A/N: This chapter is more or less based off of the Mayo Scramble short story that takes place right after the end of arc 2 in the web novel. Remonwater originally TL'd the story, and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend reading it!

Chapter 32: Pictures Came With Touch

With the quartet now in the middle of the kitchen, Subaru walked to the first of the two tables that made up most of the cooking and prep space and visually inspected the ingredients Rem had selected and placed out. With a hand on his chin, Subaru carefully looked over every item with Rem right behind him, ready to receive any criticism. Lyra could tell right away that Subaru was simply only putting on airs to look informed on the subject of mayo-making.Deciding to get the ball rolling, Lyra walked to the opposite table, plopped her phone down on the counter top, and proceeded to navigate to the lesson in the educational app that held the footnote on the mayonnaise recipe.

Also deciding that nothing could be had from Subaru's silent inspection of the ingredients, and also knowing full well that he didn't have a clue as to what he was looking for, Ram accompanied Lyra to the other table as well and raised an eyebrow in curiosity to the device she had placed on the table.Ram watched Lyra's finger dance across it's illuminated surface of glass, it's colors being manipulated with each touch. Doing her best to keep her curiosity incognito, Ram stepped closer behind Lyra, trying to get a better view of the strange metia she possessed. With Subaru and Rem now getting into a discussion over the difference between "dragon eggs" and "fowl eggs," Ram involved herself in a conversation with Lyra in order to keep from being part of it.

Ram: Is that the metia Ram has heard about? The one similar to Barusu's?

Looking up from trying to locate the recipe, Lyra turned her head around to see a curious Ram to her flank, peering down on her phone.

Lyra: Oh, my cell phone? Yeah, Rem's probably told you about it,hasn't she? It's the same kind of thing as Subaru's, but mine is WAY nicer, not to brag.

With Ram only responding with a simple head tilt, Lyra fumbled to come up with a better explanation before one came to her

Lyra: Uhhh…well... Think about it this way. Subaru's is like a dainty little cargo carriage a ground dragon might pull, whereas mine is like a nice, furnished coach wagon.

Un-tilting her head and conveying she understood more or less, Ram posed her question.

Ram: But what does Lyra intend to use this... "sell-fone" for?

Feeling like she could rightfully put himself on airs at this very moment, Lyra let a puff of pride into her words as she proclaimed her device's abilities.

Lyra: Just as Subaru's can, this little thing right here not ONLY serve as a way to instantly communicate, capture moments in time for record, and play entire musical ensembles on command, but also…mine specifically holds a wealth of knowledge that I'm SURE rivals even the largest libraries!

In response to Lyra's boastful statement, Ram continued to stare at the little device before then staring at Lyra, conveying a message of "you didn't answer my question" to her. Scratching her head and backpedaling slightly on her words, Lyra responded with more humility.

Lyra: I'm really just using it to pull up a recipe for mayonnaise.

Sighing at Lyra for obviously over-exaggerating her metia, Ram put a hand on her hip, ready to criticize her before having her attention taken away by a snippet in Rem and Subaru's ongoing conversation.

Subaru: Do you guys really eat dragon eggs? Aren't dragons worshipped here?!

Rem: Does Subaru-kun really not know the difference between dragons and "The Dragon?"

Blinking twice at Subaru's response, Ram shook her head and decided to not get involved before turning her attention back to Lyra. Realizing she would be much easier to deal with at this moment, Ram's would-be harshness in her criticism had drastically decreased, and Lyra could tell.

Ram: If that metia really IS as useful as Lyra says, surely there's a reason it went under-utilized in the mabeasts incident.

Lyra: That would be because, in order for this thing to fully function, it needs to have internet access— er... How do I put this...

Knowing full-well Ram had no clue what "internet access" was, Lyra backpedaled again, thinking yet again what a better explanation would be.

Ram: —It lacks a support structure that Lugunica doesn't have, but your homeland does. Is that correct?

Being snapped from her thinking, Ram had gotten the idea almost flawlessly. Nodding, Lyra confirmed.

Lyra: It's more an "infrastructure'"you could say, but that's the right idea.

Ram: But pulling up this recipe is something still within its capabilities?

Lyra: Yep! In fact—

Finally getting to the area in the app that held the information Lyra was looking for, it was only a finger tap away.

Lyra: —It's right here!

Lyra picked up the device and showed it to Ram, who stared at the illuminated surface with a blank expression.

Lyra: Would you like to receive the honors of opening it?

Ram: Lyra.

Hearing the concern in Ram's voice, Lyra looked at the phone screen again to make sure it hadn't changed or turned off as she held it to the pink haired maid. Seeing the same screen she had originally presented her, Lyra wondered if perhaps Ram was apprehensive to using it.

Lyra: Hm? Is something wrong?

Ram: Is... Is this supposed to be writing on the surface of light?

Now understanding what the issue was, Lyra shook her head at her own forgetfulness.

Lyra: It is, yeah… it's my native written language. My apologies…eheh…, just use your finger to press this box, and…there! That'll show the recipe!

Slowly bringing her finger up, Ram hesitantly touched the warm illuminated surface of the metia. Immediately she widened her eyes at the change in colors her simple finger touch had caused. As the shapes and colors shifted around, Ram silently gazed upon the result of their transformation. At the top of the surface, a few miniature, extremely life-like paintings had appeared, showing ingredients similar to ones Rem had set out. To the bottom, an ordered assortment of the words that made up Lyra's native written language was visible. Ram clearly deducted this as the actual recipe.Ram silently thought to herself as she examined the recipe.

So it's just like a cookbook, but without the"'book'"part of it…

In the middle of the metia's surface was a blank black box, but as Ram finished taking in the miniature paintings and exotic written language, a small, spinning white circle appeared in the black box. Catching her attention, it conveyed the message that something more would soon happen. As Ram stared at the little black box further, it suddenly changed to another miniature painting, this time of a top-down view of an empty mixing bowl. Knowing fully well what was going on on the screen, Lyra watched Ram's expressions with a sense of recovered pride from her earlier dismissal of the phone's capabilities.

Thinking to herself, Ram questioned why she was all of a sudden so intrigued by the metia now. Lifting an eyebrow at the significance of placing the odd angled painting of a bowl right in the middle, Ram's expression quickly changed when she saw a pair of hands enter the frame. Seeing her eyes widen further, Lyra was slightly shocked to hear Ram's thoughts start to slip out from under her breath.

Ram: It's moving...

Ram observed the pair of hands bring out several eggs and crack them into the aforementioned bowl along with beating them before slowly pouring in what appeared to be oil as the entire mixture was continuously whisked. Simply blown away, Ram finally voiced her true opinion.

Ram: Not only is it a cookbook, but it's also a teaching utility as well...

However, Ram's intrigued reaction and Lyra's new hope for regained fulfillment were dashed away when Rem interjected with the topic her and Subaru had been discussing, wanting Lyra's input.

Rem: Does Lyra-chan hink fowl eggs will be appropriate for such a foreign recipe? Rem can leave now and acquire some dragon eggs if she thinks that would work better.

Before answering, Lyra walked over to the absolute mountain of eggs Rem had set out in preparation for the mayonnaise creation. Picking one up and comparing it to how she remembered chicken eggs to be, Lyra answered the blue-haired maid.

Lyra: These should work well enough for what we need...

Setting the egg down, Lyra look a look at Rem before continuing. With her fists held tightly to her chest, Rem gave Lyra a look of defeat.

Rem: Well... If these eggs are unsatisfactory for the creation of may-o-naze… then please throw Rem out with them...

Startled at what Rem said, both Subaru and Ram looked at what Lyra was going to say in response, eyes opened wide in shock. Ram was ready to intervene at a moment's notice and shut the entire affair down should Rem continue to act this way.

Lyra: Rem...

Placing a hand on the maid's blue hair, Lyra patted her twice.

Lyra: I appreciate the dedication, Rem, but it's no fun if you stress yourself out over it.

Blushing slightly from her headpat, Rem responded.

Rem: If Lyra-chan says so, Rem will do her best without overdoing it.

Interjecting, Subaru gave the two a smile and a thumbs up, giving a sense of comedic relief.

Subaru: That's the spirit! Now c'mon! We don't have all day. I'll start.

Rem: What's the first ingredient, Subaru-kun?

Picking up a handful of eggs, Subaru cracked a few into his waiting mixing bowl.

Subaru: First is eggs, and now I guess...

Lyra: Oil.

Snapping his finger at Lyras answer, Subaru continued.

Subaru: Yeah! Say though, I don't see any oil set out—

Rem: Allow Rem!

Spinning around and walking to a nearby upper cabinet, Rem reached up to the cabinet's handles and opened them. Holding on still, Rem turned her head back to confirm if this was what they had expected.

Rem: Will this suffice?

In the opened cabinet was vase after vase of oil.

Ram: At the very least, the mansion has an overabundance of oil, so if this "may-o-naze'"uses oil, it shouldn't be a burden.

Letting the shock of an abundance subside, a potential problem creeped into Subaru's mind.

Subaru: Say, uh… Nee-sama? I don't take it anyone cleared it with Ros-chi that it was okay to use the mansion's stock on this, was it?

Grabbing several vases of oil down, Rem smiled wide in response to Subaru's question to Ram.

Rem: There's no reason to worry, Rem will resupply any deficiencies in the stock on the next shopping trip with her personal savings.

Immediately taking up issue with Rem attempting to put another burden upon herself, Lyra protested.

Lyra: Hold on, Rem! This was all partly MY idea. Let ME pay for it.

Ram: With what funds, may Ram ask do you possess that you could pay Rem back with?

A cord was stuck within Lyra.Ram was more than right. They had not even been here a full week yet, and Lyra definitely did not have a single coin to her name.

Crap! That's right. I haven't been paid yet…

Lyra: I—

Going to respond, another series of thoughts crossed her mind, prudent to the issue she faced.

Wait, am I even getting paid for this?! I don't think me and Roswaal ever talked salary expectations here...

Ram: —? Well?

Lyra: —Hk! I-I'll...

Lyra's resolve was stolen She knew Ram wasn't trying to critique or belittle her here, but rather help her give tangible, real support to Rem that she could follow through on.

Taking a deep breath, Lyra answered Ram.

Lyra: I'll ask Roswaal for some extra work, overtime or whatever else is appropriate. If he doesn't have anything, I'll go to Arlem and see what I can do about getting a side gig. I figure I shouldn't have a problem sweeping streets or scooping ground dragon dung.

Satisfied with her answer, Ram gave her the slightest nod, only visible to Lyra Turning to Rem, Lyra saw the sparkle of admiration in her eyes.

Rem: If Lyra-chan must go to Arlem for work, Rem will be sure to bring a picnic snack and arrive when she's done so that Rem and Lyra-chan can walk back to the mansion together.

Hearing Rem's sincerest words, a pang of jealousy ran through Subaru.

Why can't Emilia-tan act this way towards ME, huh?!

Lyra: I'll take you up on that! Thanks, Rem-Rem!

Rem felt her heart flutter slightly upon Lyra's thanks

Rem: Of course. Anything for you, Ly-Ly.

Lyra blushed slightly and giggled slightly before continuing. Clapping her hands together and pointing to Subaru, Lyra continued.

Lyra: Now then, Chef, please proceed.

The first bowl, which was made by Subaru, turned out to be a complete disaster, as the egg and oil continuously separated. With Subaru's lack of knowledge of how this "may-o-naze" was even made, Rem had stepped in to help, determined to not let everything be for naught. Lyra grabbed only a few eggs and a single vase of oil and proceeded back to the second table where she had shown Ram her phone and pulled back up the actual recipe. By the time Lyra cracked the eggs into her own bowl and had hthe oil measured out in a separate container, Subaru and Rem had already gone through several bowls of failed egg and oil mixtures before getting one that was halfway-decent.

Rem: Subaru-kun. You have to slowly add the oil while whisking in order to keep it from separating.

Subaru watched as the blue-haired maid slowly drizzled in the oil while stirring. The mixture began to look much closer to mayonnaise.

Subaru: Ahhhhh…

Ram: Hmph, anyone who has experience in a kitchen would be able to tell you that.

Stepping closer to Lyra, Ram quietly spoke.

Ram: That IS what the recipe calls for, is it not?

Lyra: Yeah. Of course.

Ram stepped back to where she had been with a smirk of confidence and pride on her face. Looking at the ingredients laid out before her, Lyra sighed.

Lyra: The thing is though, you need to whisk the mixture together quickly, hence why the recipe recommends using an automatic mixer at high speed. The quality of mayonnaise is really dependent on how fast you can stir the initial mixture, and unless you're some sort of a master chef, well, good luck.

Looking at Lyra and tilting her head, Ram questioned one of the things Lyra had said.

Ram:— — —? "Otto-ma-tick mixer"?

Realizing it would be easier to simply show her what she meant rather than explain it, Lyra reopened the video Ram had watched part of on her phone and skipped the portion of the video where it showed the pair of hands using the automatic electric mixer in the bowl of eggs while slowly pouring in the oil. Noting everything she saw, Ram nodded.

Ram: Lyra, please be ready to pour the oil.

Taking a step next to Lyra with the mixing bowl in front of her, Ram did not grab a whisk, but rather she placed both her hands before her, palms pointed towards the bowl. Taking a breath, Ram concentrated. Not a second later, a small breeze could be felt coming directly from the bowl. Looking down, Lyra saw the source of the breeze. Ram was using her wind magic to stir the mixture at high speed, much like the mixer would have.

Ram: Lyr. The oil.

Snapping herelf to and drizzling the oil in, Lyra apologized.

Lyra: R-Right, sorry!

As she poured the oil in, the mayonnaise began to form into exactly as it did in the recipes video tutorial. Not even a full minute later, Ram had created a picture-perfect mixture of the mayonnaise base. Seeing her sister using magic, Rem stepped over, prompting Subaru to follow. Seeing the light and fluffy mixture, Rem gasped in surprise.

Rem: Wow! Nee-sama is very talented!

Rem clapped her hands slightly and showered her sister in praise. Subaru stared in wanderlust at the bowl before him. Checking the recipe, Lyra listed off the next steps.

Lyra: Now we need the salt and pepper.

Walking over to the opposite table with all the ingredients still on it, Lyra grabbed the two ingredients.

Rem: Hmm… surely Lyra-chan must mean solt and peppa….

Ram: Those are not the ONLY strange words she and Barusu have for simple food items, it seems…

Measuring out and placing the appropriate amounts of each into the bowl Ram had mixed, Lyra went back to check her phone for the recipe one last time.

Lyra: Now, we—

Subaru: Oh, I can't wait any longer!

Taking his finger and dipping it into the bowl, Subaru scooped up a fair amount into his mouth, taste testing the still-incomplete mixture. Both assuming the mixture was complete as well, Rem and Ram followed suit, doing the same.

As Lyra looked on, the three had their eyes closed, taking in the flavor, seeing if it was everything they had hoped or heard it was. Being the first to speak, Ram voiced her opinion.

Ram: It is... Somewhat bland, as if missing something...

Lyra: That's because—

Subaru: Yeah, she's right, I just can't put my finger in it... C'mon,think! Think! What is it?!

Lyra: That's because we haven't added the—

Rem: Hmm…Rem knows what it is.

Subaru: Really?! What is it?!

Lyra was almost at her limit. Surely it was only herself who held the answer to their question. However, she wasn't about to speak over Rem of all people, especially considering her feelings for her.

Rem: It needs a sour taste.

Snapping his fingers almost immediately, Subaru agreed.

Subaru: That's exactly it! But what do we add...

Before he had a chance to search for ideas, Ram spoke back up.

Ram: Perhaps we should try lemomu juice?

Snapping his fingers again, Subaru agreed once more.

Subaru: Yeah! Rem?

Rem: On it!

Immediately turning around, Rem opened a container of lemon looking fruit. Taking several out, she cut each in half and juiced them in record time. With Rem handing off the cup of the freshly squeezed juice to Subaru, he eyeballed the pristine bowl Ram and Lyra had mixed up.

Subaru: Now, let's add this a little at a time and taste for flavor—

Grabbing the bowl and holding it away, Lyra protested.

Lyra: No way are you putting THAT in THIS! That's not even what the recipe calls for!

Subaru: To HELL wiith the recipe! A REAL mayo-enthusiast just KNOWS these things!

Lyra did not expect him to actually further pursue the bowl beyond her simple denial, Subaru grabbed the bowl from het hand, splashed the lemomu juice in, and began to stir. She could only watch, mouth agape. Having finished adding the juice to the mixture, Subaru replaced the bowl between the four of them. Also being the first to taste-test again, he did so alone this time. Scooping up a large amount on his finger, Subaru tastes the complete mayonnaise. Immediately, his face began to contort into a displeased expression before spitting what he had on his mouth into the trash.

Subaru: Bleck! Disgusting! Oh man, that's an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT kind of sour then normal lemon juice! Bleck! Terrible!

Looking down at the bowl with a sad face, Rem turned to face her sister and Lyra.

Rem: Nee-sama, Rem truly apologizes for ruining the may-o-naze.

Glaring over to Subaru for ruining the one good batch they had managed to make, Lyra eplied.

Lyra It's not your fault in the least bit, Rem. If SOMEONE had actually BOTHERED to FOLLOW THE RECIPE, this wouldn't have happened!

Subaru: Just HOW are YOU supposed to fix THAT?!

Lyra: You were supposed to use VINEGAR, stupid!

A silence filled the kitchen. Lyra had feared she had raised her voice too much when suddenly Subaru looked down and scratched his head. Looking over to the maid twins, she saw that they too were acting similarly.Breaking the silence, Subaru spoke under his breath.

Subaru: I guess that sounds more correct now that you mention it...

Hearing him say that, Rem turned to Ram, looking for clarification.

Rem: Nee-sama, does she mean vinegie?

Answering, Ram placed a hand on her chin.

Ram: If she does, Ram must admit, in hindsight, vinegie might have been a better choice.

Subaru: Well, let's just start again. I'll get the eggs and oil, and Ram, if you can—

Ram: I refuse.

Subaru: C'mon, Nee-sama! Just one more time!

Ram: Ram has already used enough of her precious mana, as is. Rem.

Rem: Yes, Nee-sama?

Ram: We've wasted enough time as is on this. Ram will be leaving to work on the next set of tasks for the day, please have Lyra and Subaru help clean up in here.

Rem: Yes, Nee-sama...

With Ram departing out of the kitchen, so did their hopes for a completed mayonnaise batch.

Subaru: Oh well. I guess I won't be getting any mayo now...

Lyra: Yeah, mayo won't be coming to Lugunica any time soon.

Rem felt a pang of guilt only to quickly remember Lyra's words. Steeling herself, Rem transformed her feelings to determination.

Rem: No. One more time.

Grabbing a bowl, Rem cracked several eggs and readied a cup of oil. Closing her eyes, Rem called forth her oni powers once more.

From atop her head, a shiny horn of mana grew. As it reached full form, Rem began to stir.

Faster and faster, Rem slowly poured the oil in as she stirred with greater and greater speed, rivaling her sister's wind magic. Soon, the mixture reached peak form, and a white, fluffy, creamy mixture was born from Rem's extreme efforts.

Before retreating her horn, Rem placed an appropriate amount of salt and pepper and stirred once more before going to grab another glass bottle from the far cabinet.

With her horn still fully-formed, Rem walked up to Lyra. Standing close, only the bowl itself was in-between the two as Lyra stared into Rem's wild eyes full of determination and passion. She could feel the heat of the mana radiating off her horn. Taking the bowl, Lyra thanked her.

Lyra: Good job, Rem! But, please, don't over do it like that. Your oni transformation shouldn't be used for such frivolous things.

Nodding, Rem recalled her horn.

Placing the bowl on the table, Lyra read her.recipe one last time before measuring out the appropriate amount of vinegar. Splashing it into the bowl, Lyra did the honors of performing the final stir. With the recipe-style mayonnaise complete, Subaru was the first to taste-test again. Instead of a look of disgust, a wash of satisfying emotion covered his face.

Subaru: That's it! That's what I've been longing for!

Each taking a taste in response to the good remarks, Rem also voiced her approval.

Rem: Rem can see why Subaru-kun was missing this. It is quite good.

Lyra: Yeah! It sure IS, alright!

Not being able to contain himself, Subaru grabbed the bowl and headed for the door.

Lyra: Wait! Subaru! Where are you going?!

Subaru: I have to share this with Emilia-tan! I'll bring it right back!

Sighing, Lyra placed her phone back down on the table.

Lyra: He could have at LEAST waited until AFTER we were done cleaning up….

Picking up her phone, Rem flipped the device and turned it around a few times, trying to make sense of the writing on its illuminated surface.

Rem: So, Lyra-chan had the recipe on this?

Surprised to see Rem taking an interest in her phone, Lyra did not try to stop her from handling it.

Lyra: Yep! It's's got a few more like that on there, too!

Rem's eyes lit up at the prospect of more new knowledge that was like this may-o-naze.

Rem: Rem wishes she knew how to read this.

Rem handed the phone back to Lyra. Lyra shut off the screen before replying.

Lyra: Maybe I'll teach you, as repayment for teaching me how to read your language.

Nodding with a wide smile on her face, Rem agreed.

Rem: Rem would very much like that.

Putting the phone back in her pocket, Lyra crossed her arms.

Lyra: I suppose we should probably get started on cleaning up, even if Subaru insists on goofing off.

Lyra and Rem got about half of the way done before Rem spoke up once more.

Rem: Lyra-chan. Rem had a lot of fun making may-o-naze. However,Rem was really worried it was going to be a failure, so she is really happy it wasn't.

Lyra: I don't know why you were worried, it's not like we didn't have a recipe.

Putting a hand to her chest, Rem lowered her head.

Rem: Hmm…that is true.

Lyra: All we had to do was follow it.

Rem: Rem should have had more faith in Lyra-chan, especially after everything she's done for her as well.

Not wanting to damage her happiness she knew she felt right now, Lyra simply nodded, smiled, and agreed despite her own feelings and returned to cleaning the kitchen. Turning away to continue cleaning as well, Rem felt a warmth grow in her heart. From the simple cooking fiasco that had unfolded, the seeds of trust that Lyra had planted in Rem's heart from the mabeast incident began to sprout. In addition to her feelings she had begun to hold for the simple grounds-keeper-turned-her-hero, an immense trust also began to grow in her heart