the walls lined with towering bookshelves filled with tomes of every size and color. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the space.
"Holy crap…" Subaru whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. "I could spend years in here!"
Her gaze wandered across the room, taking in the endless sea of books. For a brief moment, she felt a spark of excitement. If she was going to survive in this world, she'd need to learn everything she could—and this library seemed like the perfect place to start. She wanted to learn EVERYTHING. Oh, she was drooling again…
But then she saw her.
Sitting in the center of the room was a girl, dressed in a frilly pink-and-yellow dress that looked like it belonged in a fairytale. Her twin tails curled like drills on either side of her head, and her small hands held a book that she seemed deeply engrossed in.
Subaru hesitated before stepping closer. "Um, hello?" she called out cautiously. "Are you the librarian here?"
The girl didn't respond immediately. Then, with an audible snap, she shut her book and didn't even look at Subaru. But Subaru knew her blue eyes were piercing, cold, and curious all at once.
"Who are you, I suppose?" she asked, her tone sharp and demanding.
Subaru blinked, caught off guard. "Natsuki Subaru, at your service!" she said, her voice a little too cheerful to mask her nerves.
The girl's expression didn't change. "And what are you doing in Betty's library?"
"I—" Subaru began, but before she could say anything, the girl's eyes widened.
Her book fell from her hands, forgotten as she stood abruptly, staring at Subaru with a look of pure, unfiltered shock.
"Uh…" Subaru took a step back, unnerved. "You okay?"
The girl's voice trembled as she whispered a single word. "Mother…"
Subaru's stomach dropped. "Mother…? What the heck are you talking about?!"
The girl leapt off her chair with surprising energy, rushing toward Subaru, her frilly dress bouncing with each hurried step. But her foot caught the edge of the chair, and she stumbled forward, arms flailing wildly as she tipped over with an audible crash, the chair clattering to the floor behind her.
"Hey, hey! You alright, kid?!" Subaru exclaimed, rushing forward in alarm.
Before she could help, the girl's tiny hands shot out like a viper, grabbing Subaru's arm with surprising strength. Subaru barely had time to process the iron grip before the blanket wrapped around her slipped and fell to the floor, leaving her standing stark naked.
"Ah!" Subaru froze, her hands instinctively moving to cover herself. "Oh, come on!"
But the girl didn't seem to care—or notice. Instead, she threw herself into Subaru's chest, wrapping her arms around her waist in a bone-crushing hug and burying her tear-streaked face into Subaru's very exposed breasts.
"M-Mother!" the girl sobbed, her small frame shaking violently. "You're back! You're finally back!"
Subaru's entire face turned a furious shade of crimson. She stood rigid, her arms awkwardly raised as if unsure where to put them. The girl's desperate, heartfelt sobs were tickling her skin and sending shivers of discomfort down her spine.
"W-wait, wait, wait!" Subaru stammered, trying to pry the girl off her. "Why are you calling me your mom?! I'm not— Listen, I wasn't even a girl until yesterday!" Her voice cracked with a mix of panic and disbelief. "I'm a virgin, for crying out loud! There's no way I gave birth to anyone, let alone a kid your age!"
But the girl clung to her even tighter, shaking her head against Subaru's chest. "You're my mother, I suppose!" she wailed. "I thought you were gone forever!"
Subaru groaned, both flustered and bewildered. "Okay, look, uh…Betty, was it? Listen, Betty," she said, her tone softening as she gently patted the girl's head. "I think you've got the wrong person. Your mom isn't here—"
"She is here, I suppose!" Betty snapped, looking up at Subaru with teary but determined eyes. "And you are her!"
Subaru's discomfort grew as she stammered, "I am not! Look, I get you're upset, but you've got the wrong idea!"
Then a thought struck her like a thunderbolt. What if this body—this strange, beautiful body she'd woken up in—did belong to the mother of this kid? But no, that didn't make sense. This body didn't look a day older than 18, and Beatrice looked at least ten herself. Right?
"Uh… Beako… Betty… whoever…" Subaru said, her voice shaky as her mind scrambled for an escape. "Can you, like, let me go? I mean, as you can see, I don't have any clothes on…"
Betty didn't budge, her arms like steel around Subaru's waist. Her teary gaze turned into a defiant glare. "Mother! You never told me you were that person, in fact!"
"That person?" Subaru repeated weakly, her voice climbing an octave. "What person?"
"The one who was supposed to save me!" Betty sniffled, her grip not loosening in the slightest. "Betty thought you were gone forever! Betty waited and waited!"
Subaru's brain was screaming for a way out. Would pretending to agree make this less awkward? Maybe if she just played along…
"Uh… sure?" Subaru said hesitantly, forcing a nervous smile. "I'll be… that person for you."
Time passed, how long? Half an hour. The girl kept crying and crying… seriously, where were all these tears, mucus coming from? Ew.
"Um… you done, Betty?"
Betty's teary eyes widened with sudden hope, her expression softening. "You don't remember, I suppose?" she asked, her voice quivering. "Could it be… you lost your memories? Is this that devil's spell? Is this why you look different?"
"'Devil'? 'Spell'? 'Different'?!" Subaru repeated, panic rising in her voice. "What are you even talking about?"
But Betty wasn't listening. Her face lit up with realization. "Yes! That must be it, I suppose! It has to be! That devil's magic took your memories!" Betty gasped, her hands tightening around Subaru. "You truly don't remember, I suppose! But you are my mother, in fact! Betty would never forget her mother's mana signature or her face—not even in centuries!"
Subaru stiffened. "Centuries?!" Her voice cracked. "Listen, kid, I think there's been a huge misunderstanding—"
But Betty ignored her, stepping back just enough to look up at Subaru with big, hopeful eyes. "Now that you're back, everything will be okay, I suppose! Mother will take care of Betty again!"
Subaru's head was spinning. "I, uh… okay… sure…" she said weakly, trying to keep the situation under control. "But seriously, can we focus on the current problem? Like, I'm still very naked, and it's really awkward…"
Betty blinked, tilting her head. "You don't even remember magic, I suppose?"
"I… never knew magic in the first place," Subaru said, her voice dripping with exhaustion. "This is all new to me."
Betty gasped again, her hands flying to her mouth. "This is worse than I thought, in fact!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with dramatic despair. "Not only has the devil's spell taken your memories, but it's erased your knowledge of magic!"
Subaru groaned, covering her face with her hands. "I'm seriously starting to think I should've stayed in bed…"
"Pet Betty, Mother!"
Subaru sighed deeply, glancing down at the small girl clutching her waist like her life depended on it. "Alright, alright, come here," she muttered, crouching slightly to meet Betty's level. She awkwardly wrapped her arms around the tiny figure, her blanket slipping precariously. "But you owe me some answers after this, alright?"
Betty buried her face into Subaru's chest again, her shoulders trembling as soft, muffled sobs escaped her lips. "I knew it… You're back," she whispered, her voice muffled but filled with relief. "I've been so lonely… I suppose."
Subaru patted her back, unsure how to react. This situation was so far beyond weird it looped back to being heartwarming. "Hey, uh… Betty, was it? You're, uh, crushing me a little."
Betty didn't move.
"Okay, cool, ignore me. That's fine," Subaru muttered, glancing around the library. She spotted endless shelves of books, towering over them like ancient, judgmental sentinels. The sheer scale of the place was mind-blowing, but Subaru's immediate concern wasn't literature—it was her complete and utter lack of clothes.
"Listen, Betty," Subaru began, her tone soft but firm. "I'm all for this, uh, family bonding moment, but I kinda need clothes. Like, right now. It's getting drafty."
Betty sniffled, finally pulling back slightly to look up at Subaru. Her red-rimmed eyes sparkled with something between devotion and disbelief. "You don't need to worry about such trivial matters, I suppose. Mother doesn't need clothes when she's with Betty!"
Subaru's face burned crimson. "Okay, yeah, no. That's not how this works. I'm flattered you're happy to see me, but seriously, I need something to wear. Blanket fashion only works for so long before it becomes a disaster."
Betty tilted her head, as if Subaru's words didn't quite compute. "You truly don't remember anything, do you? Not even the incantations for a basic conjuring spell, in fact?"
"Not a clue," Subaru admitted, shaking her head. "Magic's not really in my wheelhouse."
Betty's lips quivered, and she gripped Subaru's hands tightly. "Mother… what did that devil do to you?"
Subaru sighed again, sitting cross-legged on the floor and pulling the blanket tighter around her. "Okay, kid, let's hash this out. You think I'm your mom—cool, I'll roll with it for now. But I need answers. Like, what's with this 'devil' talk? And what makes you so sure I'm this 'Mother' person? Because, spoiler alert, I wasn't even a girl until yesterday."
"That's the only explanation, I suppose! The curse must have twisted your memories and stolen your true self!"
Subaru stared at her, deadpan. "Right. Or I could just be a totally different person who happens to look like your mom."
"No!" Betty snapped, stamping her foot. "Your mana signature is the same! It resonates with Beatrice like no one else's, I suppose! You ARE Mother, no matter how much you protest!"
Subaru opened her mouth to argue but stopped. She didn't fully understand this "mana" stuff, but the sheer conviction in Betty's voice made her hesitate. Maybe there was a kernel of truth in all this.
"Okay, fine," Subaru said, throwing up her hands. "Let's say I'm your mom. Hypothetically. If that's the case, shouldn't a super-smart girl like you be able to, I don't know, magic me up some clothes? Or at least explain what the heck is going on?"
Betty's cheeks puffed out in a pout. "Fine, if that's what it takes for you to stop doubting me, I suppose. Hold still."
The little girl waved her hand, muttering an incantation under her breath. In a flash of light, Subaru felt the fabric materialize against her skin. She looked down to see herself now clad in an elegant black dress that looked like it belonged to a Victorian noblewoman—complete with frills and a corset.
"Whoa, fancy," Subaru muttered, adjusting the collar. "But isn't this a little much? I was hoping for something, you know, casual."
Betty crossed her arms, looking smug. "Mother always wore clothes befitting her station, I suppose. Betty wouldn't dream of dressing you in anything less."
Subaru groaned, rubbing her temples. "Great. I'm overdressed and underinformed. Can we talk about the whole 'devil curse' thing now?"
Betty hesitated, her confident demeanor faltering. "It's… complicated. But if you stay with Betty, we'll figure it out together, I suppose."
Subaru looked at the girl—small, stubborn, and oddly endearing—and sighed. "Fine. But I'm not promising anything. Just… lead the way, kiddo."
Betty's face lit up, and she reached for Subaru's hand. "You won't regret this, Mother. Betty will protect you, in fact!"
Subaru felt a shiver crawl down her spine as she stepped out of the library, Betty clinging to her arm like a particularly clingy barnacle. The little girl—who still insisted on referring to herself in third person as "Betty"—looked completely at ease, as if this was just another casual stroll through the mansion. For Subaru, however, every hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, each corner promising new confusion and possibly danger.
"Betty, are you sure it's okay for me to just wander around like this?" Subaru asked nervously, her voice bouncing off the grand, empty halls. "I feel like I'm breaking about fifty house rules just by existing here."
"You're with Betty, so everything is fine, I suppose," Betty replied with a small, smug smile. "And Mother should never doubt Betty's judgment, in fact."
"Yeah, about that 'Mother' thing…" Subaru started, but before she could finish, her nose caught a faint, pleasant aroma wafting from further down the corridor. Her stomach growled loudly in response, and she realized just how long it had been since her last meal.
Rounding the corner, she spotted a figure—a girl with short blue hair styled in a neat bob, wearing what could only be described as the epitome of a classic maid uniform. She was holding a wicker basket, her delicate steps measured and graceful.
"Oh, finally! Someone who looks like they know what's going on!" Subaru exclaimed, waving her free hand while dragging a reluctant Beatrice behind her.
The maid froze mid-step and turned to face them. Her blue eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of hostility flashing across her face before being replaced with a carefully neutral expression. "Beatrice-sama," the maid said, bowing slightly. "And the honored guest."
"Honored guest?" Subaru echoed. "Man, you guys really like fancy titles, huh? You can just call me Natsuki Subaru. Or Subaru. Or, you know, literally anything that doesn't make me sound like royalty."
The maid's gaze shifted to Beatrice. "Beatrice-sama, is there anything you require of me?"
"Prepare the best food in the manor for Mother, I suppose," Beatrice ordered imperiously, her small chest puffing out with authority.
"Mother?" The maid's sharp eyes flicked back to Subaru, skepticism clear in her expression.
Subaru sighed heavily. "Yeah, don't ask. It's a long story involving misunderstandings, a magical library, and possibly a very clingy child who has decided I'm some kind of substitute parent."
The maid didn't seem convinced but merely nodded. "The task will be executed."
"Wait!" Subaru called out. "What's your name? I should at least know who I'm talking to."
The maid paused and turned slightly, her tone soft but formal. "Rem is Rem."
"Nice to meet you, Rem! You are like Paimon too, huh? I mean third person point of view? I wonder if everyone around here is the same." Subaru said, relieved to finally have a name to attach to a face. "By the way, speaking of things that belong to me… any idea where my tracksuit is?"
"Tracksuit?" Rem tilted her head in mild confusion, as though Subaru had just asked about something entirely alien.
"It's my outfit!" Subaru explained. "Black jacket with white and orange pallet, black pants, super stylish—"
"You mean the filthy, unsightly rags you arrived in," a new voice interjected smoothly.
Subaru turned to see another maid approaching, identical to Rem in almost every way except for her pink hair. This one held a tray of tea in her hands and walked with the kind of elegance that could only come from years of practice—or sheer arrogance. Her sharp pink eyes locked onto Subaru with a cool, almost dismissive air.
"You must be her sister," Subaru guessed, pointing a finger at her.
"Ram is Ram," she confirmed, her voice dripping with condescension. "And you are the honored guest who apparently takes pride in wearing… that."
Subaru blinked, then scowled. "Whoa, okay, first of all, that is my prized tracksuit! It's practically my signature look! And second—wait, were you the one who undressed me?"
"I was," Ram said without a hint of shame. "It was necessary to remove and wash those… atrocities. They were offensive to this household."
"My tracksuit is not an atrocity!" Subaru shot back, feeling his dignity crumble with every passing second. "And who gave you permission to—never mind. Where is it now?"
"In the laundry, where it belongs," Ram replied smoothly, setting the tray of tea down on a nearby table.
Subaru groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Great. My clothes are being judged, my ego's in shreds, and now I'm stuck in this frilly dress like I just stepped out of a Victorian drama."
"It suits you, Mother, I suppose," Betty piped up, tugging on Subaru's sleeve.
"Not helping, Betty," Subaru muttered.
"Would you like some tea to calm your nerves, honored guest?" Ram asked, her tone polite but with just enough edge to be irritating.
"Sure, why not," Subaru grumbled, sinking into a nearby chair. As Ram poured the tea with practiced precision, Subaru glanced between the two maids. "So, let me guess. You two are twins?"
"Correct," Rem said with a slight bow.
"But I am the superior one," Ram added, her smirk widening as she handed Subaru a cup.
"Wow, sibling rivalry much?" Subaru muttered, taking a sip. The tea, at least, was heavenly.
"Ram-nee-sama often says such things," Rem said.
"I mean them," Ram corrected smoothly.
Subaru stared at them, unsure whether to laugh or cry. "You guys are a whole sitcom waiting to happen. So," Subaru said after a moment, setting her cup down. "What's the deal with this mansion? Why does everyone here act like they're straight out of a medieval drama?"
Ram and Rem exchanged a look, their expressions unreadable.
"All your questions will be answered in due time," Rem said, her tone unusually cryptic.
"But first," Ram added with a sly smile, "you should finish your breakfast. You'll need your strength."
"For what?" Subaru asked, suddenly uneasy.
"To survive," Ram replied, her smile widening just enough to send a chill down Subaru's spine.
"Great," Subaru muttered. "Nothing ominous about that at all."
In the dining room…
Every attempt to shift Beatrice to a nearby chair was met with a stubborn, "Mother needs to hold Betty, I suppose!" Betty's pout was so dramatic it could've won an Oscar for "Most Manipulative Expression." Subaru sighed, defeated, and awkwardly patted the little girl's head.
"You're really milking this whole 'Mother' thing, huh?" Subaru muttered, her hand rhythmically ruffling Beatrice's perfectly curled twin tails.
"Betty is simply claiming what is rightfully hers, in fact!" Beatrice huffed, snuggling closer into Subaru's lap. "Mother must shower Betty with affection after being absent for so long."
Subaru groaned, shooting an apologetic glance at Rem, who was busy setting the table. "Rem, any chance you can save me from this tiny dictator?"
Rem paused, her movements precise and professional as always, and gave Subaru a polite smile. "Beatrice-sama rarely shows this level of affection to anyone, honored guest. Perhaps you should… cherish it?"
"Yeah, cherish it, Mother!" Beatrice beamed, her cheek squished against Subaru's arm.
"Easy for you to say," Subaru grumbled. "You're not the one stuck playing human furniture."
Just then, the door creaked open, and Emilia entered, her silver hair catching the soft morning light like a halo. Puck floated lazily above her shoulder, his tiny body glowing faintly.
"Subaru! You're awake!" Emilia's face lit up, her voice brimming with relief. "Are you feeling alright? I was so worried after… you know, everything."
Subaru's face broke into a wide grin. Seeing Emilia was like a burst of sunshine after a stormy night. "Emilia-tan! Oh, man, it's so good to see you again! And yeah, I'm fine, thanks to you. I owe you big time for—"
"Mother doesn't need to thank that naive half-elf, I suppose," Beatrice interrupted, her voice cutting through Subaru's gratitude like a knife.
The room fell silent.
Emilia blinked, her expression shifting from concerned to slightly confused. "Um… what?"
Subaru froze. "Betty! That was just rude! What the heck was that?!" she whispered, trying to keep her voice low.
Beatrice tilted her head, completely unapologetic. "Betty is only stating the truth, in fact. Mother has no reason to bow her head to the likes of her."
Subaru felt her soul leave her body. "We are not doing this," she muttered under her breath.
Puck, however, floated down closer, his small eyes narrowing as he hovered in front of Beatrice. "Betty, are you absolutely sure about this?" His tone was calm but carried a sharp edge. "Do you truly believe she's Echidna?"
"Of course!" Beatrice snapped, crossing her arms and glaring at the floating spirit. "Mother's mana signature is unmistakable, in fact! And her face, even if it's not the same as before—it's hers, in fact! You should let her cuddle you too, Bubby!"
"Bubby?" Subaru echoed, horrified. "Is that your nickname for him?!"
Puck ignored her, his gaze still fixed on Beatrice. "You're saying this is really Echidna—the Witch of Greed?"
Subaru pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to keep her growing frustration in check. "For the last time, I may look like this 'Echidna,' but I am not her. How many times do I have to say it?"
Beatrice pouted, her cheeks puffing out like a stubborn squirrel. "Mother is just confused, I suppose. Perhaps it's memory loss!"
Puck folded his tiny arms, his expression skeptical. "You're telling me this… scatterbrained girl is really supposed to be that Echidna? Feels odd."
Subaru groaned, raising her hands in exasperation. "Thank you! Finally, someone with some sense!"
"But…" Puck's eyes narrowed. "Her mana does feel oddly familiar. Like it's trying to remind me of her."
"Oh, come on!" Subaru slumped in her chair, careful not to dislodge Beatrice, who was still firmly glued to her lap.
Before the debate could spiral further, the door opened again, and Ram entered, carrying a tray of food with her usual air of superiority. She was followed closely by Rem, who carried a steaming teapot and an assortment of pastries.
"Breakfast is served, honored guest," Ram announced, setting the tray down with a flourish. "Try not to embarrass yourself at the table."
Subaru rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Pinky."
"It's Ram," she corrected, unfazed.
Rem bowed slightly. "I hope the meal is to your liking, Miss Subaru."
Beatrice straightened, puffing out her chest. "Betty demands only the finest food for Mother, in fact! Make sure it's perfect!"
Ram's gaze flicked to Beatrice, one brow arching slightly. "How quaint."
Subaru buried her face in her hands, mumbling, "Why is my life like this?"
Emilia, still trying to process the chaos, finally spoke up. "Subaru, why is Beatrice calling you 'Mother'? And… why are you letting her sit on your lap?"
Subaru looked up, her face a mix of exhaustion and defeat. "Long story short, she's convinced I'm some ancient witch who abandoned her centuries ago. And now she won't let go of me. Literally."
Emilia giggled. "Well, you do have a knack for getting yourself into bizarre situations."
"Tell me about it," Subaru muttered.
"Are you really the Witch Of Greed?" Emilia asked nervously.
"I am the genius Natsuki Subaru with an IQ of 189 from Japan, not a witch who mothered…her."
"Pet me more, Mother, I suppose!"
As the food was served, Subaru sighed, resigned to her strange new reality. Between a clingy loli, cryptic maids, and a half-elf who somehow radiated both kindness and confusion, she could only hope the day wouldn't get any weirder.
But deep down, she knew it probably would.
Ō~Õ
Roswaal sat alone in his dimly lit study, the weight of his failures pressing heavily on his shoulders. The room was silent save for the occasional crackle of the fireplace. Before him lay the Tome of Wisdom, its pages blank and unyielding. For weeks now, the book had refused to guide him, offering no answers, no direction—only silence.
And then there was the unthinkable: her body was gone.
He clenched his fists, his painted nails digging into his palms as he replayed the events in his mind. Every layer of defense he had painstakingly put in place had been breached. Every precaution, every ward, every measure to keep her safe—it had all failed. The very thought sent a tremor through him.
"How?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "How could this happen?"
The answers eluded him, just as the Tome did. And yet, despite everything, the book's last directive rang clearly in his mind: Natsuki Subaru. The boy was supposed to be the key, the pivotal piece to restore everything he had worked so tirelessly for.
But Roswaal couldn't help the creeping doubt. How could this boy possibly be worth such faith? How could he be the answer when she—the one who mattered most—was gone?
His musings were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Roswaal-sama," Ram's voice called softly from the other side. "The guest has arrived in the dining room."
Roswaal exhaled slowly, forcing himself to regain composure. "Ah, just in tiiiime," he murmured to himself, standing and smoothing his robes. He couldn't afford to falter now. The guest—this Subaru—would have to be extraordinary to justify the sacrifices made in his name.
With his signature painted smile in place, Roswaal left the study and made his way to the dining room. As he approached, he adjusted his posture and his expression, the flamboyant air of confidence masking the tempest within.
Pushing open the grand doors, he entered with a flourish. "Helloooo~, dear everybody! I've heard we have a new guuuuest today!"
Inside, Emilia sat gracefully at the table, her expression warm as always. "Oh, Roswaal! You're here. Please join us. We were just getting acquainted."
His gaze shifted toward the guest seated across from her. The figure's back was turned, but even from behind, something about them felt… unsettlingly familiar. Long, white hair spilled over their shoulders, adorned with a certain green butterfly ornament. Their frame was slender, too delicate for a male, and their presence exuded an air of quiet self-assurance.
Roswaal's smile wavered for the briefest moment as unease crept into his chest.
"Oh, so you're the clown?" the figure said casually, turning to face him.
And then he saw her.
Roswaal froze mid-step, his entire body locking up as if he had been struck. His painted smile vanished, replaced by a look of sheer disbelief.
White hair. Pale skin. Coal-black eyes. That unmistakable face, though younger and softer, stared back at him with mild annoyance. Her dress, black and elegant, clung to her form in a way that was all too familiar.
It couldn't be.
But it was.
His knees buckled, and before he realized it, he was on the floor. "You…" The word fell from his lips like a prayer, choked and broken.
"Uh… are you okay?" the figure—no, she—asked, raising a brow.
Roswaal didn't answer. He began crawling toward her, his hands trembling as they reached for the hem of her dress. Tears welled in his heterochromatic eyes, and his voice cracked as he spoke again.
"You… you…" His breathing was uneven, the words barely coherent. "Ma… Ma… Ma-ma…"
Emilia gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "Roswaal? What are you doing?"
Puck floated lazily above, his usually lighthearted expression darkening as he narrowed his eyes.
"Betty told you," Beatrice said with a smirk, crossing her arms as she watched the spectacle unfold. "He's just sooo happy to see Mother again, I suppose."
Roswaal reached her feet, his hands gripping the fabric of her dress as he broke into uncontrollable sobs. "You're back… after all this time, you're back! Ma—"
The woman stared down at him, her expression torn between horror and confusion. "Oh, for fuck's sake," she muttered. "I'm not YOUR MAMA!"
Everyone in the room froze.
Silence hung thick in the air as Roswaal's sobs turned to sniffles, his grip slackening slightly. "But… but… it's you…" His voice was small, desperate, like a child clinging to a dream.
"I'm telling you, I'm not!" she snapped, pulling her dress free and stepping back. "I don't know what kind of mommy issues you've got going on, but I'm not your mama, or whatever it is you think I am!"
The room remained tense, with shock and disbelief etched across every face. Beatrice, however, merely smiled knowingly.
"Denial doesn't suit you, Mother, in fact," she said smugly.
Subaru—because it was Subaru, wasn't it?—buried her face in her hands, groaning loudly. "Why does everyone keep calling me that?!"
Roswaal clung to Subaru's legs, his grip trembling as he cried unabashedly, tears streaming down his painted face. His body heaved with each sob, and the sound was raw, broken, and unrelenting.
"M-Ma-ma… M-Master… you're back… after all this time…" His voice cracked, the words choked out between gasps of breath.
Subaru stood frozen, her face a perfect mask of horror and exasperation. She glanced down at the sobbing man latched onto her legs, his face buried in the fabric of her dress. The sheer absurdity of the situation left her at a loss for words.
"Roswaal," Emilia called gently, her tone tinged with concern and confusion. "What… what's going on? Why are you…?"
Roswaal ignored her entirely, his focus solely on the figure he believed was his long-lost master.
Puck, floating lazily near Emilia, pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Oh, for the love of mana…" he muttered. "I'm out. Call me when the clown pulls himself together." He vanished with a flick of his tail, leaving behind a faint shimmer of light.
Subaru sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her own nose now. "Oh, great. Even this joker is calling me his mom," she grumbled under her breath.
"Listen," she said, trying to sound firm despite her mounting annoyance. "I don't know what your deal is, but can you—"
"Master!" Roswaal wailed louder, tightening his grip. "I thought I'd lost you forever! All these years, ma—"
"Oh my God," Subaru interrupted, her voice rising in frustration. "I AM NOT YOUR MAMA!"
The sharpness of her words cut through the room like a knife, silencing even Emilia for a moment. But Roswaal was undeterred, his tears flowing freely as he clung to her as if his life depended on it.
Ram stood to the side, her usually composed expression frozen in shock. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped her apron, unsure how to react to the sight of her master—her strong, unwavering Roswaal—reduced to a sobbing mess at this "guest's" feet.
"Roswaal-sama…?" she whispered, disbelief coloring her voice.
Rem, however, was not so hesitant. She stood rigidly, her blue eyes narrowing with undisguised disgust as she glared at Subaru. Her lips curled slightly, betraying the deep contempt she felt.
"Unbelievable," Rem muttered, her tone low and venomous. "To reduce Roswaal-sama to… this. What kind of manipulative charlatan are you?"
"Manipulative?" Subaru snapped, glaring at Rem. "I'm standing here doing nothing while this guy—your boss, mind you—is having a meltdown on my legs! How is this my fault?!"
"You dare speak back—" Rem began, but Emilia stepped between them, raising her hands to calm the tension.
"Please, everyone, let's… let's take a deep breath," Emilia said, though her own voice wavered with uncertainty. "Roswaal, could you please explain what's going on? Why are you so upset?"
But Roswaal was beyond reasoning. He continued to sob loudly, clutching Subaru's legs as if afraid she might vanish if he let go. "You've come back to us… to me," he whispered through his tears, his voice trembling. "You've come back…"
Subaru closed her eyes, exhaling slowly as she tried to maintain her composure. She patted Roswaal's head awkwardly, her annoyance boiling just beneath the surface.
"Look, buddy," she said, her voice tight with barely contained irritation, "I don't know who you think I am, but I am not her. Okay? So, if you could kindly stop crying on my legs—"
"No!" Roswaal interrupted, his voice rising again. "You can't deny it! It's you! It's truly you! My—"
"—Mama," Subaru finished for him with a groan. "Yeah, I got that part. For the last time, I am not your—"
"Mother," Beatrice interjected with a smirk, watching the scene unfold with thinly veiled amusement. "He's just so happy to see you, I suppose. But you are only my mother for the record."
"Oh, Betty, not you too," Subaru groaned, covering her face with one hand.
Emilia's worried gaze shifted between Roswaal and Subaru. "This is… really strange," she said softly, unsure of what to make of the situation.
Rem, meanwhile, took a step forward, her expression hardening further. "This is shameful," she said coldly, her glare fixed on Subaru. "You must be some kind of sorceress, manipulating Roswaal-sama's mind with—"
"Oh, come on!" Subaru snapped, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Do I look like I'm in control here?!"
"Enough," Ram said suddenly, her voice cutting through the tension. She stepped forward, her eyes locking on Roswaal. "Roswaal-sama, this behavior is unbecoming. Please compose yourself."
But Roswaal didn't respond. He was too lost in his grief, his cries echoing through the dining room as everyone else stood in varying degrees of shock, irritation, and disbelief.
Subaru sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. "This day just keeps getting better and better," she muttered sarcastically. She shot a look at Emilia. "Please don't start calling me 'mama'."
Emilia blankly stared at her.
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TBC
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Author Note:
Oh, for the love of Ramen… damn it!
So— Rosewall, Puck and Beatrice are convinced that Subaru is Echidna. Emilia is still confused. Echidna or not, Emilia sees her as a potential friend.
By the way, Subaru wants to wear her tracksuit again, this dress is itchy as hell. Hopefully, it's all clean and fresh now.
Dear Subaru, enjoy it while it lasts.
Anyways, drop your thoughts in the review section. Your words inspire me to write faster, better and with more depth.
Till next time!