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Chapter Text

Chapter 1: Convenience Store Blues

???: I have given him a most tenuous and difficult path. Soon he will be closer than ever... I'm so happy... But perhaps he will need a friend...an ally...a confidant...

???: Yes, that is what I shall do. I will bring her from his same world. She will be so close to him, and for that, I will be eternally ENVIOUS of her.

~~~

A girl with waist-length blonde hair and sky- blue eyes stepped into a somewhat-used car that some would probably describe as somewhat "vintage" She wore a very simple outfit, consisting of a black jacket with a grey undershirt, blue denim jeans, and black and white sneakers. 

This girl's name was Lyra Anderson.

Lyra was getting ready to move into her own apartment. Having been legally emancipated when she was younger due to her own personal reasons, she had spent at least some of her time living at a friends' place However, since she now had enough money saved up from her part-time job, both her and the parents of her friend agreed that it was time for her to find her own place to stay. They looked on various websites for affordable apartment housing, and now, here Lyra was, having recently gotten help with putting in furniture and then moving in the next day.

Now, for the long car ride there.

~~~

By the time the sun had reached its peak, she was set to drive. Unfortunately, though, both her AND her car were running low on fuel.

Lyra: *sigh* Looks like I'm nearly out of gas.. Time for a refill, I guess. Now, hopefully I can make it to the nearest gas station in time before I run out and this car breaks down and stops working...

At the beginning of her journey, there was little choice for transportation. She was essentially left with the option to either hitchhike with a backpack or be loaned an old compact economy car. At least, with the car, Lyra could carry more of her personal possessions to her new home. 

~~~

Day turned to night. She put distance behind herself across the land. Eventually, Lyra came upon what she personally saw as an oasis along her long journey ahead. The truck stop, boldly named "LAST CHANCE:GAS, BEER, AND FOOD" according to its bright and dated light-sign, loomed as one of the only man-made structures for as far as the eye could see. A sign under its neon lights had listed the distances to the next gas station. Starting from the top, each had been subsequently crossed out over time, with the distance from this location being listed as greater and greater each time.

Truly, this stretch of road was no longer eagerly traveled. As such, she felt the need to get gas and provisions here before the long stretch ahead. Pulling up to the gas pump, Lyra stepped out from her car and gave a long stretch. Taking her wallet out of her purse, she attempted to swipe her card. She was then surprised to see just how dated the pumps really were.

Lyra: No card slot, huh? 

Lyra soon saw a label just above the gas pump which read: "PAY INSIDE"

Picking up the pump handle, Lyra could hear the pump begin to turn on. The lights behind the price and amount tickers flickered on, illuminating the two sets of zeros for each. With that, she opened the gas cap and let the fuel flow. As evening turned to night, Lyra felt a cool breeze blow in the air . While the fuel pumped, she looked up to the convenience store which was located in front of her. Lyra attempted to check her phone to see what time it was.

Lyra: Crap. It's dead.

It was just then that reality had hit her like a bus. She had forgotten to bring her car-phone charger or charge up her phone properly before she left for her move.

Lyra: *sigh* I REALLY hope that this place has a charger...

Lyra walked up the door and peered inside.

Lyra: Oh, thank goodness...it's open!

Lyra walked around the aisles, looking for cheap provisions along with a way to charge her phone.  Seeming as this was a truck stop, the convenience store was much like a miniature grocery store. Along with its rows of junk food and surgery drinks, there were also areas for toiletries, personal hygiene products, and other small items that a trucker might want while on the job.

~~~

Coming upon an aisle of what seemed to be mostly electronics, Lyra looked all over the place, trying to find herself a charger for her phone. What mostly populated this isle were all sorts of gimmick products, cheap souvenirs, and countless phone cases. Finding what she assumed was the hook for a charger and bending down to see it, Lyra was devastated to see an "OUT OF STOCK. MORE ON THE WAY" sign hanging from where a charger should be.

Standing back up, Lyra looked from side to side, trying to find perhaps a different charger. Something...ANYTHING...that would charge her phone. Part of what went along on this journey of hers was an app on her phone. It was an educational app which would help her study things such as important life skills and survival skills. Eventually, she found a solution. Taking a box off its hook, Lyra read the cover out loud to herself.

Lyra: "Solar battery pack and phone charger." 

Flipping the box over, Lyra read the back as well.

Lyra: "Charge your mobile devices anywhere the sun shines."

Taking one last look around the aisle, Lyra was confident that this was her only option. Having bought the power pack, her food for the day, and paying for her gas, Lyra sighed at the last two remaining bills in her wallet.

Lyra: I REALLY hope that this next place takes cards..

.~~~

Getting back into her car and moving her bag and purse out of the way into the floorboard of the backseat , Lyra moved to a parking space, ate her food, hooked her phone up to the charger, let it charge about halfway, unplugged her phone from the charger, watched her lesson, and took a quick test for said lesson afterwards. The lessons were usually very light, quick, and easy. She had done tests on everything from basic biology, basic finances, to even simple things like listening to some music and then explaining how it made you feel. Having finished with her lesson, Lyra shifted about in the car, putting away her things in the tiny space she had. The little car, while cramped, and lacking any real creature comforts and/or safety equipment (or cup holders for that matter) had been good to her.

~~~

Before heading back out on the road, Lyra stepped out from her car once more and stretched. As she did, Lyra looked back up to the large neon lights above her.

For a brief second, it was as if the lights from the sign, the gas station, and the store had all gone out at once and left her in pitch black darkness. During this second, she felt weightless and as if a hand had caressed her face. Lyra shook her head and shut her eyes, trying to shake off what she perceived as drowsiness, and got back into the car. As she reached to put the keys into the ignition her mind felt heavy,. As she inserted the keys and twisted, the gauge cluster lights came on in anticipation, but as soon as they did, the same thing as earlier happened again. It seemed as if the power for the neon signs, station, and store all flickered off again in unison, leaving her again blind in the darkness....

...but what was REALLY strange this time was that the lights on the gauge cluster seemed to go out with them... or was she just imagining that? Was she really this tired? Should she even TRY to drive, at this point?

She reached around the darkness of the interior, trying to find the dome light. She stopped when she heard a voice whisper in her ear;

?: Will you assist my beloved?

No. No, nononono, No!. She needed light, and she needed it NOW! Fumbling around, she reached to her left, trying to find the headlight switch.

As soon as she was able to turn them on, all the lights outside which had previously turned off had now came back to life. Lyra looked for the source of the voice, but to no avail.Besides the clerk inside that she had handed her money to, she was the ONLY person at this truck stop. Again, Lyra wondered if she was simply too tired to function.

Lyra: I really SHOULD just sleep...

No. She still had to reach her destination before office hours closed and she wasn't able to contact anyone to let her in. She HAD to tough it out. The car fired up. Lyra drove off into the cool night.

~~~

With the truck stop far behind her, the road continued on for a long time. With the current radio station starting to fade to static, Lyra grabbed the dial and proceeded to search for something, ANYTHING, to break the silence.

Radio: -nd you're listening to Classic Country! Radio station KX-(heavy static)

Lyra: That cut out rather quickly. Am I under some power lines or something?

Lyra tried leaning forward and looking up out of the windshield, but was cut off by the sound of a not-so-familiar, familiar voice.

?: You will help my beloved, won't you?

Lyra: Wha- who the-?!

Lyra sat straight back, grabbed the rear view mirror, and angled it directly to where the sound had came from.

She could only see the black figure of a strange woman sitting in her back seat. She had never seen anything like it. It was almost like it were CG, but REALLY GOOD CG.  After what seemed like the longest few seconds of her life, she jerked her torso around to look upon the apparition with her own eyes.

Nothing.

Nothing but an empty seat.

Lyra: I really DO just need to pull over and SLEEP! Something isn't right with me...

She started to press the brake to slow down and pull off the road, but as soon as she went to do so, a light came across the horizon. A very bright light.

Lyra: I guess that trucker must REALLY want to avoid the weight scales if they're coming THIS far out of the way...

However, Lyra quickly realized that this light WASN'T coming from the headlights of a wayward trucker. It was approaching much too quickly, and it was much too bright.

?: You will help him...won't you?

Lyra's eyes darted back up the rear-view mirror, where the apparition had reappeared.

She turned again back to the back seat, which remained empty. Turning back to the road, she saw that the light was much bigger, brighter, and closer. Her eyes moved back to the rear-view mirror, where the apparition still remained, which only prompted her to turn back YET AGAIN to the empty seat and then back to the road to an even BIGGER light.

The rear-view.

The back seat.

The road.

The light.

The rear-view.

The backseat.

The road.

The light.

?: You will help him, won't you? Please say that you will.

The rear-view. The backseat. The road. The light. The rear-view. The backseat. The road. The light.

?: Please...

Lyra: Uh, LADY?! I don't know if you're able to tell or not,  but we've got something BIG heading RIGHT FOR us! You might want to stop freaking me the HELL out and let me concentrate on not getting us BOTH KILLED! Just how did you even manage to get into my car anyways, huh? What is WITH you?!

?: Please say that you will help him. Please please please please please pleasepleaseplease pleasepleaseplease...

Lyra truly could not tell what was happening or what to do. She was too concerned with her guest to pull over, but if she didn't, she'd surely die at the hands of whatever was coming towards her.

Her attention flashed between it all.

The rear-view. The backseat. The road. The light.

Rear-view. Backseat. Road. Light. Rear-view. Backseat. Road. Light. Rear-view. Backseat. Road. Light. Rear-view. Backseat. Road. Light. Rear-view...

?: Please help him. I love him so much. I love him I love him I love him I love him I love him-

Lyra at this point tore the wheel to the left. She didn't care what she ran into or off of. The car spun its tires on the ground. Lyra could hear herself driving over unknown amounts of debris.  She quickly noticed that the light was not on the horizon or even on the road now at this point. It was simply manifesting itself in front of the car.

Lyra:  FINE! I'LL HELP WHOEVER THE HELL THIS "BELOVED" OF YOURS IS!! NOW JUST GET OUT OF MY *HONK*-ING CAR BEFORE I CALL THE COPPPPSSSS!!!

?: Thank you. You have my gratitude.

Lyra: ...h-huh?! Wait! What are you...?

Lyra then felt a hand rest on her shoulder. She  could only look down and see a black hand laying across her shoulder. She watched as the darkness melted away, leaving pale skin.

 She was able to catch a single view of the owner of the hand, just moments before it vanished in the brightness of the light.

A silver haired girl with amethyst eyes.

And were those... elf ears?

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: Carpooling

The light inside the car had finally reached its climax and blinded the entire cabin. Lyra could hear the car beginning to rev up and the ride smoothing itself out 

Was the car FLOATING? Had she somehow driven off a CLIFF? She couldn't bring her eyes to look at such an intense light.

The sensation continued for what felt like the longest few seconds of her life, however, ALL of Lyra's attention was being occupied by the feeling of the hand on her shoulder. Before she knew it, the hand was gone. As soon as it was, the light began to dim until it finally became a warm light. It was no longer the bright scalding white of before. With her eyes still shut, she started to feel the car rumble.

Was the car back on the road? No. This rumbling was MUCH too consistent to be natural. Bricks maybe. A cobblestone road.

Lyra struggled to open her eyes, which before closing them were still used to the darkness of the night.

Her vision, while blurry, started to come back through. Looking ahead, Lyra began to see an area that was well-lit. She could also hear voices, as if she was standing in a crowd. As her sight cleared up further, what appeared to be a horse's carriage could be made out. She was approaching it VERY quickly.

Lyra: Wh-wha- AHHHHH!!!

Lyra slammed the brakes with all she could and jerked the wheel. Narrowly avoiding totaling her car, she instead careened into a stack of wooden barrels and crates, shattering and destroying MANY before the brakes finally put an end to the car's destructive slide.

?: My inventory! Oh, this cannot be!

What? Crates? Barrels? Inventory?, Lyra thought, analyzing the situation. Her eyes darted around as she tried to understand what just happened.

Lyra: Is.. is it day time?

Lyra rolled down her window and looked up at the sky. It was slightly cloudy, but otherwise a bright, sunny day.

An older woman came running from the other side of the carriage that Lyra saw just moments before her crash.

Woman: Oh dear! It's ALL ruined! That metal box must have come flying off of one of the passing ground dragon carriages!

A rather rotund man, wearing a black apron and scruffy clothes made his way around the same way the woman had come from.

Man: None of that matters now! Come, honey, we need to find whatever blithering idiot of a carriage driver lost their load and DEMAND compensation for their failure to secure their product!

Woman: Oh, but some of THIS might be salvageable—!

Man: We don't have time! Quickly! We must find whoever is responsible for this!

And with that, the two departed into the busy avenue of bustling carriage traffic.

Lyra: Do... do they not realize that I'M the one who crashed here? It's like they didn't even recognize that this is a car or somethi—

Wait a minute…, Lyra thought. Ground dragons? DRAGONS?

Lyra opened her front car door, got out, and observed the damage. Thankfully, the only damage that was noticeable was that her car was left with a few scrapes.

But after she saw, she heard.

City sounds. The sounds of the mid-day hustle and bustle of an urban area. She turned to see what was behind her car. Before her was a wide street, filled with many carriages. However...

Those weren't HORSES pulling them, but rather, large beasts. Lizards? No, dragons. The woman's voice echoed in her head. "Ground dragons", she had said. Lyra couldn't believe her eyes. ACTUAL dragons! Some on two legs, some on four. Some blue, or green, or a display of many OTHER colors.

Her attention turned to the many passersby walking around, through, and some even scavenging the wreckage.

They all wore elaborate clothes, robes, cloth and hats. It was very fantasy-like, very...isekai.

Lyra: Whoa... what is this place? It's like I've been summoned to another world or something! This...this is so awesome!!

Lyra's attention was then drawn to the buildings with their architecture, the stone pavement of the roads, and finally, the squeak of something on the other side of her car.bShe walked around only to witness some street urchins trying to take the mirror off of her passenger door.

Lyra: Hey, you! Could you PLEASE stop messing with that? It's mine!

The urchin dropped his hands to his side

Urchin: B-b-but I found it first!

Lyra: Yeah, well believe it or not, I PAID for it with MY OWN money, so therefore, it belongs to ME! Now, KINDLY get lost!

Lyra turned around to see a small crowd gathering to look at her car.

"What in the world is that?" 

"I've never seen anything like it.”

"What do you suppose it does?"

Lyra: When did YOU all get here?!

Lyra began to look like a deer in headlights. The only thing occupying her mind was that not all of the people surrounding her car now were human. She observed all sorts of demi-humans mixed among the humans in the crowd. What FINALLY shook her from her trance, however, was that some of the onlookers were brave enough to begin touching the car now.

"It's so smooth and cold!" 

"Is that WHOLE thing made of metal? It must weigh as much as a ground dragon!"

"The paint is so shiny that I can see myself in it!"

Truthfully, it was NOT that shiny of paint. However, these people had never seen clear-coated paint before. Lyra circled around the front of the car, got into the driver seat, and fired it up.

"Oh it roared!" , a young woman said as the crowd took a collective half-step back.

"Look, papa! It lights up! Wow!", a child remarked as Lyra put the car into reverse and turned on the headlights. 

She started to back up while the crowd stayed still. And rolled down her window.

Lyra: Excuse me, people, I have to move. Please let me through. 

The crowd stayed still, memorized by what they were seeing.

"It moves! Do you think she controls it?"

 "Oh look, smoke! Do you think she's got a fireplace inside it?"

Lyra, desperate to have the crowd move out of the way for her so that she could move her car, honked the car's horn. This startled the crowd enough to where they opened a hole big enough for her to safely back out of.

~~~

With the car rolling down the side of the road, she was now faced with pedestrian traffic. Even in strange worlds, proper traffic etiquette would include NOT operating a car on the sidewalk. Nonetheless, Lyra was struggling to get her car onto the busy city road.

Lyra: Come on… PLEASE let me merge…

Lyra, begged for a gap in traffic with her blinker on, not that it made any difference due to the fact that people in this world had no clue what the blinking yellow light was meant to signal.In the confusion of her attempt to merge into the oncoming ground dragon convoy, Lyra had failed to pay attention to what was in front of her and subsequently hit something, or rather, someONE, with a "thunk". Lyra slammed the brakes and looked at the person who had come to inadvertently sit upon her hood. Thankfully, it was a very slow bump, just faster than the person's oblivious walking speed. But why had this person NOT noticed the very-foreign sound of the car?

The person jumped off the hood and spun around. Lyra held her right hand up in surrender and used her left to roll down the window in an attempt to voice her apology, but no sooner than when the person turned around did things get even MORE confusing.

Lyra: Uh...hey...sorry about that. You haven't been hurt anywhere from that just now, right?

The person turned around. Upon Lyra and this person seeing each other, they INSTANTLY realized that they were BOTH wayward travelers.

The person was a boy, around maybe sixteen to eighteen years in age from the look of things. But what made him stand out from everyone ELSE in this town was his black and white with orange accent-colored tracksuit. However, what DEFINITELY sold his foreign image was the partially-full plastic convenience store bag that he held in his hands.

The boy stared back at Lyra and her car.

What is THAT doing here? I never saw this the LAST two times…, the boy thought.

He walked to Lyra's window. Lyra and the boy only stared awkwardly at each other, trying to size up the situation and assess friend or foe.

Boy: O-oh no. I'm not hurt. I'm fine! No need for you to apologize! Wait....

Lyra: …that outfit...

Boy: …and that car....

Finally, they both spoke at once.

Boy/Lyra You're from—

Lyra: Earth, right?

Boy: Yeah. Twenty-first century?

Lyra: Yep! Don't let the old car fool you!

The boy smiled at the remark.

Boy: Ha! It looks like it came straight out of some decades-old undercover cop daytime TV show!

Lyra: I'll take that as a compliment.

Boy: You betcha!

Speaking as if he'd found a new friend to sit next to during lunch, the boy finished his statement with a thumbs up in Lyra's face.

Another brief silence of awkwardness took over them both.

Lyra: So …uhh… birds of a feather?

She said while pointing with her thumb behind her, in a gesture of inviting him into the car, as logic would dictate they should probably both stick together in this strange world.

Boy: Fly together? Yeah!

The boy walked over to the other side while the crowd from before was closing in behind them. Lyra reached across the inside of the car to unlock the passenger door right before being besieged for a SECOND time. The boy sat as stiff as a board in the passenger seat, bag between his legs. Trying to juggle the tasks of keeping the conversation going along with taking the opportunity she saw to merge into the traffic of the road, Lyra asked her guest a question.

Lyra: So, where are you from?

Boy: Japan.

Lyra: Oh, nice! I'm from America! 

Boy: Well, at least you seem to know of my homeland's existence. Uhh…what's your name by the way?

Lyra: Lyra Anderson. Feel free to just call me Lyra, though, of course. Nice to meet you!

Lyra extended her right hand for a shake. Her eyes were still on the road ahead as she concentrated on not hitting any dragons or being hit herself.

Boy: Oh, like the constellation Lyra? That's so cool!! 

Subaru spoke up upon seeing Lyra's outstretched hand.

Boy: Uhh...I'm typically kinda awkward with giving handshakes to girls, but you seem nice enough, so... 

The boy hesitated for a moment, and then slapped Lyra's hand enthusiastically and shook it back.

Subaru: Subaru! Natsuki Subaru. Nice to meet you, too!

Lyra: Subaru? Like the car company or the star clust—?

Subaru: There! See that blonde girl running on top of the carriages?! Follow her!

Subaru cut off Lyra with his exclamation.

Lyra: Uhh… sure! Is she a friend of yours?

Subaru: In a way.

He closed his eyes and lowered his head.

Subaru: She's got something that I need to get a hold of.

Lyra: Fair enough. Well, then, let's follow her!

However, a car is not the best mode of transport in a city congested with ground dragons. Between being cut off from the carriage drivers not seeing the low profile of the car and spooking ground dragons with a foreign-sounding- and-smelling moving metal box, they quickly lost track of the blonde girl. Lyra was informed by Subaru that her name was Felt. After nearly an HOUR of trying to follow the carriage-top runner, they had fully lost track of her. With a sense of defeat, they turned onto a much-less occupied avenue and parked to reconvene.

~~~

After an awkward silence where neither of them really knew the right thing to say to one another given their own knowledge of the world, Lyra eventually piped up with a comment.

Lyra: So, I guess you could say that we're not in Kansas anymore.

Subaru: Yeah... and with no yellow brick road to follow...

Subaru rested his elbow on the arm-rest and pressed his fist to his face as he looked out the passenger window.

After a few MORE moments of silence, Subaru chose to speak first this time.

Subaru: May I ask how you got here? To this world, I mean? Have you BEEN here very long?

Lyra: Maybe only about, hmmmm, a few minutes before I ran into you?

Lyra replied with an air of thought as she tilted her head up and outward around them. She crossed her arms.

Lyra:How long have YOU been here? You seem to know a good amount more about this place than I do…

Lyra turned to face Subaru with a seriously-puzzled look on her face

Lyra: …not to mention...you ALREADY know this acrobat-thief girl...but from the looks of it...

Lyra looked down at the plastic bag on the floor, which had some of some sort of potato product along with a cup of what she assumed was soup or ramen inside of it.

Lyra: …you just got back from a convenience store.

She somberly finished her own sentence.

Subaru gave her a puzzled look of his own.

Subaru: Well…I was hungry after a long day of gaming in the dark.

Subaru replied as he crossed his arms and held his head up. He leaned back away from Lyra and pointed his finger in Lyra's face.

Subaru: Wait! What does THAT have to do with anything!?

Lyra: Because—

Lyra reached towards the backseat behind her seat and pulled a bag of her own up to the front, filled with the food which she had ALSO just bought.

Lyra: —so did I.

Subaru stared at his bag and frowned.

Subaru: Did you start to feel dizzy or tired just a few moments before—

Lyra: Before the white light showed up? Yes. Although…I AM only running on a few hours of rest…and I HAVE been up for nearly TWENTY HOURS now…

Lyra turned away and grabbed the steering wheel as she stared a thousand-yard stare out the windshield.

Lyra: Just..driving.. Nothing but non-stop driving.

Lyra snapped herself out of it and turned to look at Subaru once again.

Lyra: Did you also see... her?

Subaru was silent for a moment before responding.

Subaru: Silver hair?

Lyra nodded.

Lyra: …and deep purple eyes? Almost like amethysts?

Subaru: Yep.

He said while putting a hand to his chin and nodding, eyes closed.

Subaru: …and the cutest, most-angelic face and attitude you’ve ever SEEN, right!?

Subaru responded with twinkles in his eyes and rubbed his hands against his face.

Subaru: …just the way her kind caring attitude can sway your soul and—

Lyra: —Uhh… I was GOING to say "overtly malevolent aura" and "speech pattern like a broken record."

Subaru: Hmm...I've gotta say… I think we're talking about two COMPLETELY different people here..

Subaru answered as he put a hand back to his chin.

Lyra: Yeah…probably...

Subaru: Wait! If you've only been in this world for mere moments before running into ME…between that time and your arrival… when did you meet HER?

Lyra: I met her just about right before I left the old world.

Subaru: What? Where was she?

Lyra pointed to the rear seat behind Subaru with her thumb.

Lyra: Just back there. She started showing up in my mirror and asking me over and over again if I could "help her beloved" or something.

Subaru: Doesn't sound like the same girl that I met after I got here… 

Lyra: Well, now what?

Subaru: We're going to have to drive to the slums near the edge of the Capitol and ask around to see where Felt lives. I have a good idea of where she lives, so I can guide us in the right direction.

Lyra: Got it! Thanks!

Lyra put the car back in drive and headed back onto the main avenue on Subaru's direction.

He knows all this from not being here much longer then I have AND he also dodged my question from earlier about THAT, as well. Lyra thought.

~~~

About halfway to their destination, Lyra's unanswered question had finally bugged her enough. The hesitation she felt of re-asking had been overpowered by curiosity.

Lyra: So…we got a little off-track there…and I was …uhh…still wondering… just exactly HOW long did you say you've been here?

Subaru hesitated to answer.

Do I tell her the TRUTH? I can tell she's ALREADY feeling skeptical at best by now. Can I trust her? Should I be honest based on just THIS loop? That wouldn't TECHNICALLY be a lie. Subaru thought.

Subaru:Uhh...about a few more hours than you, I would guess...

Subaru cast his gaze out of the window while answering.

Lyra: Bullshit.

Subaru: -hk!

Lyra: How do you meet this silver haired chick, get robbed by this Felt girl, and then learn roughly where she lives all in the course of just a FEW HOURS?

Subaru: Well…you see… it's like this.

Subaru proceeded to tell Lyra of all the things that he had at least encountered at least for this loop. He told Lyra about the silver-haired girl who accused him of calling her by the wrong name, how he had chased a blonde thief girl because she stole an insignia from the silver-haired girl, and his near-death experience with thugs in an alley along with how he was saved by a knight.

Lyra: Interesting…however, that STILL doesn't explain HOW EXACTLY you know where she LIVES.

Subaru: I only have a ROUGH idea, technically…

Lyra: How'd you narrow it down to just THAT?

Subaru: Well...uhh…I ...uhhh...asked Reinhard about it and told him that she had said to “live strong”. He said that's a VERY common saying in a certain area of the slums.

I'm REALLY glad I didn't bring up the loot house. I don't know HOW I could have explained THAT one. Subaru contemplated.

They continued their drive until Subaru directed Lyra into the slums.

~~~

After a while, they found a place to pull over and walk on foot. Subaru asked where a girl named Felt lived and was given directions. Driving a short distance, they came upon a dilapidated shack where Subaru AGAIN left the car to investigate while Lyra stayed to guard the car. As soon as Subaru poked his head into the shack, the SAME blonde girl came from another direction and began attacking Subaru.

~~~

Once the shack was destroyed, Subaru was trapped in the rubble and was eventually able to FINALLY have a dialogue with the blonde girl. After Felt and Subaru came to an understanding, Subaru escorted her back to the car that Lyra was still sitting in. Lyra reached over to unlock one of the doors to the backseat area.

Subaru: Here. Just hop in back there and we'll be off.

Felt: Wait a minute. What is this thing? Are you guys kidnapping me?!

Subaru: Don't be silly! Now, get in.

Subaru practically threw her into the backseat before sitting back inside in the passenger seat. Lyra turned to view their new fellow commuter and raised a hand to say hello and smiled to try and break any hostile intentions.

Lyra: Hello, Felt-chan! My name is Lyra! I guess we're BOTH heading the same way, so why not hitch a ride, you know?

Felt's expression softened a bit, but not before Subaru protested.

Subaru: Hey! Who's side are you on, here?! She just got through trying to lop my head off!

Lyra inched closer to Subaru and whispered close to his ear. She used a voice loud enough for Felt to hear in the backseat.

Lyra: You know, if this girl has something you need to get and you're trying to get it back in a diplomatic fashion, wouldn't it make sense to be KIND at the very least? Huh, Subaru?

Subaru stayed silent for a moment before reluctantly agreeing with Lyra. Lyra moved back farther away from him.

Subaru: *sigh* You're right…

Subaru closed his eyes, crossed his arms, and nodded.

Subaru: Felt, would you PLEASE give us directions to the loot house from here?

Subaru had said this in an almost- mocking tone which wasn't lost on Lyra but was just vague enough to not be perceived by Felt. Her expression lightened as she began to list off directions.

Felt: Well, first you need to head down to that crossroad and take a left where that tall building with the shop cover is- woah woah! Wait, how are we moving? What's that rumbling sound?!

Lyra had put the car in gear and bega  n rolling down the empty street to the tune of Felt's directions. Subaru turned in his chair to face Felt and reassured her.

Subaru: Don't worry. This contraption will get us there faster than if we went by ground dragon!

Felt continued the entire ride speaking her navigation directions with a sense of bewilderment and tense curiosity to the situation. She also tried to slip in questions about the vessel that she was in between her instructions.  It wouldn't be long before they reached their destination.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: Loothouse Roshambo

The trio found themselves now parked in front of the loot house. Their journey had taken slightly longer then expected as Felt began to feel carsick halfway there, and Subaru and her had to trade spots in order to feel better.

The sun was beginning to set in the sky and everything was being illuminated in a hue of orange and pink.

Subaru and Felt exited the car and headed towards the loot house before turning back to see Lyra remaining in the car.

Subaru gave Lyra a tilted head look with a raised brow, and Lyrareplied with a shrug.

Subaru: You're not... you're not coming in?

Lyra: I would, but someone's gotta watch the car to make sure nothing bad happens.

Subaru: I see, well, a look out would be appreciated.

Lyra: That I can do.

Subaru walked over to his window and said in a low voice so Felt couldn't hear.

Subaru: I'll just say it... *sigh*

Subaru’s face turned to one that was rather serious, with a tone of voice to match.

Subaru: If you see a woman with dark hair dressed in black, just drive away, run. She'll kill us all.

Lyra gave Subaru a startled look followed by a serious expression.

Lyra: That bad huh? What's the deal with her?

Subaru: She's the one who put Felt up to stealing what I'm after. If I can't get a deal finalized before she shows up, we'll be in big trouble.

Lyra couldn't think of anything to say. She had no weapons of his own on this trip and probably didn't have good enough fighting skills to defend herself with against most folks in this world.

Subaru and Felt walked to loot house door and disappeared inside.

Lyra moved and parked down the street from loot house. She had retrieved a pair of cheap binoculars from her belongings in the trunk, and watched the loot house from afar. It was around this time she wished she could have some way to communicate with Subaru should she spot anything or anyone suspicious.

Lyra set down the binoculars, and shortly after, noticed something, no, someONE in her rear view mirror.

A girl with silver hair and elf ears. Only this time she was walking down the road, outside of her car and not in the backseat, a welcome change of pace.

Lyra ducked down in her seat, determined to hide from the silver-haired girl should she begin to be hostile. She was positioned in a way that she could still see her side mirror as she passed. She passed without giving the foreign vehicle a second glance. Lyra counted in her head as soon as she was past the car, before leaning back up to peer over the dash.

The silver-haired girl was walking dead on to the loot house. But how could she know where to go when both Lyra AND Subaru had to figure it out? Subaru had said something about a loot house on their drive to Felt's shack, but wasn't Felt the one to suggest going to the loot house in the first place? And who was this woman dressed in black he'd been warned about? How did he know anything like that?

Lyra was puzzled by the order of events, struggling to think that maybe she didn't have everything in line. Shee remembered that she still had been up for more then twenty hours at this point, and what rest he had before was minimal. Perhaps she was just really beginning to become tired?

During her mental monologue, she noticed the silver-haired girl enter the loot house through the front door.

Lyra put her binoculars back up to her eyes to see if she could see inside the loot house, but unfortunately, she couldn't recognize anything of note from this angle.

She decided that she needed to get closer in order to see things properly. All parties were now in attendance for... well whatever they were all after. And there was no sign of a woman dressed in black.

Lyra walked around the backside of the building that she left her car next to, and from there, approached the loot house. Walking forward, she could see shimmering flashes of lights coming from the window. She sidesteppedwith her back against the wall to peek though the side of the building and get a closer look at things.

It was there and then that she saw the drama unfolding inside. The silver-haired girl stood resolute by the door, hands raised, and at her command, large crystals of ice formed and launched at a figure that seemed to move in inhuman ways.

What caught Lyra's attention more than anything ,though, was Subaru yelling at the top of his lungs.

Subaru: PUCK! SHIELD!!

As soon as he had said that a dark figure collided with the silver-haired girl, but right before impact, a wall of white, like a giant snowflake, guarded the girl.

And from out of the confusion, a small, gray cat like figure emerged, floating above the girl. The entity smiled and waved to Subaru.

What? Lyra thought. The longer this escapade goes on, the more questions start to arise, such as how Subaru knows about events that have yet to happen and people that he seemingly has yet to meet.

Lyra was determined to ask Subaru some serious questions now. She knew it wasn't just herself being tired at this point. Perhaps, Lyra thought, Subaru was using her obvious drowsiness to dissuade her from getting any funny ideas, 

She soon figured out, however, that Subaru hadn't lied. He was at best stretching the truth. Nonetheless, if Lyra was going to work with Subaru, the only person who she could currently relate to in this world, she would need a full explanation from him about these oh-so-too-many happenstances.

That however, wasn't the main priority as of right now, but rather, the battle raging inside was instead.

Lyra was shocked to see the scene unfolding on the inside. That very same cat was now also shooting ice crystals. After several volleys, it had appeared to have finally stuck the black figure jumping about the room. Before she could get a good look at the figure, a glimpse of Subaru, Felt, and a rather gargantuan man in the corner of the room stole hef attention. All before a wall of ice blocked them from view.

Lyra: D-did they get it? I don't see that black figure anymore—

Lyra stopped her outside thoughts when, suddenly, the figure re-materialized between her window view and the wall of ice.

It was a woman. A woman with black hair in a single braid, a woman dressed in black...

Subaru was right yet again.. but how?

With some unheard words from behind the glass of the window, the floating cat retreated, leaving only the silver-haired girl.

Lyra continued to observe the fight, awestruck by what she saw.

With only a few tactile guards by the silver-haired girl, the woman in black had managed to overpower her and launch her behind a counter in the store.

I have to help, Lyra"s mind groaned —but what good can I possibly do?

Lyra thought hard about what she had at his disposal.

It’s not like I thought I’d have to fight on this trip! I didn’t bring anything I could use as a weapon. Lyra wracked her mind for ideas.

Could she use the car? No, the car was far too small to have the inertia to carry itself through a wooden wall and still have any power to strike this woman. Lyra thought and thought and thought, her vision not being able to take itself off the fight.

The gargantuan man tried his club at the woman in black. With only getting a few unsuccessful swings, he was quickly dispatched by her knife work, but not before Felt launched her sword to parry the blow. She had perhaps saved him a lethal blow, but he was seriously injured and taken out. With this exchange, the silver haired girl had gotten back and up and continued the fight.

Fighting head on doesn't seem to work, Lyra began to ponder. Someone has to have an element of surprise, but who—

Lyra realized there was one element she wasn't aware of.

Lyra: Me...

Lyra was determined to find an opening, but she still needed a weapon.

She peered back into the window, scanning the floor for a sword, a knife, a club, a fork... Anything. But there was nothing but rubble from their fighting.

It was then that Lyra heard something drop from behind her, her adrenaline growing more intense, she turned and fell against the wall of the loot house in surprise. Making her escape as her silhouette ran against the moons gentle light, Felt had abandoned the loot house and the fight inside.

Lyra determined what she needed to do was dire. She was done being an observer. She opened the door to the loot house. Stepping in, Lyta was surprised to see Subaru gesturing the giant's club at the woman in black, before taking a lunge at her.

With that they began a desperate skirmish.

Subaru was saved by a few choice slashes thanks to the silver-haired girls precision shots of ice countering the woman in black’s blade. With this, the woman changed her position in the fight, swaying side to side, keeping Subaru's back to the silver-haired girl, making her shots more difficult to hit without possibly hitting Subaru.

Lyra balled her fist, waiting for her time to strike. She had to make this count. She thought about her foot work, she needed to reach the woman in black on the correct foot to give the maximum impact of her fist and put her entire weight into it.

Subaru, in the midst of his fight was about to come to one final blow with the woman. He reached up with the club to bring it down upon her, but instead chose to go for a face-kick, which the woman had caught easily.

Lyra knew from the position of both candidates that this was the moment she'd been waiting for. Lyra began her charge, fist tight, counting her footsteps, calculating when to swing, aiming for the back of her head. Subaru and the woman in blacks angle to one another from the silver-haired girl made it extremely risky to engage with more ice, but it was a choice angle for a sucker punch.

Lyra dashed past the silver-haired girl, causing her hair to sway with the wake of the wind. She couldn't understand who or what had just gone by. Subaru's attention was taken by the knife coming down from the woman in blacks hand held above her head, ready to amputate his leg.

One footstep away from showing her what a freight train felt like, Lyra charged forward. Her adrenaline was pumping harder then she could ever remember it. She felt she could punch through steel!

But behind her adrenaline, she felt another force, propelling her forward. She didn't have time to ponder what that could possibly be, but this was the footstep, perfectly time and distanced. She had the momentum, she had the adrenaline, she had the angle, and most importantly, she had the element of surprise.

Lyra had practically rolled a perfect nat twenty.

As soon as Lyra launched her arm forward, at full force, her eyes locked with Subaru.

Subaru had just noticed her, and time seemed to slow down. No sooner then had Subaru's eyes turned back to the woman's, her entire head had already turned to meet Lyra's eyes, a smile on her face.

In the blink of an eye, the woman had released Subaru's foot and sidestepped away, as if she was given a premonition of Lyra's attempted strike.

With Lyra's fist flying forward with nothing to stop it, it continued, shifting her entire weight far too forward, causing a massive shift in her center of mass and a sporadic change in motion for her inertia.

Needless to say, she was falling from losing her balance.

Lyra: WHOA!

Lyra slammed into Subaru's still extended leg, bringing herself inward towards him, causing both of their heads to collide side to side before falling to the ground. Sitting back up, Lyraand Subaru both groaned and grabbed their heads.

Lyra: Owww...sorry about that... I tried... damn, she's smart...

Subaru: Ehhhhh, I gotta give you points for style but your delivery was way off.

Silver-haired girl: Now's not the time!

Woman in black: I've grown rather tired of this. First one gets away and another enters the fray. I'm finishing this now—

Just as she began to lunge at the two holding their heads on the ground with her knife, something, or rather someone, propelled themselves through the roof of the loot house and between them and the woman in black.

Subaru: Reinhard!

Lyra: H-HUH?!

And so began round two of the loot house melee.

***l

During their fight, Reinhard had introduced himself to the woman in black, who had been determined to be 'from the northern provinces,' and was famously known as 'The Bowel Hunter, Elsa Granhiert.' In the midst of their parlay, Reinhard’s sword at his hip had refused to be drawn, instead, he was forced to use a sword that was laying at his feet, knocked off its rack among all the fighting and destruction in the loot house.

The silver-haired girl had rushed over to the fallen giant, where Lyra had snatched some cloth from the debris and was trying to keep pressure on the man's wound.

Girl: I need you to move so I can heal him.

Lyra: Are you crazy?! I've got some of the bleeding down but if I let up now he'll start gushing again. We don't want him to bleed to death, now do we?!

Girl: Good, now let me take over then.

Lyra: No! Unless you plan to stitch close the wound I-

Subaru couldn't take them bickering at a moment like this and intervened.

Subaru: I really think you should listen to her!

Girl: That's right.

Her hand began to glow a deep blue color.

Girl: You only have the means to treat him, I have the skills to heal him.

As much as it tore Lyra to do it, she let up on the wound and let the girl have her way with this. She could only tell it was some sort of healing, magic based, something be hasn't realized existed in this world.

Lyra and Subaru watched in awe as the wound began to close.

Subaru: So, will Reinhard really be able to defeat Elsa?

The girl shook her head 'no' while still preforming her magic.

Girl: He hasn't even gotten serious yet. If he were, he would have sucked all the mana out of the air and I couldn’t heal this man at all then.

Girl: Give him the signal on my queue after the wound closes.

A few moments more of healing and the wound was back to normal flesh and skin.

Subaru: Alright, Reinhard! Let her have it.

Reinhard: Will do. Thank you.

Reinhard lifted his sword and began charging his strike, the entire loot house began to rumble with mana rushing in.

Feeling the mana wash over her body, Lyra began to feel very weak and heavy. Her breathing became heavy and shallow, unable to get a deep breath in, amd her knees began to buckle.

Lyra: Ugh...I...don't feel so...good...

D-Did Elsa poison me? She hasn't used anything like that yet but— Lyra thought, but in the midst of it, she collapsed backwards, trying to fall down to one knee, she found herself on the ground, back against the wall. The silver-haired girl's attention was only brought off Reinhard's display of power by Lyra's coughing and wheezing. She crossed Subaru's line of sight to bend down to Lyra's level.

Girl: Hey! What's wrong? Why are you over here acting like you can't breathe?

Lyra: I-I'm...*pant* ...*pant*...not..."ac...ting"...*gasp*

Lyra's head was tilted down until the girl lifted it up so she could see. The girl gasped.

Bloodshot eyes stared right through the silver-haired girl.

At this point, even Subaru was concerned enough to take his eyes off the soon-to-be final blow of the fight at hand, and step over.

Subaru: Hey what's going on?! Is everything alright over here?!

The girl returned a look to him and explained:

Girl: She's lost all of her mana somehow! It's like her gate was opened up and began to pour out everything to her Od as soon as Reinhard began gathering mana...

The girl stared in disbelief.

Why did this happen? This shouldn't happen! She thought to herself.

Girl: Reinhard! Hurry and attack! We've got another problem over here!

Reinhard, at those words launched his attack, sending the entire structure of the loot house into low orbit with just the swing of his blade.

The three in the back of the loot house; the girl, Subaru, and Lyra found themselves in what was now a moon lit patio decorated with rubble. The colder outside air filled their lungs, and as they could only breathe and observe the destruction, one noise broke the silence

Lyra: *GAAAAASSSPPP*

Lyra rocketed up to standing position, sucking in the new wind and life force that could now return to her.

Lyra: *Pant* Nothing like, *pant* ...drowning in mana, ...*pant*... to really wake you up

...*pant*...

The silver-haired girl turned towards Lyra and put a hand to her chest, shaking her head at her.

Girl: Not quite. It's more like you were suffocating from lack of mana. That's what Reinhard's attack does, it takes all the mana in the air, and that's why I needed you to let me heal that man, so Reinhard could fight.

Lyra simply looked down at her trembling hands, still slightly stained from holding the cloth on the giant’s wound.

Lyra: I see...so he really is that strong, huh? 

Girl: Yeah...

With their exchange, the girl thanked Subaru and Lyra for risking their lives to retrieve her pendant and Subaru asked for his reward to be knowing the girl's name, which was Emilia.

No sooner then that, Elsa lunged out from behind a pile of rubble, taken to going straight for Emilia, but with quick movement, Subaru used the club from before to block her strike, and with that, Elsa vowed her revenge and retreated into the cover of the night.

However, Elsa's strike had a delayed effect on Subaru's gut, creating a nasty gash, where he passed out.

Emilia immediately set about healing Subaru, and after he was stabilized, her and Reinhard spoke, and he took Felt with him as "punishment" for her thievery against Emilia.

The giant, who everyone referred to as "Old Man Rom" remained passed out, but otherwise healed and stable.

With Reinhard and Felt's departure, the only two left standing and conscious were Lyra and Emilia. Lyra informed Emilia of that day's event, but not of her and Subaru's shared origin. She also told her of her "car" that held her belongings and that she had walked right by her on her way to the loot house.

They had only been speaking for a few minutes before Lyra abruptly changed the topic as she collapsed to one knee.

Lyra: I'm really sorry, Emilia, but it looks like I'm gonna have to drift off to sleepy-land now.

Emilia turned and blinked twice, surprised.

Emilia: Wha-what? Why so abruptly??

Lyra: looked down at her hand, shaking more now than before, and opened and closed it a few times before responding.

Lyra: When I ran into Subaru this morning, I had already been up for almost an entire day, and now it's been much longer, and all this is being done off of a few poor hours of sleep.

Lyra slowly stretched out on the ground, ready to slumber where she had just stood.

Lyra: Between fearing for my life and getting the wind knocked, or I should say 'sucked' right out of me, my adrenaline has already been zapped twice for the extra strength, and I've officially ran out of steam to even keep standing.

Her eyes began to close and her voice grew softer.

Lyra: Sorry I'm leaving you by yourself here like this but, I have a favor to ask.

Emilia expected a request for a reward or money, but what Lyra asked in her drowsy,, slurred speech surprised her.

Lyra: Just do something with my car. Hide it, move it, bring it with, just don't leave it out here to get stolen.

Emilia smiled softly at Lyra and nodded her head.

Emilia: Yes, I can see what I can do.

The half-elf smiled and cast her gaze down to the ground as she continued her agreement.

Emilia: It's the least I can try and do for the strangers who have helped me so much today.

Lyra This was all Subaru's idea anyway. I'm just a wayward traveler who was along for the ride and agreed to help out because I felt like it.

Emilia: It still takes a good person, a kind person, to accompany a stranger to help another stranger.

Lyra: Yeah, good point there, actually.

Emilia brought a hand to her chest and gazed up to the moon once more, and in a more serious tone, trying to make a serious face to her listener who she knew wasn't looking, asked her question.

Emilia: I'll want to ask why you two knew about this when you both wake up though, about the pendant, Felt-chan, the loot house, all of it.

Lyra nodded.

Lyra: Fair enough.

And with that, Lyra closed her eyes, and let her body begin to be refreshed.

Emilia stared at the two strangers who had come to assist her in her time of need, both of them resting from extreme exhaustion.

She put her hand back to her chest, this time lightly touching her crystal that adorned her neck, the one in which her contracted spirit, Puck, rest.

I wonder, she thought. does she now? I was certain I felt it, but she might have been too tired to notice it. But with my abilities, I'm almost certain she is...

As Emilia stood under the moonlight and reflected on the days happenings, one thought struck her hard enough to get her to wonder it aloud.

Emilia: How am I going to get that 'car' moved?

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Heaven

Lyra started to wake as she felt the twinkle of sunlight on her eyelids. Choosing to keep her eyes shut, she decided to let the curiosity of her sensations wake her rather then be blinded.

No longer did she feel the cold, rubbled floor underneath her. She only felt the warm, comforting embrace of a bed, and a pillow under her head.

Lyra took a deep breath in though her nose, using it to tell herself where she was. She smelled the freshly washed covers that were adorning her, and the acute, but still faint, smell of freshly cut flowers.

She wiggled her toes.

This is cloth, she thought. A very high quality cloth.

Her arms, under the covers began to arise too. She first felt her sides, which moved back to the bed, and then to the edge of the covers.

Yep, this is a bed alright.

Lyra started to feel the mattress under the bed sheet, and then went to feel the covers, and how they were tucked.

It's definitely not a hospital bed. And this mattress doesn't feel like the stiff cheaper kind you find in a motel.

She started to reflect. How did I get here? What led up to this?

Lyra racked her mind, replaying all the major events from yesterday. She remembered everything, but as soon as she came to the last thing she remembered, it came with a price.

Instantly she felt her aches. Her head throbbed still from her mpact with Subaru, the weight on her shoulders and collar bones from the getting the wind knocked out of herself, and the feel of fatigue from her lack of sleep combined with the adrenaline kicks she had right before crashing out on the floor of the loot house.

Lyra was finally convinced by her condition to open her eyes.

Opening her eyes, her vision was blurry. Lyra wiped her eyes with her hand as she pulled them out from beneath the covers. Her vision clearing up, she could see a white ceiling ordained with luxury trim.

Lyra: I don't recognize this ceiling.

Lyra sat up and looked at the room that she had been asleep in until now.

She couldn't believe her eyes. The bed in which she laid in appeared to be the thing of dreams. Stark white covers and plush pillows. The room was classically decorated with an ornate window and curtains that the sun shined in though. Lyra's bed was pushed into a corner the room though, where it did not look as if it belonged there. Especially considering that across the room laid a bigger, even more luxurious bed on the middle of the opposite side wall of the room, flanked with night stands holding what looked like lamps on each side of the bed.

And in that bed, laid Subaru, who was also rustling awake.

Subaru: I don't recognize this ceiling.

As he said this, he moved his hand up to where him and Lyra had bonked heads, also feeling the same pain as Lyra.

Lyra: Mornin' Subaru. How's your head?

Subaru: Painful, but better then it was, no thanks to you.

Lyra shrugged and closed his eyes, replying in a boastful manner.

Lyra: You shouldn't have been in the way. I bet I coulda' clonked Elsa something fierce if I had— Hmph!

She was cut off abruptly by a pillow thrown by Subaru, feathers going all over Lyra 's much smaller bed and floor.

Lyra: *giggles* C'mon, I was just messing with you! We should probably clean up those feathers now, though...

Subaru: Yeah...you're probably right.

They both gave each other a guilty look and got up to clean the small mess. Lyra tried stuffing the loose feathers back into the case while Subaru used his foot to push the ones on the floor under the bed.

As they both finished, Subaru posed the question that was the elephant in the room.

Subaru: So uhh, Lyra, do you know where we are?

Lyra: No...I don't have a clue...

Subaru: What?! Really?!

Lyra crossed her arms and nodded with her eyes shut before opening them back up and declaring with a single finger:

Lyra: I'll have you know I passed out no later then a half hour after you did!

Giving Lyra a look of disbelief, Subaru replied.

Subaru: So you have no clue where we are either.

Lyra: Well, I did talk to Emilia till my adrenaline ran out. If I had to guess, we're at her residence.

Subaru walked over to the window.

Subaru: I wonder what the view of the capital is like from here—

Subaru moved the curtain just enough to see the view himself, with Lyra poking her head in from the opposite side.

Lyra & Subaru: Holy crap.

They both took in the scenery, a massive garden with a fountain, trees for miles and miles, and mountains far in the distance.

Lyra: How did we get here… Who owns all this...

Subaru put a hand to his chin, eyes closed and declared.

Subaru: Emilia's. It has to be.

Lyra's eyes drew down to the fountain in the court yard.

Lyra: Come to think of it, she did say that she was going to take us back to her residence...

Lyra said this while thinking hard. Emilia couldn't possibly own all this. Is it her family's?

Subaru: Emilia's huh? She's pretty and rich?!

Subaru shook his head.

Subaru: I've got my work cut out for me then.

Lyra: I see...hey, Subaru?

Subaru turned his head, eyebrow raised as to acknowledge Lyra

Lyra: We should probably do some recon work, don't you think?

She suggested, pointing at the one door leading out of the room.

With Subaru adorned in robes and Lyra adorned in a simple nightgown, they set out into the hallway of the mansion. After what seemed like going in circles at least three times, Lyra confirmed Subaru's thoughts on the matter.

Lyra: I think it's safe to say that we're in some sort of trap to prevent us from leaving the room.

Subaru: That's just what they want you to think. I bet that they wanted us to leave, but don't realize that I could solve this puzzle on the first try.

He approached the very same door they had departed from to enter the hallway in the first place, denoted by the distinct painting to it's right.

Subaru: It's always the same door you entered from!

With the door swinging open, the smell of books, print, and dust came wafting out.

Looking at each other first, Subaru entered with Lyra in tow. Upon stepping in, they came upon a small girl, dressed in pink and black stripes, and yellow drills for hair.

After some antagonizing back and forth between the girl and Subaru, the girl had decided she had had enough from her visitors.

Lyra: Subaru, don't you think you should be a bit more, reserved? She's obviously an inhabitant of this household.

Lyra turned to the girl waving in innocence, smiling nervously.

Lyra: Please forgive my friend, he means well and we are truly appreciative of your hospitality.

Lyra bowed and put a hand to Subaru's back to get him to bow as well.

Lyra: Please excuse us host-sama—

Subaru shot back up, fist raised in argument.

Subaru: Hey what's the big idea!? Who said you could speak for—

The sound of a large book clapping shut cut off Subaru's rebuke.

Girl: I have had enough with the antics, I suppose.

Setting the book aside, the girl approached Subaru and held out her hand, palm forward, right in front of Subaru's abdomen.

When a slight flash, Subaru collapsed to the ground.

Lyra: S-Subaru! What happened?! What did you do to him?!

Girl: I have taken his mana as payment for this disruption.

Subaru: Y-y-you're not human, are you?

Girl: Don't ever lump me in with those other foul creatures, I suppose. Betty is much more refined.

With that, this "Beatrice" turned towards Lyra, her hand being held out towards her in the same fashion as when she approached Subaru.

Lyra: Woah woah! Easy easy! I'll grab him and leave! You won't have to worry about us coming back!

Beatrice: *sigh* While Betty appreciate your offer, that was also to check his intentions, if he intended to harm anyone or anything in this house, I suppose. I sensed nothing from him. Now it is your turn for Betty to inspect.

With her back against the wall, Beatrice approached Lyra, hand still held out.

Beatrice: I will make it far less painful for you, I suppose.

With that, Beatrice closed in and was about to zap Lyra of her mana, but she paused briefly, with a look of confusion, followed by a soft expression going across her face. Just as Lyra was to ask what she was waiting for, he felt it.

Beatrice: I wonder if she knows, I suppose...

Lyra could only get the feeling that she was only indirectly talking to her with that statement.

With the energy falling out of her body to the girl's outstretched hand, she began to collapse much like Subaru had, but it had taken a few seconds longer of mana zapping then it had taken Subaru.

Lyra lay on the floor next to Subaru, beginning to pass out from exhaustion, and as her eyes faded shut, she could only hear a simple monologue.

Beatrice: This one has a much more significant mana stockpile…

Lyra began to come back to her senses once more, like she just had only several short minutes ago.

It started with her feeling the light on her closed eyes. Lyra took a deep breath in through her nose.

She smelled fresh laundered covers, the same as before. But only this time the flowery smell from before was much stronger. Lyra greatly enjoyed the aroma and took another deep sated breath to enjoy it.

She sepeated her same movements with her toes and fingers, confirming this was the same bed as earlier.

I remember having my mana drained. I know it was because I can feel how depleted I am now. But how did I arrive back in bed?, Lyra thought.

Still without having opened her eyes, she heard the door open.

Subaru? Or someone else...

Lyra could focus on two sets of feet of walking across the floor, and over to Subaru's bed.

?: Nee-sama Nee-sama, our guest sleeps well into the late morning.

?: Rem Rem, our guest appears to be a deadbeat who sleeps in till noon.

Rem(?): Nee-sama Nee-sama, it would appear so. While he is checked on, Rem will tend to our other guest.

?: Rem Rem, please do not leave me alone around such a despicable man.

Rem(?): Rem will only be over here, Nee-sama.

After hearing the quirky exchange, Lyra heard a pair of footsteps approach her bed and stop. Her heart began to pick up in speed and her eyes unexpectedly reacted when the figure covered up the light from the window on Lyra's closed eyes.

Rem(?): Nee-sama, it would appear as though our other guest is already half awake.

?: Good, please wake her up the rest of the way.

Lyra could feel the presence leaning over her now.

Slowly, and carefully, Lyra opened her eyes.

First a silhouette was seen, a result of the bright light behind her, but as soon as her eyes adjusted, her heart began to pound and her blood pressure spiked up so hard she could feel it in the vessel of her neck.

She gazed upon sleek, shiny blue hair, adorned with a pink hair clip and a black band of white flowers, designed to complement the maid uniform she wore. Her hair was short, but long enough to cover one of her eyes. But what made Lyra speechless was her reflection in that single eye she could see, a similar hue of blue like her hair. She had never seen anything as beautiful as her.

Lyra, after taking in her morning view, snapped to after she tilted her head in question to her silence.

With realization that she was just staring at her with no where else to look, Lyra pulled her covers up to conceal her face below his eyes, hopefully hiding her blush.

Rem: Guest-sama, do you know where you are?

With the first word's the girl had ever spoken directly to her echoing hundred's of times in her mind, it was unable to capture the surrealness of the entire situation and how she spoke with such kindness and concern in her voice. Because of it all, Lyra could only buckle out an unthoughtful response.

Lyra: H-h-heaven.

Rem gave a surprised look. Instantly, her round face blushed to a hue of pink, contrasting adorably against her blue eyes and hair. A moment later she leaned back from her bent over posture slightly, still surprised by the answer she received.

Rem: Nee-sama, guest-in-the-corner-sama is awake.

Well, that's one thing to call me. Lyra could only help but think. I don't know what it is, but I'm completely taken by her. She's so insanely cute.

Looking over, Lyra caught a glimpse of the girl who remained over at Subaru's bedside. Striking an almost mirror image of Rem with exception of hair color, Lyra could instantly tell these two were twins.

She's pretty cute too, but something about Rem is just so… alluring? Intriguing?

Rem turned around to see her sister and Subaru having a disagreement about the morality or waking up so late, and at about the same time, Emilia also entered the room.

Emilia: Would you two stop teasing them?

The twins apologized for each other in a very formal fashion.

Lyra sat up quickly with a hand outstretched.

Lyra::Oh-you-don't-need-to-apologise-for—

She stopped her quick reply, noticing all eyes in the room were on her, silently questioning the reason for her outburst.

That couldn't have been more horribly timed, she thought.

Lyra bowed her head a little with a cough, letting Emilia take the conversation with a smile and small clap of her hands.

Emilia: Good morning you two, how are you both feeling? Any pain? Subaru, can you stand? Lyra, did you get enough rest?

Subaru: I think we're both okay.

Lyra lifted her head back up, shaking off her momentary embarrassment, to answer.

Lyra: Yeah, my head hurts a little still when I woke up but it's better now. But uhh—

Subaru: We ran into this drill haired girl who took both of our mana though.

Emilia gave a surprised look.

Emilia: Did you run into Beatrice?! She should know to be more kind to guests...

Emilia then spun from facing Subaru to Lyra with a worried expression.

Emilia: You got your mana drained again?! In such a short time?! Are you okay? Did she hit your Od?

Lyra: Uhh, yeah I guess I feel fine, I'm feeling a little lethargic from it, but I can't tell if it's that or just that I slept for what must have been an eternity.

The twins, standing idly by the door looked at each other from the corner of their eyes, with suspicious expressions on their faces.

Lyra gave a confused look having noticed their exchange but instead disregarded what was maybe meant by it, instead choosing to ask Emilia a question about what she had just said.

Lyra: Hey, Emilia? What's an Od—

Rem: —Pardon, Emilia-sama. Guest-sama, just how did you get your mana depleted last night? And how did you get it all back by this morning?

Lyra couldn't bring herself to look the blue haired girl in the eyes while trying to dodge her question, and could only scratch her head and stare just off edge of the bed.

Lyra: Well uhh, you know, it's like, those kind of things reset after a good long nap. Right?

The twins stole suspicious looks from another like they had before.

Rem: Hmm. Please, forgive Rem's intrusiveness.

Rem apologized, bowing, trying her best to hide her insincere face.

Lyra: Oh! It's nothing, I just—

Emilia: Hey, it's reeealy not good to trash your Gate like that. It's not like you might need to cast that much magic so soon, right?

Emilia's expression softened as she went on.

Emilia: Just take it easy now, okay?

Lyra nodded her head.

Lyra: Don't worry, I'll make sure not to 'trash my Gate'.

Is that some sort of expression here for using mana recklessly?, she thought.

Taking his opportunity in the conversation, Subaru jumped up and out of bed with an air of determination in him.

Subaru: Well, time to start a new day!

Lyra and Emilia accompanied Subaru as he dashed outside after getting dressed, determined to get some fresh air.

Taking it upon himself, Subaru impromptuly taught Emilia and Lyra some radio calisthenics, with Lyra choosing to lay in the big grass lawn of the mansion and admire it's architecture shortly afterwards. Becoming further occupied with petting Puck, Subaru had then left Lyra to her own devices. Laying out in the lawn, she used this opportunity for intelligence gathering.

Sitting up from her laying position, she struck up a conversation with Emilia.

Lyra: That's quite the house you live in. Must be a lot more people here huh?

Emilia shook her head "no".

Emilia: You've met everyone already, well almost.

Lyra: Another servant?

Emilia: No, the lord of this mansion, the Margrave, Roswaal L. Mathers.

Lyra looked down at the grass, deep in thought at what she'd just heard.

'Margrave' huh? That's a very specific term. That's medieval in origin, a term for a lord who controlled and was responsible for boarder regions in more remote locations, usually instructed by the ruling monarchs, and most of the time given higher status then even local provincial lords. We must be far from the Capitol, and this guy must have a sizable standing levy.

Lyra had read up on the topic of noble terminology just recently too in the educational app that was on her phone. Not wanting to waste the opportunity to keep gathering information, Lyra decided to drop any thoughts on if her app was related to arriving in this strange new world or not.

Lyra: Say uhhh, how far from the Capitol are we? And where are we, exactly?

Looking at Lyra as if greatly confused, Emilia answered.

Emilia: What a strange question. We're far from the Capitol now, near the edge of the wild areas covered in mountains and forest, commonly known as the Mathers Domain.

Lyra: So 'Margrave' is a hereditary title to you I take it?

Emilia: Yes, that's correct.

Lyra: So does he keep a large standing levy of troops then?

Emilia frowned and put her hands on her hips.

Emilia: That's a lot of rather specific questions to be asking. What are you trying to find out?

Lyra put her hands up in defense.

Lyra: No no! I'm just curious is all!

She put a finger up and began to explain.

Lyra: You see, 'Margrave' is a term that exists where we're from, me and Subaru, but it's a very antiquated term, rarely used. It used to be an assigned title way back when it was first invented, but it turned hereditary over time.

Emilia: I see, I didn't mean to suspect you of anything nefarious, even after Puck said he didn't sense anything from you. But yes, the Margrave title has been held in the Mathers name for over four hundred years.

Lyra whistled in response.

Lyra: Four hundred years huh? Must be a pretty stable lineage.

With that, the twin maids made their way outside to inform everyone that the lord of the house had returned.

All the members of the mansion were in attendance for the meal.

Upon entering the foyer, Puck had departed with Beatrice, but not before a man in full clown makeup and costume had arrived into the room. After making a scornful comment, Beatrice left with Puck in tow.

Subaru had taken the opportunity to make an ass out of himself, mistaking the lord of the house for the court jester.

Roswaal: Allow me to introduce myself! I am Roswaal L. Mathers, loooooooord of this mansion and it's surrounding lands in the Kingdom of Lugnica!

Turning to Subaru, he quieted his voice.

Roswaal: Aaaaand you must be Natsuki Subaru.

He responded awkwardly.

Subaru: Y-y-yep, that's me...

Roswaal turned to face Lyra, who had decided to distance herself from Subaru in case his clown comments had earned him anything more then a warm welcoming.

Roswaal: And you...

Closing one of of his eyes, his blue one, Roswaal only stared at Lyra with his yellow one.

Roswaal: ...you are an anomaly.

Lyra gave the man back a skeptical look of her own before shaking it off.

Lyra: Uhhh—

She shook her head, put on a more pleasant face and extended her hand.

Lyra: My name is Lyra. Lyra Anderson.

Roswaal kept his glare a few more moments, before dropping it himself and meeting Lyras handshake.

Roswaal: Ahhhh a pleasure!

With the exchange, the twins walked up to group and bowed.

Rem & Ram: Everyone, the meal in the dinning hall is now ready. Please come take your seats.

With that, the group made their way for the dining hall.

Lyra took her seat across from Subaru, who was sitting next to Emilia, while the maids stood at attention next to Roswaal.

Lyra stared down at her plate, not recognizing any of the food on it. Letting Subaru be an unsuspecting tester for her before going after the plate herself, Lyra watched him take a bite of food and wait for his reaction.

Subaru: Wow this is better then normal food! Did you cook this food Rem?

Rem nodded and answered.

Rem: Yes.

Without a second to spare, Lyra stabbed the closest thing to her fork on the plate and shoved it into her mouth, trying to not seem rude by not eating her cooking

Lyra chewed and then stopped. Putting a hand to her cheek full of food, she could not believe how good it was.

Lyra turned to Rem, food still in her mouth.

Lyra: Dis isd te bess fbood I'be eber hab.

Ram: Is it not rude to talk with your mouth full from where you two are from?

Lyra swallowed her half chewed food, apologized, and repeated her compliment to Rem.

Breaking the cold formal maid tone and attitude ever so slightly, she replied.

Rem: Thank you very much.

Roswaal: My what an especially iiiiiiiinteresting pair you both are.

The conversation quickly changed topics into what each maid was good at, only to have Subaru question Ram's necessity when there Rem was there.

From there the topics changed from the current state of the kingdom, to Emilia's involvement and candidacy for the throne, and finally to the topic of yesterday's deeds in assisting Emilia.

Roswaal: Sooooo ask for anything you'd like!

Taking the opportunity immediately, Subaru stood up and declared his wish.

Subaru: I like it here! Hire me as a butler!

Following the unexpected outburst was an awkward silence across the table, only to be broken by Ram sneezing.

Roswaal: Accepted.

Turning to face Lyra, Roswaal gestured with his hand toward Lyra.

Roswaal: And you?

Lyra thought for a moment. Subaru had thankfully just set an important bar for her, as to what "anything you'd like" actually meant, or might hope to mean.

There were a few basic thoughts that ran though Lyra's head.

She had no resources.

Meaning she had no money, no property, and e didn't even understand this world's currency, values, or even the written language.

With a few brief seconds of thinking,s he knew the things she needed; money, or at least something of value, shelter, to protect himself and her 'something of value', and education, in the form of this world's basics and street knowledge.

But in what order should I prioritize those things? I can only ask for one thing... She thought.

Money could buy her a tutor and shelter, but she risked losing it before having shelter or being swindled out of it.

Shelter might be too high of an order from Roswaal, at least permanent shelter. Land maybe? No, there might be legal things she doesn't know.

Now knowledge on the other hand...

Lyra stood up, much like Subaru had.

Lyra: I have something to declare!

Everyone seemed to nod, as if acknowledging his statement.

Lyra: I am woefully bankrupt and illiterate!

Another, longer, much more painful awkward silence descended upon the table.

Lyra sat back down and continued his request.

Lyra: I-is there a way I can request to have my issues addressed?

Roswaal continued his smile from before, staying silent, as if waiting for Lyra to continue taking.

Lyra: Like maybe uhhhh... being a maid? Only part time though! So I can study!

Roswaal shook his head and his face turned glum.

Roswaal: Unfortunately, Mr. Natsuuuuuki has taken the last open servant position open here. I do hope you understand.

Lyra was slightly dumbfounded.

THIS big of a mansion and THREE people is all you need? Get out.

Roswaal continued however.

Roswaal: Buuuuuuuut I would have need for a part time groundskeeper though.

Lyra: I'll take it!

Roswaal: Good!

He announced giving a single clap.

Roswaal: Now for your education... Rem?

Rem: Yes, Roswaal-sama.

Roswaal: Would you please find the time at some point during these days to tutor our newest groundskeeper when he's not working?

Rem almost had a slight smile to her face when she nodded in agreement before finishing with a bow and an agreement to fulfill Roswaal's request.

Lyra: Oh! Also, I wanted to ask something else as well if at all possible.

Roswaal: But of couuuurse!

Lyra: I had this uhh, big metal box on wheels in the capitol with me and Subaru. Would there be any way to retrieve it by chance?

Emilia spoke up, waving her hand as if to wipe away any sense of doubt.

Emilia: Oh! Your 'khar'? I already took care of that.

Lyra: I see, thanks. Wait! I-is it here?

Did they tow it? I hope they didn't drag it here...

Emilia: No, the old man who ran the loot house is looking after it. He was able to pick it up and move it to a store house of his. We're basically just paying him to hold onto it and not sell it.

She then frowned and gave a look of thought.

Emilia: For something with wheels it didn't want to roll, and it was waaaay too heavy to put on a carriage. I didn't think it was possible for us to get it here.

Lyra: I appreciate it nonetheless. I'm just glad it's safe, as it has a lot of my belongings in it. Roswaal, if we plan to go to the capitol any time I'll make sure to grab it so the household doesn't need to pay for storage indefinitely.

Roswaal: Ohh it is of no bother!

Rem stepped forward with a puzzled look on her face.

Rem: If this giant of a man had to pick it up to move even though it had wheels, how were you and Subaru able to move it before saving Emilia-sama?

Lyra scratched the back of her head and wore a slightly embarrassed face to try and simply explain as best be could.

Lyra: Well you see, it just, well, it uhhh, moves. Itself in a way.

She sat with the eyes of everyone but Subaru trying to understand how that was possible.

Rem: It was explained to us by Emilia-sama it was a like a small carriage but with windows and no seat for a driver or a ground dragon.

Lyra nodded to Emilia, as to confirm her description.

Lyra: Yes. In some old regards, it wasn't always called a 'car' but a 'horseless-carriage' at first.

Roswaal: Ahhhh, so its purpose is like a carriage, it moves and transports goooooods and people.

Lyra: Yes. It posses the power to propel itself across the ground without a ground dragon.

She said with a finger pointed upwards, proudly proclaiming. Lyra again sat in front of confused faces full of doubt.

Ram: Do you honestly expect us to believe such a thing exists?

Lyra pointed a finger gun at Ram and smiled.

Lyra: I will personally give you a ride to prove it.

Ram turned her head upward and away

Ram: I refuse.

Lyra: O-oh...okay then. Well...

Lyra turned her finger gun over to Rem.

Lyra: ...How about you Rem? I promise you'll have a blast.

Rem moved a hand slowly to her chest and looked slightly down at the table in front of Lyra, and at first spoke softly.

Rem: Lyra 'promises?

Lyra: I do. Absolutely.

Perking up and lowering her hand she again spoke.

Rem: Provided Lyra-chan's claims are true and there is time, Rem will join you.

Lyra nodded in acknowledgment.

Lyra: Thank you very much!

I don't know why, but I can't wait to show her that old thing.

Ram: Now, if you two will finish up, we'll fit you for your uniforms and give you a proper tour of the mansion.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: An Evening Stroll 

After Lyra and Subaru both finished their tour and got their measurements done, they went to their rooms to try on their uniforms and to wind down for the night.

Lyra's uniform consisted of a black headband with ribbons close to the ends, a white waist apron, a black dress shirt, a long black pleated skirt, and black knee-length boots She found this outfit rather cute, spinning around in it for a bit before changing into her nightgown and going to sleep.

The next morning was an early one, up with the sun. The entire morning was mainly spent explaining duties and showing they could be completed with no help or supervision.

Subaru's duties, while mainly domestic, seemed to be much more regimented than the work Lyra did, which was "If you see it, work on it".

The day for Lyra was spent cutting grass, edging the stone walkway, trimming shrubs, and sweeping dirt off the back patio, until Ram came out early in the evening to tell him she could finish up and be ready for supper.

After dinner though, Lyra was in a slightly frustrating situation however. While everything was set out for tomorrow morning, her uniform and everything else, it was still too early to retire to bed, as it wasn't even twilight yet.

Deciding to take a walk around the mansion's gardens and familiarize herself with what she may have to do tomorrow, Lyra went to retrieve her jacket, the one she had still been wearing when she was brought to the mansion. Adorning himself, she felt a familiar box in the jacket's pocket from the last time she wore it.

Pulling it out, it revealed itself to be the solar charger for her phone.

Wow I forgot I had this on me. I should check to see if my phone even still has charge.

Walking over to her desk drawer, she pulled her phone out and realized it was dead.

Lyra: *sigh* I think I'll just have to set this up in the window and let this thing charge up over the next few days...who knows, though? It might come in handy someday.

She set up the panel just behind a curtain with her phone plugged right in.

Putting on her jacket for real this time, Lyra walked down the hall and down the stairs, hands in her jacket pockets all the while.

Just before reaching the door leading to the back courtyard, someone called to her.

?: Raly.

Lyra: H-huh?

Whoever had just called for her had said what was close to her name, but with the syllables swapped in order, making a crude sounding name.

Ram: Just where do you think you're off to? Rem went up to your room only to find it empty and went looking for you.

Lyra: Huh? I just left my room and came right here. We would have had to have passed each other.

Ram: Well I suggest you head back up and wait for her there. I will inform her that I was able to locate you.

Lyra: Right. I will head back to my room right away, then.

Not wanting to cause any friction, Lyra returned to her room.

Opening the door and entering the room, Lyra took her jacket off before shutting the door, only to hear the door slam shut behind him with one arm halfway through the jacket's sleeve.

Lyra spun around to see Rem with a hand in the door, shut as if she were standing behind the opened door on the inside of the room.

Lyra: G-geez, Rem! You almost scared me half to death—

Rem moved her arm still on the door forward, bringing her index finger to a point, and aimed it toward the window, and spoke in a serious, cold voice.

Rem: May Rem ask what you've put in the window of your room? Perhaps a signal to inform someone?

Window? Signal? Lyra thought, trying to rack his mind looking for an answer for her.

Lyra turned to the window and saw nothing.

Lyra: But there isn't anything on the window?

Rem: Oh? Then please move the drape and enlighten Rem.

Lyra: The blind? Why—

Lyra stopped her words.She knew exactly what Rem was on about.

Lyra: Ooooooohhhh. You probably mean the charger. Yeah I can see how that drew suspicion. Sorry about that!

She could only slightly tilt her head and repeat Lyra in a slightly less serious tone.

Rem: Charger-er?

Lyra: Yeah. My phone charger. For my phone. Subaru showed you, Ram, and Emilia his right?

Rem: While I have not personally been witness to it, Emilia-sama told us of a metia that could capture a moment in time forever. Do you have a metia like his too?

The last question she asked had been a return to the serious cold voice of before.

Lyra: You could say that, yes. Mine is a lot newer and more useful than his though. I honestly wouldn't be caught dead with one as old and slow as his!

Rem: And as for the plate in the window?

Lyra: Well, you see, these things have batteries in them, and this one is restored by using the sun's light. Kind of like your crystal lights, in a way.

Rem stared at Lyra with confusion, giving her the same familiar feeling as when she described her 'dragonless carriage'. With no sneeze to free her from the pause, she finally decided to end it herself.

Lyra: I could show you, if you want.

Rem: If Lyra would.

Lyra: Let's just see how far the charge got...

Lyra unplugged the phone and powered it on.

Lyra: Four percent huh? Just enough for now, I guess.

She looked over to Rem and readied the camera.

Lyra: Alright Rem, get ready.

Somewhat familiar with the idea of what was going to happen. Rem patted her dress and stood up straight, giving a blank expression.

Lyra: Oh come on Rem. Smile!

With some hesitation, Rem gave a smile.

Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen her smile. It's so cuuuute!!

Lyra took the photo, and turned it to Rem to show her. Rem stood and stared at the small painting of herself.

Slowly Rem brought her hand up to her bangs, feeling the hair covering her eye, and then finally speaking up.

Rem: Rem... Rem expected to see what you see in a mirror... Where things are opposite.

Lyra: Nope, mine and Subaru's both take images like this, exactly how someone else would see you if they looked at you. It's called photography.

Rem: I see.

Lyra could practically grab the curiosity of hers right out of the air when she spoke. But instead, she began to hatch a more mischievous idea in his head.

Pointing the phone back to her, she started to record a video, starting step one of her master plan.

Lyra: Say Rem, did you know Subaru thinks Ram is ugly?

Rem immediately frowned.

Rem: What prompted Lyra to bring up such a rude topic?! How could anyone think Nee-sama is ugly?!

With a *Bink!* Lyra stopped the recording, and turned the phone back over to Rem, playing the video, audio and all.

Rem could only watch, mouth agape.

A picture. But only it moved, and the image of her spoke! It spoke exactly what she had said.

Rem: Rem—, Rem cannot believe it.

Rem stood back and shook her head, totally forgetting the previous conversation even though it was being broadcasted right back at her.

Rem: Is that really Rem? And Lyra's voice is in it too!

Lyra: Yeah Rem, this is a video. It's taking a bunch of photos all at once and putting them together to make the motion, and then playing a recording of the sounds alongside it. Pretty cool huh?

Rem: Yes! Just think of all the amazing things one could do with this! Never having to memorize anything again, and if there was a 'video' of something like cooking or fixing something, one could always figure out how they did it again!

Rem stood continuing to stare at the little image of herself on Lyra's phone that was still pointed toward her. Lyra could hear the wanderlust on

Lyra: Well, that's not all.

Lyra turned the phone back to herself and started messing with the phone.

Lyra: You can also cut out the parts you don't like with enough skill, making it seem like something it wasn't.

And with that, she turned the phone back to Rem, reducing the previous video down to a short segment of just Rem, mid sentence.

Video Rem: Nee-sama is ugly.

Rem frowned in confusion.

Rem: How did Lyra get Rem to appear to be saying that!? Rem would never say—

Lyra: Yes you did! Don't you remember?

With that Lyra played the full clip she had taken her snippet out of.

Video Rem: What prompted Lyra to bring up such a rude topic!? How could anyone think Nee-sama is ugly?!

Lyra: I cut out everything but the last half of your last sentence. Really changes the message of it, huh?

Rem: But it's not true! It's a lie...

Lyra: It's funny Rem, if I just went and told Ram you thought she was ugly she'd call me a liar... but if I showed her this...

Rem's eyes opened wide. She knew that he had fabricated "proof" for his lie.

With her face turning red, a frown forming, and her hands on her hips and leaning forward, she tried to scold Lyra.

Rem: Hmmm—! How did—?! This is slander! Dishonesty! Lies!

Lyra laughed at her frustrations while admiring her cuteness.

Rem: R-R-Rem will—!

Lyra: You'll what?

Rem could only stand there in frustration, angry at Lyra.

Rem: Hmph!

She turned her head upwards and away, eyes closed, before bringing them back down and opening them, a more serious look on her face.

Why is Rem letting her do this? If Lyra really can't be trusted and is one of… them, isn't Rem letting her manipulate a divide between me and Nee-sama?? She thought.

Seeing the new look on Rem's face, Lyra sighed and closed his eyes.

Lyra:: Calm down, Rem. I wouldn't do something so mean like that out of the blue for no reason.

With her serious face returning to a more neutral one, Lyra continued her statement.

Lyra: However, I'll only get rid of the captured moment if—

Rem: There's a stipulation.

Lyra: Yes. All you have to do is—!

With a flash of a finger gun to Rem, Lyra gave her condition.

Lyra: Accompany me on my walk! Uh...please!

Rem's face softened a bit as she heard the request.

Rem: That's all? And Lyra won't show Nee-sama?

Lyra I'll do you one better, I'll destroy it, that way I can't show her.

Rem smiled a smile of relief.

With that Lyra deleted her prank video, but decided to keep the photo of Rem smiling. Lyra put her phone back on its charger and threw her jacket back on.

Rem and Lyra walked back down to the rear exit of the mansion leading down to the fountain area, and began their walk in the evening light.

The two took the final steps off the back patio, having not said a word to each other until now. Being the first to speak up and break the silence between them as they stepped onto the paved pathway, Rem walked to Lyra's right side.

Rem: Umm, Lyra?

Lyra: Hmm?

Rem: Why did Rem's voice sound different in the moving painting yet Lyra's didn't?

Lyra giggled.

Rem puffed her cheeks out, pouting and raised her hands to her chest in frustration.

Rem: What's so funny? Rem just wants to know why she sounded so odd!

Lyra: You, spare me and Subaru, are probably the only people in the whole world here that's heard your own voice spoken back to you.

Rem's pout turned into an expression of light fascination, her eyes slightly sparkled with a bit of pride, and with a smile of excitement.

Lyra: Truth be told, everyone experiences that. When you hear your own voice it's through your head more than it is echoing back at you from your mouth. No one sounds like how they think they do.

Rem: Hmmm, Rem thinks she understands.

The two continued to walk and have light, idle chit chat, mostly about the day's work. Rem had praised her older sister several times throughout their conversation, making Lyra take note of how Rem perceived her older sister, somewhat contradictory to how Lyra had observed her.

At this point they were on the far side of the garden from the mansion, heading back.

Rem: Also, Lyra?

Lyra: Yeah?

Rem: Lyra said except for him and Subaru, and now Rem, that we're the only ones in the world who have experienced hearing their own voice. How is that?

Lyra: Hk-!

Oh God, I'm such a goof. I just accidentally leaked top secret info! I can't let her know about mine and Subaru's shared origin, it'll cause too much trouble.

With Rem waiting for a response, Lyra quickly fumbled out an excuse.

Lyra: Oh you know, just an expression! Almost everyone from where we're from has said it at some point!

Rem: And where is that?

Oh God, what do I tell her?

Lyra: Uhh, well, if you've ever heard of a plucky nation far to the west that's probably it.

Rem shook her head.

Rem: As far as Rem can think west is, it would be Kararagi.

Lyra: U-um...well..l-let's talk about something different!

Scratching the back of her head somewhat nervously, Lyra tried desperately to change the conversation topic away from classified information.

Rem: Okay... So umm... What was it like for Lyra before coming here?

Lyra: Well...

She went on to explain roughly what her life was like before, the situation she'd found himself in, the apartment complex that had allowed her to move into it, but worded it in a way to sound "of this world."

Lyra: And what about you? You and your sister seem like you've been here for a while.

Rem nodded.

Rem: Yes, we've been here since we were very young. Roswaal-sama rescued us from our vill-

Rem stopped what she was saying abruptly, eyes wide open in surprise at what she'd so carelessly spoken.

Why did that come out so easily? Rem doesn't think Lyra did anything to prompt that. Rem thought.

Lyra almost responded with "And rescued you two?" but had a thought of her own eclipse her mind. What if that was like me earlier, with me saying "in this world?"

She instead decided on a way to give her a way out of what she just said, it looked like that might be necessary with the expression on her face she was trying to suppress. Lyra figured inquiring further might upset Rem, something he didn't wish to do to keep good relations.

Lyra: Yeah I imagine that was quite the kind of thing for him to do, rescue a few girls from a tough living situation and allow them to work in his estate, not many people get that opportunity.

Rem almost wanted to respond in anger. The village her and her sister grew up in was not "a tough living situation" like she had said. Everyone worked hard together to make it a nice place to live.

She at the moment had an inkling she knew what she really meant. She brought an easy target for her to dodge the question because she knew she had misspoken, and was now trying to calm any tension between the two, a classic trait of an infiltrator...

As sbe thought this, Lyra could see from the side of Rem's face, her one uncovered eye, deep in thought. I wonder if I was too blunt about that, or maybe I hit the nail right on the head?

Rem, still deep in thought, was almost trying to convince herself that Lyra was some agent or spy of sorts. However, the more Rem tried to convince herself, the more it seemed unfeasible. It was irrational to think Lyra was being malicious from the simple dialog she had exchanged with her so far. She had not sought to conceal anything, and had not been dishonest once towards her, as far as she could tell. Puck had even said he sensed no malice from either her or Subaru.

After a few more moments of silence in conversation in their walk, Rem had come to only one remaining theory: she was simply being nice.

Looking down at her feet, she brought a hand to her chest, partially relieved that she hadn't needed to suspect anything of Lyra, at least at this juncture.

But why was she also feeling this way? It was more than just having a kind gesture given to her. It was...

With that, Rem strolled ahead of Lyra, and looked back towards her and smiled, the wind gently blew, blowing her hair, it exposed both her blue eyes.

Lyra almost had tripped over flat ground at the sheer sight of her cuteness.

Rem was the first to break their thought-filled silence of almost a minute.

Rem: Lyra...chan...?

Hearing her say her name in the most sincere tone she had yet heard from her, Lyra stopped to face the blue haired maid who stood before him, basking in the orange hue of the evening sky. She started blushing, and her heart started racing.

Lyra: Y-yes, Rem?

Rem: The next time you want to go on a walk like this with Rem, there's no need to threaten to do something she knows you wouldn't do.

Rem said this as she tilted her head and smiled, her bangs swaying downward covering her exposed eye and showing the eye she normally kept concealed by them.

She knew it now. She knew she wouldn't have done anything had she refused to go on the walk, and she knew why she'd tried to give her a way out of her misspoken words, and it was for the same reason.

A reason that began to warm Rem's heart in a way she hadn't even felt for anyone before.

Lyra smiled back at the blue-haired maid in front of her and continued her walk with her.

The two began re-approaching the steps back up to the mansion when she turned to Lyra to smile once more. She had remembered another thing she was once loathing, but had now had come to look forward to.

This of course caused Lyra to trip on the steps for real this time from distraction, with Rem helping her back up on her feet and Lyra again becoming flustered afterwards.

Returning from the outside though the rear entrance to the mansion, Lyra took her jacket and threw it over her shoulder.

Lyra: Well Rem, thanks for going on that walk with me. I'm going to go head back up to my bedroom and—

Rem: Rem is going there too!

Rem blurted this out to extinguish any threat to more time with Lyra, small fists raised up to her chest, determined to get her word in.

The prospect of continuing along with Lyra, anywhere, to do anything, was exactly what Rem wanted to do right now.

A blush had appeared on Lyra's surprised face.

Lyra: Uhhhh, ummm R-Rem, I think—

She can't mean what I think she means—

And as if reading her mind, she replied, with a blush on her face as well.

Rem: Rem has a reason you know! Lyra-chan asked Roswaal-sama for tutoring and Rem was given that responsibility.

This had been the thing that the Rem of not long ago had been loathing to do. She could not have imagined that anything could be done to make her actually want to spend time with the person who she was wary of.

Lyra: Oh yeah, that's right! Well then, let's get started!

With that, Rem followed Lyra back up to her room. Purposely walking just behind her, out of her vision, she could keep her smile of excitement hidden. Lyra also happened to have a smile of excitement on her face as well, which, of course, was hidden from Rem's view.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: First Day On the New Job

With both herself and Rem back in her room, Lyra sat at her desk and Rem at the foot of the bed.

They discussed what exactly Lyra meant by wanting to be tutored.

Rem: So... Lyra-chan is... illiterate?

Lyra: Well it's pretty harsh when you say it like that, to be honest..

Rem: Rem is sorry! Rem didn't mean to disrespect—

Putting her hand up to halt Rem's apology, Lyra conceded that she was correct.

Lyra: But you are completely correct, at least in the context of only being in these lands.

Rem: Rem is guessing that's not all though?

Lyra: No, I need to learn things like relevant history, how your money works, and like—

Rem had a slightly disappointed look on her face, causing Lyra to halt her words.

Rem: Lyra-chan was never given a proper education, was she?

Lyra: Oh no I was! Many years in fact! Here.

Taking the quill and ink, Lyra wrote her name as she knew it.

Lyra: See!

Rem took a moment to analyze it.

Rem: These... just look like scribbles. How would these form the sounds needed to be words?

Lyra: Well that's just my name.

Rem nodded, almost as if she wasn't fully convinced.

Lyra: I'll write your name next.

Lyra proceeded to cover her quill in fresh ink, and using her best handwriting, she wrote out Rem's name. Sliding the parchment over to Rem, she looked over the new set of symbols on the sheet and contemplated it.

Rem: This is… Rem's name?

Lyra: Yep! Here, I'll write more then.

Knowing she fully didn't understand her writing, Lyra dipped her quill once more and wrote out on the paper "Rem is the cutest girl in the kingdom."

Rem picked up the sheet and analyzed the foreign symbols freshly written by Lyra. Giving a look of curiosity back to Lyra, she put her finger on the sheet under where she wrote "Rem."

Rem: Lyra-chan wrote something with Rem's name?

A bead of sweat ran down the side of Lyra's face as she turned slightly away, blushed, fidgeted with her hair a bit, and didn't immediately respond, which gave Rem all the clues she needed to confirm that was indeed her name.

Rem: And what of the rest of this? What does it say?

Lyra:: Well it u-uhh, well... i-it says in a very antiquated, and uhh, c-colloquial t-terminology, with a good amount of s-slang incorporated into

Rem gave a slight giggle at the long usage of words to stall for reasons she understood, before slightly blushing and giving a half smile of her own.

Rem: Rem has a good enough guess as to what Lyra-chan wrote.

Lyra sighed, perhaps she knew, perhaps she didn't. She would be okay if she didn't because it would save her some embarrassment, but if she didn't fully know, she still wanted her to know, deep down.

Lyra: Fine, then. Tell you what, I'll make you a deal.

Rem nodded, prompting Lyra to continue.

Lyra: If you can teach me how to write my name, and yours, as well as a few other words, I'll rewrite it so you can read it.

Rem smiled and replied.

Rem: A promise then.

Lyra smiled back at Rem.

Lyra: Yes. Of course.

Rem continued to coach and tutor Lyra with the basics of reading and writing for a little over an hour after the sun had set. Drawing their study session to a close with a yawn, Rem had deemed it time to rest for the day tomorrow. The two said their goodnights and Rem headed to her room.

Not needing to do much afterwards, Lyra almost immediately crawled into bed, ready to sleep. Her mind raced with thoughts on her current situation. What was happening back home? What was she doing here? What would be her next goal? Lyra felt the potential for great opportunities ahead of her, but her mind was also plagued with much uncertainty and anxiety.

As Lyra laid in her bed, so did Rem in hers. Rem's mind raced as well, although with different ideas.

Rem wants to fully trust Lyra-chan, but there is still something that cannot be overlooked… Lyra-chan and Subaru alike both have it… Certainly not everyone who has it is guilty, but it is usually the most telling sign… More time is simply needed to fully understand their motives.

The next day was another early one for Lyra. The day began with clipping the lawn, edging more walkways, and trimming more shrubs.

Ram again informed Lyra that her duties for the day were done by late afternoon, however with Rem not free from her duties of preparing supper just yet, Lyra had decided to help Subaru with the rest of her duties in hope that she would have someone to accompany her on his evening walk around the gardens, simply in the name of killing time before her tutoring session.

*Clink* *Crash*

Lyra: Shit...

Subaru: ...Damn it!!

While in the effort of helping Subaru dust, it was unclear who had accidentally knocked a flower vase over and broke it.

Subaru and Lyra stood over the broken prices with flowers mixed among it.

Subaru: Well, one of us should probably go ask Ram where the extra vases are and the other should stay and clean it up.

Lyra: Rock-paper-scissors?

Acknowledging, Subaru assumed his ready stance, fist drawn, nodding to Lyra in agreement.

Lyra & Subaru: Rock! Paper! Scissors! Shoot!

Lyra threw her preferred starting option, countering what Subaru threw.

Subaru: Alright... I'll go get Ram, you can clean...

Lyra: Woah woah. I threw down so I didn't have to clean.

Subaru: What?! Do you want to be the one to piss off Ram?

Shooting a finger gun at Subaru while walking off, Lyra answered Subaru.

Lyra: I've got a plan.

Subaru: You better not blame me!

Lyra poked her head from back around the corner.

Lyra: Oh, come on now! You know I'm not that mean!

Beginning to sweep up the pieces of shattered porcelain and flower debris, Subaru began to mutter on his breath.

Subaru: Yeah I'll believe it when it's Ram dragging your ear and not mine.

Opening the door to the kitchen, Lyra poked her head around the corner to find Rem chopping some ingredients, preparing for that evening's dinner.

Lyra: Knock knock. Hey, Rem.

Rem: Oh! Lyra-chan! Dinner isn't quite ready yet... And Rem is afraid today's tasks left Rem and Nee-sama without a choice but to delay dinner... Nee-sama agreed to take the rest of the laundry so Rem could start the meal sooner

Lyra: Wow...yeah, that seems like a lot for sure. Even Subaru was taking longer today, so I decided to help him, and that's kinda why I'm here.

With her response, Rem tilted her head in question, her blue hair shifting which eye of hers was visible. Lyra began to look up and away, poking her fingers together and averting her eyes slightly, looking like a guilty child.

Lyra: I might have been dusting and I may have, on accident, knocked a vase over. Sorry...

Rem: *Sigh* Ara, Lyra-chan.

She walked up to her, stopping right before her, wearing a slightly annoyed face, hands on her hips.

Oh I think I just overloaded her with another thing she has to do now, huh?

Her annoyed face quickly turned into a playful smile with a wink.

Rem: There's a reason you're a groundskeeper, not a servant.

Incredibly relieved, Lyra let out her held in breath.

Lyra: Yeah...I guess you're right...

Rem: Rem will fetch the new vase. Here.

Handing Lyra the chopping knife, she went to leave the kitchen.

Rem: Chop these like the rest, it's Nee-sama's preferred way of eating them.

Lyra: Yes ma'am!

Just as Lyra began to copy Rem's chopping style, she was about to exit out the kitchen, but turned to call back.

Rem: And in case Lyra-chan or Subaru have another vase mishap, the extra vases are kept in the hallway closet down two doors from your room.

Lyra: Gotcha. Thanks again Rem!

Lyra continued to work on Subaru's tasks with him until the early evening. Finally finishing, Lyra asked him if he had any plans after this. Without a second to spare after being asked, Subaru said he was going to check to see if Emilia was free from her studies, somewhat crudely prioritizing Emilia above himself, but Lyra didn't mind, and completely understood why. It was much harder and more rare for Subaru to see Emilia throughout the day than say Lyra seeing Rem. Lyra waited all of a few minutes to see Subaru returning back down the stairs, head down and shoulders slumping.

Subaru: Even Emilia-tan's running behind today...

Lyra: Well, wanna kill some time with a walk till suppers' ready?

Subaru: Well, I guess I don't have a choice.

Lyra and Subaru both set out to walk the same perimeter garden path that Lyra and Rem had walked the evening before. Passing the fountain, Subaru turned and looked back up at the mansion's windows, about where Emilia's room was.

Lyra stopped and let Subaru have his observation in silence. A few moments was all it took for Subaru to snap back to the current, and was surprised to see Lyra waiting for him patiently.

Heading down the path, Lyra decided to set the opening topic of their chat, making a smug facial expression towards Subaru.

Lyra: You're really sweet on her, huh?

Subaru: What do you mean?

Lyra: On Emilia, who else? You follow her around like a puppy when you can, always making really bad attempts at flirtation. Do you have the hots for her or something?

Subaru turned slightly red for a moment before giving a somber smile and looking down at the ground while still walking.

Subaru: I...u-um...y-y-yeah... I don't know, she's just the first person in this world to have shown me any kindness... It's really kind of pathetic of me, but I can't help feeling the way I feel...

Lyra : I get what you mean. You get teleported to a fantasy world and you're immediately saved by a silver-haired cutie from some alley thugs or giant rats or something like that.

Subaru: Hey! How did you know—! 

Turning to Lyra with an astounded and worried look on his face, Subaru's eyes were wide open.

Lyra: Lucky guess? I was just fishing there, to be honest. Now which one was it? Alley thugs or rats?

Subaru: I'm not saying either!

Subaru crossed his arms and stopped in place, turning away from Lyra. However, through this interaction, a thought traveled through Subaru's mind. One he hadn't considered before until now. Having remembered events from one of his previous loops, it prompted a theory to form in his mind. Turning back to Lyra, Subaru didn't quite know where he should start, or how he should ask.

Subaru: So, uhhhh...Lyra?

Turning her vision to the side, and responding with a "Hmm?" Lyra acknowledged Subaru's curiosity.

Subaru: Did you uhhh...happen to...die?

With an eyebrow raised, Lyra answered.

Lyra: To get here? To this world? Uhh, no? Like I told you, I was just driving and then 'WHAM' I was here. Not like I was crossing a street and met a truck or whatever-

Subaru: No, that's not what I mean to ask. Lemme rephrase that.

Subaru had cut Lyra off, and Lyra could tell that Subaru was trying to be serious. The two stopped their walking and faced each other. While they were still ultimately unfamiliar with each other, there was a great deal of trust they needed to have in each other, perhaps not out of companionship, but more necessity. Looking Lyra straight in the eye, Subaru more bluntly asked his question

Subaru: I mean, did you die...after you got here?

 A gust of wind rolled by, breaking the silence Lyra had given Subaru with his question with the sound of leaves rustling. Lyra said not a word while contemplating just what Subaru meant by what he asked.

Lyra: … No? I'm pretty sure I've been alive and kicking since the day I was born. Uhh...why do you ask? Because, not gonna lie, that is one hella weird question that you just asked...

Subaru looked down to the ground, defeated. He gave off the impression he had just learned something rather unfortunate, but Lyra couldn't tell if it had been her answer, or how she had answered, or what.

Subaru: I see. Never mind then, it's not important.

Lyra: Oh...well...if you don't want to continue talking about it, that's fine. I understand.

The two walked in silence for a few minutes, the occasional sound of their shoes scuffing the ground as they walked along the garden's path. With close to most of their walk being in silence now, Lyra broke the quietness.

Lyra: May I ask what your goal is here?

 Immediately perking back up at Lyra's question, Subaru answered, relieved to be talking about something else.

Subaru: Whaddya mean?

 Kicking a rock along the path downward in the direction they continued, Lyra tried to articulate what she meant.

Lyra: Like, I'm kinda just following your lead here, because like me, you're from another world—, the old world, our world, but you seemed to know more than I did when I got here. 

Shaking his head, Subaru responded as best he could.

Subaru: I still don't know what you mean.

Lyra: You know... Like what is your, or our plan?

Subaru stopped and put his hand up to signal a stop.

Subaru: I'm sorry, I'm still not following...

Lyra: Are we trying to get back home? Is that something on your mind? Do you think there's some sort of hidden task or purpose set up for us?

Subaru put his hand to his chin in thought and looked down.

Subaru: Trying to get back...

Lyra: Better yet, is there a way back? Or do we even want to go back? And if not, what are we doing here?

Subaru: What are we... doing?

Lyra: Yes! If we're forgoing trying to find a path back, what are we doing here? Normally I'd imagine we'd run into some adventurers guild or have some power awoken to defeat some devil king or what have you...

Subaru could only look down while still walking and shrug.

Subaru: I guess all I'm doing is following Emilia.

Lyra sighed, but it was not for the reason Subaru maybe thought she did. Instead, Lyra was flustered with Subaru's lack of foresight and planning.

The two continued to walk for a while longer till Subaru spoke back up.

Subaru: You never said what your plan was.

Lyra: — — —

Subaru: Do you not have one?

Lyra could only close her eyes and shake her head, while Subaru could only wonder if that meant that she didn't have one, or if she simply was denying that she didn't.

Taking a few more paces, Lyra finally spoke her mind.

Lyra: I... *sigh*, wasn't the happiest back in the old world. I was getting really tired of it all...

Subaru was slightly surprised at her reply.

Lyra: I had no real promising opportunities for anything worthwhile… Relationships, career, education, you name it. I have had countless moments of anxiety, and everyday you're just bombarded with demoralizing news stories that make you wonder why you even try...

Subaru continued to listen to Lyra, somewhat sympathizing with him. Lyra put a hand to her face in embarrassment as he continued.

Lyra: I was at such a low point that I even risked homelessness had I not managed to get a job at a certain time before the deadline that I was given to move out by a friend's parents that I was staying with due to...personal reasons...

Subaru: That last part does sound pretty scary, but why weren't you staying with your own parents? I don't think I could just pick up and leave so suddenly like you were forced to, and don't think I could leave my parents like that either... unless you have some sort of personal reason for...anyways, I guess if I have one point of regret from coming here, its them, I never told them goodbye or anything…

Lyra: I can see how that could be stressful to have on your mind. 

Subaru: Yeah, I've been trying not to think about it. Do you have anything you're worried about 'back home?'

Lyra: Not really. I didn't have any other super meaningful relationships like what you seem to have with your parents. My parents..it's personal. My sister...is no longer around.. My friends..they seem chill at first glance, but can also be pretty shallow in my opinion. It feels kinda depressing saying it that way, but its the truth.

Subaru: *sigh* I didn't really have any friends, only my parents. But I imagine having shallow friends is sorta like having non-existent friends in a way? Oh, and sorry to hear about your sister, by the way.

Lyra shrugged in response, unable to really elaborate further on these matters with Subaru. While they both were troubled in their old homes, they did indeed source them from different things. Not trying to be the one who killed the conversation, Subaru continued.

Subaru: So then you do have a plan then I take it? 

Perking back up, Lyra finally answered Subaru's question.

Lyra: Not entirely, no, but that's partially because I didn't give it any thought until about yesterday. But I'm glad I'm here. With our position, we're friends with some important people, potentially some of the most influential there will be. We have a real chance at having a proper purpose in our lives. Not many can say that back in the old world.

Subaru: Would you quit beating around the bush and answer my question!?

Lyra: Alright, alright, damn...just be patient with me already, will you?!

Lyra turned her head down, sighed, and gave a soft smile.

Lyra: It's pretty similar to yours actually...for you, its Emilia., but for me? It's...Rem.

Subaru turned, slightly shocked, but more curious as to why.

Subaru: May I uhh, inquire why? 

Sticking her hands in her pocket, Lyra looked up to the sky that was turning from hues of pink to orange, letting her mind think before answering.

Lyra: If you think about it, she's the person in this new world I've talked with the most, and I consider her my first friend here...

She spoke about Rem with only the calmest, most endearing tone he could.

Lyra: And there's something about her that... Just seems so sad and alone. I kinda wanna help her. Help her for helping me. Help her for helping me have a drive again, and for allowing me to have one in this world.

Subaru was silent for a moment before responding, thinking about how there were many similarities about how he felt towards Emilia.

Subaru: I think I understand. So do you....

He asked this question with a smug expression on his face.

Subaru:...have feelings for her or something?

Lyra instantly turned bright red.

Lyra: Wh-what gave you that idea? 

Subar: I dunno, just the way you talk about her and the way I've seen you act around her and such.

Lyra: I...er...umm....

Subaru: It's fine with me if you like girls, by the way, if that's what you're worried about.

Lyra:F-fine! Yes, I...maybe...might...have feelings for Rem...I...hope that's legal here...

Subaru: I can ask Emilia about that for you if you want sometime.

Lyra starts to calm down a bit.

Lyra: How about we ask her together? Since we are friends and I could use some support just in case or whatnot.

Subaru gives her a thumbs up and a grin.

Subaru: Of course! Anything for a friend.

Lyra smiles at Subaru.

Lyra: Thanks. I appreciate it.

At this juncture, the two were re-approaching the steps to the mansion.

Lyra: Well, it looks like we've got our work cut out for us in this world.

Subaru. Hah. Yeah.

After having a late supper, Rem had again come by in the evening for another tutoring session, this time staying slightly later than the last night. Toward the end of Lyra's studying, the topic had drifted to what the plan was for tomorrow.

As she was stepping out of the doorway to Lyra's room, she turned back around to say one last thing.

Rem: By the way, Lyra-chan, tomorrow you'll be assisting Rem in getting goods from Arlem rather than your normal afternoon duties.

Lyra only stared and blinked twice at Rem, not knowing what she meant by that, before asking.

Lyra: W-who or what is 'Arlem'?

Rem smiled before giving a small laugh.

Rem: 'Arlem' is the name of the nearby village that's on the road to the Capitol.

Lyra: So, we're grocery shopping, then?

Nodding in conformation to Lyra, Rem continued

Rem: Yes. We'll be leaving here tomorrow, later in the morning. We probably won't be back till the evening, so there won't be an opportunity for Lyra-chan's tutoring session, as Rem will have tasks for the evening after we return that would have been done earlier in the morning.

Lyra: I see...

On one hand, this is tons of Rem one-on-one time, yet on the other, it's me losing out on my studying.

Rem gave a slightly sad smile at her response.

Rem: Well, good night Lyra, get some rest, okay? You worked hard again today.

Lyra: Thank you. You as well.

Rem walked back while closing the door, leaving her smiling face as the last thing Lyra saw as she closed the door.

Too bad she'll be busy tomorrow morning, we oould have studied in the morning instead—

Lyra: That's it! 

Lyra Anderson suddenly had an idea.

After waiting a few more minutes, Lyra headed down the hallway to Subaru's room. Seeing the light still coming from below the door, she knocked.

Lyra: Subaru? Are you here? Are you able to talk for a bit?

Subaru: Lyra? Oh, sure! Come in!

Lyra opened the door and found Subaru about to head to bed, playing on his flip phone.

Distracted by it, Lyra asked smugly.

Lyra: Are you THAT bored that you'd flip through menus to entertain yourself? That's about all that old-ass thing can do anyways, I bet!

Subaru: Hey! I'll let you know I've got Man-Pac, TNT-Man, AND Betris on this bad boy.

Getting another idea in her head, Lyra realized she could modify her old idea on why she came to Subaru's room in the first place.

Lyra: Soooooo, I bet that thing is running low on battery, by now, huh?

Looking back down at his own phone in frustration, Subaru frowned as he replied.

Subaru: Yeah and it's not like there's a way to charge it here.

Lyra: About that. I have a solar charger I've been using for my phone.

Subaru shot straight up out of bed.

Subaru: NO WAY?! Can you let me use it?! 

Leaning against the door frame to Subaru's room, Lyra began her sales pitch.

Lyra:: How about a deal…

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: An Unexpected Serenade

Lyra walked back to her room. It took some convincing, but Subaru eventually agreed to the deal that she had offered him.

Getting ready for bed, Lyra had another idea slip into her mind. Her phone was probably charged just enough for her to listen to some music while she fell asleep, which was something that she hadn't done in a long time.

Lyra checked her phone's battery, and it read a good thirty one percent.

This should get me a few hours of tunes, I'll just set a playlist and get my headphones and—

Stopping her thought, Lyra had quickly and almost immediately remembered that most of her belongings were still in her car, which was still in the Capitol.

Lyra: Hmm... I know I probably don't have my headphones, but I wonder if I still have my earbuds...

Walking over to the cabinet, Lyra rifled through the pockets of her jacket, looking for the spare set of cheap earbuds she kept.

Lyra: Alrighty, there we go!

Finding exactly what she was looking for, she untangled the cord and plugged it into her phone. Crawling into bed and finding a comfy spot, Lyra put on a relaxing anime and video game soundtrack playlist and let the music carry her thoughts away.

Hopefully Rem will be pleasantly surprised, provided Subaru remembers to carry through on his end of the deal...

It was morning, which was roughly the time Lyra would normally wake up as the first light of the day made its way through the gap in the curtains.

However, considering that she was told her duties were limited to later afternoon tasks today, she took the opportunity to sleep in a little longer, her first time being able to do so since arriving to this new world.

However, Rem had other plans. She was curious as to why she was in the situation she was in, and strongly believed Lyra might know something about it. For some reason, Rem had found out that most of the tasks that she had needed to complete before leaving were already complete, and by Subaru, no less.

With a simple knock on the door failing to get Lyra up, Rem decided to ever so quietly open the door. Entering in her graceful, quiet fashion, she lightly stepped across the room to reach Lyra while she still laid asleep.

Normally, Rem would not wake someone up when they had nothing to do that morning, but she was overly suspect of two things, how, and more importantly, why did Lyra convince Subaru to wake up so early to do her morning tasks?

Rem approached the sleeping Lyra and had gotten right to her bedside before she saw something that perplexed her. From both of Lyra's ears, two black strings descended from her head and joined to one string, leading to her hand underneath her pillow.

Letting her curiosity get the better of herself, Rem ever so gently lifted the side of the pillow to see what the string led to. Being careful as to not wake Lyra, she peered onto what she held in her hand.

To her surprise, the string led to the same black rectangle that she had connected to the sun power device.

While Lyra had professed the device's harmlessness, Rem still had her suspicions. Again using her gracefully gentle hand skills, she maneuvered the rectangle from Lyra's hand.

As soon as she touched its smooth, glass-like surface, the rectangle lit up. Rem was so surprised that she had almost dropped it. She immediately moved her fingers away from the light. To her, she guessed "light" might mean "heat", and not wanting to be possibly burned, she recoiled her fingers.

Timidly, Rem touched the lit-up surface of the rectangle, and the light reacted to her touch, almost like the water on a still pond.

She analyzed the lights, seeing symbols that were not unlike what Lyra had written the day before.

Rem knows this captures memories in an instant, and can even record voice and motion, but why does Lyra-chan have it attached to her head?

Rem couldn't figure out what purpose it would have been attached to Lyra, but what perplexed her the most, was the bright white triangle on the illuminated side of the rectangle. Something about it called out to be touched.

Against her better judgment, and at the almost primal call of curiosity, Rem laid her finger on the bright white triangle.

Immediately, the triangle turned into two white lines, parallel to each other, and she heard what sounded like popping, or maybe hissing? Like voices far away. All that emanated from the split ends of the string coming from the rectangle, right next to Lyra's ears.

The sounds had only been playing for less then a split second before Lyra bolted upright in bed, tearing the strings from her ears.

The sudden awakening that Lyra had  surprised Rem, who thought she was certain Lyra would be fast asleep. Rem dropped the rectangle, it falling and taking the string with it.

Lyra looked around the room, now slightly bright from the sun coming through the curtains, with eyes wide open.

The very first thing she noticed of course, was Rem crouched down off to the side of her bed, a rather surprised look on her face, a look also coupled with embarrassment.

Lyra: Goodness gracious Rem, you'll give someone a heart attack, trying to scare them like that!

She looked down at her earphone cable leading off the bed to where her phone was.

Still trying to shake the grogginess off, Lyra was trying to make sense of just what woke him up. Was it Rem? Or was it herself bumping her phone and  causing it to play the  music that she had fallen asleep to?

Still crouching in a slightly recoiled state, Rem still had her same expression, waiting for Lyra to put two and two together.

Lyra  yawned and stretched her arms before turning back to Rem.

Lyra: Speaking of which, what are you doing here? Did you come to check up on me or something?

Rem: Rem was just uhhhh, making sure you were feeling okay! It is past the time Lyra-chan usually wakes up.

Lyra: Oh? I was just sleeping in a little because you said my only duty today was going with you... *yawn* ...to the village.

Rem: Yes that is correct.

Lyra furrowed her brows as part of a poker face, in an effort to hide her involvement in her next question, and to make sure Subaru made good on his side of the deal.

Lyra: Also,didn't you have other things to do this morning before leaving?

Rem's face turned to one of relief as the conversation had safely moved past the rectangle and its glowing lights.

Putting a fist to her chest and shaking her head, Rem explained, as she finally got the opportunity to ask her question.

Rem: It seems as if Subaru-kun got a wild idea and decided to do Rem's share of the morning chores.

With a sense of relief that Subaru had followed his end of the deal, Lyra answered.

Lyra: Oh good, that means you must have some time to yourself then.

Hoping for a cheerful response, Rem instead replied with a question of her own using her own words.

Rem: 'Good'?

Lyra: -Hk!

Waiting for her response, Rem tilted her head.

Lyra's face went slightly red.

Lyra: I-I-uhhh, meant good for you!

Lyra stumbled more and more on her words. Rem only continued to keep her look up, as if prompting Lyra that she knew she had more to say.

This time, speaking with honesty and clearing her throat, her words were more genuine. Lyra shrugged while she spoke.

Lyra: It's just you work hard, a lot harder then anyone else here, and I haven't seen you really get a break despite the labor pool here doubling. I can't imagine what you and your sister's workload must have been before.

Rem smiled at Lyra's words. It wasn't the ones she was looking for, but she knew that Subaru wouldn't go off and do such things without being coerced, and that if Lyra felt so passionately about it, she would have just done it herself.

Lyra-chan must have traded or done something, or promised something to Subaru- kun in exchange for this, the intention must be good since she isn't admitting to it, but Rem has already caught Lyra-chan in her own words once before.

Rem thought as she continued to smile.

It's just like out in the gardens on the walk, but the other way around. Lyra-chan was considerate to Rem's feelings on when Rem misspoke, so the same should be done for Lyra-chan. Rem won't pressure her, perhaps an opportunity to get out of her words is in order.

Rem turned her smiling face to the curtains and walked over to open them, letting in all the light, and opening the window enough for a light breeze.

Doing this, Rem used the scene change as a way to also change the subject, her way of letting Lyra out of her words.

Rem: Then if Lyra-chan and Rem are not doing anything till we must leave, should we pass the time together?

Rem stood there, waiting for Lyra's answer, but she was too. awestruck by how her smile shined in the bright early morning sun, and how beautiful her eyes were as her bangs swung from the breeze coming through the window. She simply gave her a smile and blushed slightly with her next response

Lyra: Y-yeah...of course..I'd very much like too! I would w  to, actually!

Lyra and Rem started their walk down the steps, past the fountain, and on the main walkway around the gardens perimeter, just like their first.

Lyra: Don't you have any, you know... other clothes? Like any leisure clothes?

Rem: Rem does not require such things, and even if Rem had any, it may put Roswaal-sama's image in bad view if we were to get sudden visitors or if Rem would otherwise be seen in non-work attire.

Lyra: I think I can understand... But hey! What about me!? I'm wearing leisure clothing right now, you know!?

Lyra currently wore the same attire she had upon arriving in this world, but since she had a work uniform fit for a groundskeeper, this had become her attire for off-work activities.

Responding to Lyra, Rem spoke, eyes closed.

Rem: Should a lack of uniform bring shame to the household, Roswaal-sama will deal punishment appropriately to the staff member responsible.

Lyra:: Geez, harsh much?

Rem dropped her serious Ram-like persona and opened a single eye and stuck out her tongue in a teasing fashion.

Lyra(whisper): Cutie.

Rem's face turned slightly red.

Rem: Wh-what was that?

Lyra: I called you a cutie. Because you are one.

Rem: You're too sweet Lyra-chan...and....Rem must admit...she does also find you a bit "cute" as well...

Lrra also turned slightly red from Rem's response.

Lyra: H-huh? You really think so?!

Rem: Admittedly, Rem KNOWS so.

Both girls smile and giggle at each other as they continue walking together.

The walk continued with light conversation until the farthest point of the gardens, farthest from the mansion, where Rem asked a question that had been on her mind about this morning's first early interaction.

Rem: Why was your memory and motion capture metia tied to your ears this morning?

Lyra: Uhh, you mean my cell phone?

Rem: Sell fone? Is Lyra-chan trying to find a buyer for it?

At first, she didn't understand what Rem had meant, but soon after, she quickly realized why she asked what she did and laughed heartily at the confusion.

Rubbing her face with her hand, Lyra apologized.

Lyra: I'm sorry Rem. That is kinda funny though, not gonna lie!

Rem puffed up her cheeks and pouted in protest.

Rem: Hmph! And just what's so funny about Rem asking? Rem might have asked Roswaal-sama to help find a buyer before, but she won't now. Hmph!

Lyra: I didn't mean 'sell' as in 'S-E-L-L'—

She stopped herself mid sentence because of course Rem didn't understand her language's spelling.

Lyra: Er....lemme back things up a bit and explain here...

Rem leaned forward while walking, turning her gaze to Lyra as she waved her hands out of frustration with herself for not remembering.

Lyra: You see, 'Sell' and 'Cell' are two different things here, the latter being shorthand for the longer word 'Cellular'.

Rem: Sell-you-lar? What does that mean?

Scratching the back of her head, and twirling her hair a bit, Lyra answered meekly.

Lyra: We could really go down a rabbit hole with me trying to explain that...

With a slightly lamentable expression, Rem responded.

Rem: Rem is sorry that she doesn't understand...

Lyra: No no! It's fine! It's just, it's pretty complicated to explain! It's not your fault for not knowing. I'm sorry.

Smiling weakly at Lyra before turning her head back forward, Rem stayed silent, not knowing exactly what to say. Feeling guilt, Lyra spoke her thoughts out loud, hoping to help Rem understand that she wasn't upset with her, but rather at the unavoidable cultural barriers.

Lyra: No one could blame you for not knowing one little thing… Especially when I don't even know anything about this world—

She stopped herself before she let another word past her lips. She didn't need a repeat of the last time they went on a walk together.

But to her surprise, at the end of her sentence, Rem simply kept looking forward, walking. Almost as if pretending to not hear the last thing she said.

She watched Rem while walking still, waiting for her to question her about her slip. Instead, she turned and asked for her to continue explaining her phone to her.

Rem: Rem is willing to listen though, as long as Lyra-chan would like her to, even if Rem doesn't fully understand.

Despite giving the impression that she thought nothing of Lyra's slip-up, in her mind, Rem contemplated her actions as a result.

Lyra-chan accidentally said something odd again, but Rem can tell it's not malicious, and since she has consideration for Rem's feelings when this happens , Rem will continue to show the same for her.

Hearing Rem say she was willing to listen though, despite the differences in understanding, put a faint warmth in Lyra's heart. Taking her phone from her pocket, Lyra tried her best at explaining the complexity of the simple looking device to someone who knew nothing of its commonplace.

Lyra: Well, you see, not only does this little guy make instant paintings, and captures motion and voices, it also has stored tons of music, and is able to play entire movements, ballads, and symphony's, in quality that makes you feel as if you're right there watching and hearing it in person.

Rem stopped her walking, staring at the little rectangle in Lyra's hand, and began talking in a rather serious tone.

Rem: And just what was it doing strung to your ears this morning?

Lyra: It was doing just that. Playing music.

Rem continued to stare dead-on at Lyra's  phone, almost paying her no mind, as if she weren't even there.

Rem: I didn't hear any music from it. Only hissing and chirping.

Lyra: That's the catch though. It can play music out loud, but it doesn't sound good at all, you have to use these.

With that, Lyra pulled the headphones that had been wearing earlier out of her pocket.

Rem recognized the black string with the split in the end.

Lyra: You just plug the metal pin part into the hole here on the phone, and out of this end comes sound.

With a face of mistrust and uncertainty, Rem continued to stare at the rectangle now adorned with the sound string. After a few moments of an intense glare and silence, Lyra spoke back up, bouncing the dangling headphones still in her hand.

Lyra: ...Do you.wanna have a listen?

Breaking her serious look, her curiosity finally got the better of herself, and responded with eagerness in her voice.

Rem: May Rem?!

Laughing to herself, Lyra helped Rem put the earbuds in correctly.

Lyra:  Of course! Why don't we go sit in the shade over there together and I'll let you listen there?

Both Lyra and Rem sat on a garden bench, under the shade of one of the many decorative trees that made up the far side of the mansion's gardens.

Rem: What will Rem be listening to? Music?

Lyra stopped and thought for a moment.

What do I have her listen to? What kind of music do they have in this world? Are assembled orchestras a thing? Is it like plucky folk music? Or is it like medieval bard renditions?

Lyra: Yeah that's mostly what you use these for, is listening to music.

Rem's eyes lit up.

Rem: How does someone capture the music? Do you need to have it listen to it first?

Lyra: It can, but if I just recorded it live from somewhere it wouldn't sound very good. You can just download songs from—

Stopping herself, Lyra realized it would be pointless to explain music, the internet, possibly less the legal methods for obtaining said music, etc. to Rem, as she'd be there all day, and Rem was already getting a confused look on her face.

Lyra: Hmmmm. Basically someone else records it with special tools and sends it to me.

Rem: So it could capture an entire orchestra's performance?

Lyra: It most certainly can. Is that the kind of music you've listened to before?

Nodding, Rem responded.

Rem: We've attended ones in the Capitol with Roswaal-sama.

Putting a hand to her chin, Lyra only thought briefly before coming to an idea.

Lyra: I think I might have a good idea of where to start you in terms of music, then.

So I should probably choose something that falls under classical... She probably wouldn't fully understand or appreciate anything else... something that will really cement her first experience with music from my world... something that will really pop right away and take advantage of being listened to...

Lyra thought long and hard about her choice while scrolling through the music that she had on her phone, not finding anything that would work as well as she might hope. As she scrolled, Lyra was interrupted by a notification from the educational app that she had. Disregarding it, Lyra suddenly had an idea.

Wait, that's right, this app had me listen to some classical music as a lesson last week! I can look there.

Scrolling back through her older lessons, Lyra found the classical music one, and reopened it.

This! This song will work perfectly!

Lyra had come upon a song she knew had the impact she wanted Rem to experience but not be over the top.

With her thumb hovering over "Piano Concerto no.1 by Tchaikovsky in B Flat Minor," she made one final comment to Rem before her musical journey.

Lyra: Let me know if you want it to be louder or if it's hurting your ears, I can change it to make it better.

Rem nodded and Lyra hit play.

Rem's eyes immediately opened wide. Afraid, Lyra gestured to her and asked if she wanted it turned down, but she was far from where she was at this point. Staring out into the gardens, Rem was in a world of her own.

The blue haired maid had never heard something so beautiful before. It was as if she were sitting in the center seat, first row, in a hall with perfectly tuned acoustics, listening to the world's most skilled musical ensemble.

Lyra made note of the time in the song, getting closer and closer to the part where the big impact would happen.

Two minutes, twenty seven seconds.

Rem slowly raised her hands to her ears, small tears forming from her eyes. Lyra was left speechless as well. She hadn't expected this to have such a profound effect on the poor girl.

With Rem sitting to Lyra's immediate left,  and with Lyra holding her phone in her right hand, she had her left hand placed between the two of them, palm down on the seat.

Bringing her hands down from her ears, she used her left hand to wipe her small tears from her eyes, and her right hand had moved to cover Lyra's hand.

At first, Lyra had thought she was going to stand up and had accidentally placed her hand there, but that wasn't the case.

Rem had subconsciously, or consciously, for she did not know which, moved her hand to hold hers. Rem's hand felt delicate and soft, but ever so slightly weathered, perhaps from the work she did. Nonetheless, they were still smooth and kind feeling. Lyra could not react other than to freeze up and have her face turn a light shade of red.

As the song progressed farther, she could feel her finger tips move to grip her hand gently as they wrapped around the side between her index finger and thumb, and soon her thumb did so on the other side of her hand.

Ever so slightly, Rem was convincing herself to hold Lyra's hand more than even just laying her hand on hers.

Lyra was still in pure loss for words for the scene before her. Rem was still staring out into the gardens, the morning sun's light breaking through the trees and branches that they were under, landing on her blue hair, all while her hand was still coupled to Lyra's.

As the song progressed, Lyra couldn't believe that ultimately, this was a finite moment. The song was a longer one, but it will end, and so will this moment.

With the song drawing its ending, and the silence at the end of the track now present to Rem, she carefully removed the buds from her ears with her left hand. Taking her right hand that's holding Lyra's downturned hand, she gripped it to bring it up to her left hand, handing off the ends of the headphones into her palm, and closing her fingers around it for her.

Rem spoke in a quiet, but otherwise happy voice.

Rem: Thank you... Lyra-chan...

Lyra: O-of course...Rem...anything for you...

With that, Rem stood up and walked back to the main path.

Lyra's body was still in one spot, unmoved from how she had been, leaving her hand just how Rem had left it. She could only traverse her head to follow her.

Rem walked till she was out of the shadow of the tree and in the morning light that adorned the path and now herself.

With her back to him, Rem spun, the rotation lifting her outfit ever so, and her hair lifting as well, exposing both her eyes, fully illuminating her face, a scene Lyra realized she hadn't yet seen, which only sent her heart into a flutter and her cheeks into a bright red color.

Rem smiled at Lyra and gave a small laugh.

Turning herself towards the mansion, Rem began walking.

Lyra: W-wait!

Turning her head back to Lyra, Rem responded, still smiling and happy.

Rem: We have to hurry, Lyra-chan. It's almost time to leave.

With that, Lyra balled up her headphones and walked at a quicker pace to catch up to the maiden.

But unseen to her, Rem's expression had turned to a somber one. Bringing a fist up to her chest, Rem could only think.

There's only a sense of pure innocence from Lyra-chan, and Rem has no idea what came over her. But this felt right. If only Rem could shake her doubts of her... Rem would have never imagined interacting so intimately with someone who has THAT smell…

Chapter Text

Chapter 8: One Appa, Two Appa, Red Appa, Green Appa

After completing her late-morning stroll around the garden with Rem, the two went their separate ways once inside. Rem had a few things to attend to before leaving, and Lyra was on her way to Subaru's room to make good on her word. As promised, Lyra delivered the solar bank to his room. Lyra had agreed to allow Subaru to use it in exchange for doing most of Rem's early morning tasks. With Subaru away currently working on his own tasks, Lyra took her phone from the drawer and set up the panel in the window to catch the afternoon sun.

Making her way back down to the main foyer to where Rem would be waiting for her to depart with her, she found Ram in conversation with her.

Ram: I'm terribly sorry to burden you with the responsibility of watching him, but I'm afraid if he gets any more blood on anything It'll be quicker for Ram to just do the task herself.

Rem put a hand to her chin in thought, thinking of a solution. Interjecting himself into the conversation that was clearly about Subaru, Lyra asked her question.

Lyra: What's this about blood getting over everything?

Ram: If it isn't the more reliable of the two new helpers, Raly.

Lyra: I think maybe being the 'more reliable of the two' ought to at least earn me not having my name twisted into what sounds like some sort of curse, don't you agree?

Turning to address her further, Ram continued.

Ram: *sigh* The blood has to do with Barasu I'm afraid. In some wild idea of his, he decided to take on Rem's morning tasks for her and managed to cut his finger on at least each one, sometimes making quite the mess.

Almost as if on cue, Subaru made his way from the hallway, with each of his fingers on both hands covered in white bandages

Walking up to the group, Subaru said his greetings to Rem and Lyra.

Ram: And as you can see—

Subaru: Ow! Hey that's still sore—

Ram: Oh please, what if Emilia-sama saw you?

Grabbing Subaru's hand, Ram pulled it toward Rem to show her the extent of his actions.

Ram: Now, as you can see, Barasu is going to be rather useless at anything else we make him do today, so he can at least make himself useful by carrying some of the goods back on your errand.

Rem: I will have him do so, Nee-sama.

Well, there goes more alone time with Rem, it seems. Lyra could only think.

Rem: That reminds Rem, there's a need to check one last time before we depart so that we don't neglect to buy anything the pantry is low on.

Ram: And I must attend to Roswaal-sama's afternoon tea.

Leaving a girl and her wayward traveling companion in the foyer, Lyra took this chance to strategize.

Lyra: Hey, Subaru?

Subaru: I can already tell where this is going and the answer is 'no.'

Lyra: Oh come-on! You haven't heard me out yet. It involves me doing your work for a change.

At Lyra's proclamation, Subaru gave an expression that conveyed the impression that he was deciding to hear her out.

Lyra: I'll do your share of outside and bathroom cleaning duties if you just stay at least twenty paces off and not be a third wheel.

Subaru: 'Third wheel?' Are you treating this like it's some kind of date with her or somethin— HMM! HMM!

Lyra quickly placed her hand over Subaru's mouth to stop him from speaking anymore.

Lyra: Not so loud! I don't want her to overhear you. *sigh* Listen, you don't even have to carry anything. Just stay far behind and once we get to the village just kinda wander off, I'll take care of things.

Subaru could only nod in agreement, his mouth still covered.

Lyra responded to him with a simple, cheery smile and a thumbs-up.

Lyra: Good. Thanks!

Releasing him, Lyra gave Subaru his voice back, which he used to complain about the tasks he had done until Rem arrived back. A few minutes later, the three departed, with Subaru remaining far enough out to not be involved in Rem and Lyra's walking conversation.

Upon entering the village, Subaru slipped away while Rem and Lyra shopped for the goods they needed.

Lyra: Hey Rem, it might sound odd but, can you show me how money here works?

Rem tilted her head at Lyra's question.

Rem: Lyra-chan, what do you mean exactly?

Lyra: It's just I have no clue what the going rate for anything normally is here. Or—

Lyra took another quick look at all the stalls in the market square around herself, along with the goods they had on their counters.

Lyra: Or, and if I'm being honest here, I don't even recognize any of these fruits or vegetables.

Rem's expression of confusion slowly turned to one of intrigue, shocked at what Lyra had to say.

Rem: H-have you never bought groceries for yourself before? Were you from a noble family back in your country?

Lyra: Hardly! I've been sent to the corner store plenty of times by my parents when I was younger, but—

She stopped and picked up a random root looking item from one of the many stalls lining the square they were walking past. The owner of the stall was preoccupied with another pair of customers.

Lyra: I have no idea what this even is, any of this stuff really. It all looks really similar to what I had back home but from my limited experience, they all taste, and thus are used, in different ways then I'm used to.

Rem: Hmmm, Rem thinks she understands. Let's start with Appas.

The two walked to the next stall over. The stall had many crates filled with round red fruits, very similar to apples.

Lyra picked one up and examined it. It weighed and felt like an apple.

Lyra: We've got something like this back home.

Rem: Ara~? What does Lyra-chan call it there?

Lyra: Well, the broad term would be 'apple', there are many kinds of them really. If you showed this to anyone back home, they'd probably just think it's another breed of apple.

?: You mean you got more than one kind of appa from where you're from?

Interjecting into their conversion, the man behind the stall posed his question to Lyra, overhearing her while dealing with his customers. He was so intrigued by what Lyra was saying that he stopped paying attention to them.

Lyra: Oh yeah. They're all basically the same thing roughly. Some are sweeter, some are better for baking with or eating raw, some grow in different conditions, and some are slightly different colors.

Rem: Different... colored appas?

Lyra: Yeah, like green or super dark red, or even yellow.

Clerk: You mean to tell me you've seen green, and even yellow appas?

Lyra nodded her head and smiled.

Lyra: Yep! Sure have! Green ones we call 'Granny Smiths' and the yellow ones are usually called 'Golden Delicious'.

Looking down at the appa in her hand, Lyra guessed what it looked most like.

Lyra: And this appa, if I had to guess, looks a lot like a "Fuji".

Of course, Lyra wasn't a walking apple encyclopedia. Her educational app had her read a lesson on apples only a short while ago.

Clerk: That's interesting...

The clerk was clearly amused by the takes of foreign fruits, and was stroking his beard in thought when one could see the light bulb appear over his head.

Clerk: Say, look at these, do they got stuff like this where you're from—

Subaru: YEEEOOOCCHHH!

Lyra: H-huh!? SUBARU!?

The clerk's question was cut short as Subaru's howl got the whole market to look over at him, clutching his hand.

Rem: Please excuse us, we'll be right back.

Lyra: Yes, please excuse us for a moment.

Rem bowed before rushing off in the direction of Subaru's yell, while Lyra placed the appa back on the stand, bowed, and followed right behind her shortly after.

Finding Subaru surrounded by the village's children, Subaru was holding his hand in pain. Rem was the first to ask what the problem was.

Rem: Subaru-kun, are you alright?

Lyra: Did one of the cuts on your hand open back up?

Subaru: No! That puppy bit me!

First looking at his wound that his other hand was covering as it left to point at the puppy in question, Lyra distinctly saw two bite marks that a puppy could have indeed left. Second, the emasculated reason Subaru had given for his reaction began to sink in.

Their attention then turned to the puppy in question, being held by a girl with dark bluish-purpleish hair.

Girl: Sorry onii-san, but this puppy doesn't like strangers....

Subaru: Then why did you ask me to pet it?!

The girl only giggled in response.

Geez, all the kids in this village just have nothing better to do tham to harass Subaru it seems... Lyra realized.

Rem and Lyra looked at each other, both realizing that Subaru's response to such a small thing was simply over-dramatization. The two left Subaru to distract the children more while they finished shopping and later returned to fetch him to make their way back to the mansion.

With the trio standing at the road that lead back to the mansion from the village, Rem began to divy out the bags to be carried.

Rem: Here.

Rem handed Subaru the largest of the bags they had to carry back.

Rem: Subaru-kun can atone for making such a scene in the village.

She said this with a smile, one that prevented Subaru from protesting to her, but the situation itself was in direct conflict with Lyra and Subaru's deal, and because of that, Subaru shot Lyra a look demanding her attention.

As they left the village, Lyra fell back to Subaru's walking pace and whispered instructions to him.

Lyra: As we get out of the village, start to fall way behind, and I'll bring it up to Rem and say 'Let's stop and see what's wrong with him' and I'll take the bag from you. But make your response seem natural like you're surprised I'm taking the bag. Got it?

Subaru sighed and nodded, agreeing to the plan. Only a few minutes after leaving the village, Subaru began lagging behind, and Lyra got Rem to stop to wait for him.

Lyra: What's wrong, Subaru? Is your injured hand making it hard to carry the bag?

Subaru: Yeah you could say that.

Lyra: *sigh* Fine, gimme the bag. I'll hold it for you.

She tried to make her sigh sound as legitimate as she could, but it could only sound forced. Handing the bag off to Lyra, Subaru gave a dramatic sigh of his own, this one in relief.

With Rem staring at Subaru, with daggers of suspicion in her eyes, Subaru croaked out another comment to draw attention away from his bad acting, scratching the back of his head in the process.

Subaru: W-wow Lyra, it's like you always say! You're demonically inspired to help others, huh?

Lyra smiled in response.

Lyra: Yeah...you've got that right!

Rem's expression almost immediately changed. While Lyra had noticed, Rem had spun back around towards the direction of the road back to the mansion before she could inquire.

Lyra and Rem had walked for another few minutes, leaving Subaru to bring up the rear by a fair bit, when, seemingly out of nowhere, she had finally decided to bring up a question to Lyra that she had thought about from Subaru's last comment.

Rem: Lyra-chan.

Lyra: Hmm?

Rem: On what Subaru-kun said earlier... Does Lyra-chan... like demons?

Really not understanding what Rem meant by her question, Lyra indexed her memory on "Subaru" and "demons," not coming up with anything entirely related.

Lyra: Uhhh, do you mean those kids that wouldn't leave Subaru alone, in the village?

Rem: Hehe, no not quite.

Lyra: So then like...?

Rem clearly wasn't going to respond, she wanted Lyra to really speak her mind. Seeing Rem wasn't going to respond, Lyra had no choice but to think aloud to prompt her.

Lyra: Well, 'demon' really is a broad term here. I mean, where I come from, its generally considered a negative term, usually describing an evil entity.

Turning to Lyra, Rem's tone of voice began to have a hint of melancholy.

Rem: Oh... is that how Lyra-chan feels?

Lyra's vision left her staring straight down the road, really focusing on her words and thoughts on the subject, just how she assumed Rem wanted her to, but also trying to tiptoe around making this tone of melancholy in her voice increase. Lyra replied, walking a linguistic tightrope in his mind.

Lyra: Again, it's a broad term. You might say 'demon' to me and the first things that'll come to mind are devils, ghosts, and other uhhh, unpleasant things, like skeletons and witches.

Rem again was very focused on what Lyra's real feelings on this were, for reasons Lyra couldn't fully grasp.

Lyra: But, for someone like say, from around where Subaru is from, they might lump in what I would consider as ogres or oni, as 'demonic'.

Rem: So, Lyra-chan doesn't view those last two as demonic, and thus aren't evil or unpleasant.

Lyra: That's pretty much it exactly. I can't speak for how Subaru feels on it, but—

Shurgging, Lyra continued.

Lyra: —I think as long as the ogre and oni are nice people, I'm perfectly fine with being around them.

Rem stopped her walking pace and asked another follow up question, really making Lyra realize maybe what she was trying to get out of him.

Rem: Then Lyra-chan isn't afraid of either of those?

Lyra: Well, I've never met either, but there's a really great movie— er, play about a green ogre who lives in a swamp, and goes on a quest with a donkey to save the princess from a dragon—, well, point is, it's got a great message on accepting people who are different, even if they look a bit scary. Truth be told it's one of my homeland's favorites and—

Lyra cut herself off after Rem began walking once more, stepping right past her, wondering what had prompted this.

Did I say something bad?

Getting a few paces ahead of Lyra, Rem spun back around to face him, she began to smile her usual warm smile, except this time,the wind blew, blowing her bangs so that she could see both of her eyes.

Knowing that Rem knew that she was left speechless, she felt a fire of confidence in her chest and smiled back at her, determined to not waste a perfect good moment.

Lyra: You know, when the breeze pushes your hair like that when you smile, it almost knocks the wind right out of me.

With a small laugh, Rem spun back the other way, but looked back over her shoulder to Lyra as she began to continue forward

Rem: Rem doubts Lyra-chan would be as bold if Subaru-kun were not as far behind as he is. Although, she must admit, she does appreciate the compliment.

Lyra watched as Rem walked down the road, her hands folded in front of her in her maid like fashion. The breeze continued, causing leaves to dance all around Rem in the yellow evening sunlight. Staring as she walked off in the direction of the mansion.

Letting Rem continue to walk a few paces away, she turned back around once more, this time calling to Lyra.

Rem: There's still much to do once we get back. Are you coming, Lyra-chan?

Nodding, Lyra followed the blue-haired maid.

It was now much later in the evening. The trio had returned to the mansion and completed the rest of the daily duties. After dinner, Lyra returned to hier room for another tutoring session with Rem. However, both were distracted at the scene unfolding down on the mansion's back lawn.

Subaru and Emilia were finally getting some alone time, and from their mute perspective, it seemed that of course, Subaru was making a fool of himself.

Rem: Subaru-kun sure is energetic, isn't he?

Lyra: Yeah I'll say. Usually in situations with Emilia, he's his own worst enemy, yet it seems as though she's too oblivious to notice it.

Lyra turned her attention back to practicing writing different words on her parchment paper when Rem asked another question.

Rem: Just how long have Lyra-chan and Subaru-kun known each other?

Lyra: I've only known him since I first met him in the capitol, so only a few days.

Rem was surprised at her answer. How could two people who know each other so little trust each other so much? Asking her next question in a more serious, but still in a light hearted and curious way, she continued.

Rem: Rem remembers Lyra-chan saying she came from a land far to the West, and Subaru had said to Emilia that he had come far from the East. Rem also remembers that Lyra-chan said she knew where Subaru is from, isn't that correct?

Lyra: That sounds all about right, yeah.

Rem: How—, How do you know of each other's homeland but not of Lugunica? Or Vollachia, or the Kararagi City states? All of that would be between your homelands if that were true, wouldn't it?

Lyra set down her pen and made a few motions with her fingers as if they were going around an invisible ball.

Lyra: Well, if logic follows here how it would back home, technically if I left going further West, from the West, I would run into—

Rem: The great waterfall.

Lyra: Subaru's homeland, in the East.

Both her and Rem had spoken the last parts of their sentence at the same time, to different conclusions.

Lyra: Well, that's how a globe works, right? You go one way around it and you pop up on the other side.

Rem: Globe?

Lyra: Yeah...

Have these guys not figured out that the world is round? I get we're in another world, but what about the stars and the sun and the moon and—

Rem pulled one of the larger books from the pile that she had left in Lyra's room to help her train her reading skills with. She flipped to a page and on both sides was a large printed map. Presenting it to Lyra, she took it and set it down on the table over her writing work.

Tracing her finger around the edge of the map, Rem explained her confusion.

Rem: It is well documented and proven the entire world as we know it is surrounded by a Great Waterfall.

Lyra: So there are no other continents like this that you know of? Nothing beyond the sea?

Rem only shook her head "no", but responded with a question instead.

Rem: Do you not see either of your homelands on this map?

Giving the map a real good glance, Lyra made extra sure to see if his or Subaru's were anywhere slightly represented. But alas, neither were.

Lyra: I... I don't...

Taking a step back, Rem had thought for sure that Lyra was simply mistaken about the world's layout. She was utterly taken back. There was only one explanation for Lyra and Subaru's origins then.

Rem: Then are you—?

Bringing a fist to her chest in a mix of worry and confusion growing in her eyes, she finished her question.

Rem: Are the both of you from beyond the Great Waterfall?

Lyra and Rem stared at each other. Both unsure what to say. Lyra knew exactly what was meant by that. "Are you from another world?"

The only question was, should she keep up the cover? Play dumb? Come clean? What would happen if she told her that she came from a completely different world? Was there some sort of stigma of that here? Was she looking at some sort of consequence?

Lyra settled on an honest answer, she hadn't lied to Rem once, and she decided she wasn't going to start either. After what seemed to be a minutes long silence, she spoke her answer.

Lyra: I...I have no clue...sorry...

At her rather lacking response, most of the surprise and worry in Rem's eyes went away as she silently nodded. Closing the book in front of Lyra, Rem held it as she walked over to the window where Subaru and Emilia were visible down on the lawn.

It's one thing for Subaru-kun to be from beyond the Waterfall, but Lyra-chan... Rem said in her head.

Lyra: Rem, I—

At her call, Rem looked back at her, a sad expression covering her face.

Lyra: Rem...

Rem turned her whole self around and walked past her, making her way to the door, opening it, but stopping before stepping out, and spoke to Lyra in her formal tone.

Rem: Nee-sama will delegate your tasks tomorrow again, and after they're done, Rem will return to tutor you again

Going to take another step, she stopped yet again and continued her instruction.

Rem: Rem will wait till tomorrow to decide whether Lyra-chan or Subaru-kun wish to tell Emilia-sama and Roswaal-sama of your... origins. Or else, Rem and Nee-sama will bring it up to them. It's crucial that such a fact be known to them as it may cause complications later on.

Before she was able to fully close the door, Lyra called to her.

Lyra: Rem wait—

Rem: Good night.

From what Lyra could see, she swore as she said that, she saw tears in her eyes as she turned to close the door.

Having closed the door, Rem stood with her back against it. Tears began to run down her soft cheeks and land on the book she still held.

If they both truly are from beyond the Great Waterfall, then they will surely leave the mansion eventually. It makes sense after all, with both of their odd clothes and way of talking, and having no knowledge of how anything works, Rem isn't sure why she didn't come to that conclusion earlier. But still, why would they stay here when there would be so much more opportunity for them elsewhere?

Using her sleeve to wipe the tear drops off the book's cover, Rem departed, her thoughts still weighing heavily on her mind.

Lyra-chan will find and meet other, more interesting people. Those from beyond the Great Waterfall get plenty of business and marriage proposals for their unique knowledge and talents.

Looking down at the book in her hands again, the tears began to fall once more.

Lyra-chan would never be happy staying here. Rem could never offer her anything that is good enough.

Back in her bedroom, Lyra cleaned her desk of her study supplies with a heavy guilt in her heart. Choosing to retire for the night, she hoped that the next day, she might be able to get through to Rem and understand why she reacted this way.

Waking up, Lyra could feel the morning sun shining on her still-closed eyes.

However, this did not feel like the bed that she fell in had previously fallen asleep in. The covers smelled like fresh laundry, and the slight smell of fresh flowers also worked its way in as well.

Why does this seem so familiar?

As she finished her drowsy thoughts, she heard the sounds of the door opening and footsteps entering into the room.

?: Nee-sama Nee-sama, our guest sleeps well into the late morning.

?: Rem Rem, our guest appears to be a deadbeat who sleeps in till noon.

Rem: Nee-sama Nee-sama, it would appear so. While he is checked on, Rem will tend to our other guest.

Ram: Rem Rem, please do not leave me alone around such a despicable man.

Rem: Rem will only be over here, Nee-sama

Why is this so familiar? Did I oversleep and now they're teasing me?

Rem: Nee-sama, it would appear as though our other guest is already half awake.

Ram: Good, please wake her the rest of the way.

"Guest?" I have a name, they both know, and I'm not exactly a guest anymore.

Lyra could suddenly feel Rem's presence leaning over her now, startling her the rest of the way awake.

Rem jumped back, surprised at Lyra's sudden movement.

Lyra: Goodness gracious Rem, you know when you do that it scares the daylights out of-

Lyra.stopped her words. She was completely taken back by what she saw, instantly answering her questions as to why she felt this was such a familiar scene.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9: Returning by Death

Lyra's eyes bounced across the room, desperately trying to figure out why she was back inside of the guest room. She finally locked eyes with Rem, who was staring at Lyra as her head darted around the room.

Lyra: I-is this some kind of prank?! What's going on here?!

Rem tilted her head in confusion, clueless as to what Lyra was insinuating.

Lyra: R-Rem?

Rem was silent for a moment before having a more serious tone and speaking in a low tone.

Rem: How do you know—

Lyra: Hey where's Subaru? If this is... He should be— Subaru?! SUBARU?!

With Lyra cutting off Rem, something she would only do in this state of confusion, she leaned back and forth, side to side, to see around Rem.

If this is some sort of prank of putting me back in the guest room, then Subaru would have to be right over there! In the other bed—

After getting a clear picture of Subaru, right where he should be, Lyra couldn't believe what her eyes were showing her.

Just as before, Ram was over at Subaru's bedside where he was already awake. Except that instead of him being his enthusiastic self, Subaru wore an expression on his face that was just as distressed as Lyra's. No,  even more distressed...

Lyra wondered why Subaru had the current look on his face that he did as well as why he was staring at his hands the way he was now.

Why is he staring so hard at his hands? Did they get more cut up or—?

Lyra: —Hk!

The bandages covering Subaru's cut and wounded hands were gone. Leaving hands that weren't cut in the least bit. Hands that were yet to be worked.

Lyra: Subaru... h-how did you—?

As soon as Lyra turned to get out of bed, Rem blocked her way.

Rem: Guest-sama, please stay where you are, you are not yet aware of your surroundings.

Lyra: No, Rem, hold on a minute.

Lyra quickly turned to instead get up on the other side of the bed, however, Rem placed a hand on Lyra's shoulder and stopped her even quicker.

Rem: Guest-sama.

Lyra: H-hold on, s-something isn't right! I need to check up on Subaru to see if everything is okay-

After still trying to get up, Lyra was instead brought back to her original posture. Unknown as to why she had moved back, it wasn't until she saw Rem looking down at her, suspicion written on her face, that Lyra realized that Rem  had made her lay back down.

Recalling the last few seconds, Lyra realized that it was Rem that had pushed her back down, utilizing some sort of amazing strength she didn't think she was capable of.

Before either one of them could say anything, both of their attention was taken by the door slamming open and the very last blur of Subaru running out of the room, arm covering his head, leaving behind a messy bed. Lyra could only give him a look of concern as he ran out the door and into the hallway.

Lyra: Subaru...

Rem: Nee-sama?

Ram: He just bolted out after mumbling something about a promise.

Rem: We should chase after him shouldn't we? He will only get himself lost.

Ram: Rem, wait here with our other guest unless she decides to take a self-guided tour too, I will inform Emilia-sama of the runaway guest and go look for him.

Rem: Yes, Nee-sama.

With Ram closing the door, Lyra was left with questions still unanswered.

Did Emilia use healing magic on Subaru's hand last night maybe? Then why was he so distressed about it..? I don't understand...

As Lyra stared down at her bed sheets in thought, Rem pulled up a chair and sat at her bedside.

Rem: Guest-sama, are you feeling alright? Do you know why your friend ran off in distress? Did Nee-sama or Rem do anything to upset him?

Lyra: "Guest-sama"? "Friend"? You know our names, Rem, so does Ram. Why are you—?

Rem: A better question would be why does Guest-sama know our names? Rem is doubtful that Emilia-sama told you of us in any great detail.

Rem cut off Lyra in a stalwart, serious manner.

Lyra: I'm sorry but... what in the world are you talking about? We've been here for the past five days working—

Rem: I do believe you are mistaken on the order of events. Guest-sama has been asleep since Emilia-sama brought her here from the Capitol.

Lyra: — — —

How?! How...how...HOW?! Something about this just ISN'T right!

Lyra was absolutely lost. Her voice trembling, she pleaded to Rem.

Lyra: I-is this some sort of joke, or prank, or something about last night?! What is going on?! What has gotten into you today?!

Rem: Again, Rem believes that you are mistaken about things. You should lie back down if you still aren't feeling well.

Lyra sat up in bed and kept to her own thoughts. Finally, after a while, she turned away from Rem and continued to think, trying to wrap her head around everything.

Finally after what felt like an eternity, she sat back up, Rem still watching her like a hawk.

Lyra: I need to talk to Subaru. Something isn't right here...I need to figure out what's going on here!

Rem stood up and looked out the window to the lawn on the back of the mansion.

Rem: Guest-sama is in luck, it appears Emilia-sama has found him.

With this info, Lyra flopped out of the bed, still in just her nightgown, like how Subaru was still in his robe, and marched down to confront him.

With how he acted, he just HAS to know SOMETHING about whatever the HELL is going on!

As Lyra rounded the corner down the stairs, Subaru and Emilia were just making their way inside, cheery as ever.

Walking up to the two, Lyra grabbed Subaru's robe and pulled him away from Emilia.

Subaru: Woah,woah, H-HEY! What the hell are you doing-

Lyra: Strategy meeting. Huddle up. We need to talk.

Unable to fight back, Subaru was tugged along.

Subaru: Wait for me there, Emilia-tan! I'll be right back!

Puck: How rude! Just when you and Subaru were having such a nice conversation.

Lyra: Eheh...sorry...I'll try to make it as quick as possible!

Emilia could only look on as Subaru was more or less dragged away against his will.

Emilia: I'm sure Lyra has a good reason for this...

Rounding the corner to the hallway, Lyra opened the door to the storage closet, the very one she had grabbed a vase from, and closed it behind her

Finally letting Subaru go, Lyra began her interrogation.

Lyra: You wanna tell me just what in the HELL is going on here?! Huh?!

Subaru: What? What do you mean? Emilia brought us both back here after the incident in the Capitol—

Lyra: Don't give me that. You know what's up. I saw it on your face when you bolted out of the guest-room.

Subaru was now just as perplexed as Lyra was.

Subaru: I don't...

Subaru looked down at his hands, the same ones he knew hadn't been worked. Yet...

Finally, having had enough of it, Lyra grabbed Subaru's wrist and shoved his palm back into Subaru's face, almost making him smack himself.

Lyra: Don't piss on my shoes and tell me that it's raining, Subaru. I know for a fact that you didn't have Emilia heal your hands, you're too proud for that.

Subaru: M-m-my hands?

Finally getting his hand back to himself, Subaru could only think. No... No! There's no way she could possibly...

Lyra: Yes! Your hands! Your hands that were cut, blistered, bit, and bandaged! What. Happened. To. Them?

Taking several steps backwards and falling to his knees, Subaru couldn't believe it.

Subaru: You... you remember?

Patience running low, Lyra was tired of this conversation moving at such a slow pace when so much had changed.

Lyra: Of course I do! The work! The twins! Roswaal! The trip to the village!

Perhaps getting a clue as to maybe what this all entailed, Lyra calmed herself.

Lyra: Even my moments with Rem... Things I'll never forget...Please, Subaru...just be honest with me already...please...I'm worried...

Please don't be what I think this is...

Subaru: Was it you?

Lyra: Was what "me"?

Subaru: Did... did you... die?

Absolutely lost as to what Subaru's question meant, Lyra was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to respond.

Finally regaining her composure with a sigh, Lyra esponded as best as she could.

Lyra: The last thing I remember is going to bed...

Subaru: So do I...

Lyra: Then what's with the odd questions of dying?! This isn't the first time you've asked things like that. You did once in the Capitol, in my car, and another time when we were walking.

Taking a moment to think, Subaru came to a conclusion.

Subaru: Since you know and remember the things that happened, and you are the only one who does, I suppose I better tell you the whole story...

Subaru proceeded to tell Lyra about how he had been killed by the woman in black at the loothouse at least twice and had also died from being stabbed by alley thugs at least once before meeting her. He told her about how whenever he died, time seemed to reset to a certain point, almost as if he had time-traveling abilities of some sort.

Subaru told Lyra that he has called that ability "Return by Death".

Lyra: Wh...what....the hell....

Lyra looked absolutely terrified. Not of Subaru himself, but the fact that he had had to go through such horrible pain and relive it at LEAST multiple times over...

Lyra's vision began to darken and blur, and she started to feel dizzy and lose her balance.

Lyra: I...I d-don't feel so...good...

Lyra blacked out.

Subaru quickly caught Lyra before she could hit the ground.

Subaru: Lyra?! LYRA! Shit! Shit...shit...shit! I've gotta get someone! Emilia!? 

Subaru rushed to get Emilia, who checked up on the unconscious Lyra and decided to let her rest some more in the guest room.

Lyra later woke up, with Emilia sitting in a chair close to the bed she was laying in and Subaru standing nearby.

Emilia: Hey, Lyra? Are you feeling better now?

Lyra: ...Is that...you, Emilia?

Emilia: Yes. I'm here with Subaru. He told me that you suddenly passed out while you were talking, and we both though that it would be a good idea for you to rest some more, so we carried you here.

Lyra: How long was I out for?

Subaru: Hmm...maybe about 30 minutes to an hour or so? Right, Emilia-tan?

Emilia: Yeah, that's about right, I think.

Lyra got into a sitting position.

Lyra: You're not gonna make me stay in bed the rest of the day, right? Not gonna lie, I was looking forward to hanging out with you both today.

Emilia smiled gently at Lyra.

Emilia: Oh, no! Not if you don't need to! We would be happy to let you hang out with us for as long as possible, as long as you were in the right condition for it. We were just worried about you, that's all. 

Subaru: Yeah, we're just glad to see that you're doing okay now.

Emilia: That's right.

Subaru: Let's hang out then, shall we?

Subaru gave Lyra a cheesy grin., with Lyra smiling warmly at both of her new friends in response.

Lyra: Yeah! Of course!

With both Subaru and Lyra's hangout session with Emilia and their daily meals over, and both of their new jobs secured again as a reward for helping keep Emilia safe, Lyra returned to her room, where she scrounged out her solar battery and connected her phone its charger.

Sitting down at her desk, she realized that, while normally, she would begin studying with Rem around this time, that wouldn't happen until at least tomorrow now because of Subaru's "Return by Death" ability having been activated the moment prior.

At that very moment, Lyra had promised something to herself. She had made her own personal mental oath of protection towards both her new and (potential) future friends. 

Lyra: I swear...I will try my best to keep you...and everyone else.. from dying as many times as I can...no matter what! 

Lyra plopped down into her chair, fiddling with the same, albeit fresh now, quill pen. This continued for a few minutes until she heard a knock at the door.

Lyra:  Yes? Come in!

Opening and closing the door behind her, Ram stepped into the rather barren room.

Ram: Raly, I took the liberty of writing down tomorrow's duties for you, like cutting the grass—

Lyra: Edging the walkway, trimming the shrubs, and sweeping the back porch. Got it!

Lyra gave Ram a smile, wink, and a thumbs-up sign.

Ram looked up from her note, moderately surprised that she knew exactly what she had listed.

Ram: Well then I guess there's no need to worry about you getting your work done, then. I suggest getting some good rest, it'll be a long day for you tomorrow. 

Turning around, Ram opened the door and left without a second thought.

With Ram gone and nothing left to do, Lyra readied herself for bed. The late evening sun was still coming through her window, which made sleeping impossible. Lyra was left alone with her thoughts as she laid in bed.

I can't believe it...everything I did, every impression that I made, it's all gone...

Lyra laid awake and recalled everything Subaru had told her about his "Return By Death" ability. It was hard for Lyra to believe, but all the odd things Subaru had said or done up to this point made sense to her now. Lyra's mind raced with theories. 

Why did she only appear on the last "loop?" Why wasn't she there for the earlier ones alongside Subaru? Why hadn't Subaru at least tried to tell someone else? 

With it finally getting dark outside, Lyra finally began to feel drowsy. Her last conscious thoughts being...

Just what killed Subaru this time? Did I also happen to die too somehow?

With the dawn of the second day, Lyra woke up early and did her tasks. Having been familiar with where the tools were and how Ram would have explained how the tasks at hand were expected to be completed, Lyra was making good headway into getting them done early.

She wasn't doing this merely out of familiarity with the job, but rather, it was demoralizing on top of her other emotions that she felt about losing her moments with Rem, having to put sweat and blood into things she'd already done once.

While Lyra was cutting the grass, Subaru had made his way outside during one of his breaks, flopping down on the freshly cut grass.

Lyra: You're going to get grass stains on your uniform doing that, you know.

Jumping up, Subaru brushed some loose trimmings off of himself.

Subaru::Geez, you really did this quick today, huh?

Lyra: Yep.

Subaru: And it looks like you already cut the hedges too.

Lyra: Yep.

Subaru: Is that all you're going to say?

Lyra: Yep.

Subaru sighed. He had a clue as to why Lyra was being distant.

Subaru: Listen, I'm sorry I died, if that makes you feel any better.

Lyra stopped using the lawn cutter.

Lyra: No need to apologize. It's not like it's YOUR fault that you died, anyways, right?

Subaru: Y-yeah...you're right...

The two stood in silence for a moment, both reflecting on their own frustrations on the matter.

Lyra: Hey...if you don't mind me asking...what's it like to...you know...die?

Subaru looked down at the ground in thought for a moment before responding.

Subaru: It's... terrible..just...terrible ..

Lyra: Yeah...I figured as much...but, what did you see? What was it like being dead?

Subaru: The past few times, I felt the embrace of some lady....but last night, I was asleep,..I didn't feel anything that time...

Lyra: Hmmm...

Subaru: Is something on your mind?

Putting a hand to her chin in thought, Lyra spoke her thoughts aloud.

Lyra: I was thinking it over last night before I went to bed... what if you weren't the only one who died? What if it was me as well? Or...come to think of it...what if I was the ONLY ONE to have died that night? I'm the only other one who remembers what was lost...

Subaru: I have no clue. We still need to figure out why a reset happened.

Lyra : It's just... Why us? Why did you die multiple times before I showed up? What if it was just you who died last night? Why do these "respawn"  locations change? Do you control them? Do I? What if I die but you live? Does me dying turn on a reset? Why am I the only one here with a Reading Steiner-like ability? Why—

Lyra continued to go on and on, looking upward into the sky as if pleading to a higher power that she didn't truly believe in to answer the questions she had. Subaru stood back up and placed his hand on Lyras shoulder, stopping her. Lyra gave him a suprised look as a response.

Lyra: Hm? Subaru? 

Subaru: I think it's best if we play this all by ear. We don't exactly have a guide book for this, so let's not worry about things we can't figure out right at this moment. I—, er, WE got through with our dealings in the Capitol, we can manage this.

Lyra: *sigh* Yeah you're right...

Changing the subject, Lyra decided to push the conversation in a better direction, should Subaru derail the idea.

Lyra: On the first day of work, I finished early, and I bet you probably will today as well. Do you wanna meet up on the back steps after work is done and take a walk and discuss what our game plan is going to be?

Subaru: Yeah that sounds like a good idea. Well, anyway, Ram's probably gonna come looking for me, so I'm getting back at it. See ya, Lyra!

Subaru and Lyra both waved goodbye to each other, with Lyra nodding and going back to cutting the lawn shortly after.

As the day began to draw to a close, just like last time, both Subaru and Lyra finished their tasks early. The workload was rather light, just like how it was on their first day.

After meeting on the back steps, the two made their way along the gardens, a familiar path for both of them at this point.

Lyra: So what's our goal here? Our main objective. Is it still the night of the fourth day?

Subaru: Yeah, I'd say that's it. We have to figure out what killed me. Or you. Or both of us?

Lyra: Do you think that Elsa lady could've tracked us down somehow, by any chance?

Subaru: That doesn't quite seem like her style though. Just killing without making a big creepy show of it? I think we're up against a new adversary here.

Lyra: So we have to simply wait and see what happens? Do we seriously have no leads to investigate?

Shaking his head, Subaru elaborated.

Subaru: Even if it really results in either of our deaths again, it's important to gather information.

Lyra: Given we still don't know if it was just yours, or mine, or both of our deaths, I can't say I'm really on board with that plan, but we really have no other avenue here.

Subaru: That actually reminds me. Say we do get reset again, do you really want to cut the same grass and hedges all over again?

Lyra: No. I really don't want to. Why do you ask though? Are you proposing next time around we swap jobs?

Subaru: Not in the slightest.

Slowing his walk, Subaru lined up with, and kicked a small rock on the path further down it.

Subaru: Remember when Roswaal said he'd give us any request?

Lyra was silent for a moment in thought, but responded quickly enough.

Lyra: Alright, you've got my attention. I'm listening.

Subaru: We should just ask to be permanent guests of the mansion.

Lyra: And what? Be this world's version of a NEET? Just two random-ass freeloaders?

With the rock Subaru kicked drawing close, Subaru lined up for another kick, sending it further down the path again.

Subaru: While tempting, not exactly. We'll probably get some clues on what happens on the fourth night, and we'll need all the time we can to investigate it, which is hard to do when we work most of the day.

Lyra: So it's in a bid to make future investigation easier? When you put it that way, I understand.

Getting up to where the rock landed from Subaru's last kick, it was on Lyra's side of the path now. Lining herself up for her own kick, Lyra gave it a go. Striking the rock with the odd part of her shoe, the rock tumbled off to the side of the path. Hopping and skipping across the uneven terrain, it finally bounced and hit a bench. A bench off to the side of the path, in the shade of a tree.

The very same bench where her and Rem had held hands, a memory now lost to all but her...

Breaking from Subaru, Lyra walked up the bench. The sadness of memories lost to only herself plagued both her mind and her consciousness. Lyra stood hollow, staring at the empty bench that would have occupied herself and Rem around this very time had things stayed the same. Her sorrow quickly become frustration. Frustration towards the experiences and accomplishments that now only existed as memories to herself.

Managing to keep it all together, despite her rush of emotions, Lyra kicked the rock further out into the greenery and returned back to the path where Subaru was waiting. He had a clue as to what was on Lyra's mind, but chose not to mention anything.

The two only talked lightly as they made their way back in the direction of the mansion. As they walked up the steps to the back porch area, they were met by Ram.

Ram: Barusu, Raly.

Subaru: Oh hey Ram, what's up?

Ram snorted.

Ram: Quite the show of disrespect to address your superior with such casual language.

Subaru: Well, we are on our own time here, and—

Lyra: Anyway, did you have something you needed to tell us Ram?

Showing an ever so slight appreciation for cutting off Subaru, Ram spoke to Lyra in a slightly less disappointed tone.

Ram: Yes. I'll get right to it then.

Raising a finger to Subaru, Ram pointed.

Ram: It is obvious that you, Barusu are illiterate.

Turning the direction her finger pointed towards Lyra Ram continued.

Ram: —and you, Raly, know about only enough to write a few words, spare your own name.

Crossing her arms now and with her eyes closed, Ram arrogantly announced what she had to say.

Ram: That is why, Barusu, I will be tutoring you after the day's work is done. Raly, since you originally requested tutoring alongside a position here, and Rem agreed to take it on, she will still be tutoring you.

Subaru: Alright, so I'll be learning the same things as Lyra, then?

Ram: No. I'll be instructing you in a more utilitarian fashion, how to write orders, make lists, and how to read instructions, making you more effective at your work, which means less work for me, which means less work for Rem.

Subaru slumped his shoulders and hung his head.

Subaru: At least you were true about your intentions in showing me

Ram smiled, putting herself on airs.

Ram: I think my honesty is one of my most charming features.

Resuming her previous expression, Ram concluded what she had to say.

Ram: Barusu, I will be up to your room later to begin. Raly, Rem is already waiting for you.

Lyra: Got it. Thanks for letting us know, Ram.

Ram let out a smug "Ha!" and walked off.

And with that, Subaru and Lyra headed back to their respective rooms for their next lessons.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: Close Intimacy

Lyra walked up the stairs to her room. Pacing herself since she knew Rem was going to be waiting, Lyra tried to calm her nerves.

You know her, but she doesn't you. Just be considerate and nice and I'm sure we'll be right back to where we started.

Placing one hand on the doorknob, Lyra took one final breath and pushed away her anxious feelings as much as she could, forcing a more positive expression and voice.

Turning the knob and letting herself in, she found Rem standing by her desk already, books stacked neatly on one corner and parchment and ink ready on the other side.

Rem: Good evening Lyra.

Rem greeted Lyra in her static, nearly expressionless voice. Her heart sank hearing her talk to her in such an unfamiliar fashion.

Lyra smiled warmly at Rem and responded to Rem.

Lyra: Good evening, Rem. It's very nice to see you!

Rem: Likewise.

Rem was unsure why she had just said that, but she did, and she didn't really mind either, even if she didn't know what to think of Lyra just yet.

Taking her jacket off, Lyra hung it in her closet and went to sit down.

Strictly out of habit, she grabbed the quill and dunked it in the ink, and began writing her own name over and over again. Observing behavior that was odd to her, Rem simply continued to watch. After filling a few lines, Lyra put her quill down, and turned to Rem, who was still observing what Lyra was doing.

Seeing that she was done, Rem picked up the parchment and gave the words a look-over.

Rem: It appears you know how to write your own name at the very least. Was someone else teaching you before this? To write your name again and again as practice?

Lyra: Uhhh, well, you could say that.

Rem: Does Lyra know any other words?

Lyra: A few. Here I'll write them as best I can.

Jotting down a few dozen words, he tried to form a sentence.

She watched Rem's eyes trace the sentence over and over again.

Rem: Your grammar is also lacking it seems.

Lyra: Eheh...yeah...

That evening's tutoring session had turned into Rem trying to find where Lyra was skill-wise and begin teaching from there. After more or less seeing the extent of Lyra's literacy, Rem retired for the evening rather abruptly and earlier then normal. Lyra was slightly worried by Rem's continued coldness in her behavior toward her. With her worries filling her mind, Lyra rwent to sleep not long after Rem had departed.

Rising early in the morning, Lyra woke up and began the day's work.

Trimming more hedges and edging more walkways, Lyra finished even earlier than the last time she did, early enough that even Ram hadn't come to tell her that she was done for the day.

Lyra began to reflect on the previous third day that she experienced.

Lyra: If I seem to recall correctly, Rem and Ram were swamped with stuff to do today and dinner ended up being late because of it...

With an idea sprouting, Lyra placed her fist into her open palm. With a mission in mind, she searched the mansion for Rem. Lyra finally located her in the mansion's washroom, scrubbing the drained bathing area with Ram.

Lyra: Hey, Rem. Hey, Ram.

Looking up from her rather lazy scrubbing, Ram was the first to pay any attention to Lyra.

Ram: Are you having trouble finishing your tasks, Raly?

Lyra: Actually I finished them up early, and I know you guys are busy today, so would you like me to get more stuff taken care of for you so that you have more time to yourselves?

The twins looked at each other, then back to Lyra.

Ram: You've already clipped the lawn? Edged the—

Lyra: Edged the walkways? Yes. Trimmed the shrubs? Yes as well.

Feeling proud of herself due to seeing the surprised facial expression on Ram, it was a feeling quickly dulled by the slight scowl on Rem's face.

Lyra: Hmm? Something wrong Rem?

For a brief moment, there was silence between them all.

Finally breaking the almost half minute of silence, Ram spoke up.

Ram: Well, since she's willing to work more, I will get started on a few other things then.

Stepping on up out of the bathing area, Ram handed off the scrubbing broom to her and walked towards the door, but not before turning around and speaking to Rem.

Ram: Her hair. That's what you were staring at Raly for, right?

Rem: Yes. She has some split ends which desperately need to be trimmed off.

Hearing her older sister's question, Rem perked up slightly.

Lyra: T-thats what was bothering you?

Instinctively touching the tips of her hair, Lyra felt somewhat vulnerable.

She never mentioned anything about my appearance before…

Rem: Yes. It was bothering Rem a little. A little, a little-a-lot bothering Rem, yes. Immensely.

What?! Did it really bother her that much?!

Snapping Lyra out from her shocked thoughts, Ram spoke up once more.

Ram: Raly, why not let Rem trim your hair a bit and I'm sure she'll be happier with it. You'll be in heaven with her skilled hands and fingers.

Slightly blushing Lyra could only nervously smile.

Lyra: Well, how can I say no to that? Haha.

Gathering a more serious tone, Lyra continued sharing her thoughts.

Lyra: But uhh, I don't want to pile anything more on Rem, I know you both are already struggling to get stuff done today and prep for dinner.

The twins exchanged another quick look at each other before Ram departed.

With Ram gone, Lyra took off her shoes, pulled off her thigh-high socks, and stepped down into the drained bath with Rem. Going to where Ram had been scrubbing, Lyra set to it as well. Silence had fallen upon the bath while the two concentrated on their work.

After another hour of scrubbing, Rem finally decided to speak up.

Rem: Lyra, Rem is terribly sorry for the things she said earlier. As Emilia-sama's savior your position here far out ranks mine.

Stopping her scrubbing, Rem gave a slight bow in apology.

Lyra:: Geez Rem, don't worry about it. Really. If I knew it upset you that much I'd have tried to do something about it myself earlier.

Stopping her own scrubbing, Lyra posed a question to Rem; a solution that might satisfy both of them.

Lyra How about a deal?

Rem: Yes? Rem will hear you out.

Lyra: How about you do whatever makes you happy with my hair? Cut it, trim it, style it, you name it. In exchange, I'll forget what you said.

Rem stared at Lyra in thought, long enough that he went back to scrubbing, just to prevent a would-be staring contest.

Rem: Rem doesn't quite understand. What is Lyra getting out of this?

Stopping mid scrub, Lyra responded, not looking directly at her, but instead choosing to keep her eyes where she was still looking.

Lyra: You've already helped me so much here, with the opportunity to be here, with the studying, your cooking... everything really.

She began to feel a yearning in her heart, a strong desire to wipe away any and all tensions between herself and Rem.

Lyra: I don't want to be off-putting towards you due to things I don't notice... I'm sorry that I was.

Rem: —!

Lyra didn't see it, but Rem's expression had a slight element of surprise to it.

She really has no clue that Rem can smell THAT on her, does she? Rem was beginning to think that Lyra suspected that Rem knew, but now... Rem doesn't even think Lyra knows he has that scent. 

Lyra's sincere words had made a profound effect on Rem, causing her to double guess her own suspicions. With her previous feelings beginning to waver, a new one began to be fostered in her chest.

Rem: Okay then. Rem accepts.

A warm sensation, while faint, would build as she looked at or thought of Lyra. The blue-haired maid wanted desperately to cast aside these new emotions she was feeling, but she could not bring herself to.

Feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders, Lyra sighed and picked up her scrubbing broom.

Lyra: *sigh* Thank you. But uhh, wouldn't you say we're done in here now? We made this place pretty spotless.

Rem stopped and looked around.

Rem: Yes, this looks to be sufficient.

Lyra took one giant step to get up and out of the drained bath and took a few steps over to where Rem was, still standing down below.

Extending a hand down to Rem, she stared at it a moment before finally taking it, both of their hearts starting to flutter slightly and their cheeks turning slightly pink.

Going to hoist Rem up, she was surprised at how light she actually was. In an effort to keep from slinging her across the room behind her, she dramatically decreased the amount of strength mid hoist, causing her to come chest to chest with her.

With Rem pressed up against Lyra, they each could only give each other a surprised look, each with blushes on their faces. The two locked eyes for what seemed like a small eternity, but in reality was only a few seconds.

The emotion Rem felt in her chest began to swell dramatically. She could feel her heart begin to beat quicker and her face began to feel warm from the blush forming across her face.

Truth be told, neither wanted to really be the first to back away, out of consideration for the others perception of what that might possibly mean.

Lyra: ...You have such beautiful eyes...

Rem: S-so do you...W-wait!

Lyra: W-what...kyahh!!

Finally, with Rem and Lyra coming back to their un-surprised senses, Rem and Lyra both backed away from each other.

Rem: I-Im sorry! Rem didn't mean to—

Lyra: N-no you're fine! I'm the one who should be- R-Rem!! Watch out!

Expect while going to step back, Rem forgot the edge of the bath was still right behind her.

Losing her footing under the nervousness she was experiencing from her previous predicament, Rem was going to fall backward.

The hand that she still held that Lyra had pulled her up with was not going to be sufficient in catching her, if she yanked on that hand, she risked only making her fall at a different angle, possibly hurting her more then this initial fall would. Leaning forward, while maintaining a sure control over her own balance, Lyra swiftly extended and curved her free hand around Rem's back, catching her before her balance was completely lost.

The two stood there looking like a dancing couple with Rem in a backwards bow with Lyra's arm around her back and their shared hand-hold being held way up and above to make room as Lyra pulled Rem in.

Bringing Rem back in, arm still around her, Lyra side-stepped around her, keeping Rem away from the bath edge in case of another repeat fall, and dropped the hand from her back.

Her face was buried in Lyra's chest, and after a moment of her looking down at her, Rem dropped the hand that she was still holding and placed both of her hands on Lyra's shoulders before finally looking up at her.

Rem: T-thank you f-for saving Rem.

Finally with her saying those words, her face softened up and her voice had dropped its cold formality for the first time in this loop. As she looked at Lyra, the grip from the hands on Lyra's houlders slightly tightened, gripping the fabric of her groundskeeper uniform as if trying to reassure herself.

Smiling back at Rem, not because of the situation, but rather because she was relieved that Rem had finally dropped her superficial guard against her, Lyra nerviously replied to her thanks, blushing slightly and smiling.

Lyra: O-of course. Anything for you, Rem.

Acknowledging her thanks, Rem stepped back and bent down to pick up the scrubbing broom that she had dropped in the confusion, Lyra doing the same with her.

Putting the rest of the cleaning supplies away, the two took a final look at the now clean bath.

Lyra: Now, let's go see if we can go help Ram, okay?

With Rem nodding in agreement, the two fixed their uniforms, and headed out into the rest of the mansion.

Departing with Rem, the two walked down the hall together. Lyra had no real clue as to where the two of them were heading, but neither did Rem.

Rounding the corner to the foyer area, the two came across Ram scolding Subaru for what she was describing as a "poor work ethic".

Ram: Barusu, if you are able to complete tasks early, you will be expected to work on more things to free up time for me, and to let Rem work on things only SHE'S good at.

Subaru: But this is the normal workload!

No doubt, he's upset because he was able to do the same tasks in a much shorter time than in the last loop, but Ram isn't going to let him off early.

Deciding to propose a solution to the problem, Lyra nterjected.

Lyra: Hey I've got nothing better to do right now, I'll help Subaru with something. Some of the rugs and mats are due for a cleaning, aren't they?

Remembering one of the longer tasks that was set to take part of Rem's morning on the fourth day, it was ultimately passed onto Subaru as part of their deal. Lyra bought up a contending idea.

Ram: I will help Barusu with that, Raly, you already assisted Rem in cleaning the bath, which was already more than what Ram would have made you do.

Subaru: Why does SHE have such a light load but not me?!

Ram spun back to Subaru with daggers for eyes.

Ram: Because in accordance to Raly's agreement with Roswaal-sama, she is a 'part-time' worker, you are not. Allowing Raly to work more would be going against that agreement and against Roswaal-sama's wishes.

Lyra: Well, if I help, the two of you can start preparations for dinner, right? Seems at this rate, you two are worrying about it being late tonight.

In place of Ram agreeing or disagreeing, she simply gave Rem a rather obvious side glance.

Lyra: Well? Whaddaya say?

Ram nodded to Rem.

Ram: Very well, Rem and I shall depart to start dinner preparations.

With that, the twins left, leaving Subaru and Lyra to drag rugs to the back patio to beat the dirt and dust off them. It ended up being quite the task considering many of them were long hallway-type rugs.

After dinner was finished up, and after a bath of her own,Lyra retired to her room, waiting for Rem to begin their tutoring session.

Finally, albeit later then normal, Rem knocked on the door and let herself.

With that, a rather normal study session was underway, however, one thing had sent Lyra's heart down into her gut: Rem's cold, yet formal expression and tone had returned.

Lyra was shocked. She was certain that Rem had finally opened up to her after the falling incident. Her emotions were starting to get the better of her, which was beginning to show in her penmanship on the characters she was practicing.

Rem had taken notice at the slower and sloppier pace of her writing, and asked her about it out of concern.

Rem: Rem can see that Lyra is struggling tonight. Did Lyra strain her wrist today?

Stopping her writing, Lyra picked up her wrist and gave it a turn, taking a moment to respond.

Lyra: T-thats... not quite it.

There was brief but noticeable silence after that.

Rem walked just behind where she sat at her desk and placed her hands on her shoulders.

Rem: You're tense. Let Rem rub your shoulders.

Lyra: Th-thanks for the offer, but I-i'm fine. Really! No need to-

Ignoring Lyra's protest, Rem started working her fingers on the outer part of Lyra's shoulder.

The feeling of Rem's shoulder-rub was most relaxing to Lyra. Despite the return of her cold tone, she seemed to be acting... friendlier, regardless.

Her hands slowly moved more inward on her shoulder, making Lyra feel more and more relaxed.

As nice as it was, it was all part of her plan.

Rem: Rem has a question, Lyra.

Feeling better now, Lyra was eager to speak with Rem more in the hopes that her kind voice would return. Letting out a sigh of relaxation and relief, Lyra responded.

Lyra *Sigh* Yeah? What is it?

Rem: Does Lyra know what we're doing tomorrow?

Getting ever more relaxed, Lyra began to get slightly drowsy, letting out a yawn.

Lyra: *yawn* Yeah... I think we're... going to the... the village... right?

It wasn't until she said it that Lyra realized what she'd said.

Wait a minute. She never mentioned the village. Not yet at least. She fished for that, didn't she? She knew that I knew... D-did she just test me and I failed? Regardless, how did I fall for something so obvious? Why can't I think straight...

Rem moved her hands further in, working the same massaging motion, almost halfway on Lyra's neck.

Rem: I see.

Leaning in and down, Rem spoke another soft question right into her ear.

Rem: Just how did Lyra know that?

Lyra's drowsy mind had begun to spin, she couldn't think straight, she was slipping up, and she was getting awfully tired.

Lyra: I just... I just... We... I knew of...

Rem moved her hands to cover Lyra's neck completely, yet she wasn't squeezing it. She WAS looking for a reason to, however.

Rem: Won't you please tell Rem how you knew? Lyra-chan?

Rem whispered more words into her ear.

Just as she did, she was out. Lyra had quickly fallen into a deep sleep.

Rem had miscalculated. Having tried to manipulate Lyra in a state of vulnerability by taking mana from her, something had gone wrong. She had intended to get information from hef in this vulnerable state. The right information to let her wring her neck and cjoke her out to death, yet0000⁰ she just couldn't for some reason.

Standing back up straight, she kept her hands over Lyra's neck. She had searched so hard for a reason to let herself tighten her grip. She was frustrated. Lyra had let out information, but nothing concrete enough to issue her own guilty verdict.

Rem stood for a moment more, dwelling on her own frustrations. With her emotions getting the best of her, Rem let her grip tighten ever so softly, digging her fingers into Lyra's neck and her thumbs into the back of it. She could hear her breathing slightly wheeze. She wanted nothing more then to hear Lyra croak as she continued to squeeze tighter.

But as she started to hear her breathing become more labored, she saw the still peaceful expression on her face. Letting her grip go, Rem was struck with a remorseful feeling.

She knew this was wrong. She knew she had no reason enough to be doing this. She knew why she felt suspicious of her, the things she'd said, the things she knew, and let be known. But mostly—

That stench… Rem thought to herself.

What she didn't know, was why she had felt that she was innocent. Deep down, she had felt something wrong about all this suspicion, that feeling only starting to grow stronger over time. It grew so strongly that she had dropped her hands from her neck all together, and walked back towards the door.

Taking her final step back into the hallway, she took one final look of guilt and regret at the sleeping Lyra that she had placed in her bed.

Rem: I'm sorry, Lyra-chan... Please forgive Rem...

Shutting the door, Rem slumped against the door, tears of regret flowing down her face.

Why did Rem do that to her? How could Rem be so hostile?

Chapter Text

Chapter 11: Supply and Demand

Lyra woke up in her bed the next morning, feeling refreshed from a good night's sleep. The only thing that perplexed her though, was that she was still in her leisure clothes and the study desk had not been cleared off. Worst yet, she had not capped her inkwell, and her quill had dried ink on it now as a result of that.

Lyra: Aww, shit!

Stacking the books and papers in a more orderly fashion, she realized she couldn't remember what had caused her to leave things in such a messy state.

Last thing I remember was Rem coming into my room for the tutoring lesson...

Tidying up, Lyra spotted a piece of parchment paper on the ground by her door, as if slipped under the crack for her to find.

Picking it up, she soon realized that it was a note, one that was left for her. Thankfully, the message was written simply enough that she could read it. Scanning over what she could understand, Lyra determined that the note's author was going to get groceries from the village and that she wasn't expected to be assigned any task for that day.

Lyra wasn't able to read every word on the note, but pieced together enough to guess what it had meant. It was signed with a familiar name down at the bottom.

Lyra: That's... Rem's name, isn't it? So... Rem is going to the village to buy food...

Lyra had set the letter down on her desk when it finally hit her.

Lyra: OOOH NOOO!

Putting her hands on the side of her head, she exclaimed further.

Lyra: Rem's gonna leave without me! I've gotta hurry!

Grabbing her phone off the solar bank in the window, purely out of habit, she noticed Rem and Subaru just leaving the gate to the mansion from her view.

Bolting down the stairs, Lyra had nearly trampled Beatrice as she was returning from breakfast.

Beatrice: KYAAA, I SUPPOSE! Watch where you're going in such a hurry!

Lyra: S-sorry! I've gotta get somewhere FAST!

Beatrice: Hmph!

Lyra continued her rush to the foyer, grabbing her shoes and running down the steps and down the path, past the gate.

Finally catching up to Rem and Subaru, they both heard Lyra's steps running up to them.

Lyra: *huff* *huff* I finally *huff* finally caught up to you guys *huff*.

While Lyra caught her breath, hands on her knees, Rem was the most surprised to see Lyra, having no clue what sort of hostility she had still held for her since last night. Part of why she had tried to leave without informing Lyra in a more direct manner was because she didn't wish to face her..

Standing back up and stretching her back, Lyra continued.

Lyra: Hey, Rem?

Rem had flinched at her casual address to her, fully expecting some sort of confrontation.

Rem: Y-yes?

Subaru had noticed the odd exchange just now, and was also curious as to why Rem had chosen him to come on the grocery trip and not Lyra considering how much more time she had spent with her than with himself. Subaru decided to hold his tongue and simply wait to see if any of his curiosities would be answered.

Lyra: What happened last night? Did I pass out while studying or something?

Rem's face tensed up, trying hard to hide her continued surprise, she thought before responding.

Does Lyra seriously not remember? Or is she just feigning ignorance?

Rem decided to fabricate an excuse. She "wasn't lying", she thought. She's doing this to gauge how Lyra will react to sense if she was bluffing or not.

Rem: U-uh... Rem had left to fetch some more materials for her and Lyra's study session. However, when she arrived back, Lyra had crawled into bed and Rem decided to not disturb her.

Lyra scratched her head and looked down. She hadn't remembered doing that, but still, if she was tired enough to, then she might have.

Lyra: I see then. Sorry to have wasted your night, Rem... but there's worse news too...

Perplexed by her answer, Rem nodded and signaled for Lyra to continue.

What could Lyra possibly mean by that?

Poking her fingers together in a nervous fashion, Lyra confessed her error.

Lyra: I...may have, in that drowsy state, forgot to cap off the ink,...and... it all dried up as a result, with the quill still in the well....Sorry...

Finishing her confession with a nervous laugh, Rem simply sighed, and used the topic-change to her advantage.

Rem: It's a simple accident, the mansion has plenty more.

Wiping her brow in relief, Lyra sighed.

Lyra: Phew, here I was thinking you were going to scold—

Mid sentence, Rem had turned and continued to walk down the road to their destination, cutting Lyra off.

Rem: Please refrain from being wasteful in the future though.

Lyra: R-right! Gotcha! Sorry...

With that, the trio walked together to the village.

Arriving, Subaru split off from Rem and Lyra, entirely not interested in grocery shopping.

Lyra recalled the last visit to the village, where her investigation involving this world's agricultural products had been derailed and she wound up learning almost nothing involving what she had intended to.

She was wondering about just HOW EXACTLY she could present the same question again to Rem, when suddenly, she gave her an opportunity.

Ripping her list in half, she handed one half to Lyra and handed her her coin pouch after taking some money out and placing it in her own pocket.

Rem: If Lyra is confident enough to do so, Rem would like for her to gather the items on her half of the list. It will make our trip quicker.

Lyra stared at the note he held, reading it over.

Rem: It's simple enough, fruit, vegetables, and other staples, you should be able to find them easily.

Taking another moment to stare at the words she was already struggling to understand, she came clean to Rem as to why she was hesitant.

Lyra: I don't know what any of the stuff on the list is.

Rem:....

Rem stared blankly at Lyra for a moment, then smiled politely, albeit briefly.

Rem: Then, allow Rem to help with translating things for you.

Rem translated the items on the list to Lyra. Lyra grabbed one of her homeland's writing utensils from her pocket, informed Rem of the unfamiliar device's capabilities, and started to write down what each item was in English, her homeland's written tongue.

Lyra smiled, and gave Rem her thanks, with Rem smiling back at her and signaling for everyone to continue onwards.

Rem and Lyra traversed the market square, gathering their needed items and checking them off, routinely checking stalls that were selling the same item, getting whatever had a lower price, or, based off of what Lyra had observed, what at least SEEMED to he the lower price, in order to save some money.

Many of the stalls had ever-so-slightly varying prices on their similar goods, which left many vendors cutting deals with their buyers. "Buy this many and I'll cut the price for each." Being the most common bargaining method Lyra could pick up from the chitchat of the market.

She couldn't quite do all the complex calculations in her head, but it appeared with Rem moving to buy Appas, a fruit she was familiar with, that she was about to make a less than frugal choice.

A particular forceful vendor had gotten her attention, and was attempting to cut what sounded like a good deal.

Merchant: You're looking to purchase a good amount of appas aren't you? Listen, most people want the big ones, so I have a harder time than most selling my smaller ones... Perfectly good ones nonetheless! I'll give you a good deal at say... this price? For this many?

Judging the price to be fair to her, Rem went to reach into her coin bag.

Lyra: Rem! W-wait a minute!

Turning around, Rem had, for some reason, imagined that she had a good reason for interrupting the sale, and spoke to Lyra without her cold tone as a result.

Rem: Yes? What is it, Lyra?

Putting a hand up halfway between herself and the merchant, who had set about to something else already, Lyra spoke in a low voice.

Lyra: It... just doesn't seem like that's a very good deal, this stand...

Checking to make sure the merchant hadn't overheard, Lyra continued as Rem tilted her head in curiosity.

Lyra: Hold on just a moment. I've got something pretty neat to show you! Just a sec...

Reaching into her pocket, she retrieved the one item that she had grabbed purely out of habit before bolting out the door to catch up with Rem and Subaru as they had started to leave for the village-her phone, which boasted a most-powerful tool that could be very useful in helping evaluate deals.

Turning her phone on, she went straight for the calculator app.

Lyra gave Rem a minor crash course on the workings of a "calculator".

Lyra: You see, this symbol means "one", and this symbol means "two", and putting them together like...that...means I can make it equal "twelve"...

Lyra: ...and I can add values, subtract them...

Asking Rem basic math questions, she proved that she was showing her the correct answers, although said method still relied on her trusting Lyra's translations of the symbols. Rem was thankfully impressed enough to let her continue her point.

Taking the bushel that the store owner was offering full of the small appas, Lyra weighed them on a nearby scale, watching the arrow that indicated its weight go around, re-translating that number into one that her calculator could understand, and dividing their price the merchant had offered to Rem about per weight.

Then, taking the same-size bushel, Lyra filled it with large appas from the same stand, but instead went with the price per appa that the stand advertised.

Lyra: So for this same price...!

Knowing something was off, Lyra confirmed it by punching more numbers in on her calculator.

The deal the vendor had offered hadn't been a deal in the first place, it was closer to highway robbery if you looked at the price per weight costs.

Lyra: Rem! Check this out...

Struggling to explain to Rem through the number-symbol translations and equations, she got the point across that the vendor was about to rip off Rem.

Just as she worried Rem wasn't about to take her advice on the pricing, Rem had decided to take a practical approach.

Taking two bags, Rem filled one with the large appas and the other with the small ones Then, she filled each one to their desired amount and asked Lyra to take out enough appas from each till they were worth an equal amount in their separate pricing.

Simply picking up the bags, Rem quickly realized that while the large appa bag had less in it, it weighed more for the same price as the small appa bag.

The vendor had been very crafty for sure. Offering a higher number, although smaller, at a discounted rate, definitely seemed to be a good deal. But with the weight of both bags as a factor...

Rem: Come on, Lyra .Let us find a different appa stall.

Merchant: W-w-wait! Sure I was a little off on my offer but I'm willing to renegotiate—!

Rem turned right back and replied in her same cold voice that she had been using with Lyra until only recently.

Rem: Rem has no time, nor coin, for dishonest merchants.

Lyra: So there! Hmph! Scammer...

Lyra briefly puffed out her cheeks into a pout, crossed her arms, turned away, and walked off with Rem in tow.

Closing her eyes and turning away, Rem continued to find a new appa vendor. Looking back at the vendor for herself, Lyra could only give the vendor a sharp glare and a snide comment muttered underneath her breath.

Lyra: Seriously, the audacity of that scumbag- -asshole-piece-of-...

Rem, happening to overhear Lyra's backhanded remark, decided to check up on her.

Rem: Is everything alright, Lyra? You seem to be frustrated. Rem is guessing that the vendor must've really upset you too, didn't he?

Lyra: Yeah...no shi- er...y-yeah! You deserve way better than that, you know! Good thing you had me to help you out, though, huh?

Lyra twirled her hair and took on a somewhat tsun-like pose shortly before perking back up, smiling proudly with her hands on her hips.

Rem could only giggle, blush slightly, and admire Lyra in response.

Rem: Yes. Rem is quite grateful for Lyra's assistance, indeed. Oh, and, you know....

A gentle breeze blew their way, causing both of their hairstyles and accessories to sway with the breeze alongside the tree leaves around them.

Rem: I really do find you to be quite kind...and pretty....

Lyra's face instantly turned bright red. She started to nervously twirp her hair some more.

Lyra: Wh-wha...I-I...uhh...thanks...

Lyra soon regained her composure shortly after she recovered from the shock of a sudden compliment from her crush. She decided to return the favor.

Lyra: I honestly feel the same way about you....You...you also look best when you smile, so please, at least TRY to do it more often, okay? It...it suits you well...cutie...

Lyra giggled, grinned, and blushed, doing a cute pose with her arms behind her back for a split second.

Rem could only stutter and blush due to Lyra's heartfelt compliment.

Rem: Th-thanks...Rem will try her best. L-let's continue shopping now, shall we?

Lyra: Yes! Of course!

Finishing up their list, Rem and Lyra were deciding what their next course of action would be.

Rem: We should locate Subaru before it gets too late. Rem would like to return before it gets dark.

Lyra: I agree, but...

Shifting the weight of the bag that she was holding, she recounted how much Rem had paid for these appas for how many she got.

Lyra: Don't you think you still over-paid for these? Even at that scummy good-for-nothing scammer guy's stall, they were still—

Rem: There's much more to it than just the price. While we aren't officially here on Roswaal-sama's business, if Lyra, or Rem, or Subaru are traced back to being purchasers using Roswaal-sama's money, it could reflect badly on his position with the merchants.

Tilting her head from behind the bag she was carrying, Lyra replied.

Lyra: I'm afraid I don't follow.

Rem stopped and turned to Lyra, causing her to almost instantly realize that this matter was important to Rem that he knew.

Rem: If Roswaal-sama is given a reputation for looking for cheap items and getting bad business agreements, other less reputable merchants will take notice and do their best to keep honest ones away. If the mansion puts word out that it, or Roswaal-sama himself, are looking to procure suppliers for any given good, a poor reputation with the merchants could keep more honest ones, with the desired quality and quantity from submitting bids.

Lyra: I think I'm beginning to understand... It has to do with buyer reputation, not just seller reputation.

Rem: Precisely. Its important for us as staff of Roswaal-sama to purchase goods at market value, even if it's not the most frugal decision, as it projects an image of wealth, and with that, power. It shows that the mansion is able to pay, and have an eye for quality, should someone wish to be dishonest. It is also an image of cooperation, that merchants are willing to meet and make business, that we are not hard customers to deal with.

Lyra looked down as she processed everything Rem had said, trying her hardest to index it in her mind should that information become needed later.

Lyra:: But... Weren't you also the one who almost fell for that bad deal back there?

Blushing, and frowning, it was obvious Rem had been caught in her embarrassment, especially after she got through explaining her reasoning.

With her arms now on her hips, leaned forward, Rem pleaded her case with a pouting expression.

Rem: Rem was simply not concerned over the purchase of a few appas! Rem cannot fret over every little, and most minute detail! That's why Lyra is here, as Rem can offload those duties to her.

Taking her hand and making it a finger gun, Lyra pointed at Rem and fired back.

Lyra: And next you'll say 'It was only a test for you', correct?

Pouting again with a "Hmph!", Rem turned and continued to walk once more.

Rem: Let us just find Subaru and return. It's getting late.

Lyra smiled while following her. While she had shown frustration to her teasing her over certain actions, she had dropped her cold tone and attitude with Lyra and seemed to be warming up to her already.

She feels comfortable enough around me to show her true colors from time to time. Maybe with some more effort, even after today, she might finally open back up, Lyra thought.

With the trio walking back to the mansion, Rem was taking up the lead while Subaru and Lyra followed. Both holding bags, Lyra noticed a bandage on Subaru's hand again, something he hadn't had when they had first arrived at the village.

Lyra: Did you mess up your hand again?

Shifting the weight of his bag onto his opposite arm, Subaru showed off his bandage.

Subaru: Yeah... That damn puppy again. Just doesn't seem to like me.

Turning her head back to the direction she was walking, Lyra swore she saw Rem's head turn back for a moment to look at her and Subaru as well, as if she had heard something that had caught her attention as to—

Lyra: —Hk!

Oh crap! Subaru, you dunce! You just used past-tense for something like it had happened once before. Is that what caught Rem's attention just now?

A bead of sweat was falling down Lyra's forehead.

Lyra looked back over to Subaru, clenching her teeth in anger..Subaru could not have noticed less. Instead, after a moment of rest in the conversation, Subaru spoke up again.

Subaru: Say, Rem. Are you making some kind of appa pie?

This is my chance! Lyra thought. I can derail the conversation like how Subaru usually does. It's a gamble, but it might make her forget what she heard.

Subaru: I mean, you've got a lot of appas here and—

Lyra: Oh! You should have seen how much Rem would have bought if I hadn't stopped her!

Lyra leaned in towards Subaru and put her hand up like she was trying to tell a not-so-secret, secret.

Lyra: And you wouldn't believe how much she was about to pay for 'em too! She almost bankrupted poor Ros-chi.

Stopping, Rem turned around on heel, face full of pout once more, and hands returning to her hips.

Thinking the conversation-derail was going successfully, Lyra pushed it further.

Lyra: Say Rem, if you still want a good deal for real this time, I'll sell you some ocean-front property in Arizona. I'll even throw the Golden Gate Bridge in for free— Hmf! Yeoch! Wh-what the HELL?! 

Taking her risk, Rem had given her a good stomp to his foot as his reward.

Subaru: Bwahahaha! Haha— Ergh! Ouch!

With Subaru's burst of laughter also being smothered by a foot-stomp from Rem, Rem continued on ahead of the two who were halted with pain.

Rem: You two can limp back to the mansion, Rem will hurry along ahead.

Lyra quickly shot back at her.

Lyra: H-hey! At least TRY to take a joke! Honestly...

Lyra stopped for a moment and giggled.

Lyra: Ohh, what the hell! Cutie...

Unsure if her derailment had worked, all Lyra could do was watch Rem continue on ahead towards the mansion as her and Subaru hobbled along.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12: Heads Will Roll

After arriving back at the mansion, even later then last time, Lyra and Subaru had both settled in for the evening. After supper, they were both supposed to be getting their respective tutoring sessions, however, Ram had decided to retire for the night before visiting Subaru, allowing Emilia to take over his evening lesson.

Lyra and Rem had an un-noteworthy time studying together. Rem had once again returned to her cold tone and attitude, leaving Lyra feeling vacant on the inside.

She keeps flipping in-between the two, being herself and being distant with me. The derailment really must not have worked. She knows I'm acting strange, but how can I not? It's not like I can tell her about Return—

Lyra hadn't exactly considered telling anyone about Return By Death. It wasn't like anyone would believe her about it, anyways. Lyra contemplated letting Rem in on her and Subaru's "secret".

I would have to tell her about it probably being Subaru's doing, and that we just don't know yet at this juncture. But I can keep it at that. I won't tell her more than what I need to. She can just ask Subaru if she has any other questions about it, I think he would understand quite a bit at that point.

Around this time, Emilia had just finished helping Subaru study, finishing earlier than when Ram would have, which gave Subaru some extra time to prepare for bedtime.

But in reality, Subaru was trying to focus on staying awake so that he could figure out just exactly what had happened this same night, on the previous loop. He was determined to see the night through.

Lyra, meanwhile, had given a yawn while writing her next line of repeated words on her parchment paper.

I want Rem to trust me. Lyra thought. I just need to find an opportunity to tell her... The sooner, the better—

Rem: Lyra appears to be tired. Perhaps we should wrap up for tonight.

With Rem cutting off her thoughts, instead of fighting it, Lyra decided to put it off and just let Rem retire for the evening. Provided that both herself and Subaru get past tonight...

"Telling her will be my reward." she told herself.

Capping her inkwell and closing the books that she had open, she was surprised to notice that Rem hadn't left yet.

Turning around in her chair, Lyra saw Rem standing by the door, as if she had gone to leave and decided not to. The gaze she had was unlike her normal, cold, formal attitude. This gaze was... predatory.

Lyra felt a chill run up her spine once her and Rem locked eyes.

Rem: Can Lyra answer a few questions?

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Lyra croaked out her response, fear building in her voice from the atmosphere that Rem was emitting.

Lyra: S-sure, Rem. O-of c-course...

Feeling the atmosphere lighten ever so little with her complying answer, Rem poised her question.

Rem: Yesterday, when Lyra helped wash the bathing area, Nee-sama asked you if you had completed the tasks she had set aside for you to complete. How did you know that was the extent of tasks she would want you to complete that day?

Confused by the question, Lyra had an easy answer to it.

Lyra: That's because she told me about them before. She listed them—

Rem: Which brings Rem to her real question. Nee-sama told Rem that you knew your tasks before she had finished listing them when she gave them to you, Lyra.

Gulping, Lyra knew right off the bat that she had messed up. She recalled exactly what she'd done.

Ram: Raly, I took the liberty of writing down tomorrow's duties for you that need doing, like cutting the grass—

Lyra: Edging the walkway, trimming the shrubs, and sweeping the back porch.

Ram looked up at her note, moderately surprised that he knew exactly what she had listed.

Rem took a few more steps towards Lyra, the threatening atmosphere returning in force.

Rem: And just how did you know that Nee-sama and Rem's workload was more than usual, and that dinner was going to be late?

Lyra: Well, I—

Rem: Lyra has only been here for three days, so there's no way that it was just a lucky guess...

Taking evenmore steps towards Lyra, it was as if every unsatisfactory answer that Lyra gave her caused her to inch closer to her and behave in an even-more threatening way towards her.

Rem: And Subaru.

Slightly caught off guard by her next prompt, Lyra almost slightly relaxed, as if she had changed the subject of her anger now.

Rem: Subaru had broken a vase. While Rem was upset that he could be so careless with Roswaal-sama's property, he is new at his job, so it is to be expected.

Rem had said this, eyes closed, as if containing herself. But as she continued, her eyes opened back up, her thoughts directed right at Lyra.

Rem: But Subaru had replaced it with a new vase, trying to keep his mistake hidden. Meaning Subaru knew where the extras were. When Rem asked Subaru how he knew where they were, did Lyra know what Subaru said?

Still turned around in her chair, Lyra shook her head.

Rem: He was shown by Lyra.

Another chill ran down Lyra's spine due to yet another overlooked detail. Of course she wasn't the one who perpetrated it, but maybe she should have been more thorough with remembering to cover all of her bases, including Subaru.

Rem: Rem is also curious about one last thing.

At this point she was halfway across the room. Step after slow step, her head tilted down and her eyes looked directly at Lyra.

Rem: Lyra had asked Subaru about the injury on his hand while we were returning to the mansion.

Oh shit , she HAD noticed! The derailment didn't work...

Rem: Subaru distinctly said it 'happened again' to Lyra. Do you know what Rem finds odd about that?

Her mouth began metaphorically filling with cotton, Lyra couldn't possibly choke out an answer for Rem. The best she could do was shake her head for her.

Rem: Rem had asked Subaru if he had ever been to the village, before Lyra showed up, out of breath from trying to catch up before we left. Subaru said he had never been to the village before.

Another blunder. What else had Rem noticed? Why was she taking into account every little mismatched detail? What had the two of them done differently this time around to make her this suspicious?

Lyra: Rem, don't you think that—

Rem: How did Subaru know where the children were playing? How did he get along with them so well and know all their names?

Rem was only an arms length away from Lyra now where she had stopped. This was optimal for her. Close enough to keep her options open, yet also far enough to evade Lyra should she have some sort of ace up her sleeve.

Rem: Do you know what Rem thinks? That was a lie. Lyra knew Subaru had slipped up, and tried her best to distract Rem from thinking about it.

A bolt of fear ran through Lyra's mind. Things were falling to pieces quickly.

Rem: That expression lets Rem know all she needs to know.

The glint in Rem's eyes had changed. They had turned to something different. Something more, wrathful.

Not wishing to see such things, Lyra closed his eyes in response, almost flinching at her very expression and dark aura she was omitting.

*Thud* *Thud*

Hearing two footsteps right in front of her, Lyra opened her eyes back up. Keeping her head at the same angle it was when looking at Rem right before closing them, right in front of her eyes was a black and white apron.

Slowly moving her vision up, she soon realized just what the thuds had been.

In the time that she had had her eyes shut, Rem had closed the gap between them almost entirely, spare only enough space to not be intimately close.

Her vision crossed her chest, and soon after, made eye to eye contact, looking almost directly up at Rem.

Peering down at Lyra, her eyes pointing downward as if looking at trash, she asked her final question, with anger on her lips.

Rem: What do you have to say, Lyra?

Closing her eyes and lowering her head back down, she wracked her brain for answers.

What can I say? Deflect? No. If derailing didn't work, deflection won't... I can't lie, It would just be putting myself into a larger hole. The only thing left is—

She could only come to one conclusion.

Why is she going at this alone? Why was Subaru her only confidant? What if she just came out and said it?

Lyra: Rem... I—.

Rem: — — — —

Lyra could not see it, but Rem was holding herself back, keeping only her scowl of disgust pinned down on her as she waited for Lyra to give her plea.

Lyra: Me... and Subaru, we can... a-and you're probably not going to believe me when I say this but... in a way we can...

Rem: — — — —

Opening her eyes back up and looking up, past her chest again, and into her eyes, which were filled with anger and contempt, Lyra tightly shut her eyes and got to her confession.

Lyra: Subaru and I can Return by D—!

She couldn't finish. She hadn't stopped herself, rather she was cut off by something she didn't understand.

Opening her eyes once more, she still found Rem glaring down at her. She couldn't move her mouth to make a sound, or move her arms, or any part of her body, not even close her eyes once again.

Was this Rem's doing? No. She wasn't moving either. She wasn't blinking or breathing either. Just how long had she been stuck for? Had she even been listening to Lyra try to tell her before she too was cut off?

Then, Lyra noticed it.

A black mist started to envelope the room. While everything else was forced to remain frozen, Lyra could see this mist of darkness begin to cover the room. The walls, the floor, the ceiling, all clad in a black cloud, leaving her and Rem stranded.

Just as it had arrived, the cloud behind Rem had parted, and a black figure made its way through.

Its expression was hidden behind Rem from the angle that Lyra was sitting at, she could not make out just what the phantom was doing.

It appeared as if it were reaching for Rem, but just as Lyra had noticed, her attention was taken back to Rem's chest.

Through her chest, a black spectral hand made its way through, continuing as if Rem herself was not even there.

The hand continued down into Lyra's own chest. Despite it appearing as if it would have no feeling should it pass through him as it had just done to Rem, she could feel the hand itself working its way through her chest.

Past her shirt, past her skin, past her ribs, and stopping right as it got to her heart.

She could feel the hand caress her vital organ, beating as it squirmed in the phantom's hand.

A squeeze was felt. It was painful. Very, very painful.

Lyra wanted to yell out, to rip the hand from her chest, grab herself, and breathe in a deep long breath, however, she was too powerless to do so. Is this what drowning felt like? Or maybe this was more like a heart attack? Lyra sincerely didn't know.

She only wanted to breathe, to empty her lungs and then fill them back up again once more.

Her eyes could not even water. The feeling of her heart being squeezed along with the need and current struggle to breathe were overwhelmingly strong. Lyra was utterly and truly at the constriction of the black mist and the phantom's hand.

Finally, after having what felt like an eternity of pain and desperation engraved into her very soul itself, the phantom's hand retreated, left her chest, and went back out its own way through Rem's. The phantom's hand retreated back into the dark fog, leaving alongside the phantom itself. As soon as the last bit of darkness retreated, it was as if time had begun to tick again.

Lyra's eyes immediately burst into a bloodshot, watery mess. Her arms spasmed their way to her chest.

Lyra, taking the smallest amount of consideration she could, leaned back, away from Rem, keeping her arms from frantically crashing into her own figure as they reached for her chest. Her hand trying desperately to dig their way into it, Lyra expelled her breath and brought more wind back into her lungs, all as fast and as much as she could muster in a split second.

Time began to move again for Rem as well, as she was unaware of the presence of the phantom that had reached through her or the black mist, Lyras sudden actions and gasp for air appeared to be entirely unprovoked.

Rem continued to look down on Lyra as she sent herself into a fit, wildly clutching her shirt on her chest.

It was only when she began to wonder just what had prompted this, that she smelled it. She smelled THAT.

That very first thing she smelled when Lyra had woken back up in the guest room.

Stronger than ever before, Rem was infuriated by the smell.

This smell, which had been what had brought her and her sister's lives nearly to their end, absolutely infuriated her, and with it being THIS strong, it was making her finally lose her temper.

Kill.

She must kill. End the source of this smell. She couldn't contain it any longer.

Lyra was just finally getting herself under control. She hadn't fully understood what had just happened, but she understood one thing.

Do not tell others of Return By Death.

Lyra: Rem, *huff* did you see the *cough* the—

Lyra's thoughts were cut off by the strong shock of a sudden jerk.

Seeing her surroundings suddenly move with a fuzz, she found herself face to face with Rem.

She had grabbed her with such strength, her fist wrapped in her shirt's collar, that it felt as if the chair she sat on had tipped her toward her. Speaking through her clenched teeth, Rem's anger fizzed out as she spoke.

Rem: Why... It's just like when Lyra first arrived here... in the guest room...

Finally realizing what kind of position she found herself in, Lyra ignored the feeling of being raised up, and could only focus on the emotion conveyed in the single eye of Rem's that she could see.

It was murder. An utter, and complete will to kill.

Rem: Why do you reek? Why do you reek of the Witch!?

The Witch?! Lyra's mind asked. Don't tell me... That blackness was the Witch, and Rem can—

Rem: Answer me!

Shaking Lyra while she was still in her grasp, in her interrogation of her, she went completely limp.

Lyra: Rem! I have no idea—!

Cutting off the words that she was choking out, was what sounded like a vase being broken down the hall, right outside Lyra's door.

Though the sound was small, all of Rem's senses were on full red alert. Snapping her head in the direction of the sound outside the door, Rem spun her head back around to Lyra and shook her already limp body by the collar of her shirt once more.

Rem: What are you two planning? What is Subaru up to?!

Lyra was confused as to what Rem was asking. When had Subaru gone back to being the subject of Rem's questions?

Another speechless moment passed before another muffled sound found its way into the room.

?: Someone...

Rem's head spun around again. This time, even Lyra could hear exactly what the sound was. It was a familiar voice, coming from just down the hallway.

Subaru (muffled): Someone... please... help me.

Rem looked back at Lyra one more time, an even more murderous glint in her eye.

With one last look into her eye, Rem threw Lyra to the side, just hard enough to hit the wall but not enough to crash through.

Landing back on her bed, Lyra was in a state of shock. What in the world was going on? How did this situation go from one to one-hundred in less than ten minutes?

Holding her head with one hand and her shoulder with another, Lyra opened her eyes back up and saw what was the final moment of Rem leaving her room.

Lyra: R-Rem?

Lyra's mind was a flurry of unanswered questions. She had no idea what was going on.

There was the sound of a crash along with Subaru's voice calling for help... It's the fourth night, which means...

Lyra: Shit! I've gotta go help Subaru! 

The incident that happened on the fourth night! It might be a killer....Someone entered the mansion and....Rem!! I've gotta help her out, too!!

It was possible that with Rem leaving the room, she was in just as much danger as Subaru was. With Subaru more than likely still being alive since the world hadn't reset, Lyra knew that she still had time to act.

Getting up off the bed and nearly falling over from the pain in her back caused by it hitting the wall, Lyra stumbled to the door and looked in the direction that Rem had gone off towards.

Catching just the tail-bit of her rounding the corner to head to the next hallway, Lyra called out to her and hobbled after her.

Lyra: Rem! Wait! It's not safe! It's dangerous out here! I don't want you to get hurt! 

Realizing that Subaru was being silent-TOO silent-all of the sudden, she called out his name as well, only to end up receiving no response whatsoever.

Upon reaching the corner that Rem had just rounded, Lyra looked down as her foot had stepped in something.

Lifting her shoe up, she saw that it was a yellow liquid. One whiff of said liquid told her everything she needed to know.

Vomit. Gross.

Lyra: Eck, what the hell? That's disgusting! Wait..I-is this Subaru's?! Damn, he must be suffering like hell right now... I have to find both him AND Rem, fast!

Not wanting to lose track of Rem or let Subaru die too soon, Lyra continued down the hall as fast as she could. As she rounded the next corner to get to the main hallway, however, she heard yet another unfamiliar sound.

The image of what sounded like iron pipes being drug across the floor by chains filled her ears and mind.

Lyra: Wh-what...the hell...

Lyra spun around to the other direction of the hallway with the corner that she was looking out from.

The sound had come from the opposite direction that she believed Rem had went towards.

I've gotta find out what that is. I haven't heard of THIS happening yet. It HAS to be related to the events that are set to happen tonight.

Fumbling down the hall and past another corner, Lyra swore she saw Rem rounding the corner on the opposite side of that hallway.

Lyra: Rem! Wait! I need to-

Hearing what sounded like more chains and pipes coming from the same direction, Lyra picked up her pace.

Getting almost halfway down the hallway at her still-slow speed, she stopped again the instant she heard another sound, this time coming from the direction that she had just come from.

Subaru (distant): AAAGGGHHHHH! AHHHHHHH!

Spinning around so quickly that she nearly fell over, Lyra hobbled towards the screams of Subaru, pain filling them as they echoed throughout the mansion.

Lyra: Subaru?! SUBARU!!

Just as she arrived at the end of the hallway and went to turn to investigate the sound just around the corner, something made a large sound, like a melon being crushed, a large splat.

Stopping for a moment with a new sound being heard, Lyra saw it roll towards her from around the corner.

A small white ball, almost like a golf ball.

Barely crossing the corner to be in Lyra's line of sight, it stopped at an almost comically good spot.

It was no golf ball.

But an eyeball.

Only one person she knew had eyes like that, piercing and mean- looking at times.

That was Subaru's eyeball. Popped right out of his head, rolling around on the floor.

Lyra: N-no...way...

Lyra was absolutely horrified out of her mind.

If that's what I think it is...then that means...!!

Her thoughts were instantly cut off, her vision went blank. No sounds, no images, no feelings. Nothing..

Only a weightless feeling in a field of darkness.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13: Professional NEETs

Like a light shutting off, all of Lyra"s senses had been disconnected, however, an air of weightlessness remained regardless.

Had she been killed as well? Was who or what had killed Subaru also responsible for her own death?

These questions plagued Lyra's mind as she floated through this nothingness

Never once though did fear of real death ever occur to Lyra. Somehow, she was confident that Return By Death would keep him safe.

It really is a great boon to not fear death.

Lyra felt what she imagined to be her soul returning to her body.

To a bed... The guest room bed, to be exact... Rem will be there, which is nice...but... if it's like she said, she'll just smell the Witch... So why hadn't she reacted or mentioned such a smell before when I first arrived here...?

Just as before, with her first conscious breath, the smell of fresh sheets and flowers filled her nose.

From just experiencing the stressful events of what felt like only minutes ago, Lyra decided to at least enjoy the moment that she had in this comfy bed, until...

Subaru: AAAGGHH!

Shooting straight up from bed, clutching his arm, Subaru hollered as if in pain.

Seeing this sudden and split reaction, the twin maids, already in the room, had jumped back, holding each other.

Hearing his yell, Lyra also bolted upward in bed.

Lyra: AHHHH!!! What's going on?!

Rem: Eeek!

With Rem being on the closer side to Lyra's bed across from Subaru's, she was not hidden behind Ram like Ram was to Rem, leaving her exposed to yet another sudden outburst, this time from the other unknown guest.

Lyra quickly started pretending to feel calm and spoke to Rem 

Lyra: S-sorry! Must've just been a bad dream...I'm fine though! Really!

Lyra quickly realized that Subaru had just come back from a rather violent death, and that the outburst had to have been from Subaru still dealing with that. Likewise, Subaru had a very vague memory of Lyra looking as if she was scared completely shitless as she was watching him die and figured that she was covering up the incident as having been "just a bad dream" rather than the harsh reality that it actually was.

I almost thought something was already happening but, it just seems Subaru was being Subaru... Lyra thought to herself.

Looking back at the twins, she noticed that Rem was still giving her a concerned look, presumably due to her own outburst.

Lyra could only hold her hands up in apology and innocence, with a weak smile, hoping to portray harmlessness to the frightened girl and hopefully save face.

Rem also returned a weak smile, perhaps in politeness, or perhaps pity, but Lyra had no time to dwell on that as—

Jumping up and choosing to do his usual "victory" pose whilst standing directly in bed, Subaru had begun his declaration.

Subaru: It's time for Natsuki Subaru to restart yet again! Sorry for the inconveniences I've caused you both!

With that, Subaru jumped down off his bed and barged out the door past the twins, headed somewhere, leaving Lyra completely stunned and clueless.

Ram: Rem Rem, please keep an eye on our more lax guest while I pursue our more active one.

With a quick verbal command to her younger sister, Ram left in chase of Subaru, leaving Rem alone with Lyra.

With the two alone, Rem turned to Lyra, and spoke in her usual formal tone.

Rem: Guest-sama, are you feeling alright? How is your head? Emilia-sama had said your companion had mis-stepped and caused quite the impact to you when trying to subdue the assailant that had targeted her.

Lyra: Companion? Oh, you mean Subaru? Yeah I guess we did crash skulls pretty hard ,but we should be fine now.

Bowing her head in response, Rem replied.

Rem: It is excellent to hear that you are now in good health, Guest-sama.

Scratching her head in embarrassment, Lyra went on.

Lyra: And is that really how Emilia described it? I only jumped in last minute... Subaru was really the one fighting the good fight!

Rem: Yes, that is how Emilia-sama conveyed that evening's occurrence.

Lyra: Hmm, I see...

Rem: You are too humble, Guest-sama—

Stopping herself, Rem spoke again, this time however—

Rem: May Rem ask your name?

She had spoken without her usual cold tone in her still formal attitude.

Hearing Rem speak without the wall of frost she had chosen to maintain, Lyra's heart had skipped a beat, and she was happy to answer her.

Lyra: It's Lyra. Lyra Anderson. Nice to meet you.

Rem: Lyra. A lovely name for a pretty girl.

Lyra: Thanks. Wait ..d-did you just call me pretty? If anyone is pretty, it's you! The name "Rem" suits such a beautiful person like yourself as well.

All that both Rem and Lyra could do was gaze into each other's eyes and blush cutely at each other's compliments.

With that, the wind had blown through with a small-yet-consistent breeze, allowing the thin white drapes that ordained the guest room's windows to flow open, letting a beam of sunshine shine directly on Rem as she smiled and tilted her head at Lyra. 

Tightening her grip on the sheets that she still held while sitting up, Lyra had her moment of motivation.

This...this right here is what I'm going to protect. Subaru may have his reasons to want to protect Emilia...but this... I'm going to protect this from whatever happens on the night of the forth day... no matter how many tries it takes!!

Taking in the moment as a reward for braving the events that had happened not even fifteen minutes ago to her, Lyra couldn't help but smile back at Rem.

Only a moment later, the wind had settled, letting the curtains back down, extinguishing the ray of sun from Rem's face, but not blemishing her beauty one bit.

Hearing a commotion from down the hall, what sounded like a door slamming open along with a loud thud was heard, coming from just outside and down below the window. Getting up and peering out the window, Lyra and Rem watched a disheveled Subaru wander out of the shrubbery, covered in dirt.

Rem: Oh my! Did he fall out of the window? Your... your companion— Subaru, he isn't...?

Lyra: Oh, hurt? No-no, just clumsy. Well, I best go down there and play wing-woman for him while also trying to prevent him from making a complete ass out of himself in front of Emilia while he's covered in dirt...

As Lyra was leaving to head downstairs, Rem called out to her.

Rem: Lyra.

Lyra: Hmm? What is it, Rem?

Rem: Rem should warn you, that isn't dirt.

She had said, shaking her head. 

Lyra simply replied with a cocked eyebrow at Rem, raising a question as to what exactly she had meant by that claim.

Rem: Rem had... well... spread manure for the well-being of the garden just yesterday, so that isn't dirt covering Subaru.

With a moment of silence, Lyra stared at Rem before bursting into laughter.

Lyra : Pfft...BAHAHAHAHA!! He's gonna need BOTH a wing-woman AND a BATH now, at this point!! Poor Emilia, having to put up with him while he's all covered up in LITERAL CRAP and probably SMELLING like it, too!!!

Lyra cleared her throat and calmed herself down shortly afterwards.

Lyra: Ahem. Excuse me.

Rem: You're fine. Rem completely understands why Lyra found that amusing.

Lyra: O-oh! Okay then! Just making sure I wasn't making you feel too uncomfortable with my sense of humor!! Eheheh...

Rem smiled at Lyra.

Rem: Yes. Of course.

Lyra shook her head before turning to leave out the door, but turned back one last time to face Rem and speak to her.

Lyra: And hey, Rem?

Rem: Yes?

Lyra: Thanks again.

With Rem tilting her head, she asked.

Rem: For?

Casting her eyes down at the floor, she had realized that while she still had yet to help her learn how to read or write in this loop, she still deserved thanks for another thing entirely.

Lyra: Thanks for being so friendly and welcoming. I really appreciate it.

It took a moment for Rem to process the impact of Lyra's thanks, but as she did, she tilted her head to the other side and smiled once again as she had before.

Rem: Of course. It's my pleasure.

It was much more than what Lyra had expected. She had truly almost guessed that she would have simply bowed and spoke again with her formal tone, however, this was different.

With that, Lyra turned and made her way down the hall to the stairs that would lead her outside to where Subaru was surely struggling with his attempts to woo Emilia.

I will DEFINITELY protect that smile. No matter what, I WILL protect Rem.

As Lyra had hurried along, leaving Rem by herself in the guest room, her smile fizzled away, leaving only a rather somber expression, one that expressed conflict along with a mix of other complicated emotions.

Bringing a fist to her chest, Rem stared out the door that Lyra had left outside from. She felt conflict at the very core of her being. One of great suspicion, but also one of great longing.

She just... as soon as she woke up... the smell was much stronger then it had been when Emilia- sama had brought both her and Subaru here. I don't think she knows, but that's still no excuse...

Rem's maiden heart was in a bind as to where her feelings were.

Having made her way outside, Lyra caught up with Emilia and Subaru.

However instead of being covered in manure and smelling like, as Lyra had put it, "literal crap", Subaru currently resembled a drowned rat way more than just some random dude who had smeared said "literal crap" all over himself for no apparent reason.

Lyra: Yeesh. Did you spray him down with the garden hose? He looks rougher than he did before...

Emilia: Oh! We just had Puck—

Subaru: He put me on a "spin cycle" like I was a single pair of socks in the washer!

Slumping over, Subaru lamented.

Subaru: The whole experience has left me broken and cold...

Puck: Oh come now Subaru, it wasn't that bad!

Lifting his head back up, Subaru cast away his somber expression for one full of guile and lust, hoping to stick it to the spirit cat.

Subaru: Oh Emilia-tan won't you please warm me up by—?

Emilia: You could just go sit on the grass and I'll join you. The sun's out and it's warming up so you'll be dry in no time.

Puck: Yeah, we don't want you smelling like a wet dog too.

Subaru: I guess I'll have to compromise with that. And shut down by the cat, too...

He replied in a voice lacking it's previous enthusiasm. With the four of them headed over to the middle of the lawn, Emilia posed a question to Lyra.

Emilia: Lyra, how are you this morning? Does your head still hurt?

Caught off guard by Emilia's consideration, Lyra almost struggled to answer.

Lyra: Oh! U-uhh...my head's fine now, thank you! U-um...how are you doing, though? Elsa threw you pretty hard behind that bar area...

Almost as if either not expecting Lyra's response and question or not even remembering being thrown the way that Lyra said that she was, Emilia replied in an equally unprepared manner.

Emilia: O-oh! I'm quite fine!

Lyra: That's good to hear!

Emilia: Mhm! Y-yes!

Presumably getting worked up, Emilia began stuttering out more words.

Emilia: I was more concerned with how YOU were doing, considering that you were just a bystander coming in to help a stranger!

Subaru: Emilia-tan! What about me?! After all, SHE was the one who hit MY head! Where are MY cute questions of concern!?

Subaru interjected with his usual tone when trying to earn himself pity points from Emilia.

Arriving in the middle of the lawn, Emilia was first to sit down, followed by Subaru, who sat right in front of her. This left Lyra to flop back down on the grass off to the side and stare right up at the clouds.

Subaru and Emilia continued to talk to each other, with Puck and Lyra occasionally jumping in. Lyra alternated between chatting with Subaru and company and staring at the clouds up above and feeling the grass below her hands as she listened to everyone's chatter.

The grass still needs to be mowed. I guess I know what I'll be doing later.

This was the first quiet mental moment that she had since she first started tutoring with Rem at what would have been the night before.

The time between loops really just starts to blur together..mentally I've been awake for almost two days now, but realistically my body has only just woken up...

Just what connection did her consciousness have with her physical body? Could it cause significant mental strain or would her body simply not know the difference?

These questions danced around her head until her attention was suddenly grabbed by a small cat floating in front of her vision, waving at her.

Puck: Hey! We're trying to get your attention! Lia has a question for you.

Sitting up on her elbows, Lyra turned her head over to the two people who were also still sitting on the grass.

Lyra: O-oh, hey there! What's up?

Emilia: How's your gate? Is it still stained?

Emilia asked this question with the utmost sincerity and concern, a hand to her chest.

Patting herself over, Lyra tried to feel for any irregularities.

Lyra: Uhhh, I think I'm fine? How can I tell?

Emilia: You really don't know? You haven't noticed anything strange with your mana flow?

Lyra shook her head. 

Lyra: Not really? I feel pretty normal at the moment. Thanks for asking, though.

Emilia cast her eyes downward.

Emilia: I see... Well, I'm glad you're feeling better, at least.

Confused about both Emilia's question and her response to her answer, Lyra went back to lying in the grass. A few more moments passed before the party of four was interrupted yet again.

Rem & Ram: Please forgive the intrusion, but Roswaal-sama has returned from his business trip and is looking forward to meeting our guests in the dining hall.

Both taking a bow and turning back to the mansion, the four got up and followed them to the main foyer and to the dining hall.

The meal had gone nearly exactly as it had the last two times, however this time it ended with Subaru and Lyra asking to be permanent guests rather than a servant and a groundskeeper respectively.

They were both given a tour by one of the twins and shown their room of residency.

As Rem was showing Lyra back to her room, she had remembered one thing she had forgotten.

Lyra: Uhh...hey, Rem? I have an odd request.

Rem: Yes? What is it, Lyra?

Lyra: May I have some ink and parchment? And also maybe some books...

Rem: It would be no problem to retrieve you some writing tools, however, do you know which books you'd like?

Too embarrassed to simply ask for children's books, Lyra quickly decided on a different course of action.

Scratching the back of her head in embarrassment, she continued.

Lyra: Well, if you can just show me where they are, I think I can handle it from there. Plus, that saves you some guesswork, right?

Rem nodded her head, led Lyra to the study, and, before taking her leave, from there, bowed politely at her.

Taking in the scene of a generous amount of books, it was clearly no Forbidden Library, but thankfully it had the books that Lyra needed.

Lyra began her search, searching the shelves for the familiar books that she was used to by the color of their spines, rather than what they read, as she still struggled with reading these glyphs.

Searching on a lower shelf, she was interrupted by the door opening once more, this time to two new occupants of the study.

Keeping low behind the shelf that she was at, Lyra stayed out of sight while the two entered.

Ram: —and here is the study. Is that all you'll be needing?

Subaru: That's everything. Sorry for bugging you like this, Ram.

Ram: It is no problem, but I will be taking my leave now and—

Subaru: Oh! Uh, one more request! Sorry.

Ram: — — ?

Subaru: Do you know by chance where the, uhhh, children's books are in here?

A moment of silence passed between the two, probably one of either judging or confusion by Ram.

More than likely the former.

Ram: They are over in the far corner, bottom shelf.

Subaru: Ahh, gotcha. Thanks Ram.

Taking a bow just as Rem had, Ram retreated from the study.

Arriving at the corner in question, Subaru began pulling books out and looking at them. Also walking over to the corner, Lyta made her presence known to Subaru.

Lyra: Thanks for asking for me. Now I don't need to look like an idiot.

Subaru: AHHH!! Don't scare me like that! We almost had another you-know-what trip just now...

Lyra: Eheh...Sorry for that, then. Anyway, I guess we're looking for the same thing thenĺ huh?

Subaru: Seems so. I think what I really need is a little further down, the more challenging stuff.

Lyra: Oh...well, what you've got in your hands right there is probably closer to what I need, then...

Subaru: Pfft, you're way behind me in terms of literacy then!

Lyra: *Sigh* Yeah...it would seem so then, huh?

Giving a soft smile, Subaru had decided to be at least somewhat supportive.

Subaru: Well I did have Ram as a teacher. She's probably way stricter than me than Rem is with you, so I had to learn quicker.

Lyra: Speaking of which, we didn't pick tutoring as a reward this time around. I get why, but I think I'm still a bit too "undercooked" for independent study.

Standing back up from his squatting position, Subaru responded.

Subaru: If you need me to, then I can help with what I can.

Lyra: I might have to take you up on that then.Thanks.

Subaru gave Lyra a cheesy grin and stuck his thumb up, practically in her face.

Subaru: Yep! You betcha!

Lyra and Subaru both gathered the books that they needed and headed on their way out of the study.

Remembering a lesson that the educational app on her phone had taught her, Lyra proposed an idea to Subaru.

Lyra: Hey, Subaru, are you familiar with how the Dewey Decimal system works? For like, libraries and stuff?

Looking at Lyra as he walked down the hallway of the mansion with her, Subaru gave her a look of confusion.

Subaru: I uhh, can't say I am? 

Lyra: Oh, never mind then.

Subaru: Why do you ask?

Lyra: I just thought that it might be worthwhile to bring a few inventions from our world here.

Putting a hand to his chin, Subaru thought for a moment before responding.

Subaru: I guess that wouldn't be a bad idea.

With that, the two had decided to brainstorm some ideas once the situation at the mansion had been resolved. For now, they would investigate and overcome the obstacle on the fourth night.

Chapter Text

Chapter 14: Stakeout

Waking up to the feeling of sunlight on her eyes, Lyra finally arose. It was the dawn of the second day.

Lyra headed downstairs to eat breakfast. She had also made conversation with some of the mansion's fellow residents.

Lyra had asked Beatrice how her library was organized (to no avail, unfortunately), complimented Rem's cooking, asked Ram why she was considered the older sister despite being twins, and as she was finishing up, had been asked again by Emilia how her gate was and if she still hadn't noticed anything odd.

Returning to her room, Lyra self-studied to minimal advancement.

You know, Subaru himself said I could ask for help if I needed and I just can NOT, for the life of me, remember how to write these glyphs when used in this context..so...guess it's time to go ask for help now!

Getting up, Lyra went to Subaru's room and knocked on the door.

Lyra: Subaru? Are you in there? It's Lyra.

Subaru: Oh, hey, Lyra! Need something?

Lyra: Yeah. I do. Could you please show me how to write the glyphs for…

After being let inside Subaru's room, Lyra had noticed that all the books that Subaru had grabbed last night had appeared to have already been read through.

Lyra: You sure got through those books pretty quickly.

Subaru: You know why?

Lyra: Yeah. It's...

Lyra & Subaru: ...because there's nothing else to do.

Subaru: Exactly. I'm getting burnt out on this already. It's like I'm hitting a wall in terms of improvement.

Lyra: That means you should probably take a break. Speaking of, wasn't the goal of this perma-guest siesta supposed to be dedicated to looking for clues and investigating?

Subaru: It was, at least in theory, but I've searched the entire mansion and found nothing. I'm at a dead end when it comes to both studying, AND figuring out a solution to our fourth-day-problem...

Lyra: Maybe you really SHOULD take a break and regroup your thoughts. Wanna go for a walk around the garden area?

Subaru: If you think it'll help, I'll give it a go.

After walking down the stairs and down the back steps of the mansion,and before walking out into the back garden area of the mansion, the two stopped to see Rem beginning to trim the lawn.

The thing that had caught Lyra's eye was the height that she had set the blades of the lawn cutter at compared to the actual height of the grass that was currently being trimmed.

Normally Lyra had to take two passes over an area, taking about half the height she wished to take from the grass each time. Setting it that low right off the bat would have been a monster for Lyra to push, requiring lots of strength, so surely for Rem it would be—

Lyra: How is she doing that?!

Subaru: What? What do you mean?

Not responding to Subaru, Lyra waited as Rem brought the lawn cutter back towards Lyra and Subaru's current direction and waved to get her attention.

As Rem made her way over, Lyra called out to her.

Lyra: Good afternoon Rem. How's the lawn doing?

Slightly perplexed by Lyra's casual form of address, Rem stopped to see what Lyra had to say.

Rem: Good afternoon. The work is going steadily, but we have a lot to do today. Are you two out for a stroll in the nice weather?

Lyra: Yeah, actually. Can't stay cooped up inside all day! But... uhh...Rem?

Tilting her head in question, Lyra continued.

Lyra: I really don't mean to tell you how to do your job but... aren't you kinda doing that the hard way? You've got it set pretty low for your first pass.

Rem: — — ? Rem has always cut the grass this way. It's the height Roswaal-sama requires the grass to be for optimal scenery.

Lyra: Right, but... isn't that hard to push?

Bringing a hand to her chest and shaking her head, Rem replied.

Rem: No, not particularly.

Almost as if stepping aside to let Lyra try, Rem allowed Lyra to try to give the trimmer a push.

It was definitely more than she'd be willing to push, but how was Rem managing this so easily and without strain or struggle?

How can she push it so easily? Is it the angle she uses or something?

Lyra: *exhausted sigh* Well, kudos to you for being willing to do it in one pass. Normally I'd take something this high in at least two more shallow passes.

Subaru: But wouldn't that be twice the work for Rem?

Lyra: Not if I'm right about something here... Rem, do you normally rake the lawn after you're done cutting it?

Rem: Yes, Rem must collect the lawn trimmings and dispose of them or the work will look sloppy.

Lyra: Right. Because with it set this low, the trimmings are so long they sit on top of the grass.

Bending down and rubbing her hand on the grass, Lyra continued.

Lyra: But if you do two more shallow passes, the trimmings aren't nearly as long, and will fall below the top of the cut grass, meaning—

Rem: Rem would not need to rake the lawn clippings after trimming.

Giving her a finger gun after standing back up, Lyra praised Rem.

Lyra: Bingo. It's quicker to trim twice than trimming only once and then having to rake afterwards. Plus, you're letting the trimmings go back into the soil to help replenish it. You'll get a lawn with a much more even color and growth.

Rem held her hand to her chin in thought before smiling.

Rem: Rem sees. That would save quite a considerable amount of time and give a more pleasant appearance to the lawn .

Lyra: Well there you go, then. You learn something new everyday!

Rem bowed and thanked Lyra. Following her advice, she continued trimming the grass while Lyra and Subaru continued their walk.

Subaru: What are you? Some middle-aged old-ass man who's trying to have the best lawn in the whole damn neighborhood? How'd you know all that? 

Subaru:'s eyes lit up slightly in amazement.

Subaru: Are you psychic? Do you just have good intuition? Or what? What is it? Damn, you sure are smart as hell, either way...

Scratching the back of her head, somewhat embarrassed about the assumptions that Subaru made of her niche knowledge on such a seemingly random topic, Lyra explained.

Lyra: Well, on our first time here, Ram asked me if I'd ever trimmed a lawn before, and like an idiot I said "Yep. Sure have." She just showed me where that old trimmer was and told me to cut the lawn.

Subaru: And?

Lyra: Remember that educational app on my phone that I showed you? I used it's encyclopedia function to look up old yard trimmers and it briefly explained how to use them. I got the"'shorter passes" trick from finding a tidbit on lawn care in this section on biology.

Subaru: That's... resourceful.

Lyra: *sigh* I feel like that's probably the only time it's really going to come in handy. So much stuff here is just "Boom! Magic!" that it makes any knowledge here worthless because it's just not applicable.

With that out of the way, the conversation dwindled into lesser, small talk.

With their walk mostly through, Subaru had finally remembered to bring up his plan to Lyra.

Subaru: —so I'm saying we should leave the mansion the day after tomorrow, in the afternoon, we'll act like we're moving on.

Lyra: ...So that we can observe the mansion from afar and see exactly what happens?

Subaru: Exactly.

Lyra: Considering we have zero other leads, I'll take you up on that plan. Alright then, count me in.

Subaru: Good. Have your stuff packed after breakfast that day, we'll leave just after lunchtime.

And with that, a plan was set in motion.

After returning into the mansion, with a deadline and some more energy, Subaru set out to study what he could before tomorrow, leaving Lyra to her own devices. After studying to no effect, Lyra retired for the night.

Waking up late on the third day, Lyra had slept in considerably. While normally one of the twins surely would have knocked, they hadn't.

Sitting up in bed and scratching her head, Lyra yawned and grabbed her phone off the window charger. Without access to the internet, Lyra's enjoyment out of using her phone was brief at best.

I'm sure I've missed breakfast at this point, I'll just have to wait till lunch I guess...

Getting herself out of bed, Lyra got dressed and walked to Subaru's room. Knocking on the door and getting no reply, Lyra entered to find her fellow guest also still fast asleep.

Hearing Lyra enter, Subaru woke up as well, also surprised at how late he had slept in. After some light banter, the two decided the least they could do to burn time was try to study together.

As the two studied, lunch time had soon come and went without either one of the maids coming to inform them that the meal was ready.

Subaru: Do you think Rem and Ram got so busy that they forgot to make lunch?

Lyra: They ARE always incredibly busy on the third day, come to think of it...

Almost as if on cue, a knock was heard on the door, followed by it being opened by Ram. Ram carried one large platter with simple snack items and finger food in one hand, and a small tea set on its own platter in the other hand.

Ram: Please forgive Ram and her sister for failing to prepare lunch on time. Please take these to tide yourselves over until supper time.

Getting up and nearly grabbing the platter from Ram, Subaru began to wolf down bites of food into his hungry mouth.

Subaru (mouth full): Oh dheses arw so gwood. Rem made dese, yeah?

Ram: Yes, Rem made them after Emilia-sama had mentioned that both of you had missed breakfast.

Lyra: We should thank Rem the next time we see her.

With Subaru too busy stuffing his face to hear Lyra's suggestion, Ram sighed before responding.

Ram: That's if you even WILL have the chance to today. Both Rem and I are very busy today, and dinner is also likely to be delayed as well. Now, if you'll excuse Ram—

Lyra: W-wait! Maybe we can help? I'd really like to—

Stopping Lyra with a single raised palm to her, Ram denied her.

Ram: That is quite alright. Rem and I will make do as we always have.

Taking her leave, Ram bowed before departing., leaving Lyra and Subaru to their own devices. With nothing else to occupy their time, studying continued.

At what seemed to be supper time, Lyra made her way to an empty dining hall.

The twins really are overloaded with tasks today... Just how late is dinner going to be ?

Somewhat concerned, Lyra walked to the kitchen to see if either of them had at least gotten to the prepping point of cooking.

Approaching the kitchen's door, Lyra distinctly heard what sounded like a chopping noise. Someone was definitely cutting ingredients for sure. Opening the door, Lyra was given a scene of Rem frantically running around the kitchen. From the cutting table to the stove to the pantry to the spice rack back to the cutting table and every other combination.

Seeing the look of stress on her face, she could tell Rem hadn't even noticed her enter.

Lyra: Hey, Rem—

Stopping mid-step to her next station, Rem put what food items she held in her hands behind her back and bowed, apologizing.

Rem: Rem is terribly sorry, but dinner is going to be later than usual this evening. If Lyra needs something, then please look for Nee-sama. She should be able to help,as Rem needs to attend to as much as she can here.

Spewing her words out as fast as she could before returning to run around the kitchen, Rem explained her situation to Lyra.

Lyra: I was just going to ask, do you need any help? I've worked in a kitchen like this before…

She thought back to the times that she had assisted in cooking meals before in the mansion's kitchen in previous loops.

Not taking her eyes off of what she was doing, Rem responded.

Rem: Rem will be honest, Lyra will only slow things down. Only Nee-sama would have the skill to work at a pace that would be assistive.

Lyra: Oh... I see. I'll just get out of your hair, then...

Without even a goodbye from Rem, Lyra somberly returned to the hallway and went in search of Ram.

Now, around this time, where would Ram even be?

Taking a first guess, she decided to check the washroom, as in the last loop, that was the last task Rem had to do before starting dinner.

Opening the door to the washroom, Lyra was immediately greeted by Ram, bowing while holding the scrubbing broom.

Ram: Lyra-sama. Please excuse the mess, but the washroom is currently being facilitated. If you had wanted to pass the time with a soak before dinner, I'm afraid you might need to find something else to do, but rest assured, Rem is working as hard as she can to get dinner ready.

Walking further into the washroom, Lyra replied to Ram.

Lyra: Yeah that's why I'm here, Rem's really struggling and I offered to help her but she said I'd probably only get in the way—

Ram: Most definitely.

Even while having to fulfill the task of being a courteous maid, Ram could still manage to sneak in small bursts of snide comments.

Pretending to not notice her comment, Lyra went on.

Lyra: I thought the next best thing to do to try to help her is to help you.

Stopping to tilt her head, Ram took a moment to think about what Lyra meant by that.

Ram: What do you mean?

Lyra: What I mean is... I know you'd rather be helping Rem than doing this.. so, go on. I can take over here.

With almost an expression of relief, it seemed like Ram almost easily agreed, but as soon as she did, she stopped herself, and issued her protest.

Ram: I could not allow a guest to dirty their hands like this, I'm sorry.

Sighing and turning to a sadder expression, Ram went on.

Ram: Rem will just have to make do… — ?!

While Ram was going on, Lyra had removed her shoes. Cutting her off by stepping down into the drained bath, Lyra picked up what had to have been Rem's scrubbing broom and got to work as she had done before.

Lyra: Like this, right?

Watching almost as in disbelief, Ram watched Lyra perform the task as if she'd done it before.

Lyra: Do I meet the grade? You should take off and go help Rem, I've got things covered here.

Shooting a smile to her, Ram sighed and stopped her own scrubbing again to address Lyra, shaking her head.

Ram: It would be entirely unprofessional of me to allow a guest of the house to take over my duties as a maid.

Lyra: Then, at least let me help you make things go by quicker.

Without ever expressing a hint of decline to her offer, Ram went back to scrubbing her half of the drained bath while Lyra scrubbed her half.

After a few minutes of scrubbing in silence, Lyra noticed that the look Ram had on her face was different from the one that she normally had when she was working on chores.

Lyra: Ram, I can tell you're just itching to say something.

Not stopping her work or even looking over, Ram replied in the most forced formal tone she could muster.

Ram: I have no idea what you're implying.

Lyra: C'mon Ram. You can probably guess that I don't care if you speak your mind, and I would prefer you do, I can tell it tires you out having to keep all that bottled up.

Stopping her scrubbing now, Ram's vision remained where it had for a moment until she turned to face Lyra, who was still on the opposite side of the drained bath, scrubbing.

Ram: *sigh* Fine. Do you really want to know what Ram wants to say?

Simply nodding at Ram, Lyra gave her go-head.

Ram: Why?

Confused by her question, Lyra furrowed her brow.

Ram: Barusu was intent on just staying cooped up in his room reading and being a freeloader. You on the other hand... you chose to be a guest and yet still act as if you are a member of this mansion's staff on occasion. Why did you ask to be a guest when you clearly find it to be dull?

Stopping her scrubbing, Lyra paused and looked upwards at the ceiling, gathering her thoughts.

Lyra: Like Subaru, I'm not the best at reading and writing, except I'm even worse off than he is. He might have the drive to power through it, but I get discouraged when I'm having to self-teach myself and end up having to find something else to do, which brings me here.

Ram: So then, you helping is just a distraction for yourself? Or perhaps it's an excuse to help quell feelings of guilt from being a freeloader yourself.

Laying her hands on top of the broomstick and resting her chin on top of that, Lyra directly conveyed her words to Ram.

Lyra: I wouldn't say that. It's more... I really like it here. It's comfy. And to Subaru, he really likes everyone here, and maybe that just kinda rubbed off on me. I help because I want to help. Who doesn't like to help their friends? You two honestly ARE running at capacity for taking care of everything here.

Directing her vision upward to the ceiling to focus more on what she wanted to say next, Lyra continued.

Lyra: If Rem wasn't so demonically inspired to perform house work so well, I don't know how you two would manage, to be honest 

Taking her answer with a blank stare before returning to her own scrubbing, Ram finally responded.

Ram: That saying... Barusu said something similar earlier.

Turning to Ram after she had replied with something so off -topic, Lyra asked why.

Lyra: Huh? You mean about being 'how are you two able to manage?'

Ram: No, about being "demonically inspired." He referenced her being similar to a demon.

Lyra: I don't think he meant anything by it. It does somewhat accurately describe Rem's work ethic though, in a good way, of course 

Ram: Barusu described them oddly, with some stupid story about how one wished to be friends with the people of a village, at the cost of defaming their sibling... Do you have the same opinion as he does?

Shaking her head, Lyra answered the pink-haired maid.

Lyra: While I'm not familiar with the story that he might have told, I think me and him would have different view-points here.

Ram: …So you don't like demons?

Lyra shook her head again, and went on.

Lyra: That really doesn't enter into it here correctly. To Subaru, where he grew up or comes from, demons are what he would try to describe as 'ogres' to me. Which, where I'm from, aren't demonic in nature.

Stopping her own scrubbing again, Lyra once again looked up at the ornate tile ceiling of the washroom to gather the thoughts in her head to best organize them to what she wanted to say.

Lyra: But, what Subaru is describing as "ogres," where I came from and understand, are what would be called "oni", which are different from ogres.

Ram: Oni...

She hadn't noticed it, but as Ram had spoken softly, she tightened her grip on the scrubbing broom.

Lyra: Yeah. Which again, I would say aren't inherently demonic. In the stories I'm used to, ogres, or as I think you would call them too, oni, aren't always evil.

Ram: So it would be correct to say that Barusu views them all in a negative light, which isn't in line with where he comes from?

Lyra: I would say again, not quite. "Demons" or "demonic" things don't carry the same weight as they would where I'm from and understand. Those kinds of things would be spectral evil incarnate, not a race of beings, like oni or ogres.

Stopping her scrubbing again, almost surprised at where her long-winded answer was leading, Ram asked another question to Lyra.

Ram: Then, you actually do like ogres, or oni rather?

Lyra: Yeah. You could say that. One of my favorite movies— err, stories, is about a good ogre. It's pretty popular too. Almost everyone where I'm from likes it.

Tilting her head, Ram was actually intrigued on the matter.

Ram: Just... What happens in this story?

Lyra: Well, it's a long one, but it starts with a green ogre who lives in a swamp...

Around the same time Lyra had finished explaining the plot and the themes within it, they had gotten close to finishing.

Lyra: Well, that just about wraps it up then. What do you think?

Ram was silent for a moment before responding.

Ram: Your skill in cleaning is satisfactory for having helped Ram finish quicker.

Having a small laugh to herself, Lyra replied.

Lyra: Ha, not quite. I meant the story. You seemed pretty into it.

Shrugging and closing her eyes, Ram answered.

Ram: It was an odd story, my interest could be summed up as disbelief that such a tale would be so well-received.

After Lyra explained the rough plot, Ram was astonished to learn that such a story of judgment of appearance could be claimed to be so well-liked, especially about an entity that's known to her to be so normally loathed.

Opening her eyes back up, she went on.

Ram: However, I will say it wasn't terrible.

Lyra: Hmm... Well, it's also good to know that I can be of some help to you, too.

Ram:… Then perhaps you should have asked Roswaal-sama for a staff position here instead of being a guest…

With the two of them going back to finishing up, Lyra had heard Ram reply, but she had done so quietly, as if unsure to herself if she wished to be heard or not.

A pang of guilt ran through Lyra. She felt as if her current position in the mansion was incorrect, that he was supposed to be a staff member.

Letting the feeling stew in her, Lyra continued her share of the scrubbing till the drained bath was sufficiently cleaned.

Ram: I do believe that's everything.

Wiping her forehead, Lyra stepped up out of the drained bath.

Lyra: Alright then. Here, let me take care of putting the cleaning stuff away while you go help Rem.

Ram: Why are you so worried about Rem? What do you gain from all this?

Taking the bucket of cleaning supplies from Ram, and walking them to their storage location, Lyra replied.

Lyra: I just hate having to see Rem—, no...both of you...I hate seeing the two of you struggle with the mountain of tasks that you have to do each day just because there's two guests that you have to worry about now.

Without a response, Ram turned to leave the room and headed to assist Rem in the kitchen.

But just as she was leaving the door frame, Ram stopped, turning her head over her shoulder to speak to Lyra, who was still putting the supplies away.

Ram: For what it's worth, Ram thinks you would have made a fine addition to the staff here had you asked for that instead.

Turing to see Ram, as her statement had not been nearly at all what she expected, Lyra just missed her exit.

What had her expression been while saying that? Lyra wondered.

An overwhelming amount of guilt had surged through Lyra from Ram's statement. Sighing, she stood back up, forcing himself to shake it off.

Despite everything feeling wrong, she had to march forward. It was the only direction she could.

Early the next morning, Lyra woke up in her room after another night of self-study, her progress towards literacy in this new world still suffering from stagnation.

The night before, dinner had come later in the evening as it did every loop for the day. However during this specific dinner, Emilia had chosen to sit next to Lyra.

Dinner had gone normally other than that, and not wishing to be rude, Lyra entertained Emilia's attempts to converse. She had asked her how her gate was feeling and how she was liking her stay at the mansion now.

As the meal was drawing to an end, Emilia had asked Lyra again if she had noticed anything with her gate. After replying that she hadn't, Emilia had gone further, almost as if trying to coax an answer out of him.

Emilia: Are you sure? Nothing new has shown up?

Wiping the sleepiness from her eyes, the question still was kicking around in her thoughts.

I don't get what she's implying every time she asks that... It's almost like she knows something but won't tell me...

Getting out of bed, she got herself ready for breakfast.

Lyra took her seat at the table. Emilia had decided yet again to take a seat next to her. It appeared that Emilia intended to ask the same questions as before to Lyra, but to her relief, she was cut off by what Subaru had to say.

Taking the opportunity whilst everyone in the mansion was present in one place, Subaru announced that he and Lyra had made plans to depart the mansion later that day.

With an almost dejected expression, Emilia turned to Lyra, her amethyst eyes filled with emotion.

Whilst the other table members were discussing the details of it all with Subaru, Roswaal offering a care package, Ram offering directions, and Rem heading off to prepare said care package, Emilia had gotten Lyra's attention, wishing to understand the reasoning for her and Subaru's departure.

Emilia: Why? Wasn't your intention the same as Subaru's? To get better at reading and writing? Why leave now? Why leave at all?

With an almost panic-like sound on her voice, Lyra was slightly stunned by the reaction that the news had gotten out of Emilia.

Not knowing how to respond, Emilia leaned in closer, as if begging for an answer, forcing Lyra to croak out an answer.

Lyra: It's uhh, like Subaru said, w-we've gotta get a move on. Y-you know?

Sitting back more squarely in her chair, Emilia cast her eyes downward, and looked away, back to in front of her.

Emilia: I see. I should have known that you would— er, you two would probably not stay around for long...

Partly relieved that she wouldn't have to play twenty questions with Emilia, it was overpowered by the fact that she now felt guilty once again.

It's like Subaru said, this is all for the sake of the people in this mansion along with ourselves. We have to find out who's going to attack the mansion.

With breakfast finished up, Lyra and Subaru collected their things and headed the main foyer.

Roswaal and the twins were there to see the two of them off, offering a care package for the both of them that included food, water, and what Roswaal had said was "a gift to commemorate their time together", which Subaru had simply realized was hush money.

Rem & Ram: Good day to you both, and have a safe journey.

Roswaal: Yeeees, do be sure to stay on the roads and avooooooid traveling at night.

Subaru: We'll do well to remember that. Thanks for having me Ros-chi. And you two.

Turning to the twins, Subaru went on.

Subaru: Thanks for all the hard work you guys do.

With both of them bowing again, Lyra chimed in.

Lyra: Our send -off seems to be missing a few people. Where's Emilia and Puck?

Ram: Emilia-sama wasn't feeling well after breakfast, so she retired to her room.

Subaru: *sigh* I was hoping to see my Emilia-tan one last time before leaving, too...

Standing back up straight and holding the bag on his back by it's straps, Subaru recomposed himself.

Subaru: Well, then... we should be off.

With that, Subaru turned and opened the door, and was the first to step out. Letting Subaru take the lead, Lyra also stepped out the door.

Just before leaving though, Lyra looked back before closing the door.

With the twins standing aft of Roswaal, Ram was still bowing, eyes shut, just as Rem had been, Lyra had caught for only the slightest of seconds before the door fully shut.

Rem wasn't there anymore.

Was she hiding? Or did she move? Or...

Maybe she just didn't care to stick around long enough, this time...

Without getting one last look at Rem, Lyra caught back up with Subaru, and made their way down the road just as they'd planned.

With the mansion now growing smaller behind them, Subaru decided this was far enough for them to not be spotted, but close enough to cover the mansion visually from their lookout.

Making their way directly off the path and into the woods, they walked until they could see the beginning of a rise, up towards a cliff off to their left, and to the right, the trees cleared up to a small opening at the base of this cliff.

Catching their breaths, Subaru and Lyra stopped at this divide before them.

Subaru: I think we should split up, but not be too far away from each other. I'll head up to the top of that cliff, and maybe you could stand watch at the bottom.

Lyra: Don't you think more eyes on the mansion would be more useful?

Shaking his head, Subaru explained.

Subaru: You won't be able to see it, but you should still be able to listen in on the road from down there. You should hopefully be able to hear if any carriages come up the road.

Lyra: Okay, I can manage that..but what about in the case we get approached? You've got no route of escape from up on that butte.

Setting his bag down off his back and reaching into it—

Subaru: That's why I've got this rope. If anything comes at me, I'll have this tied around myself and a tree, and I can jump down to you.

Not entirely impressed with his plan, Lyra couldn't find real fault in it given the circumstances, so she decided to go along with it.

Lyra: *sigh* Alright. You take the high road, and I'll take the low road.

Subaru: Cool. If you hear or see anything, chuck a rock up at me, I'll come look over.

With that, the two separated, each heading to their station of observation.

Reaching the bottom of the cliff right below where Subaru was going to have his visual of the mansion, Lyra found a rock that she could sit down on.

With the sun still high in the air, it would be awhile until the hour of the attack would come, but that didn't mean they wouldn't hear or see anything before then.

Keeping an ear up, Lyra hunkered in for the wait.

It was starting to get late, rays of pink and purple now crossed the sky as the amber sun began to set on the mansion.

Not once did Lyra hear any traffic, and never once did Subaru signal to inform him of anything she saw. Craning her neck to see if he could see Subaru taking a more active observation given the waning light, a slight wind picked up.

Still not being able to see Subaru, and not wanting to alert him, Lyra sat back down on her rock and peered out into the forest, which was now rustling with the wind.

With the branches swaying, Lyra could see ways though the forest that she couldn't before.

She saw nothing more spectacular than a few newly-exposed trees the split-second that a branch was swayed by the wind.

Lyra took in the scene for a moment longer before a gust kicked up, blowing the wind harder for a brief second. The strong wind caused the branches to sway even more than they had before.

But that's when Lyra saw it.

A flash of pink, much like how the sky was at the moment.

Was that the skyline I just saw through there? That would be odd, it's so low in the tree line... but I have no idea how this hilly part curves, so it could be...

A few more moments went on before the wind eventually went back to how it was before.

Pondering how it was possible that she hadn't noticed the sky being visible through the treeline before, Lyra focused her vision very hard at the spot where she'd seen what she believed to be the sky.

She could hear another gust of wind coming through the trees, causing the branches to rustle strongly once again. Perhaps this was her chance to understand where the strong and sudden breezes were coming from if she paid proper attention.

This was the level of boredom Lyra was at.

Anticipating the reveal again, Lyra locked her vision to where the pink had been. The branches parted again with the gust of wind, and for almost a second, Lyra could see the pink once more.

She could see much more pink that time.

Had the wind blown harder that time? No... It's just closer than I thought, and that's definitely not the sky either. It too looked as if it was moving in the wind.

Standing up, Lyra craned her vision as directly forward as she could without moving position.

Hearing another gust in the horizon, Lyra was determined to figure out just what exactly she'd seen.

Really focusing now on the location, the next breeze blew through the forest, moving branches and revealing the entity once more.

Still the pink color remained, but ever so closer yet again. Or was it her imagination?

What out here could be pink? Flowers? A shrine, maybe?

Thoroughly confused, Lyra anticipated the next breeze, and to her luck, she got one.

Taking a step forward for a better view, Lyra knew the next breeze was to hit in the next half second. She figured that this was going to be a large one from what she'd heard in the distance with the sound of leaves swaying.

Seeing the branches part yet again, the pink color was bigger now, but not only did she see pink, but also the very stark colors of black and white.

With the breeze dying down, the pink remained visible this time. No longer needing the gusts, Lyra could observe the pink color uninterrupted.

Making out more details, she could see that the pink was also flowing in the wind now. Almost like—

Lyra: Hair...

Lyra spoke quietly to herself. Slowly, the gears in her head began to turn, and almost as soon as they did...

The "woosh" of another gust blew through, fully unshrouding the pink object in question.

Lyra gulped.

Lyra: Why is... why?

Finally recognizable to Lyra, the pink object came into picture. Rubbing her eyes, she did not believe them. How could she?

From the moment that she had shut them to the moment she opened them back up, her eyes were given sight to the pink object being much closer than just before. Just a step or two from entering the clearing of trees at the base of the cliff.

Shocked silent and still, Lyra watched her take her first steps into the clearing, out from the forest and in full view of Lyra.

Giving her a blank stare, she said not a word.

Lyra: W-w...

Lyra: Why...? How...?

Lyra: Ram.... What are you doing here?

Chapter Text

Chapter 15: Interrogation

Still staring in absolute disbelief, Lyra asked her question.

No response.

Puzzled and maybe questioning what she was seeing, Lyra began to walk up to her, slowly, but not taking her eyes off of her for the first few paces.

Almost halfway to the silent, non-responsive Ram, Lyra thought that she should see if Subaru himself was watching this as well.

Subaru, are you seeing this?! Lyra wondered.

Going to turn her head up and behind to see if Subaru was visible on top of the cliff, her head only made it about halfway around before another gust of wind made her stop looking.

She hadn't heard this gust coming....and it was so sudden that ... something was definitely off...

Turning her vision back towards Ram, in the short time that Lyra had gone to turn her head, Ram had advanced with that breeze. She stood only a few paces away, and now both of them stood right in the middle of that clearing at the bottom of the cliff.

The two stood there, staring at each other, waiting to see who would make the first move.

With tension rising, Lyra made a rather large gulp, hoping to swallow her anxiety.

In response, Ram snorted.

Feeling as if the tension was finally broken, Lyra knew that this was Ram in front of her. Putting her hand on her chest to help expel the air trapped within her, Lyra sighed a sigh of relief.

Lyra: *sigh* You were spooking me there, Ram. But... What are you doing out here?

With an unchanged expression and a tone that almost conveyed an air of utter contempt, she answered.

Ram: That's a better question for yourself, isn't it?

Lyra: ... —Hk!

She truly hadn't thought of this that way. To Ram, it would be rather suspicious as to why she was still nearby the mansion. She really did have a reason to be so on-guard.

Ram: Out with it. Why are you still here?

Lyra: Well, it's really complicated...but I promise it's for a good reason, I just can't—

Ram: Can't what? Can't tell me? Do you honestly think I'd believe whatever you have to say?

Lyra: Ram...

Ram: Save it. I won't be the one you have to 'explain' things to.

Lyra: — —? 'Explain'? I-I don't understand—

?: AHHHHHHHHH!

Cutting off Lyra, a loud yelling noise rose from the cliff behind her and Ram.

Off to the very far edge of the cliff from where the two stood, Subaru had made his escape, jumping off the cliff edge with the rope still tied around himself. Not hesitating for a moment, he cut himself loose and fell another two feet down, almost face-planting but rolling right up and sprinting off, into the brush, totally oblivious to the presence of the two people who were standing on the other side of the clearing.

Lyra: Suba—

Ram: It's pointless!

Snapping her head back to Ram who had shouted over her, she couldn't figure out why it would be "pointless" to shout over to him. Obviously he could explain all this to Ram and—

Ram: Barusu was to be dealt with first, but it looks like you'll be the first instead.

With complete contempt for Lyra, Ram spoke these words. It was a tone only used for those she bore absolutely no sympathy for. A near lament for her very existence.

Lyra: Ram. What are you talking about? Fill me in here...help me understand...because I'm getting real—

*SCRAAAAAAAAPE*

Stopping her words cold, her eyes widened to the familiar noise.

*SCRAAAAAAAAPE*

It was the same noise.

*SCRAAAAAAAAPE*

The very same noise.

*SCRAAAAAAAAPE*

The sound of dragging pipes and rustling chains from the night the mansion was attacked. The thing that had killed Subaru. She was hearing that here and now.

Bending her knees, almost as if anticipating a strike any moment, Lyra began to plead to Ram.

Lyra: Ram. We need to leave here. Now.

Shaking her head, Ram replied.

Ram: You're not going anywhere.

Steadying her voice, Lyra stiffened her attitude and narrowed her eyes.

Lyra: You don't understand. We aren't safe here. We need to find Subaru and get back to the mansion. Everyone there is in danger and so are we right now.

Still giving Lyra her stare of contempt, Ram waited before responding to Lyra, but before she could—

*SCRAAAAAAAAPE*

Ram: What are you going on about? Are you trying to weasel your way out of this?

Lyra: That... that, sound! Ram! Don't you hear it?!

Ram: What sound do you mean?

Lyra: What?! One of rustling chains and iron being dragged! THAT sound! It means we're in danger and we need to leave. Now.

How would she know what it sounds like? There's no way she should have heard it before. Ram's thoughts raced through her mind now at this very moment, confused as to how Lyra was familiar with what the noise was. Unless she's being serious—!

Lyra: Ram! We need to go! Please! That's the sound the attacker makes with their weapon!

A small gasp left Ram's mouth.

She thinks that... SHE'S the attacker? Were we wrong about—?

Cutting off Ram, the sound intensified.

What had been the sound of pipes dragging and chains rattling, had turned into what was clearly a launched attack. Sounding as if an anchor was just tossed from a mighty ship, the chains screamed from their own velocity. from somewhere., headed for one of them.

Lyra: RAM GET DOWN!

Still having been stuck in immediate thought, Ram finally came to as Lyra was charging at her, closing the distance and being more than halfway to her, only an arms length away and closing.

Their eyes met before the inevitable collision. Ram saw a tenacious mix of desperation, concern, and ultimately, honesty in Lyra's eyes. Lyra saw the look in Ram's eyes as well. Surprise, astonishment, and almost a hint of what she may be thought was regret of all things.

Finally colliding, Lyra grabbed a hold of Ram and continued going, twisting her body to take the brunt of the fall. As she did, the impact of the metal weapon could be felt hitting the ground behind her with a massive thud.

With the two finally falling, Lyra let go of Ram right before they had landed, hoping to prevent herself from crushing her, but also to give her more energy to get as far from the weapon's impact point as possible.

Rolling, Lyra recovered and bounced back to her feet, while Ram was slower to get back up. Dirt covering them both, Lyra looked to where the impact had been.

A large spiked ball, a morningstar, the size of a beach ball, laid half buried in the ground where it had impacted with great force. Noticing a chain attached to it, Lyra was too worried for Ram's well-being to visually trace it back to its origins.

Lyra: Ram! Are you alright?! Say something! Are you hurt?!

Having just got back up, Ram still wore the same expression that she was before, one of worry and confusion.

Just as Lyr had called out to her though, the morningstar launched back to life, retreating to some place Lyra couldn't follow. Taking the opportunity, she called out Ram's name and began to approach her once more.

Is she paralyzed with fear or something? That's very unlike her, but why else would she not be trying to evade that thing? Lyra thought.

Holding her hand as if she should take it, Lyra beckoned to her.

Lyra: Ram! We have to go! We're in danger. Let's get a move on and — —!

Just as Lyra was within arms-reach of Ram,with her intention being to grab her and run if need be to save her, an almost explosive impact erupted from the ground between them.

With dirt and grass and other debris showering the area, Lyra flew backwards. Landing on her back, he took in one big gulp of air and coughed out the dirt he had inhaled.

Not allowing herself to take too long, Lyra sat up, worried about how Ram had fared during the last impact.

Almost not believing her eyes, Ram continued to stand in the same spot, unmoved and unfazed by the shockwave that had sent Lyra flying backwards.

The morningstar also had to have been recalled almost as soon as it hit, as the crater it left was empty.

Ram continued to stare at Lyra, almost as if she were in disbelief to her actions. Lyra didn't know why she was acting so strangely given the situation, but before she even had time to get back up, she could already hear the wind-up for the next throw.

A sound of chains clashing violently, grinding, and coming uncoiled.

Waving her arm to get Ram to move, Lyra called out once more.

Lyra: RAM! Run! Move! Hide! Do something— —!

Again, before she could finish, the morningstar returned, this time passing both of them and wrapping its chain around a tree, uprooting it and breaking its thick trunk.

Falling, the tree landed right between Lyra and Ram, obstructing Lyra's view of Ram.

Lyra: Ram! Shit...SHIT!!

Stumbling up to her feet, Lyra ran to the fallen tree, dust still mixed in the air from the mighty tree's fall.

Please...please!!! Don't let her be stuck underneath this!!

Reaching the tree and coughing up dirt, Lyra looked over the tree's trunk, which was now laying sideways on the ground.

Frantically, she looked up and down the tree for any sign that Ram might be trapped.

Looking just forward, further ahead of the tree where Ram had been... remained the crater that had separated them...meaning the tree had not fallen close enough to Ram to impact her...yet—.

Lyra: She's not here... where did she—?...!

Again hearing the whine of chains being violently handled, Lyra saw the morningstar coming again, directly for her.

With only fractions of a second to react, Lyra dove back behind the fallen tree, narrowly missing the impact. The morningstar continued its destructive path, bashing through the freshly fallen tree, sending shrapnel and splinters everywhere.

Getting right back up, Lyra broke for the woods, towards the direction that Subaru had run towards Behind her, she heard the continued rattle and whine of the chains, almost like a rattlesnake's tail. This let her know that it was ready to strike yet again if need be.

Lyra ran. She ran as hard as she had ever run before. Jumping over stumps, fallen trees, rocks, whatever was in her path, she hesitated for nothing.

She knew not where she was running, only that she MUST run. As she ran, her thoughts began to rationalize more.

She had not seen Ram, she had disappeared. Had she runned? Did she hide?

Lyra's run slowed to a jog, devoting more of her energy to thought. She hadn't heard the chains since she broke for the trees, so was this person still aiming to attack her?

Suddenly a cold realization came over herself.

Did I just abandon Ram to the attacker?! She theorized.

Stopping where she stood, Lyra turned back in the direction that she had just run from.

What should I do?! I'm powerless to do anything... but to just leave her? Could I let myself do that?!

Lyra's mind raced with questions. Should she go back? Should she run? If so, where to? The mansion? Not a bad idea... but how? The road was the quickest and most sure way to find her way back, but she would be out in the open... Running in the forest might be safe, but could take much longer....she had also gotten all turned around while running. Just what direction was she even going at this point?

Lyra needed the sun. Before it had set, she could tell where she was headed based on its location. However, under the thick canopy of trees that she was under, it was impossible to tell with the sun where it was now. She needed to reach a clearing.

Taking off running again, Lyra was on a mad dash to see the sun before it set. Ram and Subaru's lives might both very well depend on getting help from the mansion.

Running, Lyra heard another noise. A noise like the one she was making. The noise of someone crushing sticks, impacting the ground, and kicking up rocks. Someone who was running like she was.

Looking to her right, she saw what-or rather, who- she hadn't expected to see.

Subaru. Running in the same direction she was, beat with exhaustion, he had been running for a while.

Cutting through the foliage, Lyra ran up to, next to, and matched pace with Subaru.

Lyra: Subaru! Hey!

Turning his face to see Lyra, a look of pure panic played out across Subaru's face. He had seen something very concerning.

Shouting out, Subaru answered Lyra as soon as she called.

Subaru: The attacker! *Huff huff* the attacker is—HCK!

Just as Subaru was going to tell Lyra about his discovery, a razor-like sound shattered the air around them. This sound was unlike the sound of rattling chains and dragging pipes from before. This was a new weapon, a new foe.

Just as soon as the sound had rung out, Subaru had expressed a sound of pain. He had been hit by something. Lyra didn't know what he had been hit by. She was too busy being knocked over by a falling Subaru to observe the extent of the damage.

With Subaru crashing into Lyra, both lost their balance and went tumbling to the ground. With whatever had hit Subaru, it had given him further inertia, the impact of the crash and the distance they both flew because of it was evidence enough.

Rolling and floundering on the ground, Lyra rolled and flipped till she hit the trunk of a tree back-first, knocking the wind right out of her, and slumped down.

Now sitting and her vision blurry, she huffed for air, desperate to not pass out.

In her blurred vision, she could make out Subaru against the ground, laying sprawled out.

Only...did he look taller by any chance...or was it just her?

Trying to concentrate on breathing, taking in short small breaths, all that her body would allow her to, she couldn't devote the energy she'd like to in order to clear up her vision.

Laying still, Subaru's seemingly longer body in her warped vision began to have a new color, almost halfway down his body....red....

With Subaru's body starting to rustle back to consciousness, or at least awareness, only half of what Lyra thought Subaru was floundering about.

Subaru: aaaaaaaaaagggghhhhAAAAAGGGHHHH! MY LEG!

With Subaru violently flipping and turning, Lyra's vision began to clear up, unblurring. The scene was slowly painted for her.

The "long" Subaru that she had seen was due to his knee having been severed right from the rest of his leg, and the red was the blood gushing from the wound.

As her vision cleared up more, it became more apparent as to why they had tripped and fallen. Something had blown Subaru's leg clean off, launching him into Lyra in the process.

The wound was a clean-cut one, almost as if done by a guillotine, yet it had such velocity that it had propelled them both. Bone and muscle was visible when it faced Lyra as Subaru thrashed about.

Subaru: AAAGGGHHHHH!

Subaru's shouts and screams continued. Too writhed in pain herself, however, Lyra could do nothing but watch and suck in what little air her body would allow her to 

As the gruesome scene before Lyra laid out, a figure emerged from where they had been running from.

Stepping into the evening light that broke through the trees where the two laid battered and torn, blue hair caught the brilliance of the sun's farewell rays.

Her maid outfit, covered in dirt as if she had fallen, also made its appearance into the light. Holding something in her arms, Lyra's vision hadn't quite gotten back to where it could see that far quite yet, but she wouldn't have any trouble knowing exactly who this was.

Not being able to see her face, only her rough outline and color, Lyra strained herself to get a glimpse of her in sharp vision, just to know she was okay, she was unhurt and the attacker hadn't gotten her as they may have gotten Ram.

Working her eyes and lungs as hard as she could, as Rem approached the fallen Subaru, Lyra croaked out her shallow words as loud as she could muster, not to waste a single breath. He had to inform her. The attacker had to be close.

Lyra: R- *wheeze* Re- *wheeze* Rem!

Having gotten her attention, she stopped in front of Subaru, her face obviously pointed at Lyra, however, her expression, along with the rest of her, were still quite blurred.

With speaking greatly helping her breath capacity, Lyra found herself being able to use more words in one go.

Lyra: There's a- *wheeze* an attacker! They're after the- *wheeze* mansion! You gotta get help! *wheeze* They might have already got Ram. *wheeze* Please, Rem. You've *wheeze* gotta be careful.

Without a response, Rem set what she was holding onto the ground, making not a sound. Placing her hand next to Subaru's gaping wound, a blue aura emanated from her hand. Reciting a chant, her words healing Subaru's wound.

Picking what she set down next to her back up as she rose, Rem finally directed words to the two broken and battered former guests of the mansion.

Rem: If you die so easily, Rem cannot extract the needed information from either of you.

Such utter contempt was in the tone of her voice.

Lyra strained her vision. She had to focus on it and get a clear picture of what was going on. Something wasn't right.... something DEFINITELY wasn't right...

Dropping what she held in her hands, the oh-so familiar and dreadful sound of dragging chains echoed throughout the forest.

Lyra was completely stunned.

Why?

Why why why why why why why why why did that awful noise just sound like Rem had made it?

Lyra denied what her senses were telling her. The noise had to mean that the attacker was close...right?

RIGHT?!

Facing Subaru, Rem spoke.

Rem: I ask you this. Are you a member of a faction that is a rival to Emilia-sama's royal candidacy?

Lyra was extremely confused by this entire exchange up to this point.

Why is she asking questions like that at a time like this?! We're in serious danger!

With more of her vision returning, definition to the scene also began to refill. As Rem continued to hold something in her hand, Subaru, still in pain, but no longer dealing with anything life-threatening, croaked out a response.

Subaru: My heart only belongs to Emilia... —ACK!

With the sound of chains filling the air once more, Rem had made a motion as if striking Subaru.

Hearing the sound of iron striking flesh, and a shout of pain, Lyra's vision finally restored itself out of panic to the scene before her.

Before her stood Rem, arm raised, hilt in hand. From the hilt followed a thick, spiraling length of iron chains. Following them down to the ground, laid a pile of more of them, coiled, ready to be raised again to lash out at Subaru once more.

Next to the pile of chains...laid a morningstar...

Lyra couldn't believe her eyes. Surely this was false. How could Rem of all people be the attacker? None of what Lyra saw made any sense.

Writhing with pain, Subaru held his forearm where the chains had met his skin.

Rem: Who hired you? And under what conditions?

Subaru: Emilia-tan's smile... and it was priceless— AAACCH! AHHHH!

Again, Rem lashed Subaru. Lyra gasped in horror. Why was Rem being so outrageously hostile?

While Subaru rolled and howled in pain, Lyra brought up the courage to speak her voice to Rem to ask her why she was behaving this way.

Lyra: Rem! What are you doing?! What... what's going on?!

Turning her head to Lyra, Rem had an eerie aura about her as Lyra could not see her eyes due to her hair blocking them from where she sat.

Reaching her arm with the hilt in hand back, Rem strung the chains out, and delivered them in a deadly launch, directly at Lyra.

Flinching from the impending impact, Lyra tightly shut her eyes and braced.

Hearing the chains hit, Lyra felt debris hit her face and arm.

Opening her eyes back up, she looked to her side and saw the slashes in the ground next to her. The dirt and grass that were once in that very spot were now covering her. Moving her head, splinters of wood fell from her hair to her lap. Brushing it off, Lyra looked at the tree behind herself before looking back at Rem.

It was as if a mighty beast had taken a huge bite out of the bark and wood that made up the tree.

 Lyra's eyes were wide open, full of fear towards none other than Rem.The one person she had vowed to protect from this attacker...had ended up being her...

Looking away from Lyra, Rem turned her attention back to Subaru, who was finally beginning to calm down and manage his pain in some respect.

Rem: — — —

Raising her arm once more, Rem readied another strike for Subaru should his answer be what she didn't want to hear.

Rem: Are you... Are you affiliated with the Witch's Cult?

Subaru: 'Witch Cult'? No... I don't know what that is... My family has been secular for generations— AAAGGHHHH HOOOOO!

Delivering another blow to Subaru's arms, this time they had taken all they could. Both of his arms bent in a new location, the crack of shattering bone could be clearly heard.

Subaru tossed and turned on the ground, squirming in pain and agony, hollering and screaming continuously.

Rem: LIES! How can you make such bald faced lies when you... BOTH of you...smell so much like the Witch herself!

Rem's voice boomed over Subaru's screams of pain. Even as she had quit her yelling, Subaru continued to roll and thrash about in pain.

Subaru had been broken. Mad with pain he screamed and wailed without reason.

Noticing that there would be no more effective interrogation methods for Subaru, Rem snapped her head towards Lyra, eyes filled with rage and disgust.

Fear, exploding within Lyra, told her to run. Her conscience screamed for her to pick herself up, and run far far away.

Placing her hand out to brace herself for balance to lift herself off the ground, Rem immediately knew her intentions and took action, launching her chains once more at Lyra and striking her 

With the hand she had hoped to help get herself up, Rem delivered a crippling blow. The thick iron chains smashed the fingers of that very hand.

Lyra's pinky, ring, and middle finger were completely shattered and torn to bits. Her pinky finger only remained attached by the flesh that was still connected to her hand, the bone for it completely shattered and detached. Her other two fingers had suffered broken bones and deep tissue wounds.

Lyra: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHGGGGGG!

Bringing the critically wounded hand to her chest and covering it with her uninjured hand, Lyra rocked her body in pain as the blood from her severely wounded hand dripped into her lap.

In the moment of Lyra's dispatch, Rem turned and struck at the still-wailing Subaru.

Chains aimed for his head and made their mark, causing blood to fly from his skull. Subaru was out and silenced.

Lyra, disregarding the amount of pain that she was in, suddenly remembered something.

She remembered the ability that Subaru had started calling "Return By Death". She remembered how the last time Subaru was killed, everything reset in the blink of an eye. Why hasn't that happened now? That would have been their easiest ticket out of this suffering...unless...

Lyra: No...

Subaru wasn't dead, but merely knocked out. This meant that there would be no reset just yet.

With the reality sinking in that she was to be interrogated next, Lyra prayed that Subaru would die and activate a reset before it began.

To be tortured is one thing, but to be tortured by Rem? Nothing could be worse. With Subaru indisposed, Rem walked over to Lyra, dragging her chains as she approached.

Pure panic filled her. She dared not run or fight.

Rem: Now...

Immediately reacting to her speaking to her, Lyra threw her arms up and covered her face, waiting for an impending chain-whip.

Shutting her eyes tightly, Lyra waited for the pain.

But nothing happened until she felt her arm grabbed.

Kneeling down, Rem grabbed her arm with the injured hand, which was still bleeding and slashed.

With her other hand, she grabbed the still-barely -attached pinky finger and tore it the rest of the way off.

Lyra: —ACK!

Though her hand was somewhat numb from pain, she could still feel some pain from the removal of her already-mostly-gone finger. Still holding her arm, Rem then used her other hand again to place a blue aura of magic to her wounds.

Feeling a warmth fill and flow through her wounds, they miraculously began to close and heal, taking the pain away. The feeling of her nerves returning calmed her down quite a bit.

Though her pinky had not returned, her other three digits returned to their original condition.

Seeing that her healing had stopped the wound from becoming more severe, Rem stood, towering over Lyra. She held her hilt and chain, ready to use them if she deemed necessary.

Rem: Are you a member of a faction loyal to one of the rivals that opposes Emilia-sama's royal candidacy?

Shaking her head slowly, Lyra replied in a shaky voice.

Lyra: N-n-no...

Staring down at Lyra while she sat slumped against the tree, Rem waited a moment after she gave her answer.

Taking her foot, still in her maid shoes, Rem placed it on Lyra's kneecap, standing on it, yet not putting any weight onto it.

Rem: Who hired you? And under what conditions?

Taking in air to answer, Lyra slightly whimpered before giving a response.

Lyra: No one has hired me.

Rem again took a moment to react to Lyra's answer, almost as if she was checking it against some sort of lie detector.

Steadily, she placed more of her weight onto Lyra's kneecap, an intimidation technique to get her to spill information that she, unknown to her, simply did not have.

Lyra: Arrgh! Hk!

Giving her a further look of pure disdain, Lyra knew the next question she was to ask.

Rem: Are you... are you a member of the Witch's Cult?

Despite the pain in her knee, the fear she had for her answer, and the fear of having to deal with even more pain, Lyra gave Rem an answer as honest as she could.

Looking her straight in the eye, Lyra spoke her reply.

Lyra: No. I am not a member of —ARRRGGGH! UGH! WHAT THE HELL, REM!? CUT THIS SHIT OUT ALREADY!

Having given Rem an answer she did not want, Lyra heard and felt her kneecap being crushed under immense force. The cracking and popping of bone was overpowered by the sound of her yelling and shouting out of both pain and frustration towards Rem's actions.

It was as if a car had just run over her kneecap. While there was no blood, she could already tell it was a serious injury.

Lyra: REM WHY!? WHY?! I'M NOT YOUR ENEMY, DAMN IT! CALM YOUR ASS DOWN, ALRE-

Rem: LIES!

Stepping off her knee, Rem whipped her chains at the tree that Lyra was slumped up next to.

Smashing its truck to pieces, the tree fell backwards away from the two of them, allowing more of the evening light onto them, bathing them both in a hue of orange.

Feeling the now-stump that she was laying next to vibrate from the fallen tree's impact with the ground, Lyra grabbed her knee in pain.

Rem: Why are you two so insistent on hiding the obvious truth?! You both reek of the Witch!

Lyra: I'm telling you the truth Rem! I know we have the stench! There's nothing we can do about it!

Rem: Do you know what it's been like for Rem to hold herself back everyday while you walk around the mansion smelling like THAT?! Do you know what it's like to have to CONSTANTLY be reminded of the group that hurt Nee-sama so much!?

Lyra: Rem I'm sorry! There's nothing I can do to change it... I would if I could, Rem... Believe me I —UGH!

While Lyra had her eyes lowered, begging to Rem, she had apparently been infuriated with what she had been saying and had given her a taste of her iron chains...

The strike had been right across her abdomen, slicing her garments open on her stomach area where the impact started and was thus the spot hardest hit. Blood splattered all over Lyra and some even on Rem.

Lyra slumped over to her side, her body writhing in pain from head to toe. Her breathing was hard and shallow.

Wiping the blood spatter from her face, Rem looked down even further at Lyra. Lyra was laying down like an abused and broken animal, shaking, and covered in blood and dirt.

Rem: If you reek of the Witch's scent, then you must know where it comes from. Don't you?

Lyra wanted to tell her. She wanted Rem to know that this wasn't her doing, but the consequences were serious...

Do I risk it? How much more painful can it be than this? If I can just manage to get the words out...

Lyra: It's... *huff* I want to tell you. But I can't. *cough* It won't let me...

Snorting almost exactly like how her sister would, Rem responded.

Rem: How convenient. You say you are not Rem's enemy, yet you refuse to tell Rem why it is you reek of the Witch!

Feeling a wash of anger at herself fill her, Lyra gritted her teeth and prepared for the worst.

Lyra:: FINE! You know why I stink? Why do I smell like such literal SHIT to you? It's because me and Subaru can Return by D—!

As soon as she had tried her hardest to utter the words, no matter the pain, she was cut off by that very same pain. Pain was so unbearable that all her wounds felt like scratches in comparison. A pain wallowed in her chest so extreme that it felt as if her eyes would pop out if they were forced open anymore.

Feeling the pain in her chest begin to subside, all her other wounds multiplied in pain, as if the pain from her chest had relocated itself to all these places.

Huffing and coughing and wheezing, Rem continued to look down at her until—

Rem: *sniff sniff*

Looking up through her pain, Lyra saw a new look in Rem's eyes. One of pure hatred and contempt. A beastly presence filled them.

From Lyra's botched confession and punishment from the Witch, the scent had been not just renewed, but multiplied. Letting Rem smell this had obviously been a terrible unforeseen consequence.

With this look of hate in her eyes, Rem stood above Lyra.

Rem: You disgust Rem.

Finishing the only words she could find to describe the feeling she now had, Rem raised her leg backwards, and impaled a kick into Lyra's abdomen as she lay on the ground still.

Lyra: HYCH! *cough cough*

The kick had knocked her right onto her back, thankfully so, taking the weight of her body off her now-broken set of ribs.

Still in massive amounts of pain, Lyra coughed herself hoarse. Each cough sends shooting pains from her ribs throughout her body, and each cough brings up bits of blood as well. Her entire body had begun to go numb. No longer did her body wish to be in pain.

Walking a few short paces over to where Lyra now laid, Rem began to ask even more questions.

Rem: Why?! Why do you continue to deny being Rem's enemy, and yet have the audacity to taunt Rem like this! What do you gain for this? From any of this? Asking to be a guest of the mansion, yet you still wish to help me and Nee-sama with our work! What is it that you want?!

Getting her cough under control, Lyra laid on her back, looking directly up to the evening sky. Its hue of pink had turned orange. Now it had begun to turn purple, and then soon it would be black.

Hearing Rem's question to her, it had been the first he could answer in whole. Tears beggining to flow from her eyes, her body was so numb that she couldn't even feel the tears running down her face.

Lyra: What do I want, huh, Rem? Is THAT what you want to know?!

Rem: — — —

Lyra: I wanted to help you two. I wanted to be friends with you. With Ram AND you. I wanted to laugh and eat meals together and work together. I was just having so much fun here. Compared to my life before, this was fulfilling...

Rem was silent for a while. She knew Lyra was not lying but still did not truly understand him.

Rem: ...Why would you want to be friends with people who only pretended to be nice to you?

Taking the little energy she had, Lyra shook her head.

Lyra: Now you're the one who's lying...

There was a long pause between the two of them as they stared at each other, both unsure of what to say next.

It looked as if Rem was about to come up with something else, but she was cut short.

Subaru: Uhhgg. Uhhhgggg! UUUUAAAGHH-AAAAHHHH! MY HEAD! MY HEAD -AAAAHHH!

Snapping her head around, Rem's attention was taken back to Subaru, who was now awake and screaming out in pain. Lyra continued to look upward to the sky, trying to imagine what was going to happen next.

Hopefully Subaru will die soon, Lyra thought.

Stopping herself. Lyra reconsidered her previous thought.

What a cruel wish that was...She closed her eyes and slightly shook her head at herself 

It was only when she heard Rem's footsteps begin to take her away from where she was laying down did she hear her speak finally.

Rem: Nee-sama...

"Nee-sama?" That means—

Opening her eyes and trying to raise her head to see if Rem was actually addressing who she thought she was, a ribbon of crimson shot up from where Subaru laid.

Even with Rem's figure blocking most of what she saw, Lyra could tell exactly what she had seen.

Natsuki Subaru had been killed.

Before his blood, launched upward by some kind of strike, had even reached the ground, the world paused. Slowly, but also instantaneous because of the stopped nature of time, the whole world was enveloped in a dark inky abyss.

Again feeling her senses leave her body, Lyra's consciousness drifted along, devoid of sight, smell, feeling, everything.

The pain from her wounds subsided, it was not a relief from pain, but rather simply the absence of feeling.

Into the dark abyss she fell.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16: That's Not My Job

Feeling the twinkle of sunlight on her eyes, Lyra took a big breath in through her nose. The smell of fresh laundry and freshly picked flowers filled her nose. By this point, she knew the drill.

Hearing the door open, two familiar voices filled her ears.

Rem: Nee-sama Nee-sama, our guest sleeps well into the late morning.

Ram: Rem Rem, our guest appears to be a deadbeat who sleeps in till noon.

Rem: Nee-sama Nee-sama, it would appear so. Would you mind waking him while I check on our other gue-

And now Ram will probably say something along the lines of "Don't leave me alone with such a despicable man" or something, right?

But something else occurred. Something entirely unexpected. Rem cut off her own words.

*sniff sniff*

Ram hadn't said her usual snarky line about Subaru this time.

Instead, Lyra heard a moment of silence. Neither twin said a word. Until...

Rem: Nee-sama...

Hearing Rem call for her elder sister, the twins began whispering to each other.

With the pillow she laid on covering much of her ears and thus blocking much of her finer hearing, Lyra could not tell what the two were saying.

Finally, Lyra could hear rustling.

Peeping one eye open, Lyra looked over to where she heard the sound coming from.

Subaru was stirring awake in his bed.

Rem: Guest-sama, are you awake?

Ram: Guest-sama, are you waking up?

With Subaru waking up, Lyra knew that his previous death had been a rather painful one. Unfortunately , though, he hadn't been given time to come to terms with the pain or the events that occurred during the previous loop unlike Lyra.

Lyra could almost feel the impending freakout before it happened, as if she were a fortune teller staring into a crystal ball.

Almost like clockwork, Subaru had taken his first look with his eyes in this loop and saw the two responsible for his previous death. Immediately, he began screaming, scaring the maids out of the room.

Lyra was almost thankful. While she was in a calmer state of mind then Subaru was now, she wasn't sure how she could hope to face Rem or Ram right now.

With Lyra never being addressed by the twins, she remained in bed. Wishing to disassociate with the world for a while, she fell back asleep.

She didn't know how long she had been asleep for now but she was awoken again by someone coming through the door.

With the slight sound of a chair dragging across the room's rug, Lyra could hear someone sit down right next to him.

This had never happened before. Had the twins returned? No. She only heard one set of footsteps, and these weren't the sound of their usual dress shoes.

The curiosity biting into her, Lyra almost opened her eyes, but only a second before she did, her bedside guest let her presence be known to her.

Emilia: Good morning, Lyra. Are you awake? How's your gate?

It was the royal candidate herself, the kind hearted silver haired half-elf, Subaru's crush, and one of Lyra's newest friends, Emilia.

Hearing her ask about her gate, Lyra realized this was probably the umpteenth time she'd been asked by her this very same question. Every time Emilia had asked this question, Lyra's response was always the same. 

While she does sound like a broken record at times, there's no denying it, Emilia's kindness and concern for others is second to none. I really do appreciate her being so good to both myself and Subaru...

Thinking this thought, she had still decided to remain in a false slumber, mostly due to not wanting to make Emilia feel bad or worry even more should she not be able to provide a different response than usual for her, which she currently couldn't do anyways.

Emilia: Hmmm, it appears you're still recovering...

She might almost be too kind. Gullibly-in-a-cute-way kind. It's cute, really. No wonder Subaru had the hots for her ..

Sometime after falling asleep after the twins had left, Lyra's arms had moved to the outside of the covers where she still slept.

Emilia was silent for a moment before taking Lyra's exposed hand, holding it while she continued to speak softly to who she thought was a sleeping young woman who had helped her out alongside a young man, both of them seeming like very kind and brave people in her eyes.

Emilia: I just wanted to thank you for everything you did back in the Capitol... and I wanted to make sure you were doing better with such a stretched gate...

"Stretched gate"? That's the first time she's said it that way...

Emilia continued, holding Lyra's hand all the while.

Emilia: ...I was also going to ask... if you had noticed anything yet... I really wanted to just tell you what it was, but Puck agrees...it is better if you find out for yourself...so, I'll keep asking you... because I want to be the first person you tell when you find out.

She was silent for a moment. Letting go of Lyra's hand, she spoke in a more somber, almost melancholy tone.

Emilia: We're more similar now than you realize, Lyra...

As soon as she had finished, there was rustling again on the other side of the room. Subaru was waking up again. Sitting up, Subaru rubbed his eyes.

Emilia had also heard the rustling and turned in her chair.

Emilia: Subaru. You're awake. Rem and Ram said you were acting strange. They were afraid they had said something to offend you...

Picking up her chair and setting it next to Subaru's bed now, Emilia and Subaru talked for a while.

As Lyra laid and listened, she took on the role of fly on the wall.

Nothing of note came up in their conversation until Subaru's tone changed. He started speaking to Emilia as if readying himself for something.

Subaru: Emilia, I have something very important to tell you.

Putting her fist to her chest, Emilia's amethyst eyes gave Subaru their full attention.

Subaru...PLEASE don't do what I think you're about to do...

Nodding, Emilia prompted Subaru to continue, and taking a deep breath, Subaru spoke.

Subaru: It may sound crazy but up until now, multiple times I've die—

Time paused. Much like how it had been when Lyra tried to tell Rem. Both Lyra and Subaru could feel the cold inky sensation fill the room, its shadowy hands making their way across the floor, up the beds, and into their chests.

It appears as if ONE disobeys the Witch, ANOTHER gets punished alongside them...

Slowly, they both felt their hearts being squeezed by the shadowy hand, this time inflicting real, ever-traumatizing pain. With time stopped, both were unable to scream from their pain. They instead remained trapped in silence.

The hands soon retreated, leaving the cold, inky mist to disperse as well.

As soon as time began, the effects of their pain were well witnessed by Emilia.

Subaru & Lyra: *cough cough*

With Subaru suddenly having a coughing and wheezing fit seemingly out of nowhere, Emilia moved up from her chair and leaned towards Subaru, hoping to console him.

Emilia: Subaru! Are you okay?

At the same moment, Lyra reflexively bolted himself upwards and proceeded to cough and wheeze in the same fashion as Subaru.

Unable to hide the fact that she was not actually asleep anymore, Emilia turned her head towards Lyra as well, also noticing the in-sync coughing and wheezing.

Emilia: Lyra! Are both of you ill? Do you need me to go get Beatrice and—!

Stopping, Emilia felt a tug on sleeve, almost like a child asking for attention. Turning her head back to Subaru, she then tilted her head, wondering what he had to say.

With deadpan eyes, Subaru said what he had wanted to convey.

Subaru: Please have nothing to do with me ever again.

Lyra: Subaru...

Gasping, Emilia stood up and stepped back from Subaru, who had flopped back down into his bed. She quickly looked back over to Lyra, who simply apologized, stated that she knew nothing, thanked Emilia for coming to check up on them both with a polite and cheery smile, and lied down as if trying to go back to sleep.

Putting her hand back to her chest, Emilia's amethyst eyes were cast downward in sadness. Rejected by her saviors, or at least by Subaru anyways, she silently excused herself from the room.

Hearing the door open, Lyra could hear a bit of hesitation from Emilia because she hadn't immediately closed the door.

Perhaps she was feeling rejection, or sadness, or any other cocktail of emotions. None of that really mattered to either Subaru or Lyra now though, they simply wished to be left alone right now. They could try to check on her later, if they so wished.

Finally before closing the door, Lyra swore she heard a faint, single sob. With that, Emilia gently shut the door, letting the two guests have their peace.

Not long after, Lyra sat up in bed, rubbed her face, and let out a sigh. She looked over at Subaru where he still laid.

Lyra thought about trying to talk to him, but decided against it. Subaru HAD to still be in a state of shock after everything that had happened during the previous loop....and, if she had to be honest with herself....so was she.

Getting up, she looked out into the sky and the gardens, where the wind lightly moved the thin white curtains that adorned the windows.

Guessing by where the sun was now, Lyra guessed that it HAD to be almost an hour or maybe two before mid-day.

As soon as Lyra went back to her bed and got in, a knock was had at the door.

There wasn't any point in hiding that she was obviously awake and rational, Lyra walked up to the door and opened it.

Lyra: Oh, Roswaal.

Roswaal: Hoooow do you do? Lyra, wasn't it?

Closing one of his eyes, Roswaal looked upon Lyra with only his yellow eye and continued.

Roswaal: I don't believe I've introduuuuuuced myself to you, yet here you are as if I'm a familiar acquaintance of yours.

Shit. Already ever-so-slightly screwing up already, Lyra owed it to Subaru for her suffering to at least try and backpedal her words.

Lyra: Not quite. Emilia said someone dressed... 'extravagantly' named Roswaal would probably stop by to see us. I can only assume that's you, correct?

Roswaal continued to stand in the door frame, silent, but with an ever so slight smirk on his face.

Lyra: — — —

Finally deciding to break the silence, Lyra spoke up.

Lyra: If you'd like to speak, can we do so elsewhere? I don't want to wake Subaru.

Thinking Subaru would probably only make things more difficult here in his current state should he join the conversation, Lyra proposed they move the conversation elsewhere.

Speaking in a more serious tone, Roswaal agreed.

Roswaal: A most reasonable idea. Come. We shall head for the meal hall where we can continue our talk.

The two walked to the meal hall in silence. Along the way, Lyra had stopped to change into her own clothes and out of her nightgown before attending the meal hall.

The experience was vastly different from the last few times he had been here on the first day.

There was no Beatrice and Puck conversing, no Emilia asking her questions, and no Subaru to accompany her.

Roswaal sat at the end of the table as he always did, with the twins standing aft of him, one on each side.

A single plate of food laid on the table, two seats down from the end of the table, her seat assigned for her this time.

Taking the cue, Lyra sat down at the plated seat.

Roswaal: Please! Eat! You must be faaaaaamished from your recent ordeals.

Picking up her utensils, Lyra paused and thought about what Roswaal had just said.

"Ordeals"? It was way more than that... Interrogation is more like it.

Almost furrowing a brow at Roswaal's statement, Lyra suddenly realized what he meant.

Ohhhhh, the events in the Capitol, that's right . That seems like such a long time ago and yet, now because of RBD, it was only a short while ago...

Rationalizing her restless thoughts, Lyra took a bite of the food.

It was the same meal they had for breakfast each morning, although with this plate, Lyra could tell it had been reheated by the shared ambient warmth throughout the dish. It really was a few hours later than it normally was.

Still, the food was as good as ever, even slightly perking up her attitude.

Lyra: I gotta say, this is really good.

Roswaal: Yes, the mansion is very fortunate to have Rem as its cook.

Taking a curtsy bow, Rem silently acknowledged her praise.

Ram: The mansion is indeed very lucky to have Rem's cooking.

With Ram chiming in, Roswaal put his hands together, elbows on the table, ready to discuss matters of need.

Roswaal: Now then...

Closing his eyes for a moment, Roswaal opened only his yellow eye back up, looking at Lyra, he continued.

Roswaal: Aaaaaaaas one of Emilia-sama's saviors, I, Roswaal L. Mathers, loooooooord of this mansion and sponsor of Emilia-sama herself as a candidate for the royal selection of the Kingdom of Lugnica's new King, shall grant you any reward so be it within my power to do so.

Pretending to be thinking, Lyra already knew what to ask for.

Lyra: To be completely honest, I'm not from around here, and I don't have a penny to my name or anything like a reference or any real applicable skills to this region. But, if you would have me, I can work as a groundskeeper here and attend the mansion's many applicable facilities.

Roswaal, silent for a moment, keeping his eye trained on Lyra, before opening his other eye back up acting as if giving it some level of consideration.

Roswaal: Hmmmm, an interesting request...

Waiting for his approval, Lyra already knew his answer, and answer that would be—

Putting on a slight frown, the man in clown makeup continued his answer.

Roswaal: Unfortunately, the mansion has no groundskeeper roles to fulfill at the moment.

Lyra —hk!

Wha-WHAT!? How can he say that? He suggested I be the groundskeeper not once, but TWICE because Subaru was a butler and he had no need for another servant!

Roswaal: Hoooooooowever, we are looking to fulfill a role for an additional servant. Would you prefer to be a maid instead?

Lyra was almost at a loss for words.

Why did the role of servant need to be filled first? The twins workload would be MUCH more significantly reduced if someone took care of groundskeeper stuff, leaving them for other tasks. This makes zero sense... But what choice do I have at this juncture?

Lyra: That works for me. Oh, and I do have another request, if it's not too much.

Raising an eyebrow, Roswaal gestures for her to continue.

Lyra: If it's not too much trouble, like I said, I'm not from around here, so my reading and writing isn't the sharpest. I'd like to get better at that to increase my usefulness for my position. Would asking for some tutoring assistance be too much of a burden?

Roswaal: Not at all!

Looking over his shoulder like he did the times before when assigning a tutor, Roswaal made his request, but this time he had turned to his other shoulder, asking someone Lyra did not expect.

Roswaal: Ram, will you please find time to tutor our newest staff member until he can sufficiently read and write?

Doing a curtsy of her own, Ram bowed and acknowledged Roswaal's request.

Ram: Yes Roswaal-sama, I shall do as you request.

Roswaal: Splendid. Now then, once Lyra has finished her meal, will you two please fit her for work clothes and show her to her new room?

Rem & Ram: Yes, Roswaal-sama.

Lyra was accompanied by the twins to the fitting room for her new maid uniform.

Holding her hand in a gesture for her to enter, Ram stood in front of the fitting room.

Ram: Rem will be taking your measurements. Once you're fitted, you may retire to your room. Please be ready and dressed early in the morning. From there, Rem and I will delegate your tasks to you.

Entering the fitting room was just like the last few times she had done so, except this time, instead of grabbing his groundskeeper uniform, Rem had already grabbed the maid uniform and was standing with her tailor's tape.

With Ram leaving, Rem and Lyra were alone for what seemed like the first time in ages.

Memories of her last interaction with Rem flashed through her mind.

How can such a cute girl turn so cruel? I don't understand it...

As Lyra stood in the doorway, Rem waited patiently for her.

What Rem didn't know though was just how paralyzed with fear Lyra was towards her at this moment. She hadn't felt this way earlier in the meal hall, so why was she now? Was it because no one else was around, like Roswaal, to keep Rem under control should she decide to be hostile?

With Rem tilting her head at Lyra, she held out her tailor's tape, snapping it lightly a few times to give her a clue of what she wanted.

Flashes of images in Lyra's mind raced through, over what she saw in front of her. Rem's tailor's tape turned into her holding her hilt and chain, snapping at her as if to continue her interrogations from the last loop. Lyra could see her own blood splattered on her face and maid uniform, along with the deranged look in her eyes from before 

All this kept being transfixed across her, the terrifying memories plaguing Lyra's mind. Her legs dared not let her walk towards her.

Rem: Will Lyra please stand on the stool here where the light is brighter? Rem needs to be able to take accurate measurements.

C'mon Lyra, it's just measurements... You can do it. She has no reason to be hostile.

Gulping down her fear, Lyra proceeded to the stool by the mirror.

Taking a step up onto it, Lyra stood in complete stillness, daring not to move in any way that may offend Rem.

Rem handed various pieces of clothing to Lyra. Lyra put them on very slowly, as to not cause any suspicion or miscommunicate any intention. All of her senses were on high-alert.

Taking her tailor's tape, Rem measured from her collar to her waist, then moved to measure each arm. Walking behind her, Rem made her way to take measurements of his back.

Not being able to see Rem now, a small fear filled her, slowly making her start to shiver and shake in fear. A cold sweat began to run down her forehead.

Taking a measurement from the back of her neck to the coattails of her skirt, Rem had put her hand on the back of Lyra's neck while holding one side of her tailor's tape.

Feeling her touch, especially on such a vulnerable location, she flinched, causing Rem's measurement to be interrupted.

Seeing Rem's face in the reflection of the mirror, Rem gave a face of surprise.

Rem: Oh. My apologies. Are Rem's hands cold?

Lyra: N-n-no! I'm just ticklish there! Haha... I'm sorry...it won't happen again....

With worry on her face, Rem nodded and went and continued her measurements.

Rem: Okay, almost done. Please lift your arms, Rem has one last measurement to take.

Lifting her arms, Lyra stood like a scarecrow. With her arms extended, it was very obvious how much she was shaking.

Trying to get her measurement, Rem immediately noticed.

Rem: Lyra is shaking an awful lot. Are you not well? Do you feel sick?

Lowering her arms and getting off the stool, a nervous Lyra faced Rem, scratching the back of her head.

Lyra: N-nope! Never better! Fit as a fiddle! Just new-job-anxiety.

Changing her tone to her more formal and cold one, Rem answered back.

Rem: Oh? Lyra isn't worried about anything?

Lyra: M-m-me? Worried? About what? C'mon Rem, lighten up a bit.

Staring at Lyra, somewhat rather coldly, Rem was silent before responding.

Rem: Rem has all the measurements needed to make the appropriate alterations. You may retire for the evening. Please be awake at sunrise for—

Lyra: O-oh wait! I-I can help today! I'm ready to work!

I've gotta get on her good side! If I can do it by working hard, then I can get her to trust me for sure!

Staring at her again in her same fashion, ever-so slightly-colder, Lyra knew that this hadn't been the correct course of action to gain her trust.

Rem: — — —

Still staring at her from being interrupted, Lyra continued in hope to somehow salvage the situation.

Lyra: U-uhh don't you and Ram usually start preparations for dinner around this time? I can help with that...

Silent for a moment longer, Rem finally responded.

Rem: I will ask Nee-sama. Please wait in the meal hall, and Rem will inform you of what she thinks.

Lyra patiently waited in one of the meal hall's many chairs.

Rem had been discussing with Ram about Lyra's possibility of helping for what seemed like a long time at this point. Finally, with the anxiety nearly killing her inside, Rem had returned.

Rem: Nee-sama has given you permission to help so that she may see how currently adept you are, which will help her decide what tasks you can be trusted with tomorrow.

Perking herself up, part of Lyra's anxiety seemed to flutter off.

Lyra: Like a trial run? Okay, I can do that.

With Rem leading the way, the two arrived in the kitchen. Ram was busy peeling appas in an area where there was a large kettle of what may have been soup or broth simmering.o

Pausing her session of peeling food with a knife, Ram approached the two.

Rem: Nee-sama, Lyra has offered to be of assistance in meal preparation. What should she do?

Putting a hand up to her chin, Ram gave it some thought before answering.

Ram: I want to see where your skills are, so Ram will not assign you a task. To be useful in this kitchen, you have to be able to observe when a task needs doing and do it. If you are able to do just that, Ram will let you continue to make yourself useful here.

Nodding, the twins set about their duties. Ram went back to peeling, and Rem attended the simmering kettle.

Left standing alone where she arrived, it suddenly dawned on Lyra that she had not a single clue about what it was she was supposed to do.

She didn't know what they were making; what was in it, what order to do things in, nothing.

Lyra stayed silent, observing. Ram continued to peel some appas, dropping her shavings into a pile and setting the now-skinless appas into a pot. Rem was busy stirring the kettle, keeping it's contents moving and preventing them from burning. Occasionally, Rem would taste+test and add seasonings accordingly as she saw fit.

Finally, out of the corner of her line of sight, Lyra saw an empty cutting board and a knife near the exact spot that she had before where she had cut—

Lyra: T-t-tatoes!

Stopping their peeling and stirring, the twins both looked at Lyra instantly due to her sudden outburst.

Lyra: Do we need some tatoes cut? I-I can do that...

Looking at each other first, Ram then turned and answered Lyra.

Ram: Yes... there's a bag over—

Lyra: Oh hey! Look over here! Found them!

Dragging the sack over to the cutting board counter, Lyra took a few out and placed them next to her knife.

Rem: There is a specific way they need to be cut—

Lyra: Like this, right?

With Lyra cutting and scoring the tatoes exactly like how Rem was going to show her, the twins could only look at each other. Noticing this, Lyra saw it as a good thing. She had done exactly how Rem had taught her to in a previous loop.

I think I'm earning their trust through work. If I can keep this up—

Ram: Lyra.

Stopping both Lyra's train of thought and her cutting, Ram called for Lyra.

Ram: That's plenty of tatoes already. What we need more of is appas. Rem, would you please show Lyra where we keep the appas in the reserve pantry?

Tilting her head at Ram, Lyra was confused.

"Reserve pantry,"...what? That's a new one...

In all her time at the mansion, throughout the loops, Lyra had never once seen, or heard of, this "reserve pantry."

Lyra: Uhhh, don't you keep all your ingredients in just your pantry?

Setting her knife down, Lyra walked over to the cupboard where she knew a bag of appas were stored.

Grabbing one out of a burlap home, Lyra polished it on her apron and held it up so Ram could see.

Lyra: See? You've got plenty in here. How many do you need?

Turning to count the appas in the bag, the twins gave each other a look again, this time going unnoticed by Lyra, a serious look on each of their faces.

Maybe Ram just forgot that we had these in here. But, admittedly, I am curious about this other pantry. I searched the entire mansion for clues of what I thought the attacker may be after or entering from in previous loops, but maybe I could've missed somewhere? Hmm...

Lyra's mind contemplated the situation she now found herself in, thinking she was making headway into gaining the twins' trust.

As soon as she had finished taking inventory of the appas in the cupboard, Rem spoke up.

Rem: Lyra, we are aware of those appas, we're saving them. If Lyra would follow, Rem will show her where the... older ones we need to use up are.

Placing the appas back onto the bag and closing the cupboard, Lyra turned to Rem.

Lyra: Oh. Alright. Where is this spare pantry?

With Rem walking over to Lyra, her question had gone unanswered.

Rem: Come. Rem will show Lyra herself.

Grabbing Lyra's wrist, Rem towed Lyra along with her out of the kitchen. Looking back, Ram had returned to peeling, a somber look on her face. Gathering enough mental strength to defy Rem's direction, Lyra grabbed the door frame to the kitchen.

Lyra: H-hey, Ram? You never said how many you wanted...

Without looking back up to her, Ram answered in a quiet voice.

Ram: Just... use your judgment...

With Lyra nodding, Rem pulled her along. She towed Lyra through the halls of the mansion, out the kitchen, through the meal hall and past the foyer. With Rem leading the way, they reached the back hallways of the mansion where most of the utility and storage rooms were, like the laundry and cleaning supplies. While the hallways were still definitely elegant by any standard, they were obviously much less decorated back here.

Finally coming to a large room, Lyra figured this must be the storage. Rem stopped and let go of her wrist.

Rem: This is our spare pantry. You'll find the ingredients Nee-sama needs inside.

Gesturing for Lyra to enter first, Rem stood to the side.

Lyra was familiar with this door. Ram had shown it to her when she first became a groundskeeper. The room stored various seasonal and surplus patio furniture. She had shown her the interior only briefly and had said "—it would be a while before Lyra will need anything from here."

Placing her hand on the doorknob, Lyra stopped.

There's no way that there's another pantry. I'd never heard of it since this loop, and it sure as hell wouldn't be here...

Lyra turned her head with her hand still on the knob and stared right at Rem, who was staring right back with an almost-ominous look in her visible eye.

Lyra: Rem...

Without any movement other than a single blink, she had acknowledged her. Only silence emanated from her.

Lyra: This isn't the pantry, is it?

Standing still, only a single blink was made again.

Lyra turned her head back to the door, a blank, whitewashed, wooden panel door stared back at her.

Looking down at her own feet, Lyra spoke again, this time not to Rem, but to herself.

Lyra: No. There isn't another pantry to begin with, is there?

Her body began to shake. Fear was reignited once again.

Lyra knew what Rem was capable of. There was no point in running or trying to resist. She knew the second she took her hand off the knob, Rem wouldn't have any mercy. To run meant to admit guilt to whatever crime she believed Lyra had committed.

Not wishing to try her patience, Lyra slowly turned the knob. The creaking of the hinges sounded as the door opened.

There was no light on the inside. The only light came in from the hallway door. Looking around, Lyra saw the patio furniture stacked in place. There was clearly no pantry in here, just as she had suspected.

As Lyra lingered in the doorway, Rem finally spoke up.

Rem: What Lyra is looking for is on the other side.

Pointing to a storage chest tucked off near the center area that was close to the door, halfway in the light that entered the room, Rem instructed Lyra to enter deeper into the room. Still racked with fear, zhe advanced further into the room. Taking one step, she stopped.

Clinging to any hope that perhaps this was just a spare appa storage box, Lyra took out her phone and turned on the flashlight.

With such a bright light now emanating from Lyra's hand, Rem had recognized the device. It metia that the young woman had been brought into the mansion. Making note of it, considering Lyra was using it as nothing more than a torch, Rem concluded it was not a threat, but still—

Halfway across the room, Lyra shined her light around the rest of the room. Nothing but patio furniture was present.

As soon as she fixed her vision and light back to the chest, Lyra heard the door slam shut.

Turning her head towards the door, all she could see was darkness.

Lyra: Rem?

Turning her torso now, Lyra brought her arm around to shine her light back on the door that had just shut.

Before she could, however...

*Whack*

Something hit her arm right on the wrist that held her phone-light.

The sudden and unexpected impact caused her phone to fly from her hand, sliding across the floor, and across the room. The light was still facing upwards, poorly illuminating the entire room in a very faint light.

As soon as her phone was knocked out of her hand, Lyra felt something wrap around her neck, and something else grab her collar.

With both held tightly in a secure grasp, Lyra was slammed up against one of the pieces of patio furniture, a large heavy table on its side. The shock of the impact made her close her eyes and flinch for another impact.

Feeling nothing else, Lyra opened her eyes.

With the light now shining across the room from her, only a basic outline of the person in front of her was visible.

The light gave her enough of a clue as to what...no, WHO... it was, based off of the short blue hair outline that filled most of her vision.

It was Rem.

Still holding Lyra firmly against the table, she had caused her to be fully unable to move.

Reaching up to the hand that wrapped around her neck, Lyra choked out her words.

Lyra: ACK! Rem! What the—?!

Cutting off Lyra, Rem whisper-yelled, hissing out a single word.

Rem: Quiet!

With the light shining as it was, her face shadowed her expression. She was close enough that Lyra could feel her breath as she said it.

Feeling the grip tighten around her neck, Lyra began struggling to breathe. Choking and starting to tear up a bit, she croaked out what words she could.

Lyra: Rem -ach! Please... -ach! What did -ach! do—?

Cutting off Lyra's plea, Rem lifted Lyra up slightly.

Rem: I said...!

With her back coming off the upturned table, Rem paused.

Rem: Quiet!!

With her yell, Rem slammed Lyra back into the table, her head whiplashing against it. Her vision filled with stars as the back of her head throbbed in pain.

Her lungs began to scream for air. Getting desperate, Lyra tried using her own hands to pry Rem off of her, but it was impossible.

Rem was breathing heavily in anger now, with Lyra feeling every breath of hers on her face. Lyra couldn't see it, but she could tell by the sound of it that she was breathing between barred, clenched teeth.

Lyra: — — R— e— m—, —ack!

Lyra only had enough air left to utter Rem's name, Rem moved both of her hands to Lyra's neck and squeezed harder. Her nails began to dig in, and the clamp of her fingers were already giving Lyra a terrible bruise on her neck.

Her mind raced aggressively., She had such little strength left. Her mind raced with ideas. Rem had left her arms unrestrained, which gave Lyra an idea 

She HAD to fight back.

Lyra's brain was thinking for all it was worth, even with a lack of air. She didn't have the strength to rip her off, but if she could get her to let go, that might do the trick.

She could dig her nails into the hands that were clamping her throat. No, better yet, she could clamp her hands around hers,scratch at her face, or thrust hee thumbs into her eyes. Summoning all the energy she had left in her, Lyra desperately raised her arms up to Rem's face.

She quickly realized that she didn't possess the strength to raise both of her arms at this point. Dropping one arm and letting it go limp, she continued to raise her other arm.

Closer and closer it got, till finally, she felt it. Rem's face. The sudden feeling surprised Lyra. Her skin was soft, smooth, and warm. She had longed to feel her adorable, round face, but only under more tame conditions.

Knowing that Lyra was close to dying, Rem knew anything she tried would be in vain. It didn't matter if Lyra clawed or ripped, she was the clear winner here.

As the room began to spin now, Lyra's hand still rested on the side of Rem's face.

Feeling her fingers move, Rem's face tensed, waiting for pain.

From her view, the light allowed Rem to see Lyra's face the entire time. From the start she saw the surprise in her eyes, to then turning wide and open while struggling, to now becoming more and more lifeless as she slowly died.

But what baffled her was that the hand she rested on her face began to caress it, her thumb slowly but surely, rocking back and forth. She held her face like it was something precious to her. Something she wanted to protect.

Something she loved.

Rem began to see the tears forming in her now-almost-lifeless eyes.

Still feeling conflicted, she kept her grip up. Only a few seconds of life for Lyra remained.

With no air to speak, Lyra mouthed inaudible words to Rem before her arm that held her face began to slide, holding on only by a single finger.

Lyra knew she could have fought back. She could have gouged or ripped or torn at her. Gone after her eyes. Any number of things.

But she couldn't. She wouldn't bring herself to harm Rem. Ever.

She COULD not hurt Rem. She WOULD not hurt Rem.

With her arm dropping, all life exited Lyra's body. Her body no longer stood on its own. It began to slump down, all the while Rem kept her hands clamped onto her lifeless throat.

Her back now slumped backwards while her knees caught her, the life gone from her eyes, her final tears still wet her face.

Rem finally released her grasp from Lyra's neck, Lyra's body stayed on its knees for a moment, before slouching over to the side and finally resting on the floor.

Chapter Text

Chapter 17: The Great Escape 

Rem stood silent and still, watching for any sign of life that could've potentially still remained in Lyra.

Finally, Rem knelt down. Putting the back of her hand in front of Lyra's face, she felt for any signs whatsoever of breathing.

She felt nothing.

She then placed two fingers on her neck, feeling for a pulse.

She felt nothing.

Before she lifted her fingers back up, she ran them over the bruises that she had left on Lyra's neck during the strangle. Each bruise perfectly fit one of her fingers. Rem traced each one, pairing up each finger's mark.

Placing her weight onto her knees to sit, Rem flipped Lyra's corpse onto its back.

She proceeded to search her body, patting her down. Starting with her maid apron pockets, she found nothing. She then proceeded to search her skirt pockets. She  felt an object in one of Lyra's skirt pockets.. It felt square, and while not hard, it wasn't entirely soft either

Reaching into the pocket, Rem felt leather. Pulling it out, she realized that  it was an oddly- shaped pouch. The pouch folded open as she handled it.

Going to investigate its contents, Rem crawled with the pouch in her hand over to the metia torch that still shined upward in the darkness.

Rem opened the pouch. The first immediate things she saw were a few pieces of oddly-colored paper in the main fold of the pouch.

Taking them from their pouch, Rem examined them. On one side bore the face of a young woman, looking fresh and experienced. On the other side was a drawing of a building. Both sides were written in a language that she did not understand.

Rem was astonished at the level of detail in each of these drawings. Putting the paper back in the pouch that it had come from, she examined the rest of the folded leather pouch.

Looking near where the pouch folded, Rem guided her fingers into a small slot.

She felt two or three distinct items, flat, and all the same size. They were made of a material she was unfamiliar with. Solid like metal, but not cold like it. Flexible like wood, but it was clearly not. A texture like glass, but not as fragile.

Pulling them out, she looked at them one by one. The first one she looked over was white and shiny. It had even more words that she could not read on it. Highlighted across the bottom was more of the unknown language, this time raised up and textured. Flipping the item over, there was a strip of black going across it, with yet even more language she did not understand, as well as a scribbled line.

The second of these items was almost identical, although this one was a matte blue.

The third caught Rem's attention like neither of the other two. This one also displayed the strange unknown language. It appeared to list information in the way it was formatted.

However, the main reason it was so shocking to Rem was the extremely detailed, miniature portrait of Lyra's face that was on it.

Rem examined the great detail in it. How could someone paint something so small yet so accurately?

Shaking her head, she was extremely side-tracked. Putting the contents back in the leather pouch, Rem placed it back in Lyra's skirt pocket.

With Rem's search still not yielding a single result, she simply sat down next to Lyra's corpse and thought to herself.

Surely she is an adversary. She reeked of the Witch. But then...why...

Rem thought back to Lyra's final moments of life, the words she had mouthed to her, hee farewell words to her...

"I'm sorry."

That was an admission of guilt...right?

Rem's thoughts began to fill with doubt. Had she just murdered an innocent person?

Sighing, she cast away her thoughts. Now wasn't the time to think of this. There was much more that needed to be tended to. Rem needed to see how her sister was handling the other guest.

Before getting back up, Rem placed her hand on Lyra's face. The tears that she had shed before dying had yet to dry and were still warm. As a result  Bringing her hand down, she closed Lyra's still-open eyes, which now looked blank and practically soulless.

Rem slowly stood up, looked back at Lyra's corpse with a conflicted expression, and walked out the door, leaving  it alone and in the light of her metia.

Rem patrolled the hallways of the mansion, looking for any sign of the presence of the second guest or her sister.

Finally, after searching up and down, Rem found her sister,  who was also in a state of search.

Rem: Nee-sama!

Ram: There you are. Have you seen our second guest?

Rem: No, Rem was about to ask Nee-sama about him.

Ram: He disappeared without a trace.

Putting a hand to her chin, Rem thought of a way to locate the second guest.

Rem: Did you try your clairvoyance?

Ram: Yes, I saw nothing. Do you think you could find him by his Witch's scent?

Rem shook her head.

Rem: Rem already tried. The Witch's scent starts and ends in the guest room, and it doesn't continue out the window or anywhere else. Emilia-sama was also looking for him, but unfortunately, she couldn't find him either...

The two of them thought together in silence, trying to brainstorm ideas on how they should proceed.

Ram: Perhaps he got away, then. He couldn't have gone too far. Maybe he's hiding in Arlem?

Rem: Rem will have to investigate. We'll need to head to the village for groceries within the next day or after anyways, won't we?

Ram: That might be a good time to look. Tomorrow, though, we'll need to devote our attention to taking  care of the first guest's... belongings. Speaking of which, did you have a difficult time dealing  with her? Did she have anything suspicious on her? A gospel, perhaps?

Shaking her head again, Rem answered her sister.

Rem: She had nothing suspicious, but she did have her metia that makes light like a small torch and a leather pouch with nothing of interest.

Ram replied, her voice going cold in tone.

Ram: She didn't hurt you, did she?

Putting a hand to her chest, Rem shook her head and almost her whole body.

Rem: No... She didn't resist at all... She only begged Rem to stop, but Rem couldn't... Rem was so enraged by the smell and—

Ram: Rem, stop. You're worrying over someone who was clearly involved with the Witch's Cult.

Silent for a moment, Rem replied in a soft and sad voice.

Rem: Nee-sama... She... She died with such a lonely, sad, and scared look in her eyes. Rem isn't sure she made the right decision...

Ram gave Rem a brief look of concern before quickly shaking her head and returning to a more neutral facial expression. Although she did not wish to show it at the moment, she too felt conflicted on whether or not her younger sister had made the right decision, despite Lyra reeking of the Witch's scent. Lyra had been nothing but nice to both of them, after all...and yet ...

Ram: Well, there's nothing we can do about it now., unfortunately... We should be off soon, anyways. Roswaal-sama will be expecting dinner soon.

Rem hesitated for a bit before slowly nodding her head in agreement. The twins went to do their duties as well as they could, given what had just transpired...

Lyra's consciousness drifted in the black, murky waters just as it had when Subaru had died in the forest loop after Rem's interrogation and Ram's sudden arrival at the scene. Her pain and need to breathe were both simply eliminated, no longer being required at the moment .

She knew that she had died, but this time was different from the last. Return By Death obviously wasn't triggered, unlike the first time this sensation occurred, where her consciousness was snapped to where the checkpoint was once Subaru died.

However, that obviously wasn't happening now.

Lyra was left thinking. There were two immediate theories as to what was going on for her 

She was dead, but Subaru wasn't, so he just needs to die and she'll get snapped back to life with him.

Or..

Worse yet,  Subaru advanced to a later checkpoint without Lyra.

Lyra denied the latter theory, shaking her imaginary head.

Subaru wouldn't do that.. also, how can THIS be what death is like, anyways? Just floating around in an endless void... you'd go mad from the isolation!

Still in the midst of her own thoughts, Lyra's consciousness began to flow and pour back into her body. She had come to know this feeling now, and knew that it meant she'd be right back in the guest bed once more.

However...

As her consciousness took hold of her body, the bed that she was accustomed to this time was neither warm nor cold. It almost seemed to lack a temperature to begin with.

Opening her eyes and expecting to see the guest room with Subaru in the bed on the opposite of hers, Lyra was instead blinded by a bright white light, and thought for a moment that she was looking at the sun. Her eyes getting adjusted, Lyra realized that what she was seeing was pure white.

All white. Nothing but white.

Sitting up and looking around, Lyra saw nothing but a large, white expanse before her.

Am I… dead...for good?

Lyra began to feel terrible amounts of dread and regret. Looking around, she felt a sharp coldness from everywhere she looked. She began to feel immensely tired. This great expanse before her seemed to draw and pull energy away from her body.

Looking at herself, Lyra could see her arms, legs, and her body. She was dressed in the same simple, pastel-yellow nightgown that she would normally wake up to on the first day of whatever loop that she found  herself in.

Lyra began to feel panic growing inside her. Knowing that panicking would be a bad thing however, she strained to calm herself down.

Trying her hardest to not be overwhelmed, such a place had to be related to Return By Death. It had all the same familiar feelings, despite not being able to feel them. Truly, existence here is hypothetical by its very nature.

Shaking her head, Lyra decided to lay down, and quickly fell asleep.

Feeling herself wake up, she found she was still in the great white expanse. Nothing had changed.

Sitting up, Lyra thought to herself. What all this meant. How long had she been asleep? What was she supposed to do?

Feeling the tiredness begin to return, she didn't have the energy to think about all these things. Lyra fell asleep once more.

Lyra began to spiral into a pattern of being awoken to the great expanse, with nothing changing, only to fall asleep once more. This went on for what felt like ages. A day. A few days, even. Lyra's mind couldn't keep track of it all. Her mind was beginning to strain from the lack of stimuli along with the over-abundance of powerlessness that she felt. She felt as if she were in a dream she could not awaken from.

After drifting in and out of consciousness almost non-stop, Lyra began to feel her senses flood into her own body once more. After having spent so long in the void, it was almost relieving.

This wasn't the end. She has another chance.

I've got to think! I've really got to strategize!

This was going to be her fifth morning waking up at the mansion for the second time.

If Subaru was still in his state of shock, she unfortunately could not count on him to be of assistance. Considering he had finally experienced the consequence of trying to confess Return By Death, Lyra did not hold much hope for Subaru's condition, as much as she truly wanted to.

I need to remember what happens every morning and plan what I'm going to say. Every 'T' needs to be crossed, and every 'i' dotted.

The first, second, and third first-mornings had played out exactly the same. The twins came in and woke them up after they had both been returned to the guest room from having their mana sapped from them by Beatrice.

This was untrue for the previous morning...

Doing the exact same thing  as before, the two of them each greeted us once we woke up. However, Rem had been cut off by the smell of the Witch's scent...

But why THAT morning? Why not the past THREE times?

When she thought about it, Lyra realized that the first loop had been the smoothest by far until Subaru had died in his sleep from the curse, Since she hadn't Returned By Death with Subaru just yet back then, she didn't smell of the Witch, or at least not as strongly as Subaru probably did due to his past loops post-arrival .

Rem will act in a more cold fashion if we smell like the Witch... Returning from death might actually bring the smell back...

But if that was true, why was it only on the PREVIOUS loop that she had decided to be hostile on the first day? Lyra pondered her thoughts, thinking of what she would have possibly done differently to unintentionally end up making Rem get so upset at her the way she had.

It has to be related to the smell, right? When else had Rem mentioned it?

This past loop, she had mentioned it when she entered the guest room. The only other time was—

After I tried telling her about Return by Death out of anger and stress in the forest! When I was punished for it, she immediately got more violent. Which means...—!

Right before Subaru was killed, Lyra had tried speaking of Return By Death to Rem, giving her a renewal of the Witch's scent. Upon returning to the checkpoint in the guest room, she was given another dose of the scent....

But I had tried telling Rem before about Return By Death that one time when  I already had the scent on me before... she didn't kill me  then...

Thinking of the events that happened right after she woke up the previous time, Lyra remembered the pain that both she and presumably Subaru had felt from when he had tried to tell Emilia that he could Return By—

That's it! It's true that the scent gets worse even when Subaru does it too!

In the short span of probably no less than a few hours, the scent was three times what it normally was by just returning. She was on at least three layers of it, one from her failed attempt to tell Rem, one from Returning By Death with Subaru, and one from Subaru's failed attempt to tell Emilia.

The scent must stack then! But... that means—

A bolt of fear ran through Lyra.

This is bad... If THREE layers of scent are enough for Rem to get violent, when I return it'll be a fourth layer in the same short amount of time...

Lyra had come to the conclusion that she was in a horrible perpetual feedback loop.

If three layers in a matter of hours is enough for Rem to become violent on day one, then four could mean another death might happen sooner, meaning the smell will compound more, and get me an even quicker death, and so on and so forth...

Images of a Rem, driven mad by the intensity of the Witch's scent, kicking down the guest room door and impaling her head before even being able to wake up filled Lyra's mind.

Once she finally woke up, she just HAD to wake up Subaru as quickly as she could!

We HAVE to escape this loop! We HAVE to RUN!! Maybe after a while, we can try using Return by Death, either physically or by...

The notion of an intentionally-triggered Return meant...

Shaking her non-existent head, Lyra did not deny the need for such action, merely, she did not wish to think about it until when and if it became a necessity. She truly did not wish to be yet ANOTHER person who had killed Subaru...

Finally, after much thought, she was finally all in her body, ready to take command. She could finally feel time begin to start again, calling her to action.

Lyra was determined to prevent both herself and Subaru from becoming trapped.

Bolting straight up, Lyra took no time to smell the washed sheets or the fresh flowers.

Instead of lingering and lying down while enjoying the last few minutes of her siesta, Lyra threw her bed-sheets off of herself and readied herself for action.

Lyra: The twins will be here any minute... I've gotta buy myself time!

Grabbing the exact chair that Emilia had used when she visited  her  and Subaru in the previous loop, Lyra propped it under the handle to the room's door.

Lyra: I know both of them could easily kick down this door, but if it takes even a minute, it might be worth it...

Stepping over to Subaru's bed, Lyra shook him awake.

Lyra: Hey! Hey! Subaru! Hey! Wake up!

Subaru: Hmmmmmmmm...five more minutes...

Lyra: We don't have TIME, Subaru! We're in DANGER!  We've gotta get OUT of here!! We're going to get trapped in an endless cycle of death if we don't!!

Startled by Lyra's words, Subaru sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes.

Subaru: *yaaaaawnnn*  Lyra, what? What are you talking abou—?

Grabbing Subaru's shoulders and shaking her, Lyra pleaded to him.

Lyra: It's the smell, Subaru! The scent of the Witch! That's the source of our problems here. Every time we die... and every time we try to tell someone about Return By Death... It makes the smell stronger! Right now, our smell is stronger than ever. Even before the last loop, it was enough to get Rem to kill me on the first day!

Shaking Subaru's shoulders harder again, Lyra put a huge emphasis on what she was saying.

Lyra: THAT'S right! The FIRST day! Now that we have even MORE of that nasty-ass STENCH on us? What do you think she and her sister will do this time?! We've got to act fast!

Letting go of Subaru, Lyra walked back to the sheets that she had thrown off of herself and began to rip them off the bed, one by one.

Subaru: W-what happened to you? Last loop I mean, you disappeared...  No one knew where you went... Emilia and I were both super worried, and—

Beginning to tie the ends of the bed sheets together, end by end, Lyra looked up at Subaru to answer him.

Lyra: "Where did I go?'" What do you mean?  I told you already, didn't I? Rem...killed me, Subaru. She... strangled me. Killed me with her bare hands...

Shock covered Subaru's face as he heard Lyra's answer.

Subaru: All because of the smell? I-is it really that strong now? How do you know this?

Nodding, Lyra replied.

Lyra: Because, while you were shell-shocked and bed-ridden, I managed to push through and attempt to salvage the forest loop, only to be killed on the first day...

Subaru: Lyra...

Shaking his head in disbelief, Subaru let Lyra continue.

Lyra: Roswaal decided to make a maid after I asked for work as a reward and I ended up actually helping on the first day. After Rem lured me to some non-existent storage room to help, she got me there.

Subaru: I-I don't understand. How does this come back to you knowing about the scent?

Finishing tying her sheets together, Lyra began to tie one end to the post of her bed.

Lyra: You were unconscious then, but when Rem was torturing and interrogating us back in the forest, I tried telling her about Return By Death, just like how you tried telling Emilia. Rem got extremely angry, saying I was taunting her when in reality,  I simply just couldn't tell her. It had made the scent stronger. Remember what happened when you tried telling Emilia?

Putting a hand over his heart, Subaru remembered the pain and fear of trying to tell someone about Return By Death.

Subaru: Yeah, a hand, a shadowy one squeezed my heart. It hurt so bad...

Lyra: Exactly. I think that punishment is EXACTLY what causes the scent to increase when we do, just like dying does. That's why, during the first loop post-our-arrival, we didn't experience any hostility from Rem OR Ram.

Subaru: Because you hadn't Returned at all yet... and the last time I had was way before coming here...

Lyra: Which brings me to what we need to do here. Survive. We HAVE to let the scent wear off.

Checking the tightness of her knots, Lyra tugged on each one  as she listened to Subaru's reply.

Subaru: So, wait...you died on the first day? Which means you died before I did... and Return By Death wasn't triggered with your death, but—

Opening the window, Lyra let the breeze and the rest of the light in.

Lyra: It only seems to trigger with your death, which means you're the VIP here. I HAVE to ...and honestly kind of WANT to, anyways...keep you alive till the scent wears off, and when it does, we can decide what to do from there. Either we return here after a few days or—

Subaru: Or we force a reset. Which means...

Without either needing to say anything else about what that implied, Lyra turned to throw the tied sheets down and out the window.

With Subaru in thought as to what Lyra's plan here was, he came to realization.

Subaru: Wait. Does it really take THAT long for the scent to wear off?

Lyra: I don't know. All I know is that we're both sitting here with FOUR layers of the Witch's STENCH from just the past few hours!

Subaru: —? 'Past few hours'? 'Four layers of them?' How did you reach THAT conclusion?

Lyra: Because I tried to tell Rem about Return By Death, that's one. Then, we died, that's two. Then you tried telling Emilia, that's three. And we just returned again, that's four.

Putting her fingers up with each count, Lyra put one hand down and brought the other one up to her chin in thought.

Lyra: This all probably happened in... Hmmmm, if you timed it out linearly, less than half a day? That's why we need to wait a few days to let the scent wear off if we have to Return again, so that it doesn't compound again for a FIFTH time..

Subaru shook his head.

Subaru: That can't be right. On the previous loop, I didn't die until—

*Rattle rattle*

The handle to the door that was being propped closed by the chair began to rattle. Someone was trying to open it.

*Rattle rattle*

Lyra whisper-yelled over to Subaru.

Lyra: We've gotta go! Now! Come on!

*Knock knock knock*

? (muffled): Hello? Guest-sama, are you okay?

With a final wave from Lyra, Subaru leaped out of bed and made his way over to the window.

Grabbing the tied sheets, Subaru stepped out the window and climbed his way down.

*Knock! Knock! Knock!*

Ram (muffled): Guest-sama,, please open the door. Ram does not want to have to break it down.

With Subaru firmly on the ground, Lyra took up the rope of sheets and stepped up into the window, turning to make her descent.

Just as she began to work her way down, the chair holding the door had its wooden frame busted and splintered. Ram had finally knocked the door open without having to kick it down.

As Lyra climbed down, her feet hugging each knot and slowly descending, hers and Ram's eyes met briefly for a moment before she sunk out of her view and below the windowsill.

Halfway down, Subaru was waiting for her at the base of the mansion. Looking up, Lyra heard Ram call Rem.

Ram (muffled): Rem! The guests are trying to escape! They might be confused!

With a final jump, Lyra landed on the ground next to Subaru.

Subaru: Now what?!

Catching her breath, Lyra huffed out a response.

Lyra: We've gotta split up. Run over to the tree line and don't stop running. I'm going to try to come up with a distraction.

Subaru: But,wait! There's something—!

Shoving Subaru's shoulder, Lyra turned him around and gave him a push.

Lyra: Go! You're the VIP, remember? Doesn't matter if I die. At least, last time I checked, it didn't, anyways.

Knowing he wasn't going to have the opportunity to explain anything to Lyra, Subaru had no choice but to make a break for the tree line.

Chapter Text

Chapter 18: Touch? I Remember Touch.

As Subaru ran towards the trees and away from the mansion, Lyra turned to look back up at the window she had just climbed down from. Ram was leaning out the window. She quickly looked down, meeting eyes with Lyra.

Lyra: Shit...

Pivoting on her heel, Lyra headed in the opposite direction of Subaru.

Turning her head back around, Ram called to Rem.

Ram: They're splitting up! Rem, the other is headed towards the gardens. Go after her. Ram will go after the one headed for the forest.

Lyra bolted along the side of the mansion, crossing over the hedges and up onto the back patio.

I can't out-run either of them. Ill just have to try to out-smart them by tricking them.

Taking one look at the mansion's back door, Lyra had an idea.

They're expecting us to run out AWAY from the mansion. If I hide in the mansion, chances are they'll both head outside, giving me time to slip away.

It was a big gamble, but Lyra thought she would be able to beat the twins if she acted quickly. There could be no hesitation. Flying through the back door, Lyra entered the foyer.

She looked left and right.

Where do I hide? Where's somewhere that has an exit just in case I'm found?

Lyra was doing exactly what she knew she shouldn't do. She was hesitating. As soon as she realized she was, she could hear footsteps making their way down the staircase. Hurried footsteps.

Taking the only opportunity she had, she quickly stepped behind the partially open doors to the meal hall, which was the closest place to where she was.

Tip-toeing behind the door, it was at just the right angle to where you could see the bottom of the staircase from the door's keyhole. Silencing all her breathing and making absolutely sure she was not leaning against the door, Lyra peered through the keyhole on her knees.

Rem arrived at the bottom of the staircase only a few seconds later. Her hurried steps made a stop. Closing her eyes, Rem sniffed the air.

Putting a hand over her mouth to mask the sound of her gasp, Lyra realized what important details had slipped her mind.

Oh, shit! That's right...I just ran through there! She can smell me. She'll just track my Witch's scent...

As soon as Rem had finished, Ram arrived next to her at the bottom of the steps.

Ram: Rem, what is it? Why are you stopping?

Rem: Nee-sama, one of our guests is still in the mansion.

This is bad. I might be able to outmaneuver one of them, but the two of them are going to be impossible to get away from.

Putting a fist to her chest, Lyra gave the situation more thought.

Maybe that's not a bad thing, though. If they both go after me, that's more time that Subaru will have to get away.

But on the other hand...

If they eliminate me, then it'll be the two of them tracking Subaru. They'll find him in no time...

Lyra concluded that it was better to keep them separated. The only way she could do that is by making herself look like obvious prey.

If I look dumb enough, they'll think it's pointless for them to both come after me at once 

Standing up, Lyra slammed the meal hall door shut.

Rem (muffled): There she is! Nee-sama, go after the other one. I'll handle this one.

Taking one of the chairs parked at the table, Lyra shoved it under one of the door handles. It wasn't ideal, though, considering that these doors open outward from the meal hall. This was merely a speed bump for Rem.

Lyra ran down the meal hall towards the kitchen door. Halfway down the long room, she could hear Rem break open her miserable stop gap.

Rem: Ugh, this again...?

Shaking her head to focus on the issue at hand, she called to Lyra as she was about to round the corner to the door-frame to enter the kitchen.

Rem: Wait! Why is Guest-sama running? Rem only wishes to talk!

Stopping to look at Rem, Lyra grunted and slammed the door behind her.

What was bothering Lyra at this point was the look on Rem's voice and the tone of her face wasn't hostility or malice as she was expecting, but rather one of immense surprise and worry.

As Lyra entered the kitchen, she looked around. She needed to escape. Realizing she only had a second to find an exit, she decided to instead attempt to buy more time.

Looking to her side, Lyra grabbed the cupboard next to the door and pulled it toward herself. Getting it away from the counter it was next to, Lyra ran to the other side and pushed it halfway across the door before it began to open.

Rem: Guest-sama! Please stop!

Lyra was now in a shoving contest with Rem. Currently, they both sat in a stalemate. Rem, with the amount of strength she was using currently, was equal to what Lyra was applying while pushing the cupboard against the opened door.

She was only hanging on by the fact that Rem was working against her leverage at this point. If she could just push the cupboard a little bit more, that'd be even more leverage that she would have.

Flipping her back to where she was pushing, Lyra angled herself and pushed with all her might against the door Rem was trying to keep open. Plates and dishes stacked on top of the cupboard shook and fell off, crashing to the floor. The first bit was the hardest, but as she moved it more, the easier each became until—

Lyra: Aaaaaaggghhhh!

Rem (muffled): —tsk!

Lyra had won the power struggle due to the fact that Rem had not wished to display her full strength yet. Realizing she had until Rem inevitably broke down the door, Lyra looked around for an escape.

Simply said, there was none.

Lyra: Looks like I will just have to make one.

Observing the morning light coming through the high kitchen windows, catching the dust stirred up from the falling dishes gave Lyra her idea.

Grabbing a large cast iron kettle from a nearby table, Lyra hoisted it above her head.

Veins bulging in her head, Lyra positioned herself in front of the window and chucked the kettle with all her might.

Lyra: NNNNEEEEUUUGGGHH!

The kettle collided with the window and kept going, blowing the glass completely out and leaving a nearly glass-less exit for Lyra to escape through.

The next course of action was actually getting up and out of the window.

Looking around, Lyra grabbed what she could. Pots, crates, containers, step stools, everything she could to build a makeshift staircase up to her escape.

Just a few appa crates short of reaching her goal, Lyra heard a massive impact against her barricade.

Rem (muffled): HIIIGGHHYYYAAA!

With a second mighty blow, Rem knocked the cupboard away and over, and the door itself fell off its hinges and forward into the kitchen.

Lyra was standing still, feeling stunned.

Rem stepped onto the fallen door A concerned and worried expression covered her face.

Rem: Guest-sama! Please. Stop. Think of where you are! No one here is going to hurt you! We're— Umpf!

Taking her opportunity, Lyra chucked the appa crate that she was holding at Rem. Knowing full well it had no chance of actually hurting her, she used it as a distraction.

Hoping to have her catch it and run past her out of the kitchen, what she actually ended up doing next surprised her.

Catching the crate, Rem immediately smashed it down on the ground, creating a small explosion of wood-splinter shrapnel, almost as if she guessed her exact plan. 

Truly, Lyra was out of her league here. Lyra halted in her tracks and held her arms up to shield her face 

Looking between her arms, Rem was gone. That could only mean—

Taking an immediate step back, Lyra barely feinted Rem's grasp. Losing her footing at her own sudden and drastic movement that surprised even herself, Lyra back-stepped towards the center kitchen table.

It was a simple table, light and easy to move around the kitchen where and when needed, but just large enough to not grab something on one side from another.

Picking herself up, Lyra and Rem found each other at opposite ends of the table. With one trying to chase the other, one would try to go left around the table, only for the other to head right and block their advance.

Left and right. Right and left. Fake-left to right. Left to fake-right.

With neither side making an advance for a moment, Rem suddenly jumped up onto the table, a small smirk on her face as she now towered above Lyra.

With herself now in range of Rem from any side, Lyra did the best thing she could manage. Just barely dodging Rem's attempt to grasp her, Lyra ducked and dove under the table.

Rem waited on top, waiting for Lyra to dive out from one of the four sides. She knew the moment she did, she would have the drop on her. She had her trapped.

Or so she thought.

The only thing she did not expect was Lyra knowing that's what she was expecting of her. Instead of diving out and letting Rem capture her, Lyra deployed a different tactic.

Lyra: NNNNNEEEEIIIIGGHHH! HAAAAA!

Placing her palms on the bottom of the table, Lyra lifted it up with all of her strength.

Lifting the table up with Rem still on it, Lyra threw the table off of herself.

Hopefully that bought me enough time to get out the door—!

Lyra: —hk!

As the table went flying, Rem had launched herself off of the table while still airborne. Landing on the counter, she used her remaining momentum to again launch herself. This time, propelling herself almost effortlessly over Lyra. She twisted and turned midair, landing feet-first right in front of Lyra, between her and the door.

Holding her arms out wide to block any further advance, Rem panted.

Taking a few steps back, Lyra could only stare back at her, also panting.

The two stood and stared at each other in silence. Dust that got stirred up from the conflict danced in the light coming in from the broken window. The kitchen itself was in a state of disaster.

Finally, after what felt like almost a minute of silence in observation of the destruction in the kitchen, Rem began slowly walking towards Lyra, arms still held wide.

Panic filled Lyra's mind.

What do I do? What do I do?

Her eyes danced around the rubble on the floor and the counters around her. Taking a few more steps back in response to Rem's steps forward, Lyra spotted her best bet at survival.

Quickly lunging and reaching it, Lyra held a large chef's knife.

Immediately upon seeing it, Rem halted herself and lowered her arms into balled fists on her sides. A look of grave concern appeared on her face now. Surely, there was no return at this point.

Rem: Please put that down before you have an accident. There's no need for that. Rem is unarmed. Rem has no desire to hurt—

Lyra: Unarmed, you say? Ha! Bull-SHIT!

Rem furrowed her brow slightly at Lyra's accusation.

Rem: — —? What do you mean—

Lyra: The morningstar! What else!?

An absolutely surprised expression ran across Rem's face.

How does she know about it? Rem thought.

Lyra: And the... chains...

With memories of her and Subaru being mercilessly whipped by her chains during the interrogation in the forest, Lyra started becoming defensive.

The grip on the knife now became white-knuckled. Taking another two steps back, Lyra brought her knife up, determined not to go down without a fight.

Seeing the knife being brought up, Rem's expression turned cold.

Holding her arms out forward, palms up as if carrying a box, and then closing her eyes, Rem stood still. The moment that Lyra blinked her eyes, the sound of a loud thud and chains rattling filled her ears.

With the morningstar falling down to her side, in Rem's hands were a pile of chains, and hilt they connected to. Seeing that was her way of admitting her dishonesty of her claim to being unarmed, Lyra fired back again.

Lyra: So much for 'you don't want to harm me'. 

Rem: Drop yours and I shall drop mine too.

Lyra: Oh, PLEASE! That won't mean ANYTHING! Your intent is still hostile either way, am I wrong?

Without changing her expression or even denying it, Rem posed her next question.

Rem: And what gives you THAT idea?

Lyra: B-because...

Tears started to form in her eyes. Both terrified and filled with dread, the last thing she wanted to do was fight with Rem.

Lyra: Because I know you can smell it. The...the.. Witch's scent...

Rem was silent. She did not respond to what Lyra said.

A breeze flew in through the smashed-open window, fluttering Rem's bangs. Both of her eyes could be seen at this moment. Both were eyes of judgment and suspicion.

Tears now falling down her face, Lyra continued.

Lyra: There's nothing I can do about it... I can't control it...

Finally speaking up, Rem replied.

Rem: How do you know all this? From knowing Rem's weapon to knowing Rem could smell you. How?

Tears still flowing, Lyra choked out her quiet answer.

Lyra: I can't say. I can't tell you no matter how much I want to... and I do... I wish, from the bottom of my heart, Rem, that I could...

Rem: If you can't tell, how is Rem or anyone else to believe you? Who gave you this information?

Lyra replied, shaking her head.

Lyra: No one. I know what I know from my own experiences.

Another moment of silence passed between them, the breeze catching Rem's bangs once more, before—

Snapping the chains she held in her hands still, Rem took a step forward and declared her intent.

Rem: If you cannot be reasoned with, Rem will just have to extract that information from you.

Taking another step forward, Lyra took a step back.

Rem: Now... Are you a member of a faction—

Lyra: Am I a member of a faction that rivals Emilia's?! No! Did anyone hire me and under what conditions?! I don't work for anyone! Am I a member of the Witch's cult?! HELL NO!!

Stopping her advance, Rem wore a blank expression. She had completely not expected Lyra to know the exact questions she was going to ask.

Lyra: Now that I haven't given you any good answers, you're going to just beat me black and blue and red all over... aren't you?

Rem remained silent. Lyra could see a rage dwelling inside of her .

Lyra: You're just going to assume I'm a "Witch's Cult" member, aren't you? With me denying everything and showing up here smelling like the Witch, I can't really blame you. You care about your sister, but you worship her so much it blinds you at times.

Rem: Do not speak of Nee-sama.

Shaking her head, Lyra continued.

Lyra: Will taking your rage out on someone who has nothing to do with it really satisfy you? Rem, I have no idea what the Cult did to you and your sister or how they made you both suffer, but I have nothing to do with it. You're so hung up on how your sister might feel that you don't take into account how you feel.

Holding her head down, Rem replied, her hands beginning to shake.

Rem: Silence.

Lyra: It's irrational, Rem. Your rage stems from being so busy being angry for Ram that you're not even angry for yourself at this point.

Rem: SHUT UP!

Reaching her arms back and launching it forward, Rem shot her morningstar straight for Lyra.

Diving to the side, Lyra dropped the knife that she was holding.

Looking up from the ground, Lyra saw where the morningstar had impacted the wall. It was wide and to the opposite side that she had dived. it was so wide that had Lyra stayed in place, it might not have actually hit her.

To Rem's side, they were still separated by an upturned, partially-destroyed cupboard.

With Rem's morningstar deeply embedded into the stone, it caused cracks to ripple throughout the wall. Slowly, Rem walked up to her morningstar, yanked it out of the wall, and turned to face Lyra from where she stood only moments ago.

Rem: Don't you dare speak as if you know about Nee-sama and Rem's relationship!

Lyra: I know enough! Enough to know that you two treasure each other! Enough to know you do almost everything for Ram because you care so much about her!

Rem: What do YOU know?! The Cult burned down our village! Our parents were slaughtered along with all of our neighbors and friends! Every last man, woman, and child...

Shaking now, Rem held back her own tears, speaking in a softer voice.

Rem: To make it worse...they took what made Nee-sama so special...

Lyra: So you still treat her like she is special, because to you, she will always be that special. Not only out of sisterly love, but for her protection.

Holding her head up higher and regaining her composure, she wiped at her tear-stained face 

Lyra But that's what made me realize something. What you're doing right now isn't because you want to do this... No... It's out of that same duty to protect Ram, isn't it? You put it before everything else, all the time.

Closing her eyes, Lyra continued.

Lyra: So much so that you forget to do what you want, to be your own person.

Rem was silent for a moment more. The look in her only visible eye made it seem like she was deeply considering something. Before coming back to reality, she looked back up at Lyra. She regained both her strength and her rage.

Rem: Do not act as if you know about Nee-sama and Rem's relationship, but also... Do not act as if you know REM!

With rage on her lips once more, Rem lashed out at Lyra, throwing her morningstar once more, and Lyra once more diving to dodge it.

Getting back to her feet, both Rem and herself stood opposite of each other across the kitchen, nothing in-between the two of them now other than the open space on the floor 

Rem kneeled down, picking up the knife that Lyra had been holding.

Rem: If you just keep dodging one attack after the other....then Rem will just attack so that you can't dodge!

Simultaneously launching her morningstar and beginning a charge with the knife, Rem had effectively cornered Lyra and put her in checkmate.

Expecting the morningstar to do what it had before, Lyra stood completely still, eyes shut. Feeling the impact of the morningstar next to her, shards of stone pelted her sides and face.

Fully thinking that Lyra was going to dodge away and that she would be able to meet her with a knife to her throat, Rem stopped her advance where she had expected Lyra to leap to, awestruck that she hadn't moved to begin with at all.

Instead, opening her eyes, Lyra dashed straight ahead, towards Rem.

Rem continued to doubt what her eyes saw. As she did, she continued to stand firm, knife in hand braced at her side and pointed towards Lyra.

Within arms-length of Rem, Lyra extended her arms outward, moments before colliding with Rem...

...and colliding her torso with the knife.

As the two met, Lyra wrapped her arms around her, bringing her into her embrace.

Rem's vision was darkened, filled with nothing but Lyra's chest. She felt the soft, silky fabric of the nightgown that she still wore on her face. But what her attention was really focused on was the warm sensation that was beginning to cover her hands.

She did not need to look down. She already knew what it was.

Upon impact, Lyra let out a grunt, coughing up blood.

Rem was shocked and left speechless.

Not only at the fact that Lyra called her bluff on the impact location of the morningstar, but at her own decision to jump straight into her and the knife.

Finally choking out her words, Rem spoke.

Rem: W-wait—! How did—?! Why did—?!

With ragged breathing, Lyra replied.

Lyra: Because, Rem *huff*... this isn't what you wanted, right? *huff* *huff* It was your duty to do something, though, *huff* wasn't it? From the moment you missed the first time—hk! *huff* I could tell... *huff* You weren't serious about killing me. Not yet, at least—hk!

Continuing to feel the blood from Lyra’s wound run down to her hands, Rem's panic-filled words escaped her mouth.

Rem: — —! Rem never wanted to—! To—! But Rem had to—! Something—!

Putting her chin on-top of Rem's head, Lyra spoke once more.

Lyra: Rem...

Her single word calmed her slightly, just enough to get her to listen.

Lyra: Tell me. What DID YOU want to do?

Feeling her take in a breath of air, Lyra moved her head back and looked down as Rem brought her face upward.

Rem: Rem wanted to...

With her eyes getting watery with tears, she moved her face back downwards and tightly shut her eyes, rested her head against Lyra's chest, and began to sob as she answered.

Rem: Rem wanted to believe you! Rem wanted to believe that the Witch's scent meant you were also a victim of the Witch's Cult! That there were other people who were hurt by them! Who knew how cruel the Cult was! Rem wanted to think you were friendly, but—

Lyra: Your duty prevented you from doing that, right?

Looking back up, Rem's face was covered in tears.

Rem: *hic* Rem is—! *hic* Rem is so sorry—!

Her voice getting cut off, Lyra put her hand on the back of Rem's head and pulled it close. Using what little strength she still had left, Lyra squeezed Rem in her embrace as she cried.

Finally, gasping, Rem maneuvered her head back up, as if she had forgotten or realized something.

Rem: L-let Rem heal your wound! It's not too late!

Losing her strength to keep holding her, Lyra dropped her arms and almost tripped backwards, catching herself on the wall,

Huffing and puffing for breath, Lyra protested as she began to lose consciousness.

Lyra:*huff* Rem...you'd have to remove the knife to do that...and if you do, I'll lose too much blood. There's no way to—

Rem: Then lie down here! Rem will—! Rem will go get Beatrice-sama! She can heal you quickly enough after removing the knife and then—!

Lyra: Rem.

Cutting her off, Lyra fell down further onto her back, knife still lodged in her torso.

Bringing a blood-stained hand to her chest, Rem gave an expression that conveyed that she was listening.

Rem: — —?

Lyra: There's not enough time... just... let me be. here... with you...please...

With more tears forming in her eyes, she shook her head.

Rem: If only Rem hadn't been so selfish...Rem would have never have brought you such fear as to run for your life.and caused such a fate for yourself...

Lyra replied, shaking her head.

Lyra: It's exactly because you WEREN'T selfish that this happened, Rem.

Nodding her head, Rem sat down next to Lyra, blood heavily staining both of their clothes now 

Rem: What... What can Rem do?

Smiling, Lyra held out her weak hand.

Lyra: Just—hk! H-hold my hand... until it's over...please...

Rem quickly grabbed Lyra's hand. Lyra could feel the still-warm blood of hers being transferred to her own hand from Rem.

Closing her eyes, Lyra asked one final question.

Lyra: Tell me, Rem. What could I have done differently to help you understand?

Rem was silent for a moment before answering.

Rem: Rem doesn't know. If you could have somehow gotten through to Rem in a different way... things might have ended differently. Rem is sorry, if only...

Squeezing her hand, Lyra said what would be her final words.

Lyra: Remember when I said I couldn't tell how I knew what I knew? Even if I wanted to? That's why you shouldn't feel bad, Rem. Death isn't the end for me. Everything will end up okay in the end, alright? It's all related, but that's as much as I can say.

Rem was silent for a moment again, unable to respond to what she could only assume was her slowly-weakening mind.

Rem: Rem never even knew your name, and still...

Lyra choked out a response.

Lyra: Lyra. It's Lyra.

Perking up at what she heard, a small smile adorned her tear-covered face.

Rem: Lyra...

She repeated the name under her breath a few times more.

Rem: A cute name. It suits you.

Smiling herself now, Lyra responded.

Lyra: Not as cute as the girl who's saying it.

Without herself being able to see it, Rem blushed before squeezing her hand once more while feeling a warmth grow inside her chest.

Rem: Maybe... Maybe if you had done just that, Rem may have been swayed enough to not suspect you...

Without enough strength to react as she wanted to, Lyra simply smiled and let the last embers of her life burn off.

Lyra had died a second time in this new world.

Rem sat quietly by her side, still holding her blood-stained hand.

Some moments had passed before a thundering sound could be heard coming from the meal hall. Someone who was walking with great haste was approaching.

?: Rem! Did you catch the guest—?

Having her words be quickly cut off, the girl noticed the completely broken down kitchen door. Stepping onto the fallen door, the girl proceeded into the wrecked kitchen further.

?: Rem? What happened here? Rem— Rem!

Turning her face to see who had just entered, Rem replied.

Rem: Nee-sama...

Ram: Y-You're covered in blood! Are you okay?!

Nodding, Rem continued to hold Lyra's lifeless hand.

Rem: Don't worry, Nee-sama. It is not Rem's. Lyra-chan never hurt Rem.

Ram: Lyra... chan? And is she—?

Nodding, Rem answered her sister.

Rem: Yes. But Lyra-chan said that she'd fix this, and Rem believes her.

Ram: How can you believe her? She's DEAD, Rem!

Putting a hand to her chest, more tears rolled down Rem's face.

Rem: Because...if Rem would have believed her from the start, she'd still be alive…

Ram paused for a moment before softening up her stance a bit, calming herself down a bit, and responding.

Ram:...I see….

Chapter Text

Chapter 19: A Fresh Start

Lyra's consciousness drifted through the void once more. She'd now died a second time in this new world.

I really hope Subaru managed to stay alive long enough to let the scent linger away...If not, we're screwed...

Lyra thought back to what Rem had said about what she could do to make her not doubt her.

It seemed as if flirtation, as odd as it was in t5hat moment, seemed to be the trick...

Thinking far, far, far back, she remembered her first morning at the mansion, when she first woke up after having her mana drained from her body by Beatrice.

Rem: Guest-sama, do you know where you are?

And the only thing Lyra could have hoped to have replied with at the time was:

Lyra: H-h-heaven...

Lyra signed a non-existent sigh and scratched at her non-existent face out of embarrassment.

That really could have gone better the first time, she thought. Her memory had made her come to one crucial realization, though...

What if that's what Rem meant before I died, that if I had 'swayed her,' she wouldn't have suspected me? But what did that mean, exactly? Any time I had made Rem blush was a time she wasn't so openly hostile towards me...—!

Realizing the connection, Lyra felt the sensation of her consciousness filling back into her own body, ready to be awoken by Rem and Ram as they entered the room to the smell of fresh sheets and flowers.

However, this was not the case...

Feeling her essence be poured into her body, she felt herself standing up on the ground rather than lying in a bed.

No… No! Don't tell me the checkpoint changed!

Panicked, Lyra's mind began to race with what this could possibly mean. For a few moments, her mind seemed like it would go on nonstop, until her vision finally snapped to reality.

White.

Nothing but an intense, never ending expanse of white. Devoid of temperature, devoid of any stimulation.

Turning and looking all about, Lyra confirmed that she was the only entity of existence in this strange realm she had found himself in once more. Taking a breath, she felt no air come in, but in reply, her body did not long for a breath of air either. There would be no satisfaction to the desire for breath. There would be no desire to satisfy a need to breathe.

As Lyra looked about, the same wave of fatigue hit her like the last time she was in this white expanse. With her muscles tiring, her eyes becoming heavy, and her mind struggling to maintain focus, Lyra collapsed to the unfeeling floor and was quickly carried away to slumber.

Lyra awoke and fell asleep an uncountable amount of times . As if unable to fully awake from a dream, Lyra's time awake was never long, yet it was never entirely lucid either. More and more, Lyra began to struggle to determine dream from reality. Was she having dreams of waking up? This time, it felt more like a dream. No. This time, it certainly isn't a dream. Then, why can't she wake up further? How much more can she sleep? How long is she even asleep for when she is? Sometimes it feels so short, but for other times it feels like an eternity.

Slowly, Lyra began to fear that she would lose her mind due to the lack of stimuli.

But, despite all the dark thoughts, the absent thoughts, the repeated thoughts, and the overall anxiety and fear she was dealing with, her mind yearned to remember. She had one thing, one PERSON, that she needed to hold onto to keep her sanity in check.

Rem. Her sweet, kind, gentle, beloved Rem.

With the blue haired maid's image filling Lyra's mind, her soft and gentle voice almost instantly filled Lyra's ears.

Rem: Lyra-chan. Rem knows you won't ever give up.

Feeling a soft, warm sensation in her hand, Lyra's mind labored to recall in its finest detail the time that she held the maiden's hand.

Rem: Rem wants to see Lyra-chan be the hero that Rem knows she can be.

Feeling a stir of strength, Lyra began to feel herself gain energy on her own once more. This time, though, she would not let this world continue to sap that energy. Forcing herself, she sat up for the first time in what must have been days.

Lyra: I will not be controlled like this… I will not give in!

As Lyra Anderson had announced her defiance to the white expanse around her, a change had finally begun to occur.

A dark mist settled in all around her. The familiar pull and feel of Return By Death had arrived. Out from the mist, dark shadowy hands grew.

Enveloping themselves around her, the hands seemed to almost pick her up, forcing her to stand completely upwards and giving her a renewed sense of self. The hands continued to pull her along, deeper and deeper into the void of dark, misty, murky nothingness.

Having a good feeling of what was to begin next, she felt the same similar sensations of what Return By Death was like the first time she had experienced it.

Knowing what would come next, with the bed, the guest room, and the twins, Lyra knew EXACTLY what she must do next.

Like always, it began with the tingle of sunlight on her eyelids, beckoning a morning sun, shining brightly, a day full of opportunity.

Next would always come the smell. The freshness of new, washed bed sheets, accompanied by the fragrance of freshly-cut flowers, sitting in their vase and picked at full-bloom.

Finally, the sheets that enveloped her resting body, cool and soft to the touch, tucked neatly around her as her body helped rouse herself awake.

Faintly, she could hear it. The sound of footsteps down the hallway, ever so light and quiet, but she has learned to expect it. That would be the only way she'd ever have noticed it.

A hand had been placed on the door, ready to twist the knob and make an entrance.Two young women doing their little sisterly routine as they always did.

Turning the knob, the twins entered.

Rem: Nee-sama Nee-sama, our guest sleeps well into the late morning.

Ram: Rem Rem, our guest appears to be a deadbeat who sleeps in until noon.

Rem: Nee-sama Nee-sama, it would appear so. Would you mind waking him while I check on our other guest—

Rem had stopped. Her words were cut off again.

The last time this happened, it meant that—!

As she recalled the loop in which she had died on the first day, the loop right after the forest interrogation, the same thing had happened then too.

Panic filled Lyra's mind.

W-what happened? Did Subaru fail to stay alive long enough to let the scent disperse some? Did something terrible happen? Are we really going to have to do all this again?

As her mind raced in the moment Rem was silent, a new sound was heard.

?: *Yaaaaawnnn*

A yawn filled the silence left by Rem's cut off words.

Hearing the sound of sheets being rustled, Lyra continued to listen in, eyes closed, but awake nonetheless.

The yawn turned into a groan of pain, of which the twins reacted to.

Ram: Guest-sama, are you feeling unwell?

Rem: Guest-sama, do you have a chronic illness flaring up?

Subaru: No, no, I'm fine.

Ram: Let Ram open the window to let some fresh air in. Rem?

Rem: Yes Nee-sama?

Ram: Please check on our other guest Her gate was severely injured and she may be in a weak condition as a result.

Was my gate " severely" injured? Is THAT why Emilia has kept asking about it?

With no time to entertain the theory, Lyra heard Rem approach. Kneeling down to be more level with her face, Rem whispered to Lyra while Ram moved the curtains to open the window.

Rem: Guest-sama, are you awake? Guest-sama?

I need to woo her quickly. What do I say? What do I say?

She kept her eyes shut to buy time as she thought.

Placing her hand on Lyra's shoulder, Rem gently rocked her to rouse her..

Rem: Guest-sama, do you remember anything?

Slowly, she had to begin to open her eyes. It would be unnatural and further-alarming if she did not begin to awake. With her eyes taking in the now-much-brighter light from Ram opening the curtains, Lyra struggled to adjust her vision in order to properly see Rem.

Rem: G-guest-sama?

Seeing her struggling to open hed eyes, Rem brought a hand to her chest in sympathy and worry, but somehow, almost instinctively knew what the cause was.

With the bright light now cascading into the room, Rem moved her head forward and tilted it, bringing the shadow of her face to cover Lyra's, shielding her morning eyes from the rays.

Getting a clearer and closer look on Rem's face, Lyra's eyes began to adjust thanks to her blocking the sun's light.

Rem: Guest-sama, do you know where you are?

Lyra's eyes were now halfway open as Rem asked her question and Ram had finally managed to open the window. A cool, pleasant breeze rolled in from outside the moment the window was let open.

In her halfway-open vision, a grand scene played out just for her. Lyra's vision was suddenly filled with Rem's face.

The breeze swayed her bangs, revealing both of her deep blue eyes, which were like two crystal-clear mountain ponds, showing the reflection of Lyra's face, her golden locks, and sky-blue eyes as she laid in bed.The sunlight that she had halted from reaching her eyes shined and twinkled all around her outline. Rem was bathed in a wash of a golden halo that had formed around her.Seeing the sight before her, Lyra was speechless. Her thoughts soon escaped her, leaving through her mouth out loud. Her words were only guided by the pure feelings and emotions that she was feeling now. Her cheeks started turning bright pink.

Lyra:: H-ha..ve...I-I-

Rem: — — —

Rem was waiting for her guests' answer with baited breath. Rem didn't know why she was waiting for a response at this moment, only that nothing else seemed to matter at that very second.

With great trepidation and risk, Lyra spoke the only words she could find in her heart at the very moment.

Lyra: H-Have I died and gone to the afterl-life or something? B-because you look like an angel...

With the words repeating again and again in her mind, a warmth began to grow in Rem's chest. Never before had she felt such a feeling overtake her like this so quickly. She knew not if these were her early-morning,-post-dream words of confusion and drowsiness or her sincerest feelings.

Somehow, she felt both were equally true.

A blush larger than what Lyra had ever seen before on Rem adorned her round face. Rem lightly shook her head and spoke in a quiet voice.

Rem: N-not quite...

With energy flowing into herself, perhaps from waking up or from trying to seize the moment, Lyra replied to Rem's response, giggling and smiling warmly at her.

Lyra: I get the feeling I'm not too far off, though...cutie! 

The two stared into each other's eyes for a moment longer, both not wanting to be the first to look away. But, almost as soon as the breeze had died down, so too had the sunlight's touch. Ram called to her sister.

Ram: Rem? Is our other guest over there doing well?

Having to snap her gaze away from Lyra, she replied to her sister.

Rem: Yes, Nee-sama, she is doing well.

Lyra heard a knock at the door. A fifth person entered the room.

?: Hello? Oh. You both are awake. It was so quiet here that I thought something... never mind. Anyways, Subaru, you look like you have energy to spare this morning.

Subaru: Emilia-tan! I just had a lot on my mind right now,but seeing you blew my intrusive thoughts all away! Maybe you're just the wonder-drug my mind needed most!

Putting her hand up like a stop sign, Emilia spoke up.

Emilia: I'm sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm glad you're okay, though.

Dropping his head, Subaru lamented.

With both of the mansion's guests awake, everyone was summoned to the meal hall once the lord of the mansion had returned.

Without hesitation, both Lyra and Subaru had requested staff positions once more. Subaru was made to be a butler, while Lyra was to be a part- time groundskeeper, with Rem being assigned as her tutor once again.

Upon hearing Lyra's request, Subaru also asked for help with studies. Ram ended up being assigned as his tutor.

Being fitted for their work uniforms accordingly, both Lyra and Subaru retired to their rooms for the evening. While in her room, Lyra set up her solar bank and let her nearly-dead phone charge, as she always did on the first day.

Lying down back in bed, Lyra simply had nothing to do.

I'm not too sure if I should bother Subaru right now. He's probably still shell-shocked from his last two deaths despite how he was acting earlier...

Looking back, Lyra guessed that it had only been about twenty-four hours since those events had taken place.

Getting up and stretching, she decided to head down to the mansion's bathing room for some time to think and relax.

Lyra trudged down the stairs and headed for the bath.

Reaching the door for the changing areas and subsequently the entrance to the bath, Lyra stopped and stared down the hallway.

Past the bathing room hallway and down the corner was the same, less-lit hallway that was home to the patio furniture storage room.

The very same room that Lyra had first died in.

Looking down the hall, hand on the changing-area door, Lyra dropped her grip and headed to find the same door as last time.

Was it her lingering curiosity from the "spare pantry?" Wrapping around the corner and heading down the hall, Lyra came up to the familiar door.

Standing in front of the door, she could feel a breeze coming out from underneath it. Taking a deep breath, Lyra squeezed the handle to open the door until—

?: Lyra-chan? Are you lost?

Hearing a familiar voice behind her, Lyra looked over her shoulder. Right behind her was an equally-curious blue-haired maid. Fully turning around, Lyra looked at Rem, whose head was tilted in curiosity at what she was doing.

There was no hostility or malice in her voice, and her body language didn't seem to convey that, either.

Lyra: No actually. It's just that when you two showed me and Subaru around,you never brought us down this hallway. I was going to use the bath, but this area just so happened to catch my attention.

Rem shook her head, which really ended up shaking her whole body, causing her dress to flow from side-to-side in a delayed sort of fashion.

Rem: There really isn't much down this way and much of it isn't yet relevant to your jobs... —May Rem ask another question?

Nodding to her, Rem continued.

Rem: What made Lyra-chan stop at this specific door?

Not really wanting to answer her in an entirely honest way, Lyra instead replied with a half-truth.

Lyra: I felt a draft coming from underneath the door.

Putting a hand to her chin, Rem thought for a moment before coming to an idea, an invisible light bulb appearing above her head.

Rem: Ah, it must be...

Moving alongside Lyra, Rem opened the door and entered the room. Looking around, Rem complained, hands on her hips.

Rem: Oh, it's so dark in here.

Rem stepped back out of the room and headed to the nearest crystal lamp. She soon returned, holding said crystal lamp.

Stepping into the room, Rem waved to Lyra for her to enter with her.

Somewhat hesitant, Lyra slowly entered through the doorway and on inside, finally standing next to Rem. Rem gestured over to a large patio table, which was turned upwards on its side.

The very same one that Lyra had previously been choked up next to.

Rem: Do you see?

Focusing on the table, Lyra had no clue what she meant.

Lyra: The table?

Rem answered, shaking her head .

Rem: No. Behind the table.

Craning her head up just a bit and putting a hand over her brows, Lyra focused her vision on the dark area behind the table.

It was wood, unlike the stone around the rest of the wall and floor. It was also round wood, like a door.

It WAS a door.

Lyra: I-I-s that a DOOR?!

Rem: Yes. It's the mansion's drain room. It leads down only a few steps to a grate hole. The room sometimes has a problem with rats, so Nee-sama and Rem keep the table propped in front of the door to keep any from pushing their way in.

Eyes widening at the prospect of needing to barricade a door for rats, Lyra couldn't believe it was THAT necessary.

Lyra: H-how big do the rats get here?!

Giggling before turning to head back out the door, Rem answered.

Rem: Maybe Lyra-chan'll have to see sometime.

With both of them back out in the hallway, Rem shut the door with a solid "k-chunk."

Rem: Were there any other rooms that Lyra-chan was curious about that Nee-sama and Rem neglected to show previously?

Lyra replied, shaking her head.

Lyra: Not necessarily. But come to think of it, didn't Ram mention something about a 'secondary' or 'backup' pantry? Isn't the rest of this hallway just storage and cleaning supplies?

Looking up slightly, Rem put her slender finger to her chin in thought.

Rem: Sometimes Nee-sama might call the drain room a joke. There are certain things she doesn't like that she wishes she could toss down there.

Lyra: Hmm, I must not have understood that when she first said it, then...

With that, the two walked back to the more-welcoming section of the mansion's hallway where the bathing room was. Lyra smiled warmly at Rem.

Lyra: Anyway, thanks for entertaining my curiosity. I'll see you both again early in the morning to report for duty!

With a hand-wave from Lyra, Rem slightly bowed and turned to walk off before turning around once more.

Rem: Lyra-chan? 

Lyra: Hmm? What's up?

Rem gave Lyra a soft and gentle smile 

Rem: Rem looks forward to working with you tomorrow. Get some good rest.

Lyra: I will! Thanks! You make sure to get some rest now, too! Alright?

Rem: Rem will do that. Thank you, Lyra-chan.

Proceeding into the bath, Lyra tried to soak her hard feelings and bad thoughts away with the warm water.

I'm going to need to formulate a plan from here on out. I guess it's just that I have to win over both Rem AND Ram trust then?

Just then, the door to the bathing area had opened once more. 

?: Um...excuse me? May I step in with you?

A girl with amethyst eyes, long silver hair, and a voice that rang like silver bells came in, wrapped in just a towel. A startled Lyra was quick to respond.

Lyra: Oh! Uh...Hi there, Emilia! Sure thing. I mean it's just us here anyways, so it should be fine!

Emilia: Thanks. So ..

Emilia stepped into the bath, next to where Lyra was sitting.

Emilia:...may I ask you about something important?

Lyra: Of course! I'm listening.

Emilia: So your gate was severely injured, as you probably already know...

I see we're back at it again with the whole "how's your gate?" thing again. Oh, how I WISH I didn't have to answer her in the same way every time. I know she's just looking out for me out of the kindness of her heart, and I really appreciate her for that, but still ..

Emilia: ...and I just wanted to see if you've noticed any changes at all or not?

Lyra: No...I haven't...sorry....I will let you know when I do as soon as possible, though! 

Emilia: Oh...I see..well, I WOULD appreciate you letting me know for sure, so thanks.

The silver-haired and blonde-haired maidens both made small talk for a little while longer before Emilia eventually stated that it was getting late and that it was time for her to go to her room to sleep. She waved goodbye to Lyra and left the bathing area while wrapped back in her towel, leaving Lyra alone one more to her thoughts.

Lyra sat down for a bit before deciding to continue brainstorming ideas in the nearby sauna room, which was attached to the bathing area. She got up, wrapped a towel around herself, and went into the sauna room. Staring up at the ceiling, Lyra began to think out loud.

Lyra: There's gotta be more to this...

?: —And there is.

Lyra: H-HUH? Wh-wh-WHAT THE-!? 

Hearing someone else open the door to the sauna room and walking in, Lyra frantically darted her eyes around , looking for who or whatever that voice could be coming from.

After a few moments, steam began to form from where she had heard the sound. Out came none other than Lyra's wayward traveling companion, Natsuki Subaru, who was also wrapped in a towel 

Subaru: Phwaaa! Oh, hey, Emi-wait! LYRA!?

Lyra immediately turned bright red out of embarrassment and pointed an accusatory finger at him.

Lyra: Y-YOU?! DUDE! WHAT THE HELL!? 

Subaru: U-uh..I'm so sorry about this! I thought that maybe Emilia would be in here and-

Lyra put her hands on her hips and angrily chastised Subaru.

Lyra: What!? Actually, never mind. Anyways, she just left, so too bad for you! Now if you don't mind, would you PLEASE give a WOMAN her PRIVACY!?

Subaru: H-hold on! I'm sorry for barging in on you like this, really! But, since we're both here now at the moment, may I at LEAST stay for a bit and offer you some advice?

Lyra sighed, put her arms back down to her side, and looked sideways at him 

Lyra: Alright...fine! But you better not do much as even THINK about trying or doing ANYTHING funny! Got it!?

Subaru: R-right! Of course!

Lyra: Hmph. Good.

Subaru and Lyra both sat down next to each other on one of the sauna seats.

Subaru: Anyways, you're entirely correct, there is more to this. A lot more.

Lyra: Okay then, do tell.

Crossing his arms, Subaru continued.

Subaru: Well, for starters, you were wrong.

Lyra: About?

Subaru: A whole lot. How long do you think it had been before we reset when Rem killed you two loops ago? On that first day up to the next time you woke up and tried to run.

Wanting to confirm whether or not the order of things was being properly understood, Lyra answered with a question of her own.

Lyra: When we died on the first day after resetting from being interrogated in the woods, till the last loop where I told you to run? Uhh, I don't know, maybe twenty-four hours? Maybe less?

Uncrossing his arms, Subaru held a hand up, and lowered his pinky and ring fingers, leaving three digits up.

Subaru: Three days.

Lyra: W-WHAT!? HOW!?

Subaru: After you left with Roswaal, Beatrice came in after Emilia accused her of doing something to me after sapping our mana, saying she was being forced to apologize.

Putting a hand to his chin and closing his eyes, Subaru gave a smug look.

Subaru: And with some careful Puck-related blackmail, I got her to form a contract with me.

Lyra: A contract, you say? For what, exactly?

Returning to a normal expression, Subaru continued.

Subaru: Protection. Until the morning of the fourth day.

Lyra: So then did Beatrice fight—?

Subaru: —No no. I stayed in the Forbidden Library until the morning of the fourth day. When I exited, I went to see if anything had changed and if you were doing okay.

Lyra: Oh? And what did you find?

Subaru: As soon as I walked down the hall, Emilia-tan was all in a rather-cute fluster, but she was surprised to see me. I guess Ram had told her that I had run away. Rem had said that you quit and walked off the job.

Lyra was silently and blankly staring at Subaru. Confused as to why Lyra remained quiet, Subaru spoke back up.

Subaru: I'm guessing that's not what actually happened, though...

Shaking her head slowly, Lyra replied.

Lyra: No... Rem... She...

With images of the recent and caring Rem flashing in contrast to the Rem who had strangled her to death, rehearing the anger and contempt in her voice that she remembered, Lyra's words staggered.

Lyra: On the first day... the very first day... she...

With regret and pain filling her voice, an emotion of fear and bottled-up sadness filled her chest. Choking back her tears, Lyra finally spoke the truth.

Lyra: She strangled me...in the storage room down the hallway....probably less than a stone's-throw from right where we're sitting...*Sigh* She was so mad... just from the scent itself, nothing else! That's why I was so sure! So sure that we were in danger! That we had to run! With the smell compounding three times, two from botched confessions and once from a death...three stacked cases of the scent was enough to get her to kill me on the first day... What was a fourth layer going to do—?

Subaru: I understand now. You assumed that I was still bedridden and that I was also killed at around the same time.

Lyra: Yeah... I guess I did. Pretty stupid of me in hindsight, huh?

Shaking her head, Lyra snapped herself out of her self-pity.

Lyra: Anyways, you said Emilia was in a fuss?

Nodding, Subaru continued.

Subaru: Yeah. She was surprised to learn that I was still in the mansion, but she was running to find Beatrice. Once she said that, I heard a terrible scream...that turned out to be Ram's...

Lyra: —? Why was Ram screaming?

Subaru shut his eyes as if preparing to say something that was very hard for him to say.

Subaru: Because...

Opening his eyes and taking a deep breath, he looked Lyra dead in the eyes and continued.

Subaru: Because Rem...died. She died the same way that I did on the very first loop...

Looking down at the ground, Lyra watched as steam gently moved around near her feet. 

Lyra: The curse...

Realizing what this meant, Lyra snapped her head back up and met Subaru's gaze.

Lyra: So, the curse didn't come from Rem, then...that's a relief...

Subaru: That's right.

Crossing his arms once more, Subaru also shifted to a more relaxed position before continuing.

Subaru: But that's not all. In my time staying in the Forbidden Library, I had asked Beako about curses, like how to get them, where they come from, and how to cure them.

Lyra: What did she say about that?

Putting a hand into the air, Subaru closed it into a fist.

Subaru: For starters, first—

He extended his thumb on his closed hand.

Subaru: Curses come from Shamans, something we know Rem isn't since she died of the curse herself. Second—

He extended his index finger.

Subaru: Curses are a weak type of magic. The shaman needs physical contact in order to curse someone. And finally—

With his middle finger extended alongside his other fingers, Subaru finished.

Subaru: —Third. Curses can be removed before they're triggered and Beako can detect and remove them too, all by herself.

Lyra: So we just need to find out who cursed you... Got any clue? I mean, the only other residents it could have been were—

Shaking his head, Subaru cut off Lyra.

Subaru: It wasn't anyone in the mansion.

Jaw almost agape at the very idea, Lyra was nearly speechless.

Lyra: — —?! How can you be certain?!

Subaru: Because—

Subaru closed his eyes again and raised a finger. Then, he opened his eyes back up and continued his response 

Subaru: —last loop, I died!

Giving Subaru a blank expression and a few blinks, Lyra finally responded.

Lyra: Yeah, no shit! You maybe want to explain how? Or when?

Becoming serious again, Subaru answered.

Subaru: I made it to Arlem before Ram arrived and hid in some house's cellar. Once night fell, I made my way out and a few of the kids that lived there found me. Really, in short, they put me up in the hay shed and gave me some grub.

Raising her hand, Lyra mimicked a student in a lecture class.

Lyra: Sensei!

Subaru: Yes, my student?

Lyra: How does this lead to anything we're trying to discuss?

Raising his fist above his head, Subaru made his intention known.

Subaru: I'm getting there!

Settling down, he continued.

Subaru: *Ahem* For the next two days I just played around the village, played with the children, and interacted with the adults. The point that I'm getting at is, that I never ONCE interacted with anyone from the mansion, which means that no one here touched me and therefore caused the curse to take effect.

Lyra: Then the curse killed you? Again?

Nodding his head in confirmation, Subaru went on.

Subaru: I have no clue when or how, but I was cursed in the village. I died in my sleep and now, here we are.

Lyra: So then, what's the plan? Avoid going to the village?

Subaru: It's not as easy as that. On the third day, on both of the previous two loops, someone from the mansion went to the village for groceries. That's how I'm SURE Rem died in your death-by-strangling loop. In the loop where we tried to run away, Ram went that time. Thankfully, the village kids helped me hide from her, though.

Sitting up, Lyra posed a question to Subaru.

Lyra: So we need to confront and figure out who the shaman is in the village?

Subaru: Exactly. But we also have to take care to get in good standing here with the twins in order to earn their trust. We also need to come up with a plan once we get to the village and think about what we need to do once we're there.

Lyra agreed to the plan, nodding in confirmation, 

Lyra: We've got our work cut out for us for sure...but it's nothing we haven't done before!

Chapter Text

Chapter 20: Caution: Wet Floor

Waking up to a new day, Lyra raised her head up in bed and yawned.

She quickly went to go brush her teeth in a sink, then she went back to her bedroom. Making her way over to the standing closet, Lyra changed into her work clothes, and set out to get ready for the day.

That bath really put me to sleep early...it's barely light out yet!

By now, Lyra knew where all of her work equipment was along with what she would be asked to do. It would be easy enough to just say she was "experienced enough to know where things should be kept and what needed to be done if the twin maids were to ever start feeling suspicious about how she was able to get started so quickly.

Heading down the hallway as quietly as she could, Lyra tiptoed down the stairs and reached the foyer. Making her way to the rear entrance of the mansion and reaching for the door, she realized that it was unlocked.

Lyra: That's strange. Don't the twins usually make sure everything is locked up before bedtime?

Turning the handle and pushing open the door, Lyra was surprised by who she saw standing on the back patio.

Her blue hair swayed lightly in the gentle morning breeze. Her blue nightgown also fluttered just as softly, conforming to her figure. The front half of her nightgown was pulled tightly from her morning stretch.

With her back facing Lyra and her arms extended wide mid-stretch, she let out a big yawn.

Almost dumbfounded, yet also excited to see Rem up so early, Lyra cheerfully called out to her 

Lyra: Oh, hi, Rem! Good morning! You're awake early! What's up?

Dropping her arms almost immediately, Rem spun around, surprised by the sudden company she now had.

A small embarrassed blush ran across her face before she responded.

Rem: O-Oh! L-Lyra-chan! Rem is doing alright...she's j-just stretching! G-good morning to you, too! H-How are you?

Lyra: I'm doing pretty good, especially since I get to see a cutie like you!  

Rem started blushing even more as she listened to Lyra.

Rem: You're so sweet ..

Lyra: You're even sweeter, you know. By the way...

Almost saying "You don't wake up this early normally." to her, Lyra caught the words before they left her mouth and instead said a more appropriate statement to Rem.

Lyra: I ...uhhh...didn't know that you woke up this early.

Wrapping her arms around herself, Rem responded in a still embarrassed state.

Rem: Rem normally doesn't. Although waking up earlier than Nee-sama is needed, as she takes a long time to wake up on her own. That's usually not for a few hours from now, though. Are you usually one to get up early, Lyra-chan?

Rem posed a question to Lyra, trying to deflect the topic of the conversation away from her irregular habit

Lyra: Not like this, to be honest. It's just that I figured the lawn would need to be trimmed today, and I'd rather do it before it gets too warm out, you know?

Scratching her chin, Lyra answered as honestly as she could.

Realizing Rem had never said what she was also doing up out of bed so early, Lyra asked Rem a question.

Lyra: So...did you just decide to wake up early too, then or did you wake up even earlier and just couldn't get back to sleep?

Folding her fingers together underneath her chest, Rem looked up and away from Lyra her blush continuing to stay. She shook her head.

Rem: Not quite Rem was just...

Beginning to rock on her feet, heel to toe, heel to toe, Rem delayed her answer.

Rem: Rem was just... excited. Excited to work with Lyra-chan...and Subaru!

Catching a slip of her own tongue, Lyra felt the glint of a small blush of her own, as Rem was terrible at hiding such a thing once she said it.

Smiling, Lyra responded to her in a way to quell her own embattled thoughts.

Lyra: I'm excited to work with you both today, as well! Especially you!

An expression of relief, anticipation, and fervor washed over Rem, all crowned by the small smile she expressed while hearing Lyra's words.

Speaking with more confidence now, Rem added in.

Rem: Even though our tasks are not really that much related, Rem woke up so soon in part to get things done earlier, so that maybe Rem could help Lyra.

Replying with an almost equally-flushed face of emotions, Lyra scratched the back of her head and spoke.

Lyra: That was also part of my goal here too. I can imagine how both you AND your sister both work pretty hard, so I thought the least I could I could do, for the trouble that I probably am with needing to be tutored, is help you finish early and maybe get some rest-time before the daily lesson!

Realizing what it meant for both of them, Rem put a hand to her mouth and giggled.

Rem: Hehehe, it seems we'll both finish early, thwarting each other's plans. Also, Rem doubts that you'll be any trouble at all when it comes to being tutored. She isn't sure how or why, but she has a good feeling that she will have a very good time teaching you how to read and write.

Lyra: You're too kind, Rem.

Rem: So are you, Ly-Ly!

Lyra started blushing even more than she was before.

Lyra: H-HUH?! "Ly-Ly"?

Rem giggled at Lyra's surprised and flustered reaction.

Rem: Yes. It's a new nickname that I came up with for you. Do you like it?

Lyra started off nodding her head shyly before quickly speeding up her head-nodding.

Lyra: Y-y-YES!! I l-love it!! Th-thanks!! Rem-Rem...

Rem blushed and giggled a bit.

Rem: "Rem-Rem" , huh? Is that your new nickname for Rem now? Sounds cute, just like you 

Lyra: Y-you're cuter! 

Time passed by as the golden-haired and azure-haired young women hung out and chatted together, occasionally making flirty comments towards each other. The sun poked its rays above the horizon, painting the morning sky in a wash of pink.

With both Rem AND Lyra noticing the change in ambiance, they turned to view the display before them, both going silent Lyra had taken a step forward off of the doormat to get a better view and was standing next to Rem.

Taking her vision away from the hues of pink that danced on the morning clouds, she stared at and appreciated the profile of Lyra's face, staring at the glint of the same hues of pink reflecting off her soft, sky-blue eyes.

Somehow, they are even more beautiful this way, Rem thought.

With her hands still folded below her chest, her vision traveled down from Lyra's face to her hand, which was hanging outside of one of her apron pockets.

Unfolding her own fingers and releasing her hand, Rem slowly moved her own hand to hers. While Rem saw her hand as welcoming, she did not want to ruin the moment for Lyra. Rem hesitated.

Her hand was just ever-so-close to clasping Lyra's. Had she moved it any closer, her fingers would be in her palm and finally around her own fingers.

However, her advance was stopped. Lyra spoke up finally, breaking the silence between the two of them. This caused Rem's hand to jump away at the very last second.

Lyra: There's a saying from where I'm from. "Pink at night, sailor's delight. Pink in the morning, sailor's warning".

Having not taken her vision off of the clouds above, Lyra had not seen Rem's attempt to hold hands.

Noting Rem's silence, Lyra turned het head to look at her, a somewhat-guilty and blushing expression was on her face. Seeing Lyra's attention now being directed at her, she was instantly snapped out of whatever thought she was in, which caused her to struggle with a response.

Rem: Oh, u-uhh...yes! It's good that we are not sailors, then.

Giving a slight chuckle at Rem's rushed response, Lyra put her head down and took a step to walk off.

Lyra: Well, I guess it's time for me to get started now, then...

Nodding, Rem watched as Lyra walked her way down the stairs and towards the place where her equipment was stored.

Turning around, Lyra yelled back to Rem.

Lyra: If we get done early, I'll meet you back here!

With a hand up to her chest, Rem gave a large nod to confirm what Lyra had said.

The second day at the mansion was off to a good start at the very least.

With the sun at the apex of its travel across the sky, Lyra had finished her duties and was informed by Ram that she should be done for the day.

Returning to the patio, Lyra was expecting to meet Rem. Not seeing her there, she decided to check to see if something was holding her up.

Heading into the mansion, Lyra had found Subaru almost immediately, halfway down the foyer. He was mopping the floor in a rather expedient manner.

Seeing Lyra enter, Subaru gave her a rather-boisterous greeting, his arms flying around as he made various random poses.

Subaru: Lyra! How very good to see you! Great job on the lawn! I shall use your work as an example of what to aspire to while mopping!

With that, Subaru began to mop even more enthusiastically,

As soon as Lyra was going to greet him back, thank him for his compliment on her handiwork on the lawn, and ask if he had seen Rem, a voice called from down the staircase.

?: Subaru? Why are you mopping the floor again? Didn't you already do that earlier today?

With a soft voice that rang like silver bells, Emilia stepped down off the stairs and onto the freshly-cleaned floor at its base. Completely ignoring her concerns involving the floor, Subaru ambitiously greeted Emilia.

Subaru: Emilia-tan! How wonderful it is to see you! And my, must I say you look lovely this afternoon! I'll put the elbow grease I have into making this floor reflect a shine that's just as bright and beautiful as your eyes!

Obviously oblivious to what he meant, Emilia responded weakly.

Emilia: O-oh, okay. I don't really know what you mean but I'll take that as a compliment, I guess?

Turning to see Lyra standing there in bewilderment to the entire scene playing out before herself, Emilia's composure reset. She greeted Lyra with a smile 

Emilia: Hello, Lyra! How did the rest of your work go? How's your gate? Have you noticed anything different at all?

Almost slightly irked at her repeated question, yet also grateful for her kindness, she could not let any sassy attitude pass her lips to someone who had been nothing but good to her so far.

And she did mean well, even if she was sort of repetitive about it 

Holding her tongue and using only the most polite, proper words she could, she responded to Emilia, slightly lowering her head in a humble bow.

Lyra: My tasks for the day are complete. As for my gate, it is the same as it was during breakfast when you last asked. No, I have not had any anomalies. Thank you for your concern, Emilia-sama

She could practically feel the "ten" and "nine and a half" being given to her by Rem and Ram for her response, addressing the residents of the mansion just how they'd instructed her to.

Puffing her cheeks up in a small pout, she stuck her chest out.

Emilia: There's no reason for you to talk so formally. You see how Subaru and I talk. You could speak a little more freely, like him, you know?

Hearing his name being mentioned, Subaru halted his mopping once more and gave Emilia an enthusiastic wave.

Sighing once he had turned back around to continue mopping, Emilia went on.

Emilia: Well, maybe not EXACTLY as he does.

Lyra felt surprised that Emilia was ALREADY asking to be addressed in a more casual sort of way considering her position as a candidate for the THRONE, of all things. She had really only felt obligated to be formal towards her because of that and how she had been instructed to talk to her by Rem.and Ram. 

Lyra: O-oh! Well, then...my apologies, Emilia. I was just talking like that because I was asked to by Rem and Ram. I would be more than happy to address you in a more casual way, though!

Emilia: You're fine. I understand that my position as a royal candidate is pretty important, but I do want to be friends with you and hope that you can someday see me as more than just a royal candidate. 

Lyra smiled at Emilia.

Lyra: Of course! I already see you as a friend too, Emilia!

Emilia: You're too sweet, Lyra.

?: Emilia-sama.

Stepping up to the two of them, a maid with blue hair bowed before the half elf and spoke in a very formal tone. A tone and attitude that almost suggested that something had gone wrong with Lyra earning her trust, much like the other times she had spoken like that to her.

Rem: Nee-sama has informed me that she will be bringing your mid-day tea by shortly to your room.

Nodding, Emilia responded.

Emilia: Thank you Rem. Lyra, would—"

Rem: Lyra-chan!

Stepping to face Lyra, Rem smiled widely and tilted her head to one side, letting both her shut eyes be visible through her bangs before opening them once more.

Rem: How was your first day? Nee-sama said that she was very impressed with your work.

Cutting off Emilia, Rem's cheerful and joy-filled questions overwrote Emilia's would-be tea invitation to Lyra.

Lyra: Oh, it was good! I'm glad Ram was happy with it too. So, did you finish early as well or did something else come up?

Watching the two converse, Emilia noticed the glint in Lyra's eyes and the enthusiasm in her voice that she had when speaking to Rem.

With the smile on her face returning to a more neutral expression, Rem shook her head and explained.

Rem: Unfortunately, Rem is still working. Rem was tasked by Nee-sama to supervise Subaru while he worked his first day today.

Lyra: O-oh. W-well, I'm sure he's almost done, isn't he?

Shaking her head once again, Rem continued.

Rem: Subaru has been... quite the handful. He's very motivated for sure, but Rem is afraid that's just the problem. Subaru's air of confidence and motivation is making him become rather clumsy.

Realizing that she was involved in this conversation and thus, could not contribute to it, Emilia turned back to head up the stairs to her own room, unable to ask Lyra what she had hoped to.

Rem: So far, Subaru has broken TWO vases and cut his fingers doing various tasks in ways that Rem had no idea one could.

Realizing that Subaru was OBVIOUSLY going in WAY over his head during this loop, Lyra sighed upon hearing Rem's report.

Rem: Is Subaru usually like this?

Lyra: Not from what I can tell, but I don't know for sure. I haven't exactly known him for much longer than you have, you see..

While not exactly a lie, in the context of this loop, Lyra wasn't being untruthful.

Now halfway up the steps, Emilia looked back at Lyra and Rem, who were both conversing with near-perfect chemistry. Stopping only for that single moment, the half-elf continued up the steps, a feeling in her she did not understand beginning to grow. It made her almost dislike seeing the two interact so much the way that they were.

Silently observing Subaru, Rem looked on, not sure what to do. Lyra spoke up once more.

Lyra: Say, why don't we let Subaru just keep doing THIS for the time being? Me and you can work on stuff further ahead for him! What do you think of that?

Putting a hand to her chin in consideration as to what Lyra suggested, Rem listened to Lyra continue on as she shrugged.

Lyra: Now's probably the best time, while he's distracted by mopping.

Realizing that Lyra was probably right when she said that, Rem nodded to her, The two walked off in silence as to not draw attention from the workaholic Subaru. Rem and Lyra left to accomplish other tasks in lieu of a distracted Subaru, taking advantage of that in hope that he would straighten himself out at some point.

After cleaning and scrubbing the washroom's bathing tub, Rem and Lyra returned to the foyer, where Subaru was nowhere to be found.

Rem: At least he is not mopping it for a third time.

Lyra: Well, we should probably go find him then, right?

Nodding in agreement, Rem replied.

Rem: Usually Nee-sama will begin dusting the upstairs hallways at this time. Perhaps Subaru is with her at the moment 

With that, the two walked across the shiny foyer floor toward the staircase, until—

Lyra: —Woah!

Stepping on a spot that Subaru had failed to let dry, Lyra's legs spread apart mid-step, surprising her so badly that she didn't even have the smallest chance to catch her own balance.

Keen to not let her fall, Rem quickly grabbed Lyra's hand and arm. With her new-found support, Lyra felt herself be instantly balanced...only to then have Rem begin to lose her balance as well, stepping onto the same wet spot as Lyra had in the confusing tango of balance that the two were having at the moment.

Having tried to take a step forward to balance herself and putting her weight on her back foot, her leg escaped out from under her., forcing her other leg back down suddenly, which was also now slipping at the sudden and unprepared movement.

Not about to let Rem fall due to her own carelessness, Lyra reached for her arm to get a hold of her, again losing her own balance in the confusion.

With both of them about to fall forward but away from each other, Lyra threw her own arm out, wrapping it around Rem's waist.

Working in the only direction she could in order to stabilize not only Lyra, but also herself as well, Rem also reached and wrapped her arm around Lyra's upper torso, the closest part she could.

Both now using each other as an anchor, they pulled each other in, intent on using each other's fall direction to cancel their own.

Unbeknownst to them, at that moment, that meant they would end up—

Rem & Lyra: Oh!

In each other's embrace, the sliding and tripping had stopped, as the two stood more as one, together.

With her face buried in Lyra's chest, Rem could feel her chest press up against Lyra. Lyra and Rem both blushed profusely due to the visibly lewd position that they were now suddenly in.

Rem could feel how hard she currently had her arms wrapped around Lyra's shoulders and upper back,. As such, she loosened her hold.

At the very same moment, Lyra's arms were wrapped around Rem in a very similar fashion with her lower back. With her hands meeting behind her, she could feel where they rested. Quickly realizing where they were, she moved them upward off of her dress and to the small of her back, away from the soft round bump that they probably should NOT have been on.

Both standing still for a moment to make sure that their slipping and sliding session had ended, Rem unburied her face from Lyra's chest. Both women apologized profusely for their sudden and unintentional hand and face placements.

Looking up at Lyra, Rem's face was flushed-pink from embarrassment. The same could also be said for Lyra

Having now been caught by each other's gaze, Lyra was finally the one to croak out a response.

Lyra: Y-you okay?

With a quick nod from Rem, they released each other and walked a few more paces over to the staircase, their faces still red. Nonetheless, guilty and embarrassed smiles appeared on both of their faces 

Reaching the top of the stairs, they looked down each direction of the hallway, stopping to decide which way to check first. Right as Lyra was going to let Rem know of her decision, Rem had made up her mind, choosing a direction and walking. She turned her head slightly back to Lyra and mouthed the words "This way." at her. Lyra followed her.

Walking down the hallway, the two came to a corner that led to one of the main hallways which ran along the outside of the mansion.

Lyra So I take it you can just kinda tell where Ram is—

Just before rounding the corner, Rem raised a hand for Lyra to stop behind her, cutting off what she had to say. Leaning forward and poking her head just around the corner to observe, Rem leaned back and turned to face Lyra with a whisper.

Rem: Nee-sama and Subaru are dusting some things down the hallway.

Confused as to the reason for her actions, Lyra questioned Rem, also whispering herself.

Lyra: Why are we whispering?

Rem: Because Rem can tell that Nee-sama is having a difficult time—

*Clink-Crash*

The sound of another vase falling victim to Subaru's clumsiness echoed throughout the hallway.

Shutting her eyes and cringing at the sound, Lyra opened one eye to find Rem doing the same.

Lyra: That's the THIRD one he's broken now, isn't it?

With a nod of "yes" from Rem, they both moved to poke their heads around the corner of the hallway and to watch what was going to happen next.

Subaru: Oh, clumsy me! Don't worry, Nee-sama! I will clean this up right away and fetch a replacement!

Sighing, Ram scolded Subaru.

Ram: Just HOW MANY vases are you going to break today? This mansion will run out of replacements before the day is even CLOSE to over at this rate...

As Subaru began to pick up the pieces of broken vase glass, Rem made her way around the corner.

Rem: Nee-sama, Nee-sama. Is our new helper causing trouble?

Ram: Rem, Rem. Barusu seems to have a grudge against all the vases in the mansion.

Skulking at the twin's remarks as they teased him, Subaru continued to pick up the pieces of broken case glass.

Lyra now also came around the corner.

Ram: By the way, Rem, where were you and Lyra?

Rem: Lyra-chan assisted Rem with scrubbing the bathing room floor.

While the twins conversed between themselves, Subaru had looked up at Lyra. A disheveled look was on his face, almost as if he was going to be sick. He lowered his head back down when Ram began to speak to Lyra.

Ram: It seems that Barusu is making work for everyone in the mansion today, even after Ram tells them that they are done for the day.

Turning her gaze down to Subaru, she snorted.

Lyra could see the cold sweat accumulating on Subaru's brow as he gave an ever-so-quiet wheeze that was only heard by himself.

Looking back at the twins, Lyra spoke up, defending Subaru.

Lyra: Hey, why don't we let him take a break for right now? Give him some fresh air?

The twins looked at each other and nodded.

Standing up, Subaru protested.

Subaru: I-I'm fine! Really! I can keep working—

Subaru's protesting was cut short by Lyra's forceful hand on his shoulder. Lyra spoke up, cutting off the raven-haired young man.

Lyra: I'll make sure he takes a break and gets right back to work when he's done. Hey, Rem?

Tilting her head, Rem replied with a "Hmm?"

Lyra: I hate to ask, but could you be the one to get the replacement vase for Subaru? I can try to make sure that he doesn't break any more from here on out. Okay?

Nodding her head in agreement, Rem tilted her head the other way and smiled.

Rem: Of course. Rem would be delighted to.

Leaving the presence of the bright beam of sunshine that was Rem, Lyra walked Subaru down to the back lawn to get some rest and fresh air.

Chapter Text

Chapter 21: It's Magic. Do I REALLY Have To Explain?

Dragging Subaru outside, Lyra finally let go of him in the middle of the freshly-cut lawn and asked how he felt.

Lyra: Take in the smell of cut grass and relax for a bit, alright? I don't have a clue what you're acting so high-strung for, but just dial it back a bit, okay?

Without responding to her, Subaru back-planted onto the lawn with a "Phew".

Subaru: I've just got to work harder! You might have an easier time since Rem seems to like you right away this time for some reason, but I've got lots of ground to make up!

Lifting a bandaged hand up, he made a fist while he spoke.

While his hand certainly wasn't as badly-injured as it had gotten on the previous loop, it was clear that his overly-hasty attitude had caused him to make countless mistakes, which had caused at least SEVERAL injuries as a result. With Subaru closing his eyes, he enjoyed the mid-day sun, the breeze that carried the smell of the grass, and the blooming flowers in the garden area.

Taking a deep breath, Lyra was just thankful that Subaru at LEAST had enough sense to rest himself. Sitting down not far from Subaru, Lyra looked at all of the shrubbery that she had just finished cutting and trimming.

There was a silence between the two as they just took in the moment, resting their bodies from the day's work so far...

...until a familiar voice interrupted them.

?: Hey there Subaru! Taking a break?

Subaru: Ah, Puck. Yeah I am, but I still got TONS to do after all this. Is Emilia-tan also out here?

Opening his eyes, Subaru sat up and replied to the little gray floating cat. Upon asking his question, Subaru bobbed his head from side to side, looking all around himself for the half elf.

Lyra also looked up, instantly spotting her in the gazebo that made its home in the middle of the lawn. Emilia was conversing with some microspirits, which looked very much to Lyra like small sparkles of light that were just casually floating around her.

A sense of curiosity was instantly conjured within Lyra, almost unexplainably. The sight of the small spirits which were all hovering around her was not something that Lyra had seen before.

Lyra: Say, Puck.

Getting the little cat's attention, Puck levitated over with a "Hmm?"

Lyra: What type of magic does Emilia use? I've seen her hurl ice around, but I've never seen those... sparkles of light ...all around her. Is it some kind of meditation or something? I'm curious.

Getting closer to Lyra, Puck almost seemed to tease her with his response.

Puck: Oh? You're curious about spirits, huh, Lyra?

Confused as to what he was implying, Lyra replied simply.

Lyra: Yes, that was my question. 

 Subaru got up and sat cross legged, also chiming in.

Subaru: Yeah, I guess I'm kinda curious now too, come to think of it.

Moving to a spot between the two workers-on-break, Puck explained how Emilia was a "Spirit Arts" user and that her spells are really cast through himself or any of her many microspirits. He further-explained that the mana for the spells was also mostly-pulled from the air around, rather than just exclusively her own gate, via the spirits.

Puck also went on to describe how gates work and that each person's gate uses one of four main magical elements.

Puck: That means that even you two have one as well! Want me to see which elements you both have?

Subaru immediately started fantasizing over which element his gate would be while Puck poked his tail to Subaru's forehead.

A white light began to emit from where his tail touched Subaru.

After a short few moments Puck floated back and declared to him his answer.

Puck: It's... Yin!

Subaru: What?!

Emilia: Oh! Yin! That's great, Subaru! That's a rare one!

Upon seeing Puck speaking with Lyra and Subaru, Emilia joined the conversation now that she was done occupying her time with the microspirits.

As confused as Lyra, but not as audibly, Subaru asked why he was an element that Puck had not listed and what Yin magic even was.

Emilia went on to explain that Yin was one of two additional, albeit-rare categories of magic. Then, she listed various practical examples of Yin spells.

Subaru: It's all debuffs!

Subaru slumped his head in disappointment. Puck and Emilia turned their attention away from Subaru and towards Lyra. Extending his tail outward as he had done with Subaru, he offered the same service to Lyra.

Puck: Now close your eyes. This might take a second with your gate the way it is.

Closing her eyes, Lyra let the little gray cat inspect her gate.

Lyra could feel a warm sensation building in her lower abdomen, right behind where her abdominal muscles were located. She could feel warm threads being sent out across her body to each fingertip and toe.

Unbeknownst to her, Emilia currently had a face full of both worry and anticipation as she stared at Puck. Bringing a hand to her chest, she waited for a reply from Lyra.

Turning to face the half-elf, Puck simply shook his head to her. Emilia dropped her shoulders and gave a slightly-dejected look. Returning to the happy tone and expression that he had before, Puck began his announcement of Lyra's results.

Puck: Hmmmm... Your element is...

An unexpectedly-great amount of excitement welled up inside of Lyra at the prospect of what her element may be.

Waiting with baited breath, Lyra was anxious as to what her result may be.

If it's fire, can I burn myself on accident? Can I freeze myself on accident with ice? Blow myself over with wind? Knock myself unconscious with earth?

These thoughts raced through Lyra's mind...

...but just then...

... ANOTHER idea came into her head.

Subaru got a rare one, "Yin", was it? What if that's related to the "shadowy" nature of Return By Death, or maybe it could simply be because he's from another world? Would that mean I ALSO have "Yin", since I'm ALSO from another world?

Just as Puck was set to announce her element, a final thought crossed Lyra's mind.

But, WAIT! Emilia said there was ONE additional category that was rare alongside Yin, and that can only mean its—

Puck: It's Yang!

It was light magic. Just as Lyra had guessed.

Emilia smiled and congratulated Lyra.

Emilia: That's actually quite fitting, since it's you two. Yin and Yang. Dark and light. Oh! It also suits how Subaru is male and has black hair, while you are female and have blonde hair! Just thought that was interesting.

Looking down at her hand, Lyra tried to imagine herself being able to cast magic.

Something tells me it won't be that easy, and I probably won't even be that good at it...

Interrupting her thoughts, Subaru spoke.

Subaru: So if Yin magic is basically making your opponent weaker or disillusioning them, would Yang be making one's self stronger?

Puck: In some cases, yes. It's also used for things like sensory sharing, restoration magic, and a few offensive spells.

Subaru: Are there any Yin spells that I could try right now or do I need to read some tome to be able to understand it?

Puck: Hmmmm...well...I could show you one called Shamak that you might be able to give a try.

Subaru: Yes, PLEASE!

Nodding, Puck flew up a tad higher before raising his small paw up into the air.

Puck: Here goes!

Bringing his paw back down, Puck cast his spell.

Puck: Shamak!

Emilia: Puck, wait—!

Instantly, an inky-black fog filled both Lyra's vision and mind.

Too late to halt Puck, Emilia's voice was instantly cut off.

Lyra continued to feel as if she was still sitting on the ground. Although she was calm, her every nerve was reacting to this as if it was a great danger, although his mind and logic told her that she was in no danger whatsoever.

Lyra's mind raced back and forth. Suddenly, a large and warm feeling began to expel itself outward from her center. As the feeling grew and grew, it appeared as if a great light was washing away the darkness that surrounded her.

Slowly, as if spraying dirt off a window, the same familiar sunlight from before broke through the darkness until so much was washed away that it crumbled all together. Blinking a few times, Lyra expected her eyes to have to readjust to seeing the bright light of the mid-day sun. Although they didn't necessarily NEED to, it was as if her vision had never actually adjusted to the darkness that she was just subject to.

Craning her view around, Lyra saw Puck still floating in the same spot as before. Next, she saw Emilia. She was standing with her hand out-stretched to Puck as if signaling him to stop. Almost instantly, Emilia became aware of Lyra's now-conscious vision, lowered her hand to Puck, and placed it close to her mouth in worry.

Emilia: Lyra? Are you okay?

Taking a moment for her brain to communicate with her mouth, Lyra finally answered the concerned half-elf.

Lyra: Yeah, I am! That wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be!

Crossing his small cat arms, Puck replied to Lyra.

Puck: That's cuz' you were able to begin to nullify it by releasing some of your Yang magic.

Pointing with his tail to somewhere behind Lyra, Puck continued.

Puck: YOU can make it easy on yourself. HE can't.

Turning around, Lyra almost asked "Hm? He?" , before answering her own question almost instantly afterwards.

There stood Subaru, his back to the rest of the group, arms extended outward in front of him, and currently walking as if he had gone completely blind.

Heading right toward the fountain, Emilia called out to Subaru to stop. Stopping a single step away from giving himself a bath, Subaru finally came to. Turning around, Subaru gave the three people staring at him an empty look.

Floating over, Puck poked at Subaru's cheek.

Puck: So, what'd ya think?

Immediately dropping the blank look, Subaru put on a face of pure false confidence and threw an arm behind his head before answering.

Subaru: Ohh..uhh..it's nothing too flashy, but I'm sure it gets the job done. Yep.

Putting his arm down and getting a more serious tone, Subaru continued.

Subaru: So, is there any chance I can use this 'Shamak?'

Putting his paw to his chin in thought, Puck responded.

Puck: That all depends on your training. Would you like to take the beginners course?

Subaru: Yes! Teach me, senpai!

Standing up, Lyra walked up to the two and asked her own question.

Lyra: So, is there one that I can learn? For my Yang magic, I mean.

Turning midair to face Lyra, Puck returned his paw to his chin in thought.

Puck: Usually, the first, and easiest spell a Yang user learns is the offensive spell, Jiwald.

Almost instinctively looking down at her hand, Lyra mumbled the word to herself.

Lyra: Jiwald...

She wasn't certain, but it definitely felt as if she had just felt that same warm sensation once more, this time on only the palm in which she currently stared at.

Gesturing the actions of the spell, Puck explained the magic.

Puck: Jiwald is mana propelled from your hand like a large, scattering ray of light. It shoots off in the general direction in which you cast it, and it can burn anything it touches.

Turning back to Subaru, Puck continued.

Puck: We'll start with Subaru first, though. I'll be controlling the mana inside you, helping you cast the spell, so it'll all be using your own gate.

On Puck's instruction, Emilia headed a distance away so as to not be caught by any magical explosion that may result from Subaru's attempt to cast his spell.

Having Subaru "picture the mana flowing through his body, and release a portion of that", Puck made a comment out loud that immediately sent worry to everyone nearby.

Puck: That's strange. It feels like all the mana in you just escaped out of your gate.

No sooner after Puck uttered those words, a large explosion erupted from Subaru, sending dark, inky mana all over in a most-violent manner.

Puck: In short, you have no control over your gate, so you probably shouldn't try so hard going forward.

Subaru groaned in response to Puck's harsh words.

Having zapped so much of his mana in one go, Subaru had immediately passed out upon casting Shamak. Lyra had been the one to drag him and place his unconscious body on the bench in the gazebo that Emilia had been in earlier.

Having finally woken back up, Subaru attempted to sit back up, to which Emilia tried to stop him saying that he'll probably not be able to work anymore today and that he "shouldn't push himself", only to have Subaru snap back with "This is exactly the time I need to push myself."

In response, Emilia reached into her dress pocket and pulled out what appeared to be two dried plums.

Emilia: Here, have one of these.

Placing the fruit in his mouth, Subaru chewed it up and then—

Subaru: OOOO—!

Letting out a sudden roar of energy, Subaru bolted straight upward from where he laid. With a refreshed look on his face, Subaru turned his head from side to side, wondering what had just happened.

Emilia giggled and answered him.

Emilia: That was a Bokko fruit. They help you regain some of your mana when it becomes depleted.

Emilia turned to Lyra, who was still waiting to try out her own magic, and handed her one of these Bokko fruits.

Emilia: Just in case the same thing happens to you.

Lyra gave Emilia a warm, cheerful smile.

Lyra: Oh! Thanks so much!

Lowering his head, Subaru spoke up in a low tone to Emilia.

Subaru: I'm sorry... I guess I've caused you some inconvenience...—

Emilia: Subaru.

Getting both Lyra's attention and Subaru's with her sudden declaration, Emilia went on.

Emilia: It's reeeeeally frustrating to hear sorry after sorry from you.

Pointing a finger up in the air, and then towards Lyra, Emilia elaborated.

Emilia: Lyra said "Thanks so much!" because she KNOWS that I'm trying to be helpful and am NOT looking for an apology. It's much more satisfying to hear a '"Thanks so much!" or a simple "Thank you." than an " I'm sorry.", okay?

Finishing her statement as cheerfully as she could, Emilia tilted her head and smiled towards Subaru, perhaps in part because she was afraid that she had been too forward with herself just now.

Across the gazebo, Lyra tilted her head lightly to the entire conversation, surprised that Emilia had put such unspoken words in her mouth.

I mean, I DID technically know that she was NOT looking for an apology,...but she has no way of knowing that from me...unless her intuition is just THAT spot-on, anyways...

Lyra thought that Emilia's words had been rather bold for her.

Casting away her meta-analysis of what Emilia had said, Lyra noticed the slightly-dejected look on Subaru's face. 

It was obvious that he-no- NO ONE, would like to be compared to another person like that in such a way over something that was ultimately trivial and could at LEAST have been brought up later in private, ESPECIALLY by someone who you just-so-happened to have feelings for.

Not wanting to let the moment drag out for Subaru any longer, Lyra decided to change the topic so that she could HOPEFULLY take Subaru's mind off of such a thing.

Lyra: Hey, Puck? I want to try out my Yang magic now, if that's fine with you Are you going to need to help me channel the mana like you did with Subaru or does this one work differently?

Crossing his arms, Puck shared a glance with Emilia before answering.

Puck: Something ells me that you won't need any help.

Lyra could SWEAR that she had seen Puck wink to Emilia just now. Puck continued.

Puck: Go ahead and stand a few paces away from the target that you set up and I'll explain the rest.

Walking from the gazebo to the lawn, Lyra stood ten paces away from her target. While Subaru had been unconscious, Puck had suggested that Lyra find something to use as a recipient for her magic.

Having walked to the equipment shed, Lyra found an old rusted and rotting hay fork, a few pieces of twine, another rotting wooden handle from some other tool, and a moth-eaten white table cloth.

Having stuck the hay fork in the lawn, Lyra used the twine to fix the other rotten wooden handle sideways across the fork's handle and placed the table cloth on top of it all, having the handles stick out through the holes which were already in it.

The finished result resembled a rather-crude scarecrow.

Standing in front of her creation, Lyra readied herself, breathing deeply and awaiting Puck's instructions.

Floating up by her, Puck began his explanation.

Puck: Alright! Just like I told Subaru before, you have to visualize the mana inside you and let your gate only allow a portion of that mana to come out. YOU control YOUR gate.

Taking another deep breath, Lyra nodded in acknowledgment.

Puck: Okay, go ahead and extend a hand out. Aim your palm at your target.

Raising her arm, Lyra faced her palm out towards the sorry excuse of a scarecrows he had assembled on the mansion lawn.

Puck: Now, feel the mana in you, let some of it out of your gate, and say "Jiwald" to cast it!

Feeling a warm growth in her gut, Lyra felt the mana swirling around in her body, ready to all come flowing out should she let it.

She felt like a shaken soda bottle, ready to explode should anyone open the cap.

Concentrating on its flow, she felt the warmth in her gut begin to pour down her extended arm and buck up against her open palm. This is what it was like to have the sensation of magic running through her. It was unlike anything she'd ever experienced before.

Lyra knew she had to be concise and accurate with how much mana she released, lest she end up like Subaru.

Feeling like she was ready, Lyra uttered the words to cast her spell.

Lyra: Jiwald.

The warmth in her arm that had puddled up at the end of her palm grew. The heat could be felt pooling up outside of her palm. A sudden light began to also grow on her palm. The light was so bright that it cast a shadow on Lyra's face from the back of her hand, even in the mid-day sun.

With the heat leaving her hand outward and away, Lyra cut off the mana exiting her body, determined to not let herself wipe out her mana.

Lyra could hear a twinkling noise, quickly followed by the sound of heat searing something. She could also smell heat, like an electric stove left on with an empty pan.

Lowering her palm, Lyra observed the state of her target before her.

She didn't see much change occur to her ragged scarecrow at first glance.However, as she walked up closer to the scarecrow, she did notice that there were a few new holes in the cloth which mostly varied in size. She could tell they were newly-made due to the perimeters of each new hole appearing to have been burned, although they weren't as charred-back as she'd have expected with a burn.

One of the holes she had made had been right in front of the wooden handle she had tied to the hay fork.

Lyra moved the cloth out of the way and inspected the damage her magic had made to the wood. The wood had OBVIOUSLY been eaten away at. However, the resulting crater that was left in it was about HALF its diameter, which meant that the magic she had cast hadn't even penetrated through the thin wooden handle.

The crater was not burned-black and charcoaled as she might have guessed, just like the cloth. Instead, the remaining wood just around the point of the impact was a stark white. Its texture remained just like the rotten wood it was made from, but when Lyra touched it, the white wood simply flaked off, leaving normal wood right in its place.

The result of her magic on the wood looked more as if a few termites had been at fault.

It appeared as if this Yang magic had vaporized or disintegrated more so then it simply "burned" things. The white ring left over just outside the point of impact suggested that the light possibly is so bright that it bleaches the color out of whatever it doesn't completely disintegrate first.

Hearing a clap of two small fur-padded paws together, Lyra turned herself back to face the gazebo.

Floating just outside the wooden structure, Puck gave Lyra a one-man applause. Inside, however, was a different scene. Emilia could be seen stepping out from behind Subaru, using him as a shield should Lyra's magic have explosive results like how Subaru's had.

Floating up to her, Puck congratulated Lyra.

Puck: That was some pretty good control of your mana. If that was your first time using it, anyways.

Looking down at her hand that had just cast the spell, Lyra replied.

Lyra: Yeah, it was!

Floating over to the now-somehow-even-more disheveled mock-scarecrow target, Puck observed the damage.

Putting a paw up to his chin, Puck gave his thoughts.

Puck: While there WAS some good control, it was ALSO pretty weak. Why don't you give it another shot?

Emilia immediately protested as she stepped out from behind the cover of Subaru and shook her head.

Emilia: Puck! What about her gate? She shouldn't push it so much, you know?

Sighing, Puck responded.

Puck: I understand your concern,Lia, but I think she'll be alright. This might actually be GOOD for her.

Putting a hand to her chest, Emilia gave Lyra a look of worry, but did not argue back at Puck. Taking a few-dozen paces away from her target again, Lyra faced the ragged scarecrow once more.

Puck: Go ahead and give your next try some more power.

Raising her hand to take her second shot, Lyra asked Puck to elaborate.

Lyra: How much more, though? A little? Twice as much?

Puck was silent for a moment in thought before replying, shrugging.

Puck: I'll let YOU be the judge of that.

With Puck's unhelpful comment, Lyra readied herself nonetheless.

Taking a deep breath, Lyra felt the mana in her gut begin to warm up again and felt it flow throughout her body. Lyra felt the mana flow down her extended arm and pool at the edge of her open palm.

Lyra concentrated as she let the mana spill out of her hand and out to the surface of her palm, feeling its warmth on the outside and seeing the light that was emitting. Instead of immediately casting it, Lyra let it build up for a few moments before—

Lyra: Jiwald!

The white mass of heat left his hand in a much-more intense and fierce manner.

Almost too bright to look at, the light almost INSTANTLY met the target. A sizzling sound could be heard.

Despite lasting for only a moment, it was still cast for much longer than the first, much-weaker Jiwald.

Lyra lowered her arm and was shocked at the scene before her. 

The arcs of light had completely severed the upper part of the target, just above the fork section that was stuck into the lawn.

Walking up closer to the wreckage, Lyra found some, although not all, of the upper part on the ground behind where it was mounted.

Most of the cloth had been burned away, including the second crossed handle, and the twine holding it onto the hay fork had also come undone, partially vaporized.

Ultimately, this magic was powerful enough to potentially be lethal.

Lyra stared at the palm of her hand that had cast the magic, unable to believe that she had conjured such destruction from nothing.

Lyra: Wow...I did that...I really freaking did that! 

Lyra exclaimed out of excitement.

Lyra: This...this is so AWESOME!! 

Taking in a deep breath, Lyra suddenly felt a sense of exhaustion consume her body 

Lyra: I...h-huh? Why do I...feel so dizzy...all of ..the sudden...*yawn* ...and tired? Still can't believe I did that, though...

Subaru nudged the wreckage on the ground with his shoe and mumbled underneath his breath as he walked up towards it.

Subaru: Holy crap...

Floating up to the two, Puck spun around and flipped.

Puck: That was AMAZING, Lyra! That was a Jiwald which you would normally only see an EXPERT cast!

Running up to the group, Emilia had a look of worry and concern on her face.

Emilia: Lyra! Did you hurt your gate? That was a lot of mana you just used! Are you dizzy? Are you—

Subaru: Emilia-tan. Give the woman some breathing room, please.

Perhaps feeling some envy from the attention Emilia was giving Lyra, Subaru butted in.

With Emilia's gaze not leaving Lyra, Subaru turned his eyes to Lyra, who still looking at her palm. Looking up, Lyra gave Subaru a nod and a smile, partially as a way of giving thanks for him calming down Emilia's barrage of questions. 

Although she KNEW she meant well, Lyra did not currently have the energy to deal with so many questions at a time. 

Knowing that would be rude to simply not answer, though, Lyra shook her head and gave her a simple and hopefully-satisfactory answer.

Lyra: Yeah, I'm fine! Thanks! I'm a little...*yawn* worn out now, though... 

Emilia pouted and turned her vision to the little gray cat floating above her.

Emilia: See? You shouldn't have pushed her so hard!

Shrugging, Puck closed his eyes and answered.

Puck: I TOLD her to only use as much mana as she FELT she should.

Puffing her cheeks up even more, Emilia was going to argue even more, but was cut off by Lyra walking past the two of them.

Emilia: Lyra.

Facing away from them and towards the mansion, Lyra responded with drowsy, slurred speech.

Lyra: I was going to just walk back to the gazebo and sit down....*yawn*...catch my breath... but—

Turning around, Lyra faced them again, sighing.

Lyra: I'm too...exhausted to...make it..so—

Lifting her hand up to point, Lyra aimed right at Subaru as her eyes began to droop. 

Lyra: No more... overdoing it ...today. Got it?

As soon as Lyra had said that, she collapsed to the ground in exhaustion.

Emilia gasped, ran over, and knelt down next to the now-unconscious Lyra.

Emilia: Oooohhhh, Puck! You made her overdo it!

Zipping on over, Puck made his plea of innocence.

Puck: Hey now, I didn't tell her to do anything! SHE'S the one who wanted to cast magic and you saw EXACTLY how much control she had.

Puffing up her cheeks at Puck's excuses, Emilia turned to Subaru and somewhat calmed down her words and tone. 

Emilia: Can you get Lyra back to her room? I'm sure it's mostly just exhaustion and not her gate being injured. She just needs to rest for the time being.

Subaru: Well, she DID start work pretty early this morning. That probably at least has SOMETHING to do with it. 

Subaru walked up towards Lyra and proceeded to pull her up. He lamented as he "struggled", coming up with an idea inside of his head.

He was going to pretend to struggle with lifting up Lyra so that he could get Rem to do it for him, which would lead to Lyra and Rem having a moment together.

Subaru: Looks like I'm gonna have to drag her, I guess .. 

Emilia: Subaru!

Subaru: Don't worry, don't worry! I'm just joking! I AM going to have to go get Rem to help me out here, though.

However, NEITHER ONE of them had realized that this ENTIRE time, they were being observed Rem was already on her way, coming down the stairs and outside to help carry Lyra.

From inside of the mansion, on an upper hallway floor, the twins had watched the spectacle of novice-magic-casting. Seeing Lyra collapse, Rem had left her sister, who had grown bored of watching anyways, to go do what she could to help out.

Chapter Text

Chapter 22: Pink At Night

Lyra could feel the covers of a bed wrapped and tucked around her body.

Feeling herself waking up, she could not exactly remember retiring to bed. Had she been so tired that it had slipped her mind? Was it ALREADY the beginning of the THIRD day?

Still in her state of waking up, Lyra mentally scanned her senses for any clues that she could find.

The first irregularity to stand out was that Lyra did not feel the twinkle of sunlight on her eyes. Having usually felt this EVERY time while waking up, be it in HER bed or the GUEST bed, Lyra was perplexed.

Sniffing the air, she smelled no freshly-cut flowers, thus ruling out the guest room.

It doesn't seem as if we've reset somehow, thankfully... 

Turning her attention more inward, she let her arms and legs rouse to life. Going to stretch her legs, she found that they didn't move much from where they were.

Lyra felt around for the folds of the sheets and soon realized that she was tucked into the bed in a way that she wouldn't normally do on her own.

Did someone...—?!

With the sensation of consciousness letting her feel her arms and hands, Lyra soon felt something.... something which was located in one of her OWN hands. 

It was warm, soft, and smooth, yet textured in some spots, almost as if whatever she was holding onto was slightly weathered and worn.

Lyra let her hand slightly squeeze the object. She quickly realized that it was, in fact, a hand. SOMEONE ELSE'S hand.

It was around the same size as her own hand. It felt fragile, yet sturdy and strong. Lyra squeezed the hand once more, this time slightly stronger. The mysterious hand squeezed back. It wasn't a squeeze in simple reaction, but rather a squeeze in acknowledgment, one that was made in kindness and tenderness. That hand's squeeze was held and maintained in a fashion that implied strong feelings of concern for the well-being of the squeezed hand.

A wash of emotion stemmed up Lyra's arm from it. Her entire body was filled with reverence towards whoever was currently holding her hand.

Lyra squeezed the hand back in a manner similar to how her own hand had just now been squeezed, hoping to convey that this person's fondness of her was reciprocated. 

She just HAD to see just WHO this person was now with her own eyes! 

Lyra slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was somewhat blurry, but she still tried her best to look for whoever was handling onto her hand in such a loving , affectionate sort of way regardless. As she looked to the side of her bed where her hand was being held, a blue fuzz entered her view. 

Just as it began to focus, a most-gentle, soft, and caring voice entered her ears.

?: Lyra-chan.

Lyra's vision finally became fully-focused. Her eyes laid upon a sight very similar to the one she saw back when she had previously woken up in the mansion for the first time.

Rem: Lyra-chan is awake. Rem is glad.

The first crystal-clear thing that Lyra saw was Rem's face, which was smiling and tilting slightly as she spoke to her. Lyra instantly and involuntarily smiled back at Rem. The two stared into each other's eyes, not wanting to look away or break the moment somehow.

Finally, Lyra's curiosity got the better of her. She broke the brief silence and stopped the eye-gazing session with a question. 

Lyra: How did I end up here?

Giving her a look of sadness and concern, Rem answered.

Rem:: Lyra-chan collapsed on the lawn from exhaustion and mana loss...

Thinking back, Lyra now remembered casting her second Jiwald and instantly becoming immensely fatigued afterwards. Looking down at herself while still in bed, Lyra spoke to both herself AND Rem. 

Lyra: Oh, yeah! That's right! That second spell wiped me out...

Lyra asked Rem yet ANOTHER question out of her own curiosity

Lyra: How did I end up back HERE in my own bed? Did you or someone else carry me back here or something?

Rem: Yes. Rem was watching from the mansion windows. The first large explosion had caught Rem's attention, and so Rem watched the entire ordeal down below.

Lyra gave a short laugh as she remembered Subaru's attempt at casting Shamak and responded.

Lyra: Yeah... it would have been hard to miss that for SURE, huh, Rem?

Giving a small laugh of her own, Rem answered back.

Rem: Yes. Subaru-kun has almost no control over his gate... but Lyra-chan on the other hand...

Rem brought her other hand to the one already holding Lyra's. She cupped Lyra's currently-held hand with both of her own hands.

Rem: Lyra-chan had such good control over her gate. Rem saw your magic and how well you had cast it.

With a slightly bashful tone, Lyra replied.

Lyra: Oh, please...that's just beginner's luck!

Rem: Perhaps so, yet, still...

With her cupped hands squeezing her singular hand a little harder, Rem continued speaking. A smile grew on her face again.

Rem: Rem is very proud of Lyra-chan. Rem is sure that Lyra-chan will use hed new skills to the best of her ability.

With her smile going away, Rem continued in a tone that sounded much more concerned.

Rem: However.. right after all of that was when Rem saw Lyra-chan collapse... so, Rem—

Lyra: So you came running down to make sure I was alright?

Rem's face expression changed into one of embarrassment as she moved one of her hands to her chest. A blush grew on her face.

Rem: R-Rem did not "run" !

Lyra gave Rem a cheerful and slightly-smug response.

Lyra: Yeah-huh... sure, Rem...*giggle*

Rem started to blush even more.

Rem: R-Rem m-m-means it, you kn-know! 

Lyra: Whatever you say, Rem-Rem.

Letting Rem's blush calm down and fade away naturally, Lyra went on.

Lyra: Just how exactly DID I end up here , though? Did I get back up and manage to find someone to help me up into bed? I don't exactly remember...

Rem answered, having fully returned to her normal composure.

Rem: By the time Rem had made it down and outside, Subaru-kun was already going to look for Rem so that he could ask for assistance in the matter.

Lyra: So, did you BOTH bring me here?

Rem: Not exactly. Subaru-kun was NOT very helpful in keeping up, so Rem ended up carrying you here by herself.

Somewhat dumbfounded at what she said, Lyra quickly remembered that she DID possess VERY oni-like strength, which WOULD mean she would be PLENTY strong enough to carry Lyra into bed on her own by default.

A small blush appeared on her face as Lyra replied with a question.

Lyra: So, you just put me over your back or—?

Rem closed her eyes, shook her head, and let go of Lyra's hand.

Rem: Like this.

Extending her arms outward, Rem showed how she had carried Lyra. Leaving both arms extended outward, Rem looked down at Lyra in a most-caring way as the blush on her face grew increasingly brighter and redder by the second.

Rem had carried Lyra in a way one might imagine a knight or hero carrying a damsel in distress.

Lyra had a hard time imagining what that would be like, let alone if it were Rem doing it.

Stuttering out a reply, Lyra broke eye contact and instead averted her eyes nervously. She twirled a strand of her long blonde hair and could barely look Rem in the eye due to how shocked and flustered she was. She really didn't dislike Rem making her feel like this, though...

Lyra: H-h-h-HUH?! I-I-I was PRINCESS-CARRIED here?

Lyra started to twiddle her thumbs nervously. She also shyly snuck some repeated eye contact with Rem.

Lyra: I...I-I mean...if it's you who's doing it to me...th-then I guess I don't mind...

Without a verbal reply, Rem simply shut her eyes, smiled, and tilted her head. She giggled cutely as her cheeks turned a slight hue of red.

Laying her arms back down, she held Lyra's hand with her own hand yet again. The warm sensation that Lyra had previously felt had now come back to her.

There was something immensely joyous to Lyra about how casually she re-grasped her hand.

Lyra: I take it that you put me here so that I could get some proper rest in a more comfortable area?How long was I knocked out for?

Putting a finger to her chin, Rem thought for a moment before turning her gaze to the window. The blue sky that Lyra had remembered from earlier was just beginning to turn a slight hue of yellow in preparation for its departure.

Rem: The sun has just begun to set.

Lyra figured that had meant that at least one or two hours had passed, which she had sort of expected in a way. Looking up at the ceiling, she almost had a sense of guilt due to the time that she had rested right on through as if it were nothing.

Lyra: That long, huh? *Sigh* I guess it just CAN'T be helped now, though...

Rem squeezed Lyra's hand just ever-so-slightly and responded. 

Rem: It did not seem like that long of a time to Rem...

Lyra was about to ask what Rem had done during the hours that Lyra was unconscious for, however, her LAST sentence had given a VERY large clue as to WHAT her answer might have been would she had asked.

Lyra "Not that long", huh? ' W-wait a minute! Rem? Did you sit here the ENTIRE time that I was passed out?

Rem brought a hand to her chest, blushed once again, and gave a very bashful nod. 

Lyra: You...even held my hand the WHOLE time, didn't you?

Rem replied with another bashful nod as her cheeks turned an even-deeper shade of red. Exhaling a breath, Rem loosened her expression and cast her eyes downward to her hand.

Rem: Lyra-chan was out of mana, so Rem gave her some of hers...

Lyra: Rem...

Lyra didn't know what to say. She knew Rem was a kind and caring person, but this specific action of hers just HAD to mean something substantial. Mana is what fueled her power to protect herself, the mansion, and her sister. Rem giving Lyra her mana had thoroughly surprised her.

Rem: Rem could have given it to Lyra-chan all at once, but slowly doing it would mean that Lyra-chan wouldn't have woken up so suddenly from the extra mana.

Not only had Rem carried Lyra to her room and sat by her bed holding her hand the entire time, but she had ALSO been concentrating that entire time, as well. Rem had slowly been dripping her mana into Lyra to help rejuvenate her gate.

Lyra's heart instantly fluttered.

Lyra: Then...that warmth I felt in my arm...this entire time... Rem... I have no way to repay this form of kindness at the moment... But I'll try—!

Rem: Lyra-chan.

Rem spoke Lyra's name, cutting her off. 

Rubbing her thumb on the back of Lyra's hand, which she was currently holding. Rem explained herself.

Rem: There is no need for Lyra-chan to be worried about it. Rem knows that you will pay it back one way or another . Rem knows that there will be a day when you will have shown SO MUCH kindness to Rem, that Rem will NEVER be able to pay it back. That is the kind of person Lyra-chan is. That is the kind of person Rem KNOWS Lyra-chan is. So please...

Her voice growing slightly shakier as she spoke, her final words almost sounded like she was holding back tears, her grip growing slightly tighter.

Rem: Please let Rem have this...let Rem be ahead in kindness, now... Rem knows that it will be the only time that she ever will be...it might not even be for that long, either...

The two young women locked eyes.There was a silence only between the two of them due to the fact that BOTH of them were having a storm of emotions inside of themselves.

Lyra nodded energetically and smiled as she responded.

Lyra: Alrighty, then! Got it! Hey, Rem?

Somewhat startled at Lyra's saying of her name, Rem gave Lyra her undivided attention.

Lyra: — — —

Lyra gripped Rem's hand and gained confidence from doing so. She blushed slightly and gave Rem a warm and genuine smile.

Lyra: Thank you...for everything....I really do mean it, Rem...

Rem nodded and replied, also blushing slightly as well.

Rem: Of course. Anything for you, Lyra.

 Rem and Lyra gazed fondly into each other's eyes for a few moments before being interrupted by a knock on the bedroom door. Knowing that their moment was drawing to a close, Rem gently let go of Lyra's hand, resting it on her bed as softly as she could.

Rem turned in her chair and faced the door. 

Rem: Come in.

The door slowly opened. A black haired boy who was dressed in a butler's uniform stepped in.

Subaru: Uhhh...Rem? Ram asked me to come get you. She's ready to start making supper.

Rem stood up and patted her apron, smoothing it out.

Rem: Yes. It IS about that time, isn't it?

Heading to the door, Rem turned around for a moment to ask Lyra to do her a favor. 

Rem: Please rest up and TRY not to overexert yourself.  Rem will come find you when dinner is ready.

Lyra nodded and replied. 

Lyra: Okay. I will do that. Thanks! 

Rem added in another request.

Rem: Also, promise Rem that you won't use ANY more magic for the next few days. Got it?

Lyra replied to Rem's request.

Lyra: Of course, Rem! Got it!

Rem walked past Subaru and gave Lyra a final smile before leaving.

Subaru was now alone with Lyra. He gave a laugh.

Lyra: Hm? What's so funny?

Subaru: You look like a sushi roll with the covers tucked like that. Did Rem do that?

Lyra giggled for a moment at Subaru's "sushi roll" comment before using a moderate amount of effort to untrap herself. Lyra threw the covers off of herself and put her feet on the floor.

Lyra: Yeah. She did. That's not the ONLY thing that she did, either.

Lyra explained things as she looked at the open palm of the hand that Rem was previously holding.

Lyra:: She... replenished my mana for me.

Subaru replied with a confused tone in his voice. 

Subaru: Huh? You mean you didn't use the Bokko fruit that Emilia gave you?

Lyra felt her pockets and found the fruit that she neglected to eat. She mumbled a "There it is!" to herself and responded to Subaru's question.

Lyra: Eheheh... no...I didn't. I didn't start to feel wiped out till it was too late... sorry...

Lyra continued answering as she stood up and put the fruit into a drawer in her desk.

Lyra: Well...to be completely honest, I saw the effect that it had on you. Because of that, I really wanted to just tough out the fatigue and see if I could just save it for later... 

Subaru crossed his arms and responded. 

Subaru: I guess that's some pretty forward thinking. Man, why didn't I think of that!?

Lyra: Well, you needed the energy to get through the rest of the day, right?

Subaru: Yeah, you're right.

Lyra stood up and stretched. 

Lyra: Well, it seems like we DO have some time to kill before dinner is done.

Subaru: Well, maybe YOU do, sure...but some of us ARE still working...

Lyra piped up at Subaru's response and came up with an idea, seemingly out of the blue.

Lyra: Oh, right! I would be MORE than HAPPY to help you out then, if you need it! 

Subaru: I mean...if you really want to...just...please listen to Rem and DON'T overexert yourself, okay?

Lyra smiled and flashed a thumbs-up sign at Subaru.

Lyra: Of course! I'll be extra-extra careful! 

Subaru and Lyra set out to do more tasks until Ram informed them that supper was ready.

At the meal hall table, everyone was seated in their usual spots, except Emilia, who had taken a seat next to Lyra once more.

With the day's events of Lyra's magic-casting and subsequent blackout, Emilia's usual questions were much-more upfront and demanding.

Emilia: —and you're sure you haven't noticed ANYTHING odd? Not when you cast your magic? Not afterwards when you passed out? Not when you woke back up—?

Setting her utensils down, Lyra gave the most polite response that she possibly could to the concerned half-elf.

Lyra: No. I can't say I've noticed anything...but I completely mean it when I say that I am completely fine. I have Rem to thank for checking up on me after I had passed out. She took very good care of me, and I'm extremely grateful for that.

Rem's face turned an ever-so-slight tint of red upon hearing her name be mentioned with such praise.

Lyra: Oh! You wanna know who ELSE expelled a lot of mana AND roughed up their gate? I'm sure you could also see how Subaru is doing!

Lyra attempted both to redirect Emilia's attention to deflect the subject off of herself AND act as wingwoman for Subaru.

Having been completely tuned out to the conversation, Subaru looked over upon hearing his name. His cheeks were still stuffed with chewed-up food due to the face that he was still trying to eat during that moment. 

Lyra sighed at the display from across the table. Ram had noticed this next and simply snorted. Subaru was working on clearing his mouth to speak, but was beaten by Roswaal, who sat at the end of the table.

Roswaal: Ahhh, yes. I heard there was a good deal of magic use today.

Closing one eye and staring with only his yellow eye at Lyra, Roswaal continued.

Roswaal: Teeeeelllll meeee, just how did it go?

Lyra felt pressure to answer by herself, however, Ram ended up beating her to her own answer instead.

Patting her mouth with a napkin, Ram explained.

Ram: Raly and Barusu BOTH used magic for the first time today. While Raly seemed to be quite adept at controlling her mana, Barusu left much to be desired. Had he tried to use his magic inside, there would SURELY have been a great mess.

Subaru fired back at Ram once he had finally managed to finish getting his food down his throat. 

Subaru: Hey! That's not a fair analysis! At least I didn't expel so much mana that I ended up PASSING OUT!

Lyra:Eheheh...

Ram snorted and replied. 

Ram: Ha! At least Raly can cast TWO complete Jiwalds before draining ALL of HER mana! You BARELY managed to cast a SINGLE Shamak! 

Roswaal: Ahhh, 'Jiwald' and 'Shamak'. Yin aaaaaaand Yang users. Quite rare indeed. We may just have two new magical prodigies in our midst. Do either of you plan to advance your understanding of the arcane arts?

Before either of them could answer, Ram stepped in again.

Ram: Roswaal-sama, I recommend we forbid Barasu from using any more magic, lest he is a threat to himself and other members of the staff.

Roswaal: I will take it under consideration, but as for right now—

Turning to Lyra, Roswaal closed his single eye once more and stared at her with only his yellow eye.

Roswaal: Do you have any aspirations for furthering your magical aptitude? Any goal in mind?

Lyra gulped and answered nervously. 

Lyra: I-I hadn't considered it. What do you think I should do?

Opening his other eye back up, Roswaal answered.

Roswaal: Well, considering you picked up Jiwald so eeeeeeeesaily, I might recommend working towards El Jiwald.

Lyra: 'El' Jiwald?

Emilia spoke up, stepping back into the conversation.

Emilia: Most spells have different degrees of power. Itself, 'El', 'Ul', and 'Al'. Each one requires higher levels of aptitude and mana to be able to cast them.

Lyra: I see...So once I'm more used to Jiwald, I might give El Jiwald a go.

Clapping his hands together, Roswaal spoke again.

Roswaal: A spleeeeeendid idea. I look forward to seeing you both develop.

With everyone returning to their meal, Rem leaned forward, giving Lyra a silent look of concern. Noticing Rem's look of concern, Lyra nodded and reassured her that she would keep her promise to not overexert her gate for a while.

Rem smiled at Lyra, knowing that she had acknowledged her promise through the silent exchange that they had both just shared.

Even if it means I can't practice this new skill of mine, at least for a while...just seeing HER smile is worth it!

With the meal adjourning, Rem followed Lyra up to her room for a study session.

Sitting down at her desk, Rem had brought several books, sheets of parchment paper, and an inkwell with quill.

Rem: Lyra-chan had mentioned that she needed some assistance with learning to read and write, correct?

Lyra: Yeah. I'm somewhat familiar with this country's writing, but my skills STILL need to be polished up quite a bit. Haha...

Lyra began to copy a sentence out of a book, reading it aloud as she did.

Looking at her handwork, Rem read it silently and issued her complaints.

Rem: It isn't much, but this is very good for someone who has only been in Lugnica for a few days. Did someone teach Lyra-chan before?

Rem asked her question with no suspicion in her voice. Her head was tilted just like it normally was when she asked a question like this.

Not wishing to lie to her, Lyta simply dodged the question, scratching the back of her head as she did.

Lyra:Yeah! They were really good teacher, too!

Nodding in acknowledgment, Rem asked another question.

Rem: Lyra-chan said "...this country's writing"... is your home land's writing style different from this in any way? 

Realizing that she had made a tiny slip up, she decided to run with it, given how Rem was currently acting with her. Getting a blank piece of parchment out, Lyra dipped her quill into the ink.

Lyra: Here! I'll show you!

Lyra spelled out her name and wrote down Rem's right below it.

Lyra: This is MY name....and that's YOUR name, right there!

Rem picked the paper and carefully examined each name.

Rem: — — — —

Lyra: —? Is something wrong?

Rem shook her head and responded. 

Rem: Rem has NEVER seen ANYTHING like it before...

Once Rem handed the paper back to Lyra, she had an idea. She dipped her quill into the ink again and wrote out a familiar sentence.

"Rem is very cute."

Rem looked over Lyra's shoulder and analyzed the lines on the paper. She was clueless as to what most of it meant, as she could only recognize one set of symbols in it.

Rem: Is it something about Rem? It says Rem's name right there, doesn't it?

 Rem used her index finger to underline her name in both spots. Lyra smiled at her.

Lyra: Yep! It sure does!

Rem asked what it meant in a slightly-excited tone of voice.

Rem: What does it say?!

Lyra: That's a secret. But—

Rem pouted, puffed up her cheeks and protested. She put her hands on her hips.

Rem: Why is Rem teaching Lyra-chan how to read and write if Lyra-chan is to be so cold-hearted by denying Rem her curiosity of her writing?

Lyra continued where she was previously cut off at.

Lyra: —But...if you can get me to the point where I can read AND write proficiently enough for this job, THEN I'll tell you what it means! 

Still wanting to keep the promise that she he made to Rem about what she had written, Lyra posed the same promise to Rem.

 Rem lost her pout and nodded in agreement.

Rem: That will only help FURTHER motivate Rem to teach you, so PLEASE be prepared to learn quickly.

Lyra giggled cutely and grinned as she flashed a thumbs-up sign at Rem.

Lyra: I'll try my best for us both, Rem!

Rem smiled and nodded.

Rem: Thank you. Rem appreciates it.

Rem looked up and walked to the window.

It had gotten even darker outside now than it was during dinner. The sun was now set beyond the horizon, but it's remaining light still reached outward and painted the clouds in a glaze of pink.

Parting the curtains and opening the windows to get a better look, Rem commented on the hue of colors outstretched across the sky.

Rem: What you said this morning...

Lyra iterated the first half as she got up and stood next to her close to the window.

Lyra: "Pink in the morning, sailor's warning." 

Putting a hand to her chest as a calm, cool, evening wind blew in though the open window and gently swayed her hair, Rem spoke the second half.

Rem: "Pink at night, sailor's delight." 

Rem and Lyra both watched as the leaves on the trees swayed in the breeze under the quickly turning twilight sky. Then, they saw the first star of the night.

It's own light struggled against the lingering light left by the sun, but it was dark enough at this point in the evening to where other stars would also begin to appear. Rem and Lyra were almost mesmerized by it. 

Knowing that Lyra was standing right next to her, Rem embodied the moment, cherishing everything she felt; the sight of the sky, the feeling of the cool breeze, and Lyra's presence.

Slowly, Rem and Lyra's hands both moved from their sides and upwards.. Their hands both yearned for a companion. Another to grasp and share this moment with as one. 

Lyra and Rem's eyes were still on the star. The star gave out a single twinkle.

A twinkle of acknowledgment. A twinkle of favor.

Their hands had each found a companion underneath the star's watchful gaze.

?: Teeeeeeeell me, how have our two new staff members been? Anything suspicious?

?: Nothing... yet. But rest assured, we ARE watching them closely.

?: I see. Is there anything new you can share about either of them?

?: Barusu is almost TOO eager to please in his duties. He gets SO involved, that it ends up causing even MORE work than what he sometimes gets done with.

?: Hmmm, is it genuine effort, or do you believe it is an act?

?: I cannot say, either way.

?: Fair enough. And what of Lyra? Our resident anomaly?

?: Only that she seems to be proficient in mana control, but that was discussed in length at the dining table.

?: Very well. Has your sister given any thought towards our new staff members?

?: She is highly suspicious of Barusu. She does not believe his actions are ones without outside motivation, but whether they are hostile or not is yet to be determined. But with Lyra—

?: Please make sure to remind your dear sister not to jump to any concluuuuuusions. We do not need any... unfortunate accidents in the mansion without due cause.

?: With Lyra though, she is not suspicious at all.

?: — — —

?: In fact, she has only given her words of praise during her conversations with me.

?: — — — —

?: Sometimes...almost bordering on... infatuation.. with her...

?: — — — — —

?: — ?

?: Do you suspect your sister is under the influence of any magic?

?: No. She would not fall for ANY such a trick. Her feelings are... completely her own...

?: 'Tis a rather... unforseeeeeen change of events. If anything new develops, please inform me right away.

?: Yes, Roswaal-sama.

Chapter Text

Chapter 23: Fragile! Handle With Care!

Waking up early yet AGAIN the next morning, Lyra brushed her teeth, put on her work clothes, and made her way downstairs to start the day. Getting to her tasks early, she started cutting the shrubs, edging the paths, and trimming some of the smaller trees.

It was close to noon when Lyra was finishing up her duties. She had made sure to get as much done with as she could before it got warm out. She was now on her final task, which involved spreading manure on the flower beds around the perimeter of the mansion.

As soon as she started working on the final bed, Lyra spotted Rem coming out of the mansion. Her hands were full with a set of trimmers and a vase of water. Lyra put down her tools and greeted her with a cheery wave and a friendly smile. 

Lyra: Hi, Rem!!! Good morning!!! How are you?

 Rem turned to meet Lyra's call and waved her hand with the trimmers. She smiled back at Lyra and responded.

Rem: Rem is doing well. She is fully rested and ready for a new day. It's nice to see that you're so happy and full of energy today, Lyra-chan.

Lyra cupped her hands around her mouth to make sure the sound had fully reached Rem and called out to her again.

Lyra: Nice to see that you are doing well too, Rem! Are you getting some flowers at the moment, by any chance?!

Rem replied with just a simple nod, almost barely visible from how far she was. Lyra only knew that she had nodded by the way her bangs swung when she did.

Lyra called out to Rem once more, waving her arm in a motion to get her to come towards her.

Lyra: Uhhh..you might not want THOSE flowers! They probably STINK!

Taking a better look at what Lyra was actually doing, Rem put two and two together and came over to the yet-to-be-manured flower bed that Lyra was working on.

Rem bowed slightly in thanks once she had fully reached her location.

Rem: If Lyra-chan hadn't called out to her just now, Rem might have made a TERRIBLE mistake and chose flowers not fit for inside of the mansion. Thank you, Lyra-chan.

Lyra: No problem! But...uhhh...don't you usually have a pretty strong and good sense of smell? I'm surprised you didn't notice...

Rem shook her head with an exhausted look on her face and explained. 

Rem: Rem has been following Subaru-kun around quite a bit today in order to help make sure that he wasn't getting TOO carried away with anything...and...well...

Lyra: Damn it...don't tell me those flowers are for ..

Rem closed her eyes and nodded her head. Lyra's eyes grew wide in shock as she placed her hands on her head.

Lyra: Wh-wh-WHAT?!— HOW?! That's gotta be, like, what, the FIFTH ONE that he's broken now?!

Shaking her head now, Rem opened her eyes back up, and answered.

Rem: Sixth.

Lyra: Wow...just...wow...

Lyra sighed and let her hands fall to her side.

Rem: Subaru-kun is doing an excellent job of making the floors shine and leaving not a single spec uncleaned when he dusts, but it's at the cost of being EXTREMELY reckless. Rem doesn't even think that he NOTICED breaking THIS one...

Puffing out her cheeks into a pout and crossing her arms out of annoyance towards Subaru's recklessness.

Lyra: So, why are YOU doing it? Shouldn't it be HIM who replaces the flowers AND the vase?

Rem: Nee-sama moved all the vases out of the storage room that Subaru-kun was getting them from and hid them in a different one. Nee-sama said that it's better for us to NOT let him replace them for now, or else we'll run out.

Lyra replied, losing her pout, shaking her head and wiping the sweat off of her forehead,

Lyra: *Sigh* That boy is like a bull in a China cabinet… Here. Take your flowers. I'll finish up here and come help you out with dealing with his antics.

A look of worry ran across Rem's face.

Rem: B-but you've already worked ENOUGH for today as a part- timer! Please, let Rem handle it—

Lyra: Rem.

Lyra cut Rem off as she stabbed her trowel into the manure to move it to the flower bed.

Lyra: It's not WORK if I'm HELPING you.

Lyra and Rem both smiled at each other, with Lyra smiling first and Rem shortly after. Both women blushed slightly. 

Rem nodded and agreed.

Once Lyra was finished spreading the manure and putting her tools away, she arrived back inside of the mansion with Rem a short while later.

Arriving inside the main foyer, Lyra was surprised at how spotless and shiny the floor was. Walking up to the wall, he examined the few nick-nacks, paintings, flower vases, and other things which were located around the foyer.

Lyra turned around and spoke to Rem, commenting on just how clean everything really was.

Lyra: There's not a SINGLE speck of dust ANYWHERE..no grime either...wow...everything really IS super nice and clean...

Rem replied with a nod. 

Rem: Like Rem said, Subaru-kun is being VERY diligent with his tasks. However, he IS being rather careless at times.

Lyra scratched the back of her head and looked down at the vase that Rem was carrying. She pointed at the vase and asked a question. 

Lyra: So...where does THIS one belong?

Rem; This one belongs upstairs on one of the main side hallways. Once we place it where it belongs, Rem would like to see how Nee-sama is handling Subaru-kun.

Lyra: Sounds good to me! 

Lyra and Rem walked up the stairs, found the empty spot for the vase, and placed it there. Along the way to where Subaru was, Rem asked Lyra a question.

Rem: How long have you known Subaru-kun for? Is he ALWAYS like this?

Lyra did not wish to lie to Rem, however, she was also unable to tell her the EXACT truth. Lyra gave the most honest, vague answer that she possibly could at the moment.

Lyra:: Definitely LONG ENOUGH to know that this ISN'T really like him. I guess he's just REALLY itching to make a good impression on Emilia or something... haha... 

Rem: Hmm...that seems somewhat promising. Rem hopes that he is able to settle in and calm things down eventually.

From what Lyra could tell, these were Rem's HONEST feelings on the matter. What stood out to Lyra the most about it was that Rem was GENUINELY concerned about the longstanding possibility of their continued employment as staff members of the mansion.

Does this mean that we've FINALLY earned Rem and MAYBE Ram's trust? No... It's gotta be from SOMETHING else... What made it different THIS time?

The two rounded the corner and came upon Ram, who was sitting in a chair which had been moved to the hallway from a nearby room.

Next to her was one of the maid service carts. Covered with a white cloth, it hid the lower shelf and only exposed the small caster wheels used to push it around. On the cart itself, however, was a multitude of various items. Vases, cups, porcelain busts, items containing magic ore, glassware, and other certainly-fragile nick-nacks.

In Ram's hands was a cup of tea, more than likely her own brew. She was parked in front of the study that Lyra and Subaru had borrowed books from while they were staying as guests at the mansion.

Rem stepped up ahead of Lyra and walked up to her sister, who was currently in the middle of sipping her tea.

Rem: Nee-sama. How goes supervising Subaru-kun's tasks?

Ram finished sipping her tea and set it on the only part of the cart that she could at the moment.

Ram: Barusu is making a continued, COMPLETE mess in the mansion, as usual.

Lyra: You seem WAY too calm, given you think he's ACTUALLY TRYING to do that.

Ram delayed her response with another sip and then responded shortly after. 

Ram: Well, considering that he's been doing that ever since he FIRST awoke in this mansion, Ram is powerless to stop his behavior at this point. The best that we can hope for is to have him atone by cleaning the mansion.

Lyra was at a complete loss for words to Ram's disdain for Subaru. She could only sigh in response. 

Rem jumped back into the conversation, realizing that Lyra and Ram were both stuck currently at an impasse.

Rem: Where is Subaru-kun now, Nee-sama?

Ram raised her hand flat and facing upwards. She. directed them to the door just to her side.

Ram: Barusu is currently cleaning the study under MY instruction. Ram DID take the liberty of removing ANYTHING fragile from the room before letting him begin, however.

Lyra: Well, that explains the antique road show display you've currently got out here, then.

 Rem went to enter the study with Lyra in tow.

All of the rugs had been rolled, stood, and leaned up against the tall bookcases lining the wall, leaving the wood plank floor fully exposed.

On the opposite side, both Rem and Lyra saw Subaru pushing a broom along the floor as well as dusting bookshelves at the same time.

He was making his way around the perimeter of the study, going around the bookshelves.As he circled around back to the middle, Subaru finally made eye contact with the two young women and did not stop what he was doing as he greeted them boisterously. 

Subaru: Rem! Lyra! How good it is to see you BOTH! It's a beautiful day to be cleaning, isn't it? I could do this ALL DAY!

Subaru rounded the corner to the bookshelves that he was sweeping against and dusting. He continued on his path, which had now led away from the two people that he had just greeted.

Rem sighed and spoke in a hushed tone to Lyra.

Rem: Are you CERTAIN that this isn't like him?

Lyra replied as she shook her head and crossed her arms.

Lyra: I'm certain. He'll lose his freaking MIND if he keeps THIS up.

Rem: Is there anything WE should do?

Lyra: Sometime later today, when I get the chance,I'll see if Emilia can speak to him. At this juncture, there's little that YOU or I can say to HIM to help solve this..

Rem: Should we just work AHEAD of him? Hopefully we can limit what ends up getting broken and let Subaru-kun do his best at cleaning.

Lyra shrugged and agreed.

Lyra: At this point, that's about all we really CAN do…

Lyra and Rem set about to stay a step ahead of Subaru's duties should they involve areas with fragile items. Subaru's diligence kept Lyra and Rem pretty busy as they tried to maintain their lead.

The two finally got a break once dinner was to be prepared. With all four staff members helping prepare, it was easier to keep an eye out on Subaru and make sure that he didn't do anything too reckless.

With dinner finishing up, Lyra volunteered to help Rem with the dishes, as THIS evening's meal was one that had FOR SURE left MANY dishes in bad shape.This also let Rem give Ram some free time AND kept Subaru from possibly breaking any dishes.

Lyra: Here! Let ME scrub and rinse, and YOU could dry and put them away after I'm done, okay?

Rem: Are you sure? REM can help you scrub.

Lyra: Oh, it's fine. Besides, all this scrubbing will dry your hands out. We can't have THAT, now.

Rem: Why not?

Lyra: Adorable, gentle, sweet, and cute women like yourself are supposed to have nice, soft hands to hold. That's one of the best parts about someone like YOU.

Rem looked down at her hands and opened and closed them a few times, trying to determine if her hands were more SOFT or DRY.

Lyra had her back to Rem and was scrubbing away at dishes while Rem placed the dry dishes into their racks in the cabinets. Rem eventually replied with a question.

Rem: Does Rem have dry hands?

Lyra: Not currently. However, if you WERE to wash all of THIS, then you might.

Lyra was caught up trying to scrub a particularly-difficult spot on a dish when she answered, not giving much thought to the context of her answer. Instead, she was focusing more on honesty.

Rem: So, Rem”s hands must be soft then?

Lyra answered again in her semi-oblivious manner as she continued staying concentrated.

Lyra: Yeah..REALLY soft…

Lyra let out a giggle as she started to blush,

 Rem's face turned a shade of scarlet as she turned around. Her thumbs felt the opposite side hand as they both were on. She wanted to see EXACTLY what Lyra had meant.

Speaking through her increasing blush, Rem drew her conclusion out loud.

Rem:So then, Lyra-chan must have ENJOYED holding Rem's hand yesterday…

Lyra: Yeah. I really did…Wh-WH-WHA-

Rem giggled and responded.

Rem: Rem enjoyed holding your hand too, Ly-Ly. She also thinks that you are adorable, gentle, sweet, and cute and deserve to have soft hands, but she is also generally grateful for your assistance with chores as well. 

Upon realizing what she had implied by giving her HONEST answer, Lyra's head snapped around. She was given a scene of Rem with her back to her and putting a dish away. There was a tint of red on her cheeks which was concealed by her bangs just barely. Lyra calmed herself down for a moment.

She's not responding to that any further... maybe she just meant nothing by it.I NEED to be more careful and TRY not to let my thoughts escape so CASUALLY like that next time!

After the dishes were finished being cleaned, the two headed upstairs to Lyra’'s room for a tutoring lesson. As they continued walking, they rounded a corner leading to their destination..The light from the evening sun was pouring into the hallway from an opened door.

Rem and Lyra slowed their pace upon seeing it. They BOTH knew that it was irregular for a random guest room door to just be left open so CASUALLY....

However they both quickly realized why it was open. Outside the door was a bucket and a mop.

Lyra: Did Ram forget to clean this room today or...?

Rem replied, shaking her head.

Rem: Nee-sama has already retired for the evening…which means...

Lyra moved next to the wall that the door was on. She stepped closer to the door and listened for the sounds of Subaru cleaning to confirm if he was in there or not.

Rem followed her lead. She took up a quiet position, leaving Lyra between her and the door along the wall.

Lyra took another half-step and heard a noise coming from inside the room. It was the sound of a sniffle, one caused by either crying or having a stuffy nose.

Lyra turned to Rem, tilted her head,and furrowed her brow.

Lyra: —?

Rem frowned slightly in question and looked at Lyra for a moment before walking around her to investigate the room head-on.

Lyra saw Rem’s expression change to one of surprise. A name which Lyra had NOT expected to hear had JUST left Rem's mouth.

Rem: E-Emilia-sama?

Lyra was THOROUGHLY confused now. She poked her head into the doorframe to see inside, her head directly above Rem's.

At first she did not see ANYTHING. However, the moment that she looked down DOWNWARDS—

Emilia: Shhhhhh…

Emilia put a finger to her mouth in a shushing motion and stroked the hair of Subaru, whose head was lying on her lap. He was fast asleep and his face covered in dried snot and tears.

Lyra withdrew from the doorframe, not wishing to intrude on what she thought was a private matter between house royalty and servant.

Lyra was no longer witnessing the scene. However, she STILL heard Emilia speak to Rem nonetheless.

Emilia: He looks like a child when he sleeps like this.

 Rem remained silent for a moment and then regained her composure before responding.

Rem: He does.

Emilia: I take it that Lyra is here with you now?

Looking back at Lyra and then back to Emilia, Rem nodded.

Emilia: Hmmm…since it's you two, were you going to have Subaru help with some more tasks?

Rem shook her head and answered. 

Rem: No. Lyra-chan and Rem were headed back to her room for tutoring. Even so, I don't believe that Subaru-kun would be of much help with ANYTHING at this point.

Emilia: What a bad boy Subaru is, taking the rest of his day off on only his THIRD day here... Oh, and Lyra?

Lyra answered Emilia upon hearing her name be called and seeing Rem look in her direction.

Lyra: Y-yes, Emilia?

Emilia: Study hard, okay?

Lyra gave Emilia a smile.

Lyra: I will! Thanks!

Rem turned to leave with a bow as Lyra stepped past the door with no hesitation. She just KNEW that Subaru would be EXTREMELY embarrassed if he KNEW that he had been seen in THIS state.

Just as Rem exited the doorway, Emilia called out to her one last time.

Emilia: Rem.

Rem: Yes?

Emilia: Subaru is a good person.

Rem remained silent, bowed again,and partially closed the door.

Lyra had arrived at her room alongside Rem. Rem wanted to see where Lyra was in terms of her education. Lyra sat at her desk and Rem sat on the bed.

Rem: It seems like you STILL struggle with reading AND writing…however…

Lyra:Hm? ‘However”?

Rem looked down at the floor as she hesitated on how to answer. She swung her legs, which were hanging off of the bed.

Rem: Lyra-chan seems to ALSO have VERY little grasp on a few OTHER academic skills.

Lyra tilted her head and furrowed her brow, confused by what Rem had meant

Upon seeing her reaction, Rem stood up and grabbed one of the MANY books that stacked on Lyra’'s desk. She opened it up and placed it in front of Lyra.

Lyra RECOGNIZED this book. She had seen it the THIRD NIGHT of the FIRST LOOP..

Rem: Do you know where WE are?

Lyra looked around at the colored map. It was beautifully illustrated with roads, towns, names, mountains, hills, forests, and various other locations.

Lyra quickly reached the Capitol, then traced her finger along the road going north. Lyra's finger passed over Costuul and continued north until her finger reached an illustrated forest with a tiny road going through it. Following the road just a LITTLE further, there was ANOTHER town. This town was WAY smaller than the two that she had ALREADY passed over.

Lyra: This small village right here is Arlem, right?

Rem nodded with approval and responded

Rem: Yes.

Rem changed her expression and posed a question of her own 

Rem: Where did Lyra-chan come from before arriving at the Capitol? Do you see anything that looks like where you're from?

Lyra knew DAMN well that the location of where EXACTLY she was from wouldn't be located ANYWHERE on THIS map. She pretended to look around the map and search for a place before sitting back in her chair and shaking her head.

Lyra: No...not REALLY…

Rem: Hmmmm…it cannot be helped then. Not EVERYONE knows where their home is on a map. Many people here are just NEVER given the proper chance to learn.

Rem closed the book and set it back onto the stack.

Rem: Rem will have Lyra-chan work on that, okay?

Lyra: Sounds good to me!

Lyra picked up her quill and set to practice her writing, with Rem giving her instructions the entire time.

Close to an hour later, Rem let out a yawn Lyra spoke up in response.

Lyra: Ahaha...yeah…same… I’m not so sure if you would be alright with falling asleep in MY room, so feel free to go get some rest in your OWN room if you feel like it. If you need some sleep, then that’s fine with me!

Rem nodded in agreement.

Rem: Today was quite the day,wasn't it, Lyra-chan?

 Lyra responded as she capped her ink and organized her papers 

Lyra: I mean, with the flower garden stuff AND us having to chase Subaru around, I DO agree with you that it WAS pretty hectic.

Rem stood up and reflected further.

Rem: Things DID become MUCH easier for us once it was time to prepare for dinner, though.

Lyra: For SURE! It seemed like talking to Emilia about Subaru really WAS the right choice! She DIDN”T exactly handle it in a way I wasn't expecting, though…eheheh…

Rem: Yes. It was rather... unorthodox.

Lyra giggled at Rem’s response and spoke underneath her own breath.

Lyra: Lucky bastard…ha…

Rem tilted her head in question at what she had just overheard Lyra say about Subaru.

Upon noticing Rem’s reaction, Lyra had no clue as to exactly WHAT she had made this sort of expression over. She stopped giggling.

Lyra: Hm? Did I say something that confused you, Rem-Rem?

Rem: 'Lucky'? For how Emilia-sama handled him?

Lyra looked up and away from Rem while answering, twirling a strand of hair with her index finger, and blushing slightly.

Lyra:Uh…u-um.. I mean...who WOULDN’T want to be given a l-l-lap pillow by someone they c-care about, right?

Rem: 'Lap pillow'? Is Lyra-chan jealous that Subaru got to lay his head on Emilia-sama's lap?

Lyra put her hands up as if surrendering.

Lyra: N-no..n-not really.. Not because it's from Emilia..b-but—

Rem: So, then, does Lyra-chan desire to have SOMEONE ELSE give her a lap pillow?

Feeling the tension in the air rise around her, or so she thought, Lyra struggled to respond.

However, just before she stumbled out a word in response, the door to her room opened with a "ker-chunk."

?: Rem?

Rem and Lyra both turned to see who had opened the door and spoke. It was none other than the mansion's eldest maid and older sister of Rem, Ram.

Ram: Rem. It's rather late. Don't you think that Lyra has been lectured ENOUGH?

Ram asked this question while holding a rock light, dressed in her pink nightgown, and holding the door halfway open.

Rem: Yes, Nee-sama. Rem was just saying good night to Lyra-chan..

Rem gestured to Lyra with her open palm turned upwards in her direction in a very maid-like fashion.

Ram nodded at Rem and turned to shut the door, but not before saying goodnight to Rem and Lyra. Afterwards, Rem spun back around and faced Lyra..

Rem: Rem will also be retiring for the evening.

Lyra: So will I. Hey, Rem?

Rem: —?

Lyra smiled warmly at Rem as her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink.

Lyra: Thanks for all the help, today. I really appreciate it. I appreciate it more than words can say!

Rem nodded and smiled back at Lyra as her cheeks ALSO turned a slight shade of pink. Then, she responded.

Rem: Of course. Rem is ALWAYS more than happy to help Lyra-chan.

Rem walked to the door and opened it slowly. She stepped out of the room and turned once more to face Lyra before closing the door.

Rem: Good night, Lyra-chan.

Lyra: Good night, Rem.

Chapter Text

Chapter 24: I Ship It

Today was the fourth day of the current loop.  Lyra got out of bed and put on her work clothes after getting ready. Just as she went to turn the knob of her bedroom door to let herself out,  she turned her head and looked at the window of her room.

Hm..that's strange...I must have woken up somewhat LATER than when I NORMALLY do...

The light outside her room was brighter than it normally was whenever she left her room for work. It WAS still VERY early, however .

Lyra reached the foyer and put on her work shoes as she recalled what duties Ram had tasked her with for today. 

In addition to the normal  daily tasks, I have to... trim the short trees next to the lawn, scrub the pathway that wraps around the north half of the mansion, edge around the front gate and fence... Oh! There's also one OTHER thing to take care of...

As soon as she opened the door that led to the back patio, Lyra was given a greeting that she did NOT expect.

Rem: Good morning, Lyra-chan!

Lyra's eyes lit up in surprise and excitement  at the sudden appearance and greeting of Rem, who had appeared and called to her as she stood in the fountain that laid between the back lawn and the patio. She smiled and waved to her enthusiastically.

Lyra: O-oh! Hi, Rem!! Good morning!!

The fountain, however, was not running. It  was mostly drained of its water. There Rem stood with her shoes off. She was scrubbing with a broom in hand as she waved, smiled, and called to Lyra.

Seeing Rem only reminded Lyra of the last task that Ram had given her, which was to scrub the fountain until it was nice and clean 

Lyra made her way over to the blue-haired maid. She was  curious as to why she was performing HER assigned ask.

Lyra: So...uh...what gave you the idea to do this? Don't you ALSO have stuff to do, as well? 

Rem stopped scrubbing, smiled, and explained.

Rem: Rem is helping Lyra-chan because of how much she helped Rem yesterday.

Lyra tilted her head cutely as she put a finger to her chin and responded 

Lyra: Do you mean with Subaru, by any chance?

Rem nodded her head. Lyra put her hands on her hips and sighed in response. 

Lyra: No rational person would EVER expect you to have to deal with Subaru acting like THAT all by yourself. It's really no big deal, you know.

Rem shook her head at Lyra and replied.

Rem: No. Being the maid which Rem is expected to be, Rem should have been able to BETTER handle dealing with Subaru-kun.

Rem bowed and continued.

Rem: Please, allow Rem to repay Lyra-chan for her help even AFTER her tasks were complete.

Lyra removed her hands from her hips.

Lyra: Oh, Rem... *Sigh* I owe you my thanks for this for SURE...however... 

Rem lifted her posture back up and tilted her head in question.

Lyra: I'm gonna  help YOU out with helping ME out!  We'll do it together! All because I genuinely want to, anyways! What do you say, Rem?

Lyra smiled brightly at Rem, who could only smile back and nod at her.

Lyra grabbed another scrubber from the pile of tools that Rem had set out for the fountain cleaning and set to helping her scrub ALL of the grime and mold out of the fountain.

After a few hours, Lyra and Rem had the fountain as clean as could be.

Lyra stepped out of the fountain and turned to Rem, who was also ready to step out of the fountain. Lyra extended her hand to Rem, who quickly grasped it. Rem looked like a princess being helped out of the carriage by the driver as she stepped up, out, and down from the fountain.

Both of them turned back to face the fountain and admired their work.

Lyra: This looks WAY better now!

Rem: It does, indeed.

Lyra: Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it!

Rem shook her head and responded. 

Rem; This is simply Rem repaying her debt.

Lyra turned towards Rem and replied. 

Lyra: There doesn't NEED to be ANY debt, though. We can just help  EACH OTHER out, right? That's what—

Lyra stopped herself. She had meant to say "That's what friends are for." but she had thought AGAINST saying that.

"Friend"? That might NOT be the best choice of words. That might imply that I don't feel very strongly for her. Maybe she might think it's too STRONG of a word, actually. "Co-worker" might work, maybe? No... that might ALSO imply that I don't have any strong feelings or opinions towards her .. 

Her mind raced in the single second of silence that had passed.

She had stopped herself mid sentence, which  left Rem waiting for the rest of what she had to say.

Two seconds passed. Rem tilted her head in curiosity to the silence between herself and Lyra.

Think, think, think! C'mon!

Lyra wracked her mind for an appropriate word. The third second was creeping even closer.

Just as she was about to give up, Rem completed her sentence better than she could have ever hoped to.

Rem: —That's what people who rely on each other do.

Lyra's chest calmed once she heard Rem complete her sentence. It couldn't have been a better choice to convey meaning while not being too potent in its value.  Lyra let the relaxation spread to her cheeks and responded. 

Lyra: Y-yeah! That! Exactly!

With the fountain cleaning now being complete, Lyra and Rem set to complete their own individual tasks. 

Lyra wiped the sweat from her brow. She had finished her last task of the day, which involved cutting the grass by the mansion's main front gate and fence.

Lyra: If Rem hadn't helped me out earlier with the fountain...there's no TELLING how much LATER would have had this done with!

The time was just after midday as Lyra got finished with her duties for the day.

Lyra gathered up and put away her tools and headed into the mansion for a late lunch.

Lyra: I probably missed lunch time already.... Hopefully Rem saved me some food in the kitchen...

Lyra stepped up the stairs to enter through the front of the mansion. Once she reached the top step, the doors to the mansion opened almost automatically as if awaiting her arrival.

In the opened doorway stood the OTHER three staff members of the mansion.

Subaru: Lyra! THERE you are! We were looking all OVER for you! Where WERE you? We were about to leave WITHOUT you!

Lyra:U-uh...

Lyra was dumbstruck at the sudden arrival of everyone along with the fact that she had apparently been "missing".

Ram: We don't have time to stand here all day and watch you be slack jawed. We NEED to get to the village and back BEFORE inner preparations need to be done.

Ram walked past Lyra and descended down the stairs.. She only stopped once Lyra asked her a  question.

Lyra: Wouldn't you ALREADY know where I was? You're the ONLY person who dictates what my tasks are for the day.

Ram: Yes, and we checked EVERYwhere.

Lyra: Nobody EVER came out to the front gate where I was cutting the grass...

Ram: Just how LONG were you out there for?

Lyra scratched her head and thought for a moment before she came up with an answer.

Lyra: Maybe for the last hour and a half?

Ram took her eyes off of Lyra and onto Subaru. 

Ram: Barusu.

Subaru stood with his posture straight up.

Subaru: Y-yes, ma'am!

Ram: Did you ACTUALLY go out to check on Lyra?

Subaru answered as he averted his eyes and poked his fingers together nervously, .

Subaru: I MIGHT have just looked from the third story to see if I could see her...

Ram snorted and turned around. 

Ram: How unheeding. Your friend was missing and yet THAT'S the level of effort you put into SEARCHING for her? Unbelievable...

Ram walked down the stairs and continued on her way. Subaru chased up to her side as he tried to justify his actions.

Subaru: Oh, c'mon! We KNEW she was fine, and she was!

Subaru and Ram continued down the steps and down the walkway to the gate. They continued bickering  even out of direct earshot. Lyra gave a light laugh at the almost-comedic scene that had unfolded. Rem walked up next to Lyra.and apologized to her in a soft voice while still looking at her sister and Subaru.

Rem: Rem is sorry for not looking harder. It was scary not being able to find Lyra-chan.

Rem looked downward and continued.

Rem: Rem ALSO didn't want to leave without Lyra-chan, but if we left any later, it might have poorly impacted the rest of the day.

Lyra Hey.  Don't worry about it!  I'm fine, aren't I?

Rem turned her gaze up to Lyra, who was smiling at her.

Rem: You're not... upset?

Lyra shook her head and answered.

Lyra:Not at all, Rem. I appreciate the sentiment, though.

Rem gave a sunbeam of a smile at Lyra's answer. Her head tilted, which let her bangs show both of her eyes.

Lyra was speechless at the display of beauty before her until a thought crossed her mind a second later.

Lyra: O-oh! Uhh... Rem? Where are we all going out to?

Rem continued to look at Lyra with her head tilted. 

Lyra's heart ALWAYS seemed to skip a beat whenever she saw both of Rem's blue eyes open. She could see her OWN reflection in them.

Rem: Subaru-kun asked to visit the village of Arlem if we needed ingredients. Nee-sama agreed to it since he offered to help carry them back.

Lyra was thankful and relieved that Subaru had handled things , given that she knew the REAL reason as to WHY he wanted to go to the village. 

Subaru and Ram quit their bickering and noticed  that Rem and Lyra weren't with them. Ram and Subaru both turned around and looked back at Lyra and Rem, who were both still standing at the top of the steps in front of the mansion's main front door.

Although Rem and Lyra were both out of earshot, Ram and Subaru could see they were having a pleasant conversation. They saw what looked like Rem and Lyra giggling, laughing, and smiling with each other. 

Subaru spoke up and extended his arms out. He made a camera frame out with his fingers and centered it on the two young women who were currently up on the porch.

Subaru: You know, those two ARE pretty cute together, don't you think?

Ram stayed silent, which prompted Subaru to look over at her. Ram's bangs swayed from the slight breeze as a blank expression hung on her face.

A moment later, Ram turned and continued walking to the front gate . Subaru  looked back at Lyra and Rem  and saw them both head down the steps. Eventually, everyone regrouped once Subaru, Lyra, and Rem met with Ram at the front gate and went off to the village with her.  The four walked their way down the road to the village of Arlem. Light-hearted chats and conversations were had between Rem, Lyra, and Subaru. Ram occasionally interjected with snide comments which were directed towards Subaru.

The four reached the village and stood in the middle of the marketplace. Before the group could decide on how things were going to be, Subaru split off. He was seemingly being dragged away by the village children to go play with them.

Sighing as she saw Subaru playing games with the children, Ram gave an expression as if she had somehow expected this to happen.

Ram: It looks as if Barusu has decided on what he'll be doing for the duration of our visit.bn

Ram turned towards Rem and Lyra and was silent for a moment. Rem tilted her head and silently questioned her sister.

Rem: — ?

Ram: Given we're ALREADY short-handed on our shopping trip now, why don't you two go enjoy yourselves? Ram will take care of the shopping.

Rem almost IMMEDIATELY protested this idea on the grounds that it placed the ENTIRE burden of the trip's task on her older sister.

Rem: No, Nee-sama. Allow Rem to—

Ram put a hand up to stop Rem, cutting her off.

Ram: Rem. It's okay. Give yourself a break today.

The two were speaking like they were having a sisterly conversion in front of Lyra as if she wasn't standing RIGHT there next to them.

Rem raised her head back up, smiled, and nodded.

Rem: Rem will do as Nee-sama suggests.

Ram turned her gaze to Lyra with a  blank expression on her face and said not a single word. A moment later, Ram turned around and began walking over to the market stalls. Rem waved and called out as she walked away.

Rem: Rem and Lyra-chan will meet you back here once you're done!

Ram continued walking, somehow not acknowledging Rem yet also doing so at the same time.

The two were just LIKE that, Lyra guessed.

Rem turned to Lyra with a smile.

Rem: Lyra-chan's never been to Arlem before, right?

Lyra was hesitant for only a split second. She didn't want to lie to Rem, but at the same time, telling the truth was WAY out of the question.

Lyra: Well...I think technically me and Subaru WOULD have to have passed through here to get to the mansion, right?

Rem answered as she put her hands on her hips and puffed her cheeks out ever-so-slightly while still keeping most of her previous smile

Rem: Lyra-chan knows what Rem means.

Rem dropped her hands as her expression returned to a slightly-excited one like before.

Rem: Well, it's Rem's duty as your senior to show you around.

The village wasn't the biggest. It only took Lyra and Rem a few minutes to fully tour it. The market was rather lively, though. Traveling traders occupied at least SEVERAL stalls.

Towards the entrance of the market area to the main road leading out of the forest, the villages ran a few food stands. The smell  of these food stands traveled across most of the market square.

Smelling the aroma of food IMMEDIATELY reminded Rem that Lyra hadn't had ANYTHING to eat like how her, Ram, and Subaru had before leaving.

Rem: Oh! Lyra-chan!

Lyra: Hmm? What is it?

Rem: Isn't Lyra-chan hungry? Lyra-chan HAS been working SO hard!

Rem turned  and looked around at the lines at the food stalls that were just across the lane from her and Lyra 

Rem spotted a stall that she wanted to check out with Lyra and quickly spun back around.

Rem: Let Rem go get Lyra-chan something—

Lyra: Rem.

Lyra placed a hand on Rem's shoulder, which kept her from running off. Rem turned back around again.

Lyra: Don't worry about me. I'm fine, honestly. I don't want to be a bother.

Rem shook her head and gave Lyra a worried look. 

Rem: Lyra-chan isn't a bother at ALL.

Lyra: I appreciate your offer Rem, but really, I'm fine!

Rem nodded and regained her composure.

Lyra: I gotta say though...

Lyra scratched the back of her head and looked around.

Lyra:...this village is a LOT more lively than I THOUGHT it would be, at least in terms of its size, anyways.

Rem: Arlem Village is by no means a trading hub, but it is unique in that occasionally , traveling merchants come through in hopes of selling or buying goods from the villagers as they are in the Mather's Domain.

Both Rem and Lyra sat on a nearby bench facing most of the commotion of the market.

The two sat and people-watched. They both made observations on exchanges between merchants and customers and commented on the clothes they wore or how certain people looked.

With STILL no sign of Ram and Subaru finishing up with what they were doing anytime soon, Lyra and Rem sat on the bench and passed the time with idle conversation.

Lyra sat back and closed her eyes as she enjoyed a small breeze blowing by. She opened her eyes back up and looked over at Rem, who was still looking out upon the market.

The early-afternoon sun shined brightly on her blue hair. Lyra watched the side profile of her face as the shadows of her bangs danced across her cheek.

She DID also notice that an air of slight worry hung over her as if she was thinking about something intensely.

Lyra broke the silence by speaking up. 

Lyra: Hey, Rem? Is everything alright? You seem a bit lost in thought.

Rem turned her gaze to Lyra. Her face remained the same, almost as if half-acknowledging her while still thinking. Not a second later though did she snap herself out of it and smile at her.

Rem: Everything is just fine. Rem was just caught up in... a thought.

Taking her delay as a sign of worry, Lyra guessed as to what it was and leaned forward as if going to stand up.

Lyra: Is it about your sister? I guess it HAS been a while now. We can go looking if you want and then—

Rem closed her eyes and shook her head. Opening her eyes again and putting a hand to her chest, Rem explained.

Rem: When Nee-sama says she will do something on her own, she will. Rem has no reason to worry about that, but rather...

Lyra: —?

Rem: —Rem was wondering what to make Lyra-chan for dinner since she skipped his midday meal...but...

Saying this with a slight blush of embarrassment, Rem looked down and continued.

Rem: Rem doesn't know what Lyra likes the most.

Oh. This again.

AGAIN not wanting any special treatment while working towards the goal of survival by earning trust, Lyra again tried to play off the offer without being rude.

Lyra: It really doesn't make a difference to me, everything you make tastes fantastic.

Rem: But Rem wants to make something special for Lyra-chan and all her hard work. At least let Rem do THAT.... Unless Lyra-chan doesn't like Rem's cooking...

Not quite sure if Rem was just trying to guilt trip her at this point with that last part thrown in there, Lyra had another, bigger, dilemma with her question.

There was simply no way for her to answer it, as the names and ingredients of so much from hers and Subaru's world simply don't carry over here.

From only her limited understanding of this world, the fact that nothing really shared the same name as similar things from her world was an issue ALREADY. Even then, things like appas vs apples were just dissimilar in their own physical ways enough that it would prove difficult to substitute one for the other.

Lyra took a breath and thought of the BEST way she could answer Rem in a truthful manner.

Lyra:   The truth is, Rem...

Due to herself now hearing Lyra speak in a more serious tone, Rem threw away her previous intentions and gave Lyra her fullest attention.

Lyra: The food HERE is COMPLETELY different from where I'm from. Things TASTE different... SMELL different...almost EVERYTHING, really.... almost NOTHING is the same. That's not a bad thing., though, of course! It's just...

Lyra looked up at Rem with a smile of slight embarrassment and continued.

Lyra: I don't think I could even BEGIN to describe what I like. It's not out of anything secondary like not liking your cooking, it's just I wouldn't know WHERE to start.

Realizing how much she had just revealed to her, Rem was slightly stunned at this information. Nonetheless, she tried to understand.

Rem: A LOY of things really HAVE been a new experience for Lyra-chan, haven't they?

Lyra: Like you wouldn't believe.

Lyra earned to spill EVERYTHING. She yearned to just tell her everything that  she could,. She yearned just to talk and talk and talk and show her everything she could about her world. She yearned just to tell her she's from a COMPLETELY different world. She was TIRED of side-stepping questions and giving dodgy answers. She just wanted to—

?: Rem. Lyra.

However, and arguably thankfully, a voice interrupted their moment, calling out to them as they walked up.

With Rem being the first to look over at instant recognition of the voice over the many in the market, she replied.

Rem: Nee-sama.

Rem stood up and walked forward a few paces to meet face-to-face with the nearly-identical maid. Ram stood there holding two bags in each arm. 

Ram: Everything we needed has been procured.

As soon as she said that, Rem grabbed  one bag. To her surprise, Lyra grabbed the other bag, leaving her with no bags left to carry.

With her face hidden from Ram by the bags she held, Rem winked in approval to Lyra to which she responded with a nod. This was ALSO hidden from Ram by the bags that she held.

Ram: Well, that leaves us with only one task now, which is to find Barusu. 

Lyra: I DON'T think that's going to be very hard to do...

Lyra could see a large number of people gathered around the village's center park.It appeared as if they were performing—

Ram: Just what IS Barusu doing?

Lyra: It looks like he's leading a radio-calisthenics class.

Rem: Umm, a... WHAT class?

Lyra: Morning stretches. 

Ram: Why would he be doing THAT, exactly?

Lyra: That's the million-dollar question...ehehehe...

With that, the trio walked over to the gathering. Almost anyone who wasn't involved in actively trading items and goods seemed to be participating.

As they arrived, it appeared that  Subaru had just finished up. Getting high fives, fist bumps, and even a rump grab from the village elder, Subaru walked up to the trio.

Subaru: Woo, that was great! So, how did shopping go?

Ram snorted and was the first to answer.

Ram: How ungentleman-like of Barusu, abandoning his companions to go be the village idiot.

Subaru: Hey! I only agreed to carry the bags BACK, didn't I?!

Ram: Hmph.

Rem stepped forward and asked Subaru a question.

Rem: How was Subaru-kun's...ummm...

Rem looked at Lyra for clarification as she asked Subaru.

Rem: Rabio-calenetics?

Lyra: That's...close enough...

Rem turned back to Subaru , who replied.

Subaru: Oh! Uhhh....pretty well, I imagine. Everyone seemed to like it.

Ram: So ,does that mean you're ready to leave and you can stop shaming us by association in front of the villagers?

Subaru: Hey! I'm not shaming anyone by association!

Subaru calmed down and continued. 

Subaru: But yes, I DID accomplish my goal of meeting the villagers. This place will also make the PERFECT date location for me and Emilia-tan!

Ram: Good for you. Now uphold your end of the agreement and carry everything back.

With the four having departed the village and heading back to the mansion, Subaru and Lyra walked together, both carrying two large bags each. They were a few paces behind Rem and Ram who were talking about how they each spent their time in the village. From back there, they could talk strategy about how to deal with this evening. 

Lyra: I gotta hand it to you! That WAS a pretty good idea, you using the stretching class to draw in all of the villagers! Did they all touch you?

Subaru: Yep. All in different places too. That way, if one lays a curse on me, I'll KNOW who did it.

Lyra: Are you SURE that Beako will be able to lift it?

Lyra's gaze stopped on Rem. The side of her face was visible as she turned  towards her sister while talking and smiling.

Speaking in a quieter, softer tone, Lyra continued.

Lyra: I...REALLY...don't want to screw up THIS loop....

Subaru nodded and elaborated. 

Subaru: Yeah. During the loop where I jumped off the cliff after you became a maid and got strangled to death,  I stayed in Beako's library and bugged her with all SORTS of questions about curses, shamans, everything. She can detect them and undo them before they activate.

Lyra: Well, I'd have her checked sometime tonight before it gets too late.

Subaru: Don't you worry, Natsuki Subaru is on the case!

With the quartet arriving back at the mansion, the four walked up the steps to the main front door, only to be greeted by Roswaal opening the door and stepping out.

Immediately, the twins bowed and gave their respects.

Ram: Good evening Roswaal-sama.

Rem: Yes, good evening Roswaal-sama.

Ram: We will begin dinner preparations immediately.

Roswaal: Ahhhh but there is no neeeeed for that.

Standing straight up from their bow, each took a closer look at the mansion's owner.

Strangely enough, Roswaal wasn't dressed in his usual clown attire, but rather a tuxedo and top hat.

Rem: Does Roswaal-sama have other plans for tonight?

Roswaal: Yes indeed I do, a rather troublesome news reached me, so I will be away on business until at leeeeeeeast tomorrow. Ram, Rem, please look after things until I return.

Taking a few steps past the twins, now bowing again, Roswaal walked up to Subaru and Lyra and spoke in a hushed tone.

Roswaal: I expect great things from both of you. Please look after Emilia-sama and keep a close eye on her.

Subaru: Yeah, yes, of course, you can count on us, right Lyra?

Lyra nodded in agreement.

With that, Roswaal floated upwards. At first neither could hardly believe their eyes at the spectacle.

Roswaal: Please take care of things while I'm gone, everyone!

And with that, Roswaal jettisoned upward towards the sky and rocketed towards the horizon.

In their complete shock at the existence of a flying man, Subaru dropped his bags, with Lyra almost losing hers as well.

Locking vision to the twins, Subaru blabbered in disbelief.

Subaru: R-Roswaal can f-f-fly?!

It was now evening. With the lord of the mansion away, dinner was a much-less formal matter. Because of that, preparations were only a fraction of what they normally were.

Ram: Barusu, I will be up with your meal when I arrive for your study session. Please go wash up until then.

Subaru: Woah! Hold the phone! Eating dinner in our rooms!? Do you think it's right that just because Roswaal leaves that's okay?! You might as well set fire to the books in the study and dance on the roof!

Ram: Do you have any idea how much work it is setting the table up with the cloth, cutlery, plating, and everything else that goes into it? Evidently not. Be happy that Rem and I are even  CHOOSING to feed you tonight.

Slumping over, Subaru obeyed and headed up the stairs for his room.

Lyra turned over to Rem.

Lyra: I think I might do the same, if that's alright.

Rem nodded in agreement. 

Lyra returned to her room and set out her study equipment. Close to a half-hour later, Rem returned and brought with her a dinner plate for Lyra.

Lyra: Oh, WOW, Rem! Thanks so much!

Rem: It isn't anything special. Rem is sorry it isn't something more elaborate.

Lyra took a spoonful of soup and tried it.

An explosion of rich umami nearly overloaded Lyra's sense of taste. If physically possible, her clothes would probably have come flying off from the pure flavor of the dish alone.

Her eyes opened wide. A worried expression covered Rem's face.

Rem: Was it too hot for Lyra-chan?! Did Rem season it incorrectly?

Lyra remained silent until finally looking back up to the still-worried Rem.

Lyra: This is...

Rem gulped as she awaited a harsh verdict.

Lyra's eyes lit up with excitement and amazement at how Rem had cooked her meal.

Lyra: —quite possibly, the best soup I've EVER had! Saying it's amazing is a HUGE understatement!  I can't find the words to describe it!

Rem's face slowly but surely went from one awaiting dread to being lit up brightly with a wash of pure happiness from Lyra's praise.

Instead of sighing in relief, Rem breathed in more, puffing out her chest in confidence and accomplishment of herself as a grin also grew on her face.

Rem: Rem doesn't know what to say... it was only something made VERY simply and easily because it was so late.

Lyra: EVERYTHING of yours I've had has been AMAZING ,but THIS is REALLY something else! You NEED to give yourself more credit, Rem! You're a REALLY good cook!

Looking down at the floor now, a blush slowly reddened her face as she spoke in a low, but happy tone.

Rem: That makes Rem very happy to hear. Very, very happy.

Lyra:: I should be careful, though. Your food could  slowly start to desensitize me from normal food,  and I'll be addicted and end up STARVING f I can't eat YOUR cooking!

Rem put a hand to her mouth and laughed as she responded.

Rem: A cruel, but hopefully-avoidable fate.

Lyra set her bowl down and turned back to her studies. Rem took her usual seat on the edge of Lyra's bed.

Rem: So...what is Lyra-chan working on tonight?

Lyra: Well... I was hoping to maybe get some questions answered about ro-glyphs—

*BAM*

Just as Lyra's studying had just begun, her bedroom door slammed open.

With Rem and Lyra turning to meet the abruptly-opened door, there in the doorway stood—

Subaru: Where's Ram? We have a problem in the village! It's URGENT!

Rem: Is Nee-sama not tutoring you at the moment?

Subaru  shook his head and answered.

Subaru: No...but we NEED to find her QUICKLY and get to the village!

Getting more confused at the entire situation, Rem asked another question.

Rem: What is the issue with the village?

Subaru: It's a long explanation, I'll say once we find Ram.

Rem put a hand to her chin and thought for a short moment.

Rem: Nee-sama said something about wanting to take a bath while making dinner...

Subaru: You're telling me not ONLY did she FORGET to bring me food, but she ALSO forgot about TUTORING me!?

Subaru shook his head. He wasn't about to let himself derail the conversation.

Subaru: Ugh... I guess that doesn't matter right now. C'mon, we gotta go find her!

With Rem and Lyra standing up to follow Subaru, the trio rushed down the hall together. Lyra and Rem had to nearly jog to keep up with Subaru's fast pace as they headed down the hall to find the other maid sister.

Chapter Text

Chapter 25: Landslide

As the three descended the stairs to the main foyer, Ram could be seen in her pink nightgown. She was coming from the hallway that led to the bath.

Rem: Nee-sama!

Ram was slightly caught by surprise at the sight of the three darting down the stairs. Her eyes opened wide, not expecting to see anyone. The trio ran up to her as her expression settled back into a normal one.

Ram: Is everything okay, Rem?

Rem: Subaru-kun said that the village was possibly in danger and that we should find you.

 Ram lifted an eyebrow and turned her gaze to Subaru for explanation. He rolled back one of his sleeves and showed everyone some bite marks. 

Subaru: The village is in danger. Grave danger! Right here on this bite mark, a lethal curse was placed onto me by that puppy the village children were playing with. I had Beako search me for curses once we got back and she discovered one here. She's removed it, but it's a great possibility that I'm not the ONLY one who got one from it!

 Ram stared silently at Subaru. A bead of sweat ran down Subaru's face waiting for a response until—

Ram: Rem, go with Lyra and ready a small carriage and ground dragon. Barusu, you and I are going to head up to Emilia-sama's room and inform her of what's going on. Then, you'll join Rem and Lyra. I'll be staying here to protect Emilia-sama.

Lyra: You aren't coming, Ram?

Ram: This could be a diversion to get our attention away from the mansion and leave it potentially undefended from attack. We cannot risk ANYTHING.

Lyra: Right...understood.

With Ram and Subaru headed upstairs, Rem and Lyra made their way out to the stable. Once they arrived there, the two split up responsibilities without a word shared between them. Rem tended to the ground dragon,while Lyra pulled the carriage out and readied it for use.

It was a small one that was meant for a single dragon, two drivers, and either two more passengers or a small amount of cargo.

As Rem reined in the ground dragon to the carriage, she asked Lyra an abrupt question.

Rem: How did Subaru know to ask Beatrice-sama about the curse?

Lyra recalled how Subaru had been so blunt with his explanation of how he learned of his own curse.

Rem turned and looked up at Lyra, silently asking again. Lyra sighed. She KNEW she had to choose her words carefully.

Lyra: Well...the truth is, Subaru had suspected something wasn't right in the village...and on the way back, he told me about it. I told him that he should have Beatrice give him a look over once we got back.

Rem: Did Beatrice-sama jump right into looking for curses or was that suggested to her?

Rem spoke in a more serious tone. An air of fear ran over Lyra's mind.

She couldn't answer this in ANY way to dodge the question. Lying wasn't something she was going to do to Rem anytime soon. Casting her eyes down and biting her lip, Lyra remained silent. She could not find the words to answer Rem.

Rem eventually broke the silence. 

Rem: Lyra-chan won't say?

Lyra: It's more like I CAN'T say. Not yet, at least.

Awaiting a cold shoulder from Rem from here on out, Lyra shut her eyes in frustration.

Why? Why can't I just tell her? If there's anyone... ANYONE I want to tell, it's her... There's nothing I can say except—

Lyra's thoughts were cut off as she felt Rem's hand on her shoulder, lightly and kindly holding it. Lyra opened her eyes once more as Rem's soft expression greeted her. Her soft, warm smile washed away her fear, and the kindness and understanding look in her eyes filled her with hope.

Rem: It's okay. Rem understands that Lyra-chan can't say right now, but Lyra ALSO didn't lie to Rem about it, so Rem trusts her.

Rem tilted her head and smiled at Lyra. A strong emotion built inside her.. A bond was being empowered.

Lyra would do EVERYTHING in her power to see herself and everyone else make it through to the next morning, for herself and Subaru to BOTH get past this loop, AND for herself to keep the relations that she had built with Rem.

The trust that Rem had in Lyra now WOULD be preserved, no matter HOW many tries it took.

No sooner though did the door to the stable swing wide open, and with it, Subaru entered. This brought an end to Rem and Lyra's moment.

Subaru: Are we ready? We need to move out as SOON as we can.

Rem: Yes, we are. Rem will drive the dragon and Lyra-chan will take the front seat. Subaru-kun will sit in the back.

The trio mounted the carriage and exited the stable. Wanting to waste no time, they had almost set out directly to the front gate, but their attention was quickly grabbed back to the mansion due to Ram waving at them to come over to where the bottom steps of the entrance were.

Next to Ram stood the silver-haired half-elf and royal selection candidate herself.

Rem turned the carriage and drove to the mansion's front steps to see the two begging their attention. Subaru was the first to call out.

Subaru: Emilia-tan! What's got you out here? Have you come to give me a hero's farewell before I set out on a dangerous quest to lands unknown?!

 Emilia waved away his eccentricism with her hand and answered.

Emilia: Not exactly. I'm here to tell the both of you to NOT do anything reckless OR dangerous, okay? Also, please, both of you give me your hands.

Lyra and Subaru looked at each other first and then each gave a hand to Emilia. Closing her eyes, she spoke.

Emilia: May the blessings of the spirits be with you.

Subaru: Eh? Say what?

Emilia: It's a prayer. It's one given before a journey for you to come back safe.

Emilia let go of their hands and stepped back next to Ram.

Ram: Rem, keep an eye on those two, alright? Make sure they don't cause any trouble.

With a nod between the sisters, Rem ordered the ground dragon onward, down the main path, out the gate, and to the village.

From the view of the village just down the road, it was clear right away that something was awry.

From the distance, villagers could be seen running about with torches in hand. There was some shouting, coming from people calling out to each other, but not in a way that hinted to immediate danger.

Subaru: This looks bad...

Lyra Yeah... I hope we got here in time....

Rem was silent as she observed the situation and found a place to park and tie up the carriage out of the way.

The trio disembarked the carriage, and wandered for a moment in the market square that once was bustling with merchants only a few hours before, but was now busy with concerned people who calling out. One particular villager was walking as if in a hurry. With his close proximity to the group, Rem called to him.

Rem: Pardon, did something happen?

Quickly recognizing the maid uniform as a sign that Rem had to be employed by their lord, Roswaal, the man was quick to answer.

Villager: It's terrible! All the children have gone missing,! All of the parents are out looking for them, but we haven't found a single one.

 Subaru clinched his teeth and spoke under his breath. Only Lyra was close enough to hear him.

Subaru: Are we too late?

Suddenly turning to his side, Subaru looked down the road that led to the edge of the village where he had played with the children before.

Subaru: There!

 Rem called out to Subaru as she jumped out of the carriage and ran after him. 

Rem: Subaru-kun!

Lyra: H-Hey, now! Wait for us! 

Lyra also called out to Subaru and ran after him along with Rem and the concerned villager.

Subaru ran up the railings of the fence that separated the village from the forest and grabbed them. Lyra quickly arrived next to Subaru as she ran right up to the fence

Lyra: Look! There! See those?!

Lyra pointed to the ground as she identified a great number of fresh shoe prints heading out into the forest.

As Lyra made her observation, Rem and the villager also made their arrival at the scene and noted the footprint themselves.

Rem closed her eyes and felt the mana around her while smelling for any irregularities. Silent for only a moment, she pointed up as she opened her eyes once more.

Rem: There.

Following her finger, the two observed a stone affixed to the tree closest to them. It was a green stone or crystal in its own brass or bronze fixture attached directly to a tree.

Rem: The barrier is broken.

Subaru: What does THAT mean?!

Rem: It means that Mabeasts can freely cross here into the village. They live plentifully in this forest in large numbers, so the barrier has been erected to keep them out and away.

Lyra: You're saying there's a good deal MORE of those dogs then, huh?

With a simple nod, Rem confirmed the bad news to them.

Not wasting a second, Subaru turned back around.

Subaru: The children are out in the forest! Quickly, go to the other villagers!

Villager: Y-yes!

The villager was sent off to spread the news.

Subaru: Well, looks like we're the only ones who can help.

As soon as Lyra went to jump over the fence, Rem put a hand on her shoulder to stop her

Rem: Wait! What if Nee-sama was correct in saying this is all a distraction? Lyra-chan,don't you think we should prioritize the mansion— L-Lyra?!

Turning to Lyra for support in the matter, Rem hadn't realized that she was already halfway over the fence. 

Lyra: Rem... He's NOT wrong. Are we REALLY just going to let a bunch of KIDS DIE just to tighten up security around the mansion?

Rem shook her head and protested.

Rem: With Roswaal-sama gone... No. This HAS to be a ruse. This isn't a decision you two can make.

Subaru: Then, are we going to ignore the children who are in danger right now?!

Lyra: If we can't make that decision to help or not, and only you can... I guess, if you don't care if all the village children are alive or dead tomorrow... that's the option we're going with, isn't it?

Rem: —hk!

Rem was left speechless at Lyra's argument. Truly, she had just highlighted something that she could not morally agree with that she herself had suggested.

Rem turned her gaze down and could not respond.

Subaru: Rem, the three of us are the ONLY people who can do ANYTHING about this right now.

Rem: — — —

Lyra reached out and put her hand on Rem's shoulder. As Rem looked up, her and Lyra's eyes met for a short while. The two only stared at each other. Lyra silently nodded her head at Rem. Without a word, Lyra reinvigorated Rem's confidence somewhat-slightly from her own moral conundrum. With a renewed attitude, Rem spoke up.

Rem: Why? Why go so far for this village?

Without being able to answer now, Lyra was afraid that Rem REALLY might not help until—

Subaru: Because—

Taking control of the conversation, Subaru went on to name each of the missing village children, and what their goals were. It was information he had gathered from his loops where he came to the village and interacted with them.

Subaru: —That's why I'm going, and I'm sure that's why Lyra is going too.

Lyra nodded to Subaru and then turned back to Rem.

Lyra: Yeah! That's right!

The two waited for Rem's response. Closing her eyes, Rem nodded and spoke.

Rem: Very well. My orders from Nee-sama are to keep an eye on you both.

Subaru: Yeah, that's right. Make sure we don't do anything shady, okay?

Walking up the fence, Rem stopped before it.

Rem: I will.

With that, Lyra continued climbing over the fence. Getting over with both feet on the ground now, Lyra went to turn to look back at her comrades, but as she did, a terribly-familiar sound filled her ears.

*SCRAAAAAAAAPE*

Both Subaru and Lyra stiffened their posture at the sound, which alerted their fight-or-flight senses. Being the first to actually have the courage to look at the source of the sound, Lyra spoke.

Lyra: U-u-umm...Rem? Is that—

Rem: It's for protection.

Rem crossed the fence with a single leap and landed gracefully. She did this while still holding her morningstar, which rattled ever so slightly.

Subaru: But—

Rem: It's for protection.

With Rem leading the way, the three continued into the forest in search of the children. As they walked further into the forest, Rem stopped to sniff the air.

Rem: There's the scent of *sniff sniff* —people.

Subaru: Is it the village kids?

Rem: Rem can't tell. But they're this way!

Subaru and Lyra followed Rem through the forest, jumping over logs and dodging trees. Finally, they reached a clearing in the forest, and before them was a small grassy and hilly clearing. The area was lit up by the full moon overhead, making everything rather visible. Upon the tallest knoll of the clearing, there laid the village children.

Subaru: There they are!

Lyra: Let's check up on them! Hurry!

Each of the children laid on their backs as their faces contorted in pain.Rem knelt down by one of the children and felt their forehead.

Rem: They're burning up. It must be the effect of the curse.

Subaru winced in sympathy. He knew the pain they were facing all too well.

Lyra: Rem, can you dispel the curse?

Rem: Rem unfortunately lacks the ability to... If Nee-sama or Beatrice-sama were here though... Rem can cast healing magic on them at the very least to comfort them.

Looking around at all the children, Subaru was trying to take a headcount.

?: Suba— Subaru... 

 As he turned around, he saw a small girl with short auburn hair laying on the ground.Subaru knelt next to the girl and held her hand.

Subaru: Petra... Don't worry, everything will be okay, the adults will—

Petra: There's one more... they took her away... the... braid... into the forest. Please Subaru... save her.

Subaru's face quickly tensed as he began craning his head around looking for something.

Lyra: Hey...are we missing one?

Subaru: Yeah, the girl with the braid.

 Subaru stood up and checked around for the braided girl in case Petra was mistaken.

Subaru: She's right... She's not here.

 Rem called out to Subaru as he began to dash into the woods to look for the girl with braided hair.

Rem: Hold on! We should wait until the parents get here before looking.

 Subaru stopped could only look downward at one of the village children next to him. He clenched his fist.

Subaru: Petra thought about her friend first, before herself OR her own pain.

 Subaru looked up to Rem and continued.

Subaru: I want to honor her request.

With that, Subaru turned around and ran into the forest in blind search of the final missing girl. While Subaru's motive was occupying most of the activity in the clearing with the village children, Lyra stood in frustration.

Why isn't there ANYTHING I can do to help? Rem can heal people with magic and Subaru has formed bonds with these children, which gave him the opportunity to be useful now... What should I do?!

Returning her focus to the outside world, Lyra decided on her course of action.

Rem was capable of handling herself, but Subaru..

Lyra: I'm going after him.

Lyra walked past Rem. Rem reached out and grabbed Lyra's hand, halting her.

Rem: We should wait until the parents arrive, that way we can look for him together. Rem will have to find Lyra-chan and THEN Subaru-kun too if you two don't find each other first.

Lyra carefully parsed Rem's words.

Something didn't add up about it. Lyra soon realized it. Rem thought she had convinced Lyra, but rather—

Lyra: You shouldn't have a problem finding either one of us, not with the scent after all.

Looking up at Lyra while continuing to perform a healing spell, Rem tried her best at giving her a confused look, except Lyra could tell it was a false front.

Lyra: The Witch's scent. I know you can smell it on me... and on Subaru too...

Rem was silent before responding, and when she did, it was in a low, serious voice.

Rem: Lyra-chan, just how MUCH do you know about the Witch?

 Lyra looked at Rem dead in the eyes and answered.

Lyra: A little bit, but not much.

 Lyra grabbed Rem's hand back and gave it a light squeeze. Rem was brought back to when she held Lyra's hand as she laid in her bed recovering from mana exhaustion.

Lyra turned and knelt down next to Rem as she faced her, but she was now holding her hand with both of her own.

Lyra: I know there's a LOT of questions that you want to ask me right now and I want to ask you a bunch too, but we BOTH know that we don't have the time.When this is all over, let's talk, okay? I'll answer anything I can, I promise.

Tilting her head forward towards Rem, Lyra closed her eyes and put Rem's hand that she held against her forehead.

Lyra: I trust you Rem...so, please....please trust me too....

Lyra and Rem could both feel their hearts racing and their cheeks warming up during this very moment underneath the moonlight. They both enjoyed this feeling that they gave each other very much.

Lyra dropped her hands and stood back up.

Rem: Rem worries that Lyra-chan is taking on too much...

Lyra: That's why YOU'RE here ,right? You can rely on ME to find Subaru, and I can rely on YOU to find us BOTH!

Realizing there was no stopping her and that she no longer had to keep a facade of ignorance of her own extent of knowledge on the entire situation with the Witch's scent, Rem made no attempt to stop Lyra from going.

Rem: Please don't do anything reckless, as it worries Rem.

Lyra smiled brightly and responded with warmth in her heart at Rem's concerns.

Lyra: Ahahaha....I don't think I can make any promises on that, to be honest...

Lyra and Rem held hands once more, their slender, womanly fingers intertwining together. Lyra and Rem looked into each other's eyes, wishing no harm would come to each other and that everything would work out. As they walked closer to the forest, their hands slowly parted, until they were both no longer being held. 

Lyra waved goodbye to Rem and ran down the knoll, following in Subaru's footsteps into the forest. Rem never let Lyra leave her sight until she was well into the forest. She felt her heart skip a single beat as Lyra disappeared into the darkness. Her sudden worry for Lyra had surprised even herself.

The parents of the village children could not have come soon enough, Rem thought, as she returned to putting her attention into casting the comforting healing magic on the children.

Lyra made her way through the moonlit forest as she looked for stepped-on twigs, shoe-prints, and just about any other sign of Subaru's nearby presence that she could find to keep herself on his trail.

Moving at a much slower pace because of her tracking, Lyra was not covering NEARLY as much ground as Subaru was.

Luckily coming to a patch of fresh mud, Lyra observed shoe-prints in the direction that she was still heading towards, which was a good sign.

Lyra looked up for the next sign of Subaru's route. Just ass he did, a yell rang out across the forest.

?: AAAAAGGGHHH!

The yell came from just up ahead.

That DEFINITELY sounded like Subaru!

Lyra felt anxious and concerned for his safety. She called out frantically to Subaru, shouted out that she was coming to help, and immediately dashed off towards his direction.

No restart...so if it IS Subaru...then he's DEFINITELY still alive...thankfully...

 Lyra ran ahead and quickly came to a clearing. The stench of animal habitation filled her nose. It had an odor similar to wet dogs, but slightly gamier.

In the clearing stood Subaru, leaning against the only structure in the clearing, which was a long-dead fallen log that was laying on its side. On the log was a single branch sticking straight up. It was pointed from being split at its end and made stiff from its age. Impaled upon that branch was a large animal. The large anime in question was black with brown accents.

Lyra's mind immediately thought of it as a Hell Hound, but it was like Rem had said...this was a Mabeast.

Next to the log laid a small girl with braided hair.

He found her! Thank goodness...

 Lyra ran out into the clearing and called to Subaru.

Lyra: Hey! Are you alright?!

Before Subaru had the chance to answer, a terrible growling noise filled the forest around them.

Slowly, a red pair of eyes appeared. Then another. And another.

 Finally, the entirety of the dark trees around them were being illuminated from pairs of glowing red eyes. Immediately, both Subaru and Lyra's fight or flight senses kicked into overdrive, with a GREAT emphasis on flight.

Lyra: Subaru, grab the girl. We've got to—!

Before Lyra could finish, from across the clearing, a single mabeast ran out and charged towards them. It was covering ground and rushing quickly towards them.

Wishing for a spear or pole or SOMETHING to defend herself and Subaru with, Lyra quickly contemplated what she could use as a weapon.

Looks like I only have my fists, I'm my only weapon... wait! I'M my only weapon!

Reaching her palm outward, Lyra concentrated on her mana.

At her current level of aptitude, it took Lyra a few seconds to gather hed mana and concentrate enough to cast a spell.

But as the mabeast quickly closed in, Lyra began to realize that she didn't have the time to be able to ready her magic. Not to mention as well, she had NEVER been called to perform under stress before.

With only ten or so paces between Lyra and the charging enemy, the mabeast leaped up into the air with the PERFECT trajectory to attack Lyra.

Now having cut the distance in half by the added velocity of the jump, Lyra KNEW she had hesitated too much. The beast would reach her before she had enough mana in her control to launch a worthwhile attack.

As the beast closed in, Lyra abandoned gathering mana and instead brought hed arms up to brace.

Just as the beast would lay its fangs and claws into Lyra, she felt the gust of wind whip by her as an object of tremendous velocity swept right on past her.

One moment the mabeast was there...the next? It wasn't...

Lyra blinked and continued looking where the beast had been only a moment ago.

*rattle rattle*

Hearing the sound of a chain off to her side, before she could turn her head to look, another gust of wind whipped past her face, this time in the opposite direction as before. Lyra could not make out what the object was.

Lyra looked in the direction that it went this time...and there SHE was...

Standing among three or four bloodied mabeasts scattered before her, the blue haired maid, illuminated from the moon's soft light, held her morningstar. The weapon she held had been the source of the high-speed object and the instrument of the mabeast's disappearance.

An entire sense both of relief and affection enveloped Lyra as she gazed at Rem.

The situation was akin to a princess being saved by a knight in shining armor. While such an experience might not have been Lyra's first choice given the dire circumstances, she'd take it.

Lyra called out to her out of both surprise and excitement at her arrival.

Lyra: R-Rem—!

As Lyra went to call out to Rem, three more mabeasts ran from the tree line. The mabeast split up, two headed for Rem and one to Lyra.

Again, being caught off guard, Rem sent her morningstar out to intercept the beast headed for Lyra. However, this left Rem wide open. She could not hope to recall her morningstar quickly enough to deal with the two mabeast coming towards her.

As the two beasts leapt as they did before making an impact, Rem steadied herself.

With the first about to make contact, Rem herself leapt forward, reaching back and driving forward with her hand held in a fist. Like a freight train, Rem's fist completely halted the mabeast midair, tearing it apart on impact and sending its bloodied face from away at a greater speed than it had approached. With the second beast still midair heading inbound for Rem, using the remaining inertia from her lunch, she turned out of its direct path.

Halfway through her rotation, Rem shifted her balance and weight onto one foot and raised the other, far above her head. With the beast next to her now as she continued to rotate back around, Rem drove her lifted foot straight down, heel-dropping onto the beasts back and sending it into the ground.

With Rem's leg raised as it was, Lyra would have seen much more than she would have expected to. However, with the angle she was from her, the way she had rotated, and where the beast was before impact, no such treat was given to Lyra. It seemed more than likely Rem had even considered that and taken it into account despite everything. Lyra had no doubt she had. Truly, Rem was a much more experienced fighter than Lyra had begun to think.

With two more dead mabeasts at Rem's feet, she turned back around to face Lyra once more.

Going from her serious expression to one of light curiosity, Rem tilted her head at Lyra, who was staring back at her with her jaw agape.

Lyra: W-wow...

Rem: "Wow" , what?

Lyra's eyes lit up with excitement.

Lyra: That was AWESOME!!!

Rem: Thanks. Although, this isn't exactly the full extent of Rem's power...

Lyra tilted her head at Rem out of curiosity.

Lyra: Oh? Is that so?

Subaru cut both of the young women off at that moment. 

Subaru: Can we get a move on?! We're STILL surrounded!

As Lyra and Subaru cleared the treeline into the forest, Rem sent her morningstar out again, thrashing two more pursuing mabeasts.

Waiting up for Rem, Lyra stopped, to which she protested her doing whilst fighting mabeasts. Wacking another one with her morningstar and kicking a second, she called out to the still standing Lyra.

Rem: Go! Rem is covering for you two!

Lyra: I'm not going to leave you out here all on your lonesome, Rem! I don't want you to get hurt!

Just as Lyra had finished responding, Rem sent her morningstar flying out directly in Lyra's direction. The morningstar rocketed right over Lyra's head and made an impact with something right behind. The impact was fleshy-sounding and gave off a whimper as it was hit.

Spinning around, Lyra saw that it wasn't HER who Rem had been aiming for, but rather her saving her yet again. Behind her lay an impaled mabeast that was only a second away from attacking.

Lyra turned back to Rem as she clobbered another beast with a kick and recalled her morningstar. Rem then sent it into a second beast and then immediately used her free hand to bash a third, incoming one.

Getting a free moment in the combat, Rem yelled out to Lyra once more.

Rem: Go! Rem'll be right behind! Keep going straight ahead!

Obeying her command, Lyra turned and followed Subaru through the forest.

Jumping logs, breaking branches, and snapping twigs, Lyra bounded through the growth of the forest while trying to keep up with Subaru.

Up ahead, Subaru stopped and turned to call out.

Subaru: Hey! The village is just right over here!

Reaching the stopped Subaru, Lyra saw that he was correct and turned to yell the news to Rem who should've been right behind her... but—

Lyra: Rem!

As Rem was approaching the two to regroup, Rem walked with a minor limp, but more concerning was that she was dragging her morningstar across the ground in fatigue and pain. Her body was covered in cuts of varying depth and blood seeped from them. Her maid uniform was also stained red in many places, with tears and rips in the now-dirtied fabric.

Immediately seeing Rem in such a condition, Lyra bolted towards her, but was stopped by the noise of a deep growl off to the side in-between her and Rem.

From atop a boulder stood one small dog. A puppy almost, bald on its head. It was flanked on both of itself with two mabeasts.

Subaru: T-thats the puppy! From before! In the village!

Almost as if enraged at being recognized, the small dog let out a beastly roar and snarl. As it did, it began to glow.

Instantly, Lyra felt the ground tremble. Shaking, she almost lost her footing. In trying to recover herself, she heard a voice call out. It was Rem's.

Rem: Lyra-chan!

Having covered the distance in almost a split second despite her injuries, Rem pushed Lyra.

As if time itself had slowed down, Lyra was sent flying backwards. Before her, she could see Rem, who was also flying forward with her arms extended. The expression on her face was one of relief, which confused Lyra.

I don't understand, why is she— NO!

From the side of Lyra's vision came a mound of dirt. No, it was a landslide. A landslide from the tremors. That's why Rem knocked her out of the way. She was going to be flattened by that small dog's Earth magic.

Fully realizing what was happening, a terrible fuel of guilt and fear was igniting in Lyra as she saw the landslide carry Rem away.

Crashing back on the ground near Subaru, Lyra quickly recovered despite the pain that was going to be NOTHING compared to Rem's.

Picking herself up, Lyra got to see Rem launched upward from the torrent of dirt and rock that she was swept up as it collided with a small crag where there was a steep angle. Rem peaked the height of the forest canopy before falling back down. Crashing onto the dirt below, Rem's unconscious body twisted and rolled until coming to a stop.

Lyra: REM!

Seeing the state she was in, Lyra abandoned any other thoughts and began running over to where she laid. Lyra was suddenly forced to stop. Appearing from outside her vision, three mabeasts closed the distance between her and Rem and turned to cut Lyra off. They prevented Lyra from reaching Rem. The beasts growled and snarled as they slowly walked towards Lyra

 Building mana in her palm, Lyra was determined to make a final stand in the only way she could against the mabeasts. 

Just before the three would have pounced to end Lyra's life, the sound of chains rattling drew their attention behind. Picking herself up, Rem stood in the moonlight that illuminated her silhouette.

Knowing the greater threat was Rem, the three beasts turned to face her now. As they prowled up towards her, though, something that took Lyra by complete surprise occurred.

As Rem stood looking upward into the night sky, a light began to form on her head. At first it was small, but began to grow. As it did, mana crackled and shot sporadically from her around where the light was emerging. Slowly the light took form. It was the shape of a horn. A single horn in the middle of her forehead.

Left in complete astonishment, Lyra could hear Subaru behind her. He quietly give his thoughts aloud.

Subaru: No way... she really is...

With her horn now completely, the crackling had stopped and an almost-audible hum took its place as the horn radiated light.

Rem: — — —

Lyra: — — — ?

Rem: Hahaha...

Lyra: Rem?

Rem: Hahahaha!

Lyra: Rem, talk to me! What's—

Rem: HAHAHAHA!

With the horn fully formed, Rem began to laugh maniacally. Lyra was extremely caught off guard, as it was very unlike Rem to do so. As Lyra took a step back out of fear and astonishment, the beasts took the opportunity to charge at Rem.

With the light of her horn illuminating her face, Rem gave a look of utter disdain towards the charging beasts before reaching back with her arm and launching her morningstar.

In one swing from the side, the weapon collapsed all three charging at her.

A large, menacing smile widened across Rem's face as the mabeasts flew to the side in a bloody pile.

Lyra could see Rem's breath steaming from her clenched teeth of her smile, which was further exaggerated by the twinkle of madness in her eyes. Lyra stood paralyzed. She hadn't expected Rem to be capable of acting this way.

Lyra: R-Rem?

At the mention of her name, or perhaps simply hearing another voice, Rem snapped her attention to Lyra, expression unchanging.

Lyra: I-I think you should calm down and —hk!

Before Lyra could finish, Rem reached back again and sent her morningstar from where it rested on the pile of mabeasts and towards Lyra.

Having been the target of it many times before, Lyra leaped and rolled to evade the incoming attack. Before calling out, Lyra had an idea of what was going on as she picked herself back up on her feet.

Something tells me that she has no idea what's going on right now in this crazed state she's in...

With what looked like the wind-up to another toss at Lyra, both of their attention was taken by the sound of an "Awooooooo!" coming from the little bald dog that sat atop of the boulder.

Perhaps taking the intuitive whilst its enemies were fighting among themselves, the main mabeast summoned and called forth more beasts from the forest in an effort to overwhelm them.

Smelling the increase in mabeasts, Rem turned her crazed attention away from Lyra and to the small dog on the boulder. Leaping and charging towards it, Rem was shortly intercepted by a wave of mabeasts.

In pure disbelief, Lyra and Subaru watched beast after beast after beast get cut down mercilessly by Rem. If they were too close by the time she let her morningstar out, they were dealt a deathblow with a punch or kick.

Morningstar, kick, morningstar, punch, punch, kick, morningstar, kick, kick, punch.

Rem cut down dozens before them, never tiring, never ceasing. It almost seemed that no matter what the mabeasts tried, Rem would cut them down.

Changing tactics, the little bald dog "Awooo'd" once more, causing a brief pause in their attacks, only to regroup and charge all at once.

With enough concern for herself to at least realize that no matter what she did, she couldn't handle that many at one time, Rem was forced to send out her morningstar and backflip away in retreat.

The beasts kept this strategy up, forcing Rem backwards, moving her across the clearing she was fighting in.

Moving nearer to Lyra, Rem was also closer to the boulder which the head mabeast made its perch, commanding the waves that assaulted Rem. With Rem so near, Lyra realized that the mabeasts were luring her into their trap by moving her around the battlefield.

Three mabeasts joined the lead mabeast up on the boulder, and as Rem retreated back once more, she came near to the base of the boulder.

Seeing exactly what was about to happen, and without a second thought, Lyra ran as hard and fast as her body would let hef.

Whipping any of the mabeasts out from around her with her morningstar, Rem was oblivious to the three pouncing at her from above.

Reaching Rem, and in a fashion much like how she had done for her, Lyra shoved Rem out and away from the mabeast's attack. For Lyra and Rem, time seemed to slow to a crawl.

At first taking it as an act of hostility, Rem's airborne body reacted to counter attack, however, as if her subconscious was still observing, it noticed Lyra's expression on her face was one of worry. This was a look Rem knew and trusted.

Seeing it, Rem's rational consciousness finally came back under control of herself. As she flew back, Lyra saw her horn retract and her eyes return to normal.

With the immediate danger to Rem eliminated, Lyra concentrated on the danger to herself. Still airborne, Lyra looked over to the three beasts that were now in a path to attack her.

There's no way Rem is going to be able to recover soon enough to protect me again. If only there was something I could do!

Looking right into the eyes of the approaching mabeasts, it suddenly dawned on her from her own thoughts.

Wait—! It's just like LAST time!

Turning slightly while still up, Lyra felt the warmth in her body grow. Letting that warmth flow down to her hand, it began to glow.

I'm not forsaking this run! I'm not letting Rem, myself, or anyone else die! I can save this!

With the beasts only fractions of a second away from Lyra now, she reached her glowing hand out to them.

Unsure of its effectiveness at such a close range or quick cast, Lyra forwent any real control over the amount mana she controlled, prioritizing anything over nothing.

Lyra: JIWALD!

Instantly, a white vaporizing light was emitted from her outstretched hand, stronger than when she had cast it before in the mansion's yard. Lyra's view of the three beasts was encompassed by the sheer brightness leaving her arm.

With a whine of pain from each of the beasts and Lyra finally crashing to the ground, time seemed to flow normally once more.

Rolling and picking herself back to her knees, Lyra looked to see what damage he had realistically done.

Looking in front, then to his left and right, Lyra could not make out any bodies, beast corpses or anything.

Lyra:: Did.. did I—?

Looking at the boulder where the beasts had jumped from, Lyra saw the force at which she had cast her spell.

While not overly noticeable, it was still definitely obvious that something with extreme light and heat had torched the boulder, bleaching the stone a lighter shade than it had before.

But what really had clued Lyra into just how much force she had put behind the spell were splotches in the middle of the bleached area that were left unchanged from before.

Three spots to be exact. One for each beast that had been evaporated.

Immediately turning her palm over and inspecting her hand as she also went to stand back up, Lyra scarcely believed she had been able to do such damage.

But as soon as she did, Lyra felt the toll of using so much mana.

Catching herself back down on her own knee, a massive wash of fatigue inundated Lyra. Gasping for air, her vision blurred as she focused to keep looking ahead.

This feels a lot like what happened back at the loot house.

Seeing only blurs of color for her vision now, sound also had been reduced to as if everything was coming through from the next room over.

Rem (muffled): Lyra-chan!

As her waning vision locked in on the one blue entity before her, the direction of the muffled sound let her know she was looking at Rem, who appeared to have seen what had just happened upon picking herself from the ground.

The next thing to fill Lyra's exhausted senses was the faint sound of the head mabeast's "Awoooo!" that it had let out earlier.

Straining her vision to look upward to the top of the boulder and focus in, Lyra's view began to shake.

Shaking, shaking, shaking. More shaking, until what felt like a wall slam into Lyra. Lyra was swept away by a torrent of dirt and stone just like Rem had previously been.

Rem: Lyra-chan!

Hearing Rem's bystander scream, Lyra was slightly relieved as she struggled not to swallow any dirt, as that meant Rem wasn't caught up in the spell like she was. With her instincts telling her to try and float above it for air, she quickly found such movements didn't benefit her as this was dirt, not water.

Being carried a short way further, just as she was about to dip below the "surface" of the dirt, Lyra's back slammed up against a tree, which knocked the wind right out of her. With the shock to her body and the cascading dirt pinning her from the front to the tree, Lyra was unable to expand het diaphragm to allow fresh air into her ungs. This was the limit for her body. Without air, Lyra finally succumbed to the lack of oxygen and passed out, dirt continuing to pile up and cover her.

Lyra's mind and thoughts were a tangled mess of incoherent rambles, but there was one thought she could clearly still hear with all hef might:

I really didn't wanna die here...

An unguessable amount of time passed. Unsure of her state of personal mortality, Lyra existed, patiently awaiting an answer.

Eventually and slowly, ahe felt vibrations against her body. Soon, the pressure that was built up against her face and body began to lessen. Dirt was being removed. By what, she didn't know, but slowly her hearing returned.

Her hearing, while muffled, could make out a voice. A familiar one, one that brought comfort and compassion, but now it was also in tune with a sensation of worry and concern.

? (Muffled): Lyra-chan!

? (Muffled): I saw her over here!

? (Muffled): LYRA-CHAN!

Feeling pressure being taken away from her eyes, Lyra opened them.

Filling het blurred vision was a wash of blue. It wasn't a blue of water or of the sky, but rather the shade of blue she knew that was unique to one thing. To one person.

Lyra felt something warm be placed on her face as blue spoke to Lyra. She immediately recognized it.

Rem: Lyra-chan! Lyra-chan! Please don't die! Please don't die!

Die? I don't want to die... Does she think I'll...

Having truly exhausted all of her energy upon having glimpsed at Rem, Lyra passed out once more.

Chapter Text

Chapter 26: Hot Tatoes

Lyra's mind is filled with cloudiness. From what she could tell, she was slipping in and out of consciousness many times. The first few times she had, she had heard voices, frantic ones at that. Without being able to discern what the voices were exactly saying however, Lyra could form no opinion or thoughts on the matter. Still, with her occasional momentary bouts with being conscious came pain, but it seemed with each time she came to, the pain was a little less.

At times she could feel her hand being held. Throughout the experience, these hands seem to have changed. Lyra could tell at one point Rem had been one of these hands, as she felt the ever-so-slightly weathered hand of a hard-working maid. The next thing she had felt was a larger hand, not by much, but with much-softer skin. Not as warm, but also not holding it as confidently as Rem would have. A few semi-conscious wake ups later another hand held hers, this time much smaller in size. With these few times, Lyra had noticed most of her pain had subsided during this time. Finally, one last hand held hers, although only briefly. Lyra had felt the initial grab and let-go, letting her know it was only for a few moments. At first, Lyra had believed that this hand had belonged to Rem, but it was just softer than hers. It also did not conform to her hand like Rem's always did.

Lyra was woken up by her own breathing. Her throat was dry. She had been mouth breathing, but the way she was able to take in the cold fresh air was extremely satisfying, as if she hadn't been able to do so for a while. Trying to wet her own throat, Lyra felt the tingle of sunlight on her eyelids, prompting them to open.

Fully expecting to see her own room or perhaps even the guest room, Lyra at this juncture was nonetheless confident she hadn't died. What caught her off guard, however, was the ceiling above her. Rather than the ornate, decorated ceilings adorned with crown molding, whitewashed to a near-blinding bright shade of the mansion, Lyra was instead greeted by wooden rafters and the underside of a slatted roof.

Noticing the unexpected change of scenery, Lyra also felt the bedding.

Gone were the smooth, freshly-washed sheets and plush pillows of the mansion. Lyra quickly discerned that what was covering her, while soft, was much more coarse, as they were hand-weaved blankets of considerable age. While still clean, they smelled not of fresh laundry, but rather that of a recent, warm sunny morning, capturing the smell of the day it was last washed and left out to dry on the line.

Mustering her strength, Lyra sat herself up. With a quick look around the room, it was clear she was not at the mansion, but was rather in the bedroom of a quaint cottage.

Wood furniture, ornate rugs, and tiny knickknacks covered the room as she looked about. The sun's light that had woken up Lyra had found itself through the many moth-eaten holes in the thin white curtains that hung over the window. Before she could finish scanning her vision across the room, a voice called out to Lyra in a hurried, hushed tone.

?: Oh! Good morning, Lyra.

Without being given a chance to turn and face the direction the voice came from, a vestige of gray filled Lyra's morning eyes.

Puck: You seem to be feeling much better!

Lyra's vision came to focus on the little gray floating cat before him.

Lyra: Ahh...uhh... yeah... I guess—

?: Lyra. Goodness, I didn't expect to see you up so soon.

With another voice coming from the direction Puck's had, this time a loud whisper, Lyra was finally given the chance to look over and see.

In another bed across the room, Subaru was sitting up in a position similar to that of Lyra's. Next to his bed though was a slumped over silver-haired half-elf sitting in a chair.

Raising a finger to Emilia, Lyra pointed at the sleeping girl, trying to also be quiet.

Lyra: What's Emilia doing—?

Puck: Lia got so worried late last night after the three of you hadn't returned for hours that she insisted that she and Ram come to make sure you were all okay.

Lyra: O-oh...

Puck: It's a miracle she did too. After Rem dragged you both out of the forest, she only had enough mana to stabilize Subaru's injuries before Lia was able to stabilize yours.

Turning to look again at the half elf as she slept, Lyra couldn't see her face, but she could tell by the way her body was slumped up against the wall she was next to in her chair that had been rather exhausted before doing so.

Lyra: W-wait...Subaru's injuries'?

Going to scratch the back of his head, Subaru gave a weak smile before answering.

Subaru: Yeah... The mabeasts got me pretty good after you were nearly buried alive, but ...uh... Emilia-tan patched me right up, good as new.

Lyra Emilia saved both of us, then, huh?

Crossing his little gray arms and shaking his head, Puck answered.

Puck: Not entirely. While Lia IS a skilled healer, she was only able to keep you from bleeding out, not heal you up entirely. Subaru's injuries were also pretty bad, but she has just enough skill and mana left after stabilizing you to fix him up completely. That's why Lia is so zonked out. She worked herself down to her Od.

Lyra looked back at Emilia, who was sitting still and leaning up against the wall as she was, chest and back rising with each breath.

Wrapping his arms around himself, Subaru flopped about.

Subaru: Ooooohhh! Emilia-tan is just so cute when she sleeps!

Puck: Shhh!

Bringing a paw up to his mouth, Puck shushed Subaru in a loud whisper.

Puck: You won't be able to watch her cute sleeping self if you wake her up!

Also bringing her voice to a whisper once more, Lyra posed the question that was on her mind.

Lyra: So, if it wasn't Rem because she was out of mana, and it wasn't Emilia because of the severity of the wound, just how BADLY was I injured and WHO was it that healed me?

Puck: You were so banged up that we needed to drag Beatrice out of the mansion to come down here and heal you herself.

Subaru: B-Beatrice left the mansion for THAT?!

Lyra & Puck: Shhhh!

Subaru: S-sorry...

Turning back to each other after scolding Subaru, the two continued.

Puck: Lia was able to slow down a lot of the internal bleeding, but there wasn't a thing she could do about the broken ribs you had.

Putting a hand to her chest and abdomen area, Lyra felt her ribs and took a deep breath. Nothing felt out of the ordinary.

I'm going to have to find a way to thank everyone for what they did!

With nothing more being said at that moment, Subaru moved the blankets on himself to the side and put his feet on the floor.

Subaru: Well, now that everything has been said, I'm going to go check on the village children and make sure they're all doing alright.

Stretching out his little gray arms and yawning, Puck replied.

Puck: That's a good idea. I'll think I'll take a bit of a catnap till Lia wakes back up. There's no point in staying out and wasting mana, right?

Turning to Subaru, Lyra gave a reply.

Lyra: I'll come join you in a bit! Just give me a little bit to wake up a bit more and maybe do some stretches!

With a thumbs up, Subaru responded.

Subaru: Sounds good. Later.

Shutting the door gently behind him, Subaru was out, and not a second later did Puck materialize back into the crystal that hung from Emilia's neck.

Leaving out the front door of the cottage that she had been healed in, Lyra looked up to the bright late-morning sun that still hung in the sky.

Lyra: The fifth day, huh? This is my first time making it THIS far...

Reflecting back briefly on her past attempts both with and without Subaru, Lyra shook her head.

I just HAVE to make this run count! I won't let there be ANY more setbacks! I— no... WE'LL ALL get a good ending out of this!

With that, Lyra set out to look for Subaru. Lyra had no clue how far Subaru had gotten from the cottage. After Subaru had left, Lyra had done what she said she'd do and stretched a few times. It wasn't done so much as a routine or health benefit, but rather Lyra wanted to see if there was any pain that had gone untreated.

Without finding any bot of remaining pain, Lyra had made both hers and Subaru's beds so as to not be rude to their unknown host. Having done this, Lyra realized she hadn't paid attention to how much time had passed since Subaru departed and now had ZERO clue about what sort of radius she should search in to find him again.

But to Lyra's luck, as she stepped down from the porch and onto the street of the village, a familiar pink sight rounded the corner towards Lyra.

Carrying a basket of steamed tatoes, Ram saw Lyra as she was leaving the residence.

Lyra waved as a greeting, smiled, and walked up to Ram as she made eye contact with ber

Ram only stood and stared while Lyra came within talking distance, not wanting to unnecessarily raise her voice over the quiet morning neighborhood.

Lyra: Good morning, Ram. Have you seen Subaru running about anywhere?

Ram continued to quietly stare at Lyra for a moment before quietly talking to herself.

Ram: Beatrice-sama's magic really IS that good...

Hearing Ram just fine, Lyra was perplexed as to why Ram would say such a thing, as it was uncharacteristic of her to voice her thoughts out loud.

Lyra: Hm—?

Ram continued to look at Lyra, her bangs swaying slightly in the small breeze in which the narrow streets of the village permitted the wind to have.

Suddenly regaining her composure, Ram closed her eyes and spoke in a manner of smugness in effort to regain her perceived loss of social capital.

Ram: Ram sincerely thought that Raly would be dead by the next time she saw her.

Deducting what Ram's initial hesitation on her response to her greeting was caused by, Lyra realized that the last time Ram had seen her was when she was still incredibly injured.

Lyra: From what Puck and Subaru told me, I was pretty roughed up. If not for Beatrice, I probably would've ended up dying or something...

Ram: Yes, that is correct.

With her response leaving no extra room for continued conversation on the topic, Lyra asked her initial question again.

Lyra: Did you see Subaru wandering around, then?

Ram responded with a finger pointing over her shoulder. The direction in which she had pointed her finger led down the road and opposite from the cottage to the street that led to the town's merchant square.

Ram: Barusu was making the rounds of the village checking on the children who were rescued last night. He's currently in the town square with most of the adults getting praise for deeds that are not entirely his own and more than certainly making a fool of himself. Ram was on her way to keep him in check, as his boisterous reactions could reflect poorly on the rest of the staff.

Laughing lightly in response to Ram, Lyra spoke.

Lyra: Well, we better go stop him, then!

With Ram turning to head down the street as she originally intended, Lyra went up next to her and they walked together.

Lyra: So...is that what the tatoes are for, too?

Ram kept her gaze facing straight forward. Her bangs hid her facial expressions as Lyra looked at her.

Ram: Ram must unfortunately compensate the villagers for tolerating Barusu... and Barusu is also entitled to one of these as well for his actions. Speaking of which—.

Keeping her vision straight and not saying another word, Ram grabbed two of the tatoes from the basket with one hand and passed them to Lyra. The aroma of the cooked tatoes immediately reminded Lyra that she hadn't eaten in a while now. Lyra gave Ram a look of surprise at first before smiling and thanking her.

Lyra: Oh—! T-thank you, Ram!

Looking at the tatoes in her hands now while still walking, a great amount of guilt grew in Lyra.

I haven't even been able to thank ANYONE for saving me last night yet... and I'm still just receiving things from them out of their pure kindness when I've done NOTHING! How worthless AM I—?!

Looking downward, Lyra stopped. This caused Ram Ram to also stop and turn a pace or two ahead of him.

There was silence between the two as they both stood in the quiet, empty street.

Taking a deep breath, Lyra bowed towards Ram.

Lyra: I... I—

Taking another deep breath, Lyra steeled his nerves.

Lyra: I'm really appreciative of everything the mansion has given me— er, you, Rem, Roswaal, Beatrice, and Emilia have given me, with the opportunity to work and prove myself to you all.

Expecting Ram to say something, Lyra continued to bow in silence until continuing again.

Lyra: I-I'm sorry I haven't done anything worthwhile for all the effort given by you all for having to deal with my injuries last night. Please forgive me for the burdens I troubled you all with!

There was more silence between them, Lyra continued to bow until Ram finally spoke up.

Ram: Lyra.

Straightening her back, Lyra rose from her bow. She was confused as to why Ram hadn't used her curse-sounding pseudonym she had given her.

Ram: Do you not value Rem as much as Ram had thought?

Lyra: —hk!

Lyra couldn't respond to that.

What does she mean by that?! How does that relate to anything—

Ram: Well?

Lyra: W-what do you mean by "not value as much as you thought" ?

Still giving Lyra her usual expressionless stare and tone of voice, Ram responded.

Ram: You said you hadn't done anything "worthwhile". Was risking your life to save Rem's from the mabeasts meaningless to you,then?

Lyra: No! Not at all...

Ram: Then the combined efforts of the mansion's residents o save you should he an even trade, is it not?

Sighing, Lyra finally understood what Ram was trying to get across.

I guess this is just Ram's way of saying "thank you" and "you're welcome", isn't it? "Don't worry, we're even", maybe...even?

Nodding, Lyra answered

Lyra: Y-yeah! I guess it is!

Returning to how they were previously, the two walked together again, reaching the market square shortly.

Lyra: I'm going to guess he's over there among the crowd of people?

Ram: It appears we may be too late to save face. Certainly, Barusu has ALREADY tarnished our reputation with his foolish actions.

Walking up, Subaru noticed the two familiar faces approaching.

Looking back to the group of parents he was conversing with, Subaru spoke.

Subaru: Oh, excuse me. I have to talk to these two.

Slipping past a few more of the parents, Subaru made his way over to Ram and Lyra. With Subaru now occupied, many of the parents either started to disperse back to their homes or talk among themselves group-by-group.

Separating from Lyra, Ram headed directly to Subaru. 

Subaru: Hey, Ram! Glad you made it down— MMHMM!

As the two had come face-to-face, without delay, Ram reached into her basket and shoved what might have been the hottest tatoe she'd made straight into Subaru's mouth.

Whether it was the heat or the force of the application, Subaru was knocked clean off his feet onto the ground where he had begun to roll around in pain at the scalding-hot tatoe in his mouth.

Subaru: MMMHHH MMMHHH—!

With the person whom the villagers were just praising now subdued by a simple steamed tatoe, everyone eyeballed the group now.

Using the attention to her advantage, Ram put on her kind and sweet maid persona and made her announcement to them.

Ram: Would anyone like a freshly-steamed tatoe? They're still warm!

Hearing her mock him, Subaru sat up and slapped the ground with his palms in protest as Ram brought the tatoes over to the villagers. He was still unable to speak with the tatoe halfway in his mouth.

Ram: It is not Ram's fault that Barusu is a wimp when it comes to hot food.

With that, Ram walked off as she passed out her steamed tatoes to the villagers.

Villager: Wow, these are good!

Villager: Yeah! They're the perfect temperature for eating,too!

 Lyra could see the frustration and embarrassment growing on Subaru's still-stuffed face as she walked up to him.. As he turned towards Lyra, Subaru was met by a hand meant to help him up. Extending his own hand to take Lyra's, his hand quickly turned into an accusatory finger-point.

Lyra was taking a bite of her last tatoe. Hers, just like the rest, was not scalding-hot.

Lyra: Hey, don't give me that. I'm not dumb enough to go for a piping-hot one like YOU.are!

With Subaru's eyes telling Lyra "Not you, too?!", Subaru's expression changed to that of one of defeat. Changing his hand back to one to receive Lyra's, Subaru was helped up.

Finally taking the half-tatoe out of his mouth with a bite, Subaru chewed and swallowed.

Subaru: The villagers are right... It IS really good... Too bad I can't taste it now that my whole mouth is burned to a crisp!

Lyra: Oh, calm down! You're fine!

The two walked a short distance over to a bench that faced the market square, it was in fact the same one Lyra and Rem had sat on coming to the village just yesterday.

Subaru: Uhh...speaking of "fine" , how are you holding up?

Lyra: — ?

Subaru: You WERE pretty banged up after saving Rem...

Shaking her head, Lyra tried to recall what had happened after being buried by the mabeasts' attack. Not getting anywhere with her memory, Lyra shrugged off the thought.

Lyra: I can't remember anything after that...

Leaning back on the bench, Subaru answered.

Subaru: That's probably because you were out like a light...

Lyra: What happened after I was out?

Subaru's expression turned to that of second-hand embarrassment and sighed before sitting back up.

Subaru: After Rem got back up, I think the first thing she saw was you getting dragged away by the landslide...but I don't think she got to you before you passed out...

A vision of blue was the last thing that Lyra could remember seeing along with the feeling of someone caressing her face. Subaru continued.

Subaru: I think once she saw your injuries, she started to panic at that point, so she tried to dig you out. I set that girl we saved down and went over to help, but a few mabeasts blocked me from coming over...

Looking down at the ground, an air of frustration emanated from Subaru.

Subaru: With Rem busy helping you, I tried fighting off the few that were attacking me using Shamak...but they got the better of me. I thought I was going to get mauled to death... if we weren't so close to the village, I don't think they would have heard all of the screams and come to help...

Lyra was puzzled at the order of events.

Lyra: "They" ?

Subaru nodded forward to the crowd of parents still conversing in the market square. They were staying around mostly in part to Ram passing around her steamed tatoes to everyone.

Subaru: Either the landslide or the yelling got their attention... so, they came to help...

Looking closer at the villagers, Lyra could see bandages on some of their arms or legs, possibly covering wounds sustained from the attempted rescue.

Leaning back again on the bench, Subaru continued.

Subaru: They might not seem like much, but they WERE able to get the mabeasts off of me. After that, we all booked it back to the village and inside the barrier with the mabeasts not far behind.

Subaru looked over to Lura with a sympathetic expression and went on.

Subaru: I think the villagers were so caught up with trying to save me and bring back the girl with the braided hair that they forgot about you and Rem...

Lyra: —?

Lyra didn't know what Subaru had meant by that. Seeing this, Subaru sighed in response. 

Subaru: I was barely conscious by the time the villagers helped me back inside the barrier before I realized that you and Rem weren't anywhere to be seen. In fact, the next time I saw you two, I was already in the cottage house bed with one of the elders bandaging me up.

Lyra: What? I thought Puck said Rem dragged us both out of the forest? So then, where were Rem and I in the meantime?

Crossing his arms in, Subaru's tone became more serious.

Subaru: I think with the villagers grabbing me and the girl bringing the mabeasts close to the village in pursuit, it cut off a safe route for Rem to carry you back to the village immediately.

Lyra: So it forced her to have to take the long way around? Couldn't she have just fought her way through and—

Cutting off Lyra, Subaru shook his head.

Subaru: At that point, Rem had no mana left. She was physically and mentally exhausted.

Lyra:If she didn't have any mana left, how did she stabilize your wounds?

Subaru rolled up his tracksuit sleeve and rubbed his other hand along the freshly-healed scars of bite marks along his arm before answering.

Subaru: *Sigh* The truth is... I wasn't all that injured. I WAS pretty messed up, sure, but it wasn't life-threatening, I wasn't gonna die, not like you were...

Looking back out to the villagers, Subaru was quiet for a moment, watching as they slowly began to wander off, lessening every minute in number, the groups getting smaller and smaller.

Subaru: After getting bandaged up, Rem practically kicked open the door to the cottage, carrying you in both arms and plopping you down in the bed across the room.

Shaking his head again, he continued

Subaru: I tried asking her what happened, why she took so long to get back and where she'd been, but she was so frustrated that I don't think she could even hear me...

Lyra: Frustrated?

Lyra had a hard time imagining Rem getting so frustrated that she could zone-out from someone trying to talk to her, even after seeing the oni-side of her come out.

Leaning forward on the bench, Subaru cupped his hands and looked down at the ground.

Subaru: She was down on her knees by your bedside trying her hardest to cast a healing spell.. and just... couldn't. She tried and tried and tried, getting more frustrated each time until she finally just gave in and cried...

Subaru's mind recalled what he had seen. Rem trying in earnest again and again to cast a spell with no mana at her command while being forced to watch Lyra slip closer and closer to death as she was powerless to do anything to stop it.

Subaru: I could hear her mumble about things like how she was blaming herself for being careless with her mana in-between her sobs... *Sigh* I can't tell you how much I wanted to be able to leave the room and give her privacy, so I did the next best thing I could and pretended to be asleep.

Lyra looked down at her hand, the one that had been held while she was asleep.

Rem was REALLY THAT upset, huh? Was she just upset with herself out of a sense of duty or was she upset about ME?

Learning that Rem had been so emotional in regard to herself, Lyra really didn't know how to feel. Was it self-centered or cruel to feel good knowing someone had been so concerned for her..or was that just part of being acknowledged by a good person? Lyra really didn't have time to ponder the morality of her feelings until Subaru continued.

Subaru: It wasn't really soon after that Ram and Emilia came by...

Subaru's memory replayed the scene in his mind as he recounted the events.  

Chapter Text

Chapter 27: Through The Looking-Glass

Subaru laid in the cottage's bed, fresh bandages on his arms, legs, and torso. Each bandage was slightly red from the fresh bite marks they covered. His entire body ached in pain now that the adrenaline was well and gone. Unable to comfortably move, Subaru stared at the rafters of the ceiling above him.

His mind raced as to what Rem or Lyra's whereabouts were. Subaru had pleaded to the village herbalist who had dressed his wounds upon recovery to search for any information regarding his two companions, but nothing was known. Powerless at the moment, Subaru was forced to lay and wait.

But he needn't wait long.

Subaru heard a loud *THUD* from the front of the cottage, a door slamming open. Not even having a moment longer to speculate on its origin, the door to the room Subaru laid in was also kicked open.

Not wasting any time in the doorway was Rem. Draped across her arms was someone Subaru was very familiar with, although her resemblance was much closer to a village woman rescued from a collapsed small mountain. With her bangs hiding her expression and not making eye contact with nor acknowledging Subaru, Rem walked and placed Lyra on the bed across the room from him.

Placing her ever so gently, Rem dropped to her knees at Lyra's bedside.

In a weak voice, Subaru called to Rem.

Subaru: R-Rem? W-wha—, what happened to you two?

Either not hearing him or choosing not to hear him, Rem carried on.

Hearing her chant and incantation, Subaru saw a brief illumination of blue light emanating from Rem's extended palms near Lyra's chest, her most seriously-injured area. Rem let out a large sigh and chanted her incantation once more, repeating her action. This time, her light was much more like a flickering light bulb burning out. Not wasting any time on this attempt, Rem shortened her incantation and tried once more. This time however, no light emerged. As Rem chanted her incantation yet again, Subaru could hear the anger and sadness in her voice as it demanded her spell be cast to heal Lyra

With nothing continuing to happen, Rem stood up roaring her incantation with great rage, holding back tears, and projecting her trembling arms and hands towards Lyra.

Still nothing.

Rem was silent as her arms continued to tremble more and more. The only sound that could be heard was Lyra labored, shallow breathing. A distinct wheeze could be heard on every inhale.

Subaru: R-Rem—?

As Subaru called out once more, he looked just past her to the bed where Lyra laid as he saw several tears fall onto the bed.

Rem collapsed again to her knees on the floor, inhaling a breath. Rem began to sob as she buried her face in the bed in front of her.

Weakly, Subaru could hear Rem softly lament between her sobs.

Rem: Lyra-chan... *Sob* Rem is so sorry. *Sob* Rem is so, so, very sorry... *Sob* If Rem had been more cautious with her ma—*Sob* —with her mana, Rem could save you like you saved Rem. *Sob*

Not wishing to burden her with his presence and to help Rem feel more comfortable, Subaru mustered all the strength he could afford without grunting or wincing in pain. Turning, and facing away from Rem in his bed, he pulled the covers over his head.

Subaru listened for an unknown amount of time, his consciousness on the verge of falling asleep. He finally heard the door to the cottage open once more, followed by the sound of footsteps coming towards and into the room, which still had its own door swung wide open by Rem.

?: Rem!

Hearing a new, familiar voice, Subaru's consciousness woke up slightly.

?: Lyra? Subaru?

A second voice spoke out. To Subaru, it was as if a silver bell chimed out calling his name.

Reacting to the second voice, he sat up in bed and looked around at the new visitors.

Subaru: Emilia-tan? Ram?

Emilia continued to stand in the doorway while Ram was next to her crying sister, trying to console her.

Immediately seeing Subaru covered in bandages, Emilia hurried over.

Emilia: Subaru! What happened?! Here, give me your arms. I can heal the wounds.

As Emilia unwrapped the bandages on his arm, Subaru's attention was brought back to the sisters, who were each on their knees. Rem was facing Lyra and Ram was facing Rem.

Ram: Rem! Please answer me. Why are you crying? How did your uniform end up so tattered? Why is Barusu injured and why is Lyra unconscious?

Rem was silent before answering while Emilia poured her healing magic into Subaru's still-fresh wounds.

Rem: Rem was... foolish... and wasted all her mana... now Lyra is going to—*hic*

Before Rem could finish, her tears and frustration resurfaced and cut her off. 

Ram: Rem, please be more specific. What is Lyra "going to"? Is there something wrong with her—

Cutting herself off this turn, Ram stood slightly and peered over Rem to see Lyra and maybe figure out what Rem meant. As she did, Ram's words stopped after seeing the condition of Lyra.

Silent for a moment longer, while Rem's sobbing continued, Ram finally snapped her head around to face Emilia, who was still tending to Subaru's injuries.

In a rather-serious tone that suggested urgency, Ram spoke back up.

Ram: Emilia-sama.

Stopping the healing and also sensing something of importance in Ram's voice, Emilia took a half-pace while turning towards Ram.

Emilia: Ram? What is it? You sound worried— *gasp!*

As she turned, Lyra and the condition she was in had definitely caught Emilia's attention, causing her to gasp suddenly with a hand coming up to her mouth in shock.

Emilia: L-Lyra!

Emilia stepped over quickly to Lyra and next to the sisters. Her bedside was quickly becoming crowded.

Looking at the severity of her wounds, with labored breathing and dark, heavy bruising across her body, Emilia hesitated.

Emilia: What happened to her?

Looking up to Emilia from still being on her knees, Rem's hands tightly gripped the bed quilt covering Lyra and lifted her head to plead.

Rem: It's all Rem's fault. Lyra-chan saved Rem's life and paid the price for it. Please, Emilia-sama, don't let Lyra-chan die. Rem has a deep debt to pay back to Lyra-chan. Please, please promise you'll try to save her— *sob*. Please... *Sob*

Ram: Rem...

Consoling her sister, Ram spoke in a soft voice, and after doing so, stood to speak to Emilia.

Ram: Emilia-sama. Ram would advise... against... attempting to heal Lyra.

Quickly turning her head around to face her sister, Rem protested.

Rem: Nee-sama!?

Going back to her soft, sisterly tone, Ram responded.

Ram: Rem, Ram means no insult to your request, but it is not fair to ask such a tall task of Emilia-sama... especially since we know Emilia-sama doesn't have the skill to address such serious injuries.

Rem looked up to Emilia, awaiting a response of dispute, one that would give her hope.

Yet, Emilia could only respond to Rem with a slow, hard realized, head-shake of "no."

Looking back up to Emilia, Ram regained her maid-like demeanor.

Ram: It could possibly be a waste of much-needed mana. With a hole in the village's barrier possibly being sabotaged, we must be ready to combat another threat at a moment's notice.

With the look of dejection on her face, Rem stared at Lyra,. Her breathing was still labored and the wheeze was now coming on with each inhale and exhale.

Taking Lyra's hand, Rem held it firmly, feeling the warmth that still existed in her body, which in its current state, would be extinguished before long.

Thinking dreadful thoughts, Rem began to cry again. Closing her eyes, she looked into her memories of how Lyra was, uninjured and free from being covered in dried mud and clumps of dirt. While she was holding Lyra's hand against hers, Ram knelt down next to the younger sister, trying to console her as best she could.

Watching the depressing scene before him, Subaru simply lied back down once more, wishing to not be seen as a judgmental observer.

With Subaru departing from awareness of the situation, Rem having her eyes closed, and with Ram's attention taken up by supporting Rem, the only person in the room left with their eyes on Lyra was Emilia.

Just as she turned to walk away and give the sisters more space, a glint appeared over Lyra in the form of a small, pale light.

Stopping, Emilia knew exactly what she had seen. She quickly looked at everyone else in the room, wondering if they too had seen it.

But alas, it was only made obvious to Emilia. Perhaps with good reason to do so as well.

Quietly, Emilia rationalized it to herself.

Emilia: That's right...

Bringing her hands up as Rem had when attempting to heal Lyra, Ram immediately noticed her action and intention.

Ram: Emilia-sama—

Emilia: No, Lyra has something that can help me, help her.

Hearing the hope and empowerment in Emilia's voice, Rem turned back to look up to the half-elf, who was preparing to begin a healing spell.

Emilia: While I still won't be able to fully save her, I believe I can stabilize her, but...

Rem: But?

Emilia: Ram, I need you to return to the mansion and fetch Beatrice. Only HER healing can fully restore Lyra's condition with no fear of damage.

Standing back up, Ram bowed.

Ram: Ram will obey Emilia-sama's request, but I must a-fix a selfish condition to it.

Emilia: — ?

Ram: Ram will find Rem her own bed to rest in before departing so that she may regain her strength. It is unkind to let a younger sister be the bearer of such burdens and exhaustion.

Nodding, Emilia agreed.

Emilia: I understand.

Ram: Come on, Rem.

Knowing there was nothing left to do besides wait and see, Rem's body decided it was finally tired of running on adrenaline and concern. Ram helped Rem up and put her arm over her shoulder, helping her have the strength to walk. Without another word, as the twins left the room, Emilia began to heal Lyra. With the sparkles of the microspirits circling around her, she cast her healing magic on Lyra.

Putting her hand on her chest and taking a deep breath, Lyra confirmed to herself once more that she felt no weird pains, no differences in her inhale or exhale, and that there wasn't even any stiffness.

She could hardly believe she could recover from such a terrible injury so soon. Hearing from Subaru about the whole fiasco, Lyra felt a mix of emotions.

Lyra: So... what happened after that?

Crossing his arms, Subaru answered.

Subaru: Emilia-tan had done all that she could waiting for Beatrice to show up, so when she finished with you, she came back over to continue treating me.

With a smile of joy growing on his face, Subaru continued.

Subaru: Me and Emilia-tan talked while she healed me, and of course she had asked what had happened along how we both ended up with our injuries and why Rem was so upset.

Lyra: How did Beatrice go about healing me?

Shrugging with a half frown, Subaru answered.

Subaru: No clue, couldn't tell you. I passed out before she arrived.

There was silence between the two after that. Neither asked nor answered any questions.

Lyra had a feeling growing in her chest that there was something Subaru was leaving out.

Lyra: But that's not all, is it?

Slumping his shoulders, Subaru surrendered.

Subaru: *Sigh* You got me there...

Scratching his head with a bead of nervous sweat rolling down his brow, Subaru explained.

Subaru: I may have told Emilia-tan that Rem had dragged us both out of the forest and healed my injuries first and ran out of mana before she could treat you.

Lyra gave Subaru an eye of disdain for his actions. She could guess EXACTLY why he had lied as he did. Sitting forward, clapping his hands together, and bowing his head toward Lyra, Subaru begged for forgiveness.

Subaru: I just wanted a little bit of the sympathy Emilia-tan was giving you for your injuries! Is that so wrong!?

Exhaling a breath of frustration, Lyra answered, using her hand to wave away Subaru's terribly-selfish excuse for his stretching of the truth.

Lyra: It's not a big deal, I guess. I guess she must have told Puck what you told her after you fell asleep, but before she did. It was pretty late, so she probably crashed out right after sunrise... But, there is one good thing that came out of that lie though I can imagine.

Looking back up to Lyra, Subaru asked.

Subaru: What's that?

Lyra: Saying that Rem got us both out of there made it look like she was doing her job. It's obvious that Rem carries a lot of weight on how she performs her duties and handles her responsibilities, so if she realizes Ram and Emilia think she did everything correctly, it might be less stressful on her. She's probably in a real low spot right now.

Subaru: I don't see what you mean.

Lyra: I mean, she was probably so upset over me getting hurt because that might hurt her reputation right?

Looking downward at the ground, Lyra's voice got quiet.

Lyra: I mean... Why else would she be so upset about me getting hurt? It's a simple responsibility thing, right? Nothing more, nothing less.

Knowing Lyra was feeling something very similar to what he could sometimes feel in regard to Emilia, Subaru tried to offer some words of encouragement.

Subaru: Lyra... I'm sure it's not as—

Lyra: Maybe Rem will feel a little better if she believes Ram and Emilia think she was fulfilling her duties and then some... in all, it wasn't a truly terrible lie then... I guess.

Subaru was quiet. Emotions of conflict ran through him. Had he done something good? Something bad? He couldn't rationalize. But not before long, letting Subaru's thoughts come to ease, Lyra spoke up again, letting the tension be forgotten.

Lyra: Magic is pretty powerful, isn't it?

Leaning back on the bench, Subaru replied.

Subaru: Yeah I'd say so.

Also leaning back, Lyra lamented.

Lyra: At least it's all over now. We made it to the fifth day, and we're alive and well.

Subaru wasn't about to respond before something caught his eye.

Sitting up and uncrossing his arm and placing them on his knees, Subaru craned his neck out and squinted his eyes, looking out across the market square area. Off to the side from another avenue opening leading to the square from the far side of the village, in the shadow of an arch was a familiar girl.

Subaru could just barely make out her blonde hair drills and pink frilled dress from afar, but he knew exactly who was standing there.

Standing up and putting a hand

on his brow as a visor, Subaru made an observation.

Subaru: Is that Beako?

Chapter Text

Chapter 28: A Sister's Request

Having spotted her, the two ventured over to Beatrice. Meeting roughly halfway between, the three stood off to the side of the market square.

Being the first to speak, Subaru broke what could have ended up being a silent, awkward stare.

Subaru: Wow, Beako. Fancy seeing you out of the library, especially out of the mansion entirely as well.

With a twitch of irritation growing on her face, the drill-haired girl's already seemingly-unamused expression grew more sour.

Beatrice: Betty still does not remember allowing you to refer to her in such a casual manner, I suppose.

Closing her eyes and crossing her small arms, she nodded as if confirming this to herself. Wincing at her instant rebuttal to Subaru, Lyra decided to try and improve Beatrice's mood.

Lyra: U-umm...Beatrice...

One of Beatrice's eyes opened to Lyra, looking at her with irritation.

Lyra: —hk! B-Beatrice-s-sama.

Beatrice: What is it, I suppose?

Bowing forward, Lyra spoke.

Lyra: Thank you for healing me. I heard my injuries were very serious and I have you to thank for fixing them.

Before Beatrice could answer, the three were interrupted by two of the remaining villagers that were lingering around in the market square.

Petra's Father: Subaru! We were looking all over for you!

Petra's Mother: Petra had something she wanted to give you for all your efforts last night.

Between the two adults stood a small auburn-haired girl holding a handmade trinket in her hands.

Subaru: Oh, Petra! How thoughtful. You really shouldn't have.

Taking a few paces away from Lyra and Beatrice, Subaru knelt down next to and spoke to the young girl, just out of earshot of the two.

Beatrice: How rude, I suppose. Running off with someone else in the middle of a conversation. Hmph!

Not sure what to say, Lyra simply thanked Beatrice again.

Lyra: But again, thank you.

Beatrice: Not a million "thank-you's" would ever repay the amount of mana that Betty had to use healing you.

Extending her hand out at her response, Lyra responded.

Lyra O-oh! If it's a matter of mana, since you zapped mine before, I can pay you back the mana you used over time, if you'd like. I have better control over my gate now, so—

Beatrice: Betty does NOT want your mana, I suppose. ESPECIALLY from someone who's an anomaly.

Freezing in spot from her response, Lyra's mind sensed a vague familiarity with the term Beatrice had just used.

Didn't Roswaal call me that on the first day when asking for our favor? That's... strange...that she would use it too, considering the two seem to dislike each other...

Beatrice continued in a much-less offended time

Beatrice: Besides, Betty has a feeling that Lyra is going to want ALL of her mana once Betty tells you what she had meant to tell you.

Returning, Subaru rejoined the group. Catching the last thing Beatrice had said, Subaru asked a question.

Subaru: Hmm? What is it you need to tell us?

Beatrice: Betty will inform you, but rather in some place where she won't be interrupted again, I suppose.

Beatrice: You look rather calm for someone who was just told he was going to die, I suppose.

Subaru stood, resolute, staring at the scars still on his forearms like he was earlier.

Beatrice had taken Lyra and Subaru away from the marketplace and the three had ended up in the outskirts of the village. They now stood in a secluded location at the bottom of a retaining wall of stone bricks meant to separate the village from the small plot of farming land where the three now gathered. Perhaps it was in-between the growing seasons or this particular field was out of rotation, but there was no harm in being there at this moment.

Lyra bit her lip at the thought of losing all their progress again and having to restart. Beatrice could sense their annoyance at the concept of death rather than dread. However, she did not question it.

Lyra: Are you SURE you can't undo the curses?

Nodding, Beatrice explained.

Beatrice: Removing curses is a lot like undoing a knot, I suppose. When there is a large, tangled mess, it becomes impossible.

Subaru stared at his scars a moment more before finally rolling his sleeve back up.

Subaru: Are you certain Lyra doesn't have any?

Beatrice: She does not, in fact. She was not bitten like you were. Betty would not have even looked for the curses again on Subaru if the younger maid sister hadn't mentioned it.

Lyra: "The younger maid sister" ? You spoke with Rem recently?

Nodding with crossed arms, Beatrice answered.

Beatrice: Yes. That's the OTHER reason Betty decided to speak with you two, I suppose. The younger maid came to see you two while Betty was still treating the new groundskeeper when she said something about the bites on Subaru. It was just before morning, before Bubby woke up.

It weighed heavily on Lyra's mind that Rem had come back so soon after having been taken away by Ram to go rest. She had CERTAINLY not allowed herself enough time to recover before letting her worries get the better of her to come and check on Subaru and her.

Subaru: So other than Lyra and you, Rem is the ONLY one who knows about the mess of curses put on me, then.

Beatrice: Which brings Betty to her second point. Have either of you seen the younger maid since waking up?

Lyra and Subaru looked at each other and both shook their heads before looking back to Beatrice.

Beatrice: Before she left, the younger maid asked if there were other ways to remove the curses.

Lyra: Is there?

Nodding, the drill-haired girl explained.

Beatrice: The mabeasts use the curse as a way of feeding,. It allows them to absorb mana and ultimately the od of the person inflicted with the curse. The only way to prevent the curse from triggering without removing it is not allow the beast to eat.

Subaru: You have to prevent them from eating. In other words, you have to kill them.

Beatrice: Exactly, I suppose.

Subaru: With as many that bit me, and not knowing which ones did, you'd have to kill the entire pack—

Lyra:: —hk! Beatrice-sama!

Subaru stared confusingly at Lyra's sudden, brash reaction which had cut him off.

Subaru: — — ? — ?

Subaru first looked at Lyra then at Beatrice for a clue. The drill-haired girl stared right at Lyra. An air of expectation to Lyra's reaction was on her eyes.

Lyra: —Rem! She didn't...did she?!

Thoroughly confused now, Subaru chimed back in before being interrupted again.

Subaru: "She didn't" what? She—

Ram: If you know where Rem is, Ram would like VERY much to know just WHERE she's gone.

The three turned their vision up to the top of the retaining wall. Masked by the light of the sun behind her, Ram's silhouette posed the question Beatrice had been waiting for.

Jumping down to their level, Ram began to have small wisps of wind magic begin encircling her. Staring back at her, Beatrice paid the enraged maid no caution.

Lyra: S-She went into the forest, didn't she?! To try and kill all the mabeasts...

Clenching her fists, Ram walked up to Beatrice, wind magic emanating from her.

Ram: WHY!? WHY did you tell Rem that when you KNEW she would act irrationally and would go into the forest and get KILLED trying to redeem herself!

Trying to keep her composure, Ram now stood right in front of Beatrice, making her hair drills and dress flutter and wave in the winds she gave off. Without any reaction to her, Beatrice remained calm when answering.

Beatrice: It does not concern Betty what the younger maid does, I suppose.

In a low, annoyed tone, Ram responded to Beatrice's seemingly-indifferent response.

Ram: You KNEW Rem would act irrationally and go into the forest, didn't you!?

Beatrice continued to look up at the openly-hostile maid, not saying a word and still having her hair and dress flutter from the winds being put off by Ram's rage. Reaching a boiling point, but not letting her anger take control, Ram spun on one heel, and began marching away. With distance between them now, Beatrice finally spoke.

Beatrice: Just WHAT will you do NOW, I suppose?

Stopping and turning, Ram responded.

Ram: I'm going to go find Rem.

Subaru: W-wait, Ram! Shouldn't you slow down for a second and maybe strategize? Do you even KNOW what direction—

Ram: I can find her with Clairvoyance.

Lyra; Clairvoyance?

Ram: It's an ability that lets me see through the eyes of animals and insects that are on my wavelength.

Upon hearing about Ram's ability, Lyra went into a momentary deep thought.

Thinking back on it, Ram being clairvoyant makes a lot of sense. Like when me and Subaru were staking out the mansion...

Shaking her head, Lyra snapped herself back to the present.

Subaru: So I take it then you're the kind of maid that fights, too?

Looking down in an almost-dejected manner, Ram bit her lip before going to answer.

Ram: If you're asking if Ram can enter an oni transformation, then the answer would be "no." Unlike Rem, Ram is hornless...

With the low emotion on her face stronger now, Lyra felt compelled to at least bring the conversation to a lighter tone.

Lyra: Regardless, you've still got your wind magic that's EXTREMELY powerful! Oh! You ALSO have Clairvoyance, which in my opinion is pretty awesome!

Seeing Ram's expression lighten just a little, Lyra continued.

Lyra You're the best person I can think of to find Rem! If me and Subaru help you—

Ram: No. You will only slow Ram down.

Subaru: Can you really just expect us to stay back and do nothing?

Lyra: Exactly, it's like Subaru says... as being the... uhh—

Looking around at the three others that stood before her and remembering that Emilia was present in the village right now, Lyra deducted her current standings.

Lyra: —probably the..uhh... fourth-strongest magic user in the village? It would be a waste for me NOT to come, right?

With a look of hesitancy on her face still, Ram was trying to come up with a counter-argument to them accompanying her until Beatrice chimed in again.

Beatrice: You would be giving up on saving your OWN life if you go to help in retrieving the younger maid sister. Betty doubts you would be able to save her and kill the mabeasts that still hold their curses on you, all in the time you have left, I suppose.

Subaru: Well, it's not quite like that.

Closing his eyes, Subaru took a breath and continued.

Subaru: I'm a greedy guy. I want to live and help find Rem. I might slow you down as I pathetically try to help, but after seeing how you all went to such great lengths to save and heal Lyra and I... I can't just sit back and do nothing!

Opening his eyes and clenching his fist in front of himself, Subaru kept his speech going.

Subaru: Life is EXTREMELY precious. Getting into a habit of giving up just because you're going to die is a terrible excuse to have. Saving Lyra... saving me...saving the village children... It wouldn't make sense to NOT try and save Rem now. So I'm going with you. For better or for worse.

Taking his clenched fist and pounding it into his open palm, Subaru gave himself one last hurrah.

Subaru: We're going to make sure we ALL get to see how this story plays out. Every last one of us is going to be a-okay!

Walking through the forest, Lyra could hear each step the trio took. Leaves crackling under Ram's heels, herself stepping on a dry stick, and finally, the noise of a sword scabbard clinging against the ground a good amount of paces behind her, being used as a walking stick no less.

Ram: After such a spirited speech, Ram would have expected MUCH more energy out of you then this.

After having set out from the village, the trio of Ram, Subaru, and Lyra had been forging out deeper into the forest in search of Rem. It hadn't been long since their departure from the village, but already Subaru was lagging behind Ram and Lyra.

With Ram and Lyra stopping to allow Subaru to catch up, and before responding to Ram, Subaru huffed and puffed for air.

Subaru: *Huff* Gimme a break, alright? *Huff* I lost a lot of blood before I was healed, you know. I'm still technically recovering ...so my energy is low...

Ram: Regardless, that is no way to treat a loaned tool, especially a sword. Absolutely reprehensible.

Having been leaning on his "walking stick" that was actually a sheathed sword while answering Ram, she snorted at his continued misuse of a valuable item on loan.

Lyra: She has a bit of a point, Subaru.

Looking up and giving Lyra an accusatory finger-point, Subaru barked out a response in frustration.

Subaru: YOU'RE one to talk! How aren't YOU just as winded as I am?!

After having set out from the village, not once had Lyra not kept up pace with Ram.

Sighing, Lyra looked down.

Lyra: No offense Subaru, and I don't mean to deny your own ambition, but right now, I'm more determined than ever.

Looking back up, Lyra went on.

Lyra: I'm going to make SURE that Rem makes it home safely and I'm going to make sure we do what needs to be done to keep you alive!

Clenching her fist, Lyra finished.

Lyra: That's why I CAN'T afford to falter!

Acknowledging how Lyra felt, Subaru hung his head in acceptance.

Subaru: I guess I gotta step it up, then...

With that, Ram and Lyra turned to continue their trek into the forest. With a few more minutes of walking, Subaru was lagging behind once more.

Lyra: At least he's keeping up this time.

Ram: For the moment.

There was another minute of silence between the two as they walked with Subaru still struggling to keep up behind them.

Ram's seemed a bit distant since Subaru asked her about fighting, which then led to the discussion about her horn. Was that a rude thing to ask?

Lyra: Hey, Ram.

With Lyra walking to Ram's left, she could not see if she had turned her attention to her and could not see her eye either, as her bangs covered her face from her angle.

Without a response from Ram, Lyra fell back a pace or two and quickened hed own pace briefly again once on her right, allowing her to see her expression now.

Upon matching her pace once more, Lyra saw Ram's expression was one of patience, with her eyes shut as if waiting for Lyra to have done so herself.

Opening her eyes, Ram finally answered.

Ram: You're used to walking on Rem's left side in order to see her face, aren't you?

Thinking about it for a moment, Lyra's mind concluded the same idea as she shrugged.

Lyra: Force of habit, I guess.

Nodding at Lyra's agreement, Ram responded.

Ram: There is something Ram wants to know from you.

Putting her hands in her pockets, Lyra answered, still walking beside her.

Lyra: Funny, I was going to ask you something too.

Extending her hand out and palm upwards in her maid-like fashion, Ram replied.

Ram: Then by all means.

Lyra knew that Ram's response was one that allowed her to take the majority of the social capital here. By her deferring to her asking first, she would be obligated to answer whatever question Ram had next for her.

These maids are OBVIOUSLY trained in MORE than just combat and housekeeping. Negotiating, intrigue... they're full fledged confidants!

Taking a breath before asking, Lyra spoke her question.

Lyra: So...if you don't mind me asking.... what's the story on the whole "no horn" thing?

Ram was slightly startled at Lyra's question, not expecting her to ask outright. With her face moving to the same one of dejection from earlier, Lyra backpedaled slightly.

Lyra: O-or if it's too much trouble or—

Ram: Ram was foolish and it ended with it coding her horn... Oni normally have two, but when twins are born, the horn is split.

Lyra: Rem's horn was your other horn, and yours was Rem's other...

Nodding in confirmation to Lyra's analysis, Ram continued.

Ram: In a way, yes. Normally when twins are born into the Oni Clan, they are killed. But—

Lyra: You two were special for some reason or another...

Ram: I excelled at magic, and because of that, we were both spared... but Rem was not as talented...

Looking down as the two continued to walk, Ram spoke in a lower voice.

Ram: Rem in a way...lived in Ram's shadow when we were young. However, where Ram excelled, Rem found her own way.

Lyra:: Like the cooking and cleaning?

Smiling slightly at the notion, Ram replied.

Ram: Precisely. After losing my horn, I came to rely on Rem. She can do everything better than I can, and—

Putting a hand to her chest, closing her eyes, Ram continued.

Ram: —all the while, Rem continues to look up to her Nee-sama, admiring her and holding her in the highest regard despite her never being able to rely on her or anyone else in turn.

Lowering her hand and giving Lyra a look of determination, Ram went on.

Ram: But despite that, I will NEVER waiver from her position as her Nee-sama. That brings me what I wanted to ask of you.

Lyra: Hmm? What is it you wanted to ask me?

Lyra was somewhat surprised at how her question had been spun into what Ram had wanted to ask her. Lyra listened to what Ram had to ask.

Ram: Rem needs someone to rely on, to lean on. As much as it hurts my honor as her Nee-sama, I can't be that.

Shaking her head, Ram's expression went somber.

Ram: That's why...

Stopping, Ram posed the question she wanted answered to ask Lyra.

Ram: Ram would like YOU to be the one that Rem can rely on.

Lyra's heart took a quick flutter and it felt like her knees were going to buckle. All the moisture in her mouth seemed to have dried up, making her unable to respond.

Ram: Even if it's only temporary, it would be good for Rem to learn to lean on someone else besides her Nee-sama.

Lyra's eyes were fixed with Ram's single eye, which was visible from her bangs.

Lyra: I-I-I—

Be the one for Rem to rely on? ME? Why, though? WHY?!

?: *Huff* Hey, *puff* why are we stopped?

A voice called out from the way they had come from. Turning to meet the voice of their familiar companion, Ram and Lyra began walking again to keep their conversation to themselves.

Subaru: W-wait! I thought we were taking a break!

Getting a good distance between them and Subaru once more, Ram followed up on her previous request.

Ram: Well?

Lyra: It... it doesn't make sense though, Ram... Why ME of all people? I've only been here for a few days...

Ram: In those few days, you've managed to not only have Rem open up to you, but—

Ram was silent for a moment before she looked down and spoke again.

Ram: But you also were there to save her, something her Nee-sama couldn't do.

Stopping again, Lyra looked at Ram, who had stopped a few paces in front of her.

Lura: So... what is it you're asking me to do? What do you want me and Rem to be—

Ram: Whatever is appropriate. It's obvious you care for her in some fashion. Your actions prove as much.

Lyra: I—

Turning and starting to walk again, Ram continued, not expecting Lyra to answer her question now.

Ram: Ram is not looking for an answer right now. It's something that can wait—

Lyra: I will!

Stopping and quickly turning her head, Ram looked back at Lyra, eyes wide open.

Looking at her for a moment, Ram relaxed her eyes once more, regaining her composure. Lyra continued to give Ram a look of determination, waiting for her response. Rather, she did respond, but not to her.. Looking past her, Ram spoke.

Ram: Barusu.

Subaru: Why do you guys keep stopping if you aren't going to wait *huff* up for me!?

Ram: We're far enough into the forest now. Ram will use her clairvoyance now.

Closing her eyes and looking upward to the tree canopy above, Ram was silent.

After a moment of silence, Lyra looked over to Subaru for any insight. With none, Subaru could only shrug. About to look away and back to Ram, the slightest moment in the brush right behind Subaru caught Lyra's attention.

Ram: Something is watching us...

With Ram's sudden and ominous observation from her clairvoyance, Lyra acted.

That's all I need to know.

Grabbing Subaru's shoulder and pulling him towards herself, Lyra got Subaru further away from the suspect undergrowth.

Swimhooking her arm over Subaru's shoulder now, Lyra pushed him further along with her elbow, trying to get his exposed back further away, and got herself between Subaru and from whatever was lunging out or the undergrowth.

Allowing her mana to circulate, Lyra felt it begin to pool in her hand, ready to strike at the foe.

Going to raise her hand, the source of the movement made its leaping escape from the brush.

A mabeast. Just like the ones from before, except—

I misjudged! That thing is gonna reach me before I can get my hand up to vaporize it!

Only fractions of a second before its impact with Lyra, the sound of a razor slicing through meat could be heard.

Suddenly, the mabeast that was lunging to Lyra had its forward inertia redirected and cascaded to the side just far enough to not impact Lyra with a sudden additional, mabeast-colored mass diverging to the opposite side as the first. The only thing between the two halves of mabeast was a veil of dark crimson.

The two halves crashed onto the ground on both sides of Lyra with a large amount of blood between the two.

Letting the mana in her hand return to within her, Lyra looked to the origin of the sound of cutting, only to see Ram walking away from the scene all together.

Silence, shock, and confusion covered Lyra's entire psyche.

What just happened?

Her trance was only broken by Subaru calling out to Ram, following her.

Subaru: Hey! Don't just walk away!

Realizing what Ram had just done and how only thanks to her she was unharmed, Lyra got herself together and chased up after her.

Catching up to her, Lyra matched her pace as they continued walking through the forest.

Lyra: That was some REALLY well-timed wind magic! I didn't have NEARLY enough opportunity to focus MY mana, but you INSTANTLY handled it! 

Ram: Your words of flattery are wasted. Ram only acted in preventing harm to the person who agreed to help Rem.

Lyra: Well...regardless, thank you!

Lyra grinned widely at Ram.

Ram: Ha!

There was a pause of silence before responding in a low voice. Ram spoke.

Ram: However, Ram appreciates your recognition of her actions.

Yep. That's just her way of saying 'You're welcome." Isn't it?

Hearing the peddle of footsteps catching up to them, Subaru finally caught up.

Subaru: Where are we headed now? Did you see anything useful with clairvoyance?

Shaking her head, Ram responded.

Ram: Nothing. That's why we're heading deeper into the forest.

The trio walked three wide though the forest for a few minutes more before coming to a river. Seeing it, Ram headed ahead, jumped across the flat rocks, and waited for Lyra and Subaru. In a low voice so that Ram couldn't hear, Subaru voiced his concern with Lyra.

Subaru: I don't remember coming across a river last night...

Taking the first step up onto the first flat rock, Lyra responded.

Lyra: Yeah... me neither. We're not going to find Rem THIS way...

Hopping to the next rock, Subaru jumped where Lyra had been before. While they both caught their balance, Subaru responded.

Subaru: I've got an idea, though.

Taking the last hop to the other side of the river, Lyra landed and turned to hear Subaru's idea.

Lyra: Yeah? What's that?

Taking his final hop, Subaru landed next to Lyra and answered.

Subaru: Rem is looking for the mabeasts, right? Instead of looking for Rem, let's bring her to us by bringing the mabeasts to us.

Lyra: Just how are we going to do that?

Butting in, Ram inquired about what the two were speaking about.

Ram: Barusu, if you have some sort of idea, at least say it so that Ram can find the problem with your thinking.

Subaru: So harsh! Would it kill you to have some faith?

Ram: Ha! I'm not foolish enough to put ANY unnecessary amount of expectation in YOUR ability.

Subaru: *Sigh*. Anyway...

Walking up to Ram and taking a deep breath, Subaru calmly spoke his "idea" to Ram.

Subaru: Ram, the truth is... I can return by d—

Lyra & Subaru: AUGGH!! 

Nearly falling to her knees in pain, Lyra had not prepared nor expected to feel the shock that Return By Death gives when trying to inform someone of it.

Having known it was going to happen though, Subaru's composure, while also upset, had handled the shock much better.

Not knowing as to why her two fellow search members were now writhing in pain, Ram made her confusion known.

Ram: Barusu! Lyra! Why are you acting this—

Immediately cutting herself off and looking behind her, Ram went silent. Not a fraction of a second later, all of the birds in the trees took flight, as if also disturbed. The forest grew ominously quiet.

Ram: Barusu. What did you—

Stopping herself again, Ram looked around herself once more.

Ram: That's the smell of wild animals. Of—

Stepping into view from the treeline, several mabeasts made themselves known. More glowing red eyes could be seen in the forest beyond that. More and more began to appear.

Regaining her composure completely now, Lyra steadied herself.

Lyra: I think I understand your plan now. I just WISH you could have prepared me for THAT, at least...

Unsheathing his walking sword, Subaru also readied himself.

Subaru: Hey, Nee-sama. I hope you know we'll be relying on YOU to do most of the fighting.

Taking her wand and preparing herself, Ram replied.

Ram: How selfish. Fine. But Ram will make SURE she is repaid when this is all over.

With her response, the first of the beasts cleared the treeline in a full charge towards the trio. With a flick of her wrist, Ram cast the first spell of the battle.

Chapter Text

Chapter 29: Beastslayer (Redo)

The sound of panic filled the forest. Crashing through brush, jumping on fallen logs, dodging tree trunks, and ducking under branches, Lyra and Subaru were running. Running for their lives.

During their fight with the mabeasts, Lyra and Subaru had fought together with Ram. While Ram was easily able to lay out beast after beast with her wind magic, Lyra and Subaru struggled to, but ultimately held their own. Only wounding some with his loaned sword, Subaru was assisted mainly by Lyra, who, with a few casts of Jiwald, had slayed several.

However, after slaying many of the unending hordes...

Subaru: Gha! I thought you said you could fight!?

Being held under Subaru's arm, the pink haired older sister maid responded to his complaint.

Ram: Ram fought, didn't she? Only my strength hadn't lasted as long as I'd hoped.

Struggling to keep up with Subaru and Ram now, Lyra began to lag behind.

Using so much of my mana back there might not have been such a good idea. I barely have any strength left to carry myself forward.

Running through the forest, Subaru was close to ten or so paces ahead of Lyra and widening the gap. Looking to her side, a single mabeast had begun a close pursuit of Subaru with Ram still under his arm. One wrong move and the beast would tear into them both.

Raising her arm, Lyra summoned the last shred of mana in herself, sent it to her palm, and fired off the last spell she could muster.

Lyra: Jiwald!

The light from her spell escaped from her open hand, scattering before her and enveloping her target. Letting out a final roar of pain, the mabeast was no more.

They're safe...for now...

Lyra's final clear thought rolled through her mind before she became very weak and fatigued. Trying her hardest to keep running, Lyra's legs eventually swayed too much mid-stride, making her lose her balance and begin to tumble. Seeing a deep-yet-narrow natural trench in the ground ahead of her as she began to stumble, Lyra knew she would need to jump over it in one go to keep the pursuing mabeasts far enough away. Approaching while still running, Lyra readied her footwork, preparing to bend her knees and shoot forward. Getting up to the edge, Lyra attempted to propel herself across. With all her might, she pushed off.

But no jump came.

After her knees and other joints bent to propel herself forward, no launching motion came. Lyra did not have the energy or stamina. Her body would not let her. Without being able to cross over the trench, Lyra's inertia nonetheless continued forward, landing her a one-way trip, downward. Trying to brace her own fall, Lyra held her hands out forward to catch herself, but when the ground came, the same lack of strength her legs experienced was also true for her arms trying to brace her fall. With the sudden impact, Lyra rolled and tumbled into the trench. Sliding downward, Lyra grabbed for whatever she could. She felt his hand grab bark. A branch. 

Trying to pull herself up, Lyra quickly realized this branch was not actually attached to anything. Instead the motion of trying to catch herself had worked against her, causing her to fall to the bottom of the trench, the branch she pulled covering her. 

Now motionless at the bottom of the trench on her back, Lyra spat the dirt out from her mouth. Realizing the situation still at hand, she had fully expected that a few mabeasts had followed her down into the trench. Readying mana in her hands, she prepared to fight for her life. Yet, as the branches still laid over the top of her, peering through the detached brush that covered her, not a single mabeast seemed to notice.

Lyra laid in wait running on pure adrenaline, what little mana she still had was poised and ready to fire at her command. From between the leaves and twigs, Lyra watched above herself. As she heard the horde of beasts pass over and around herself , a few jumped over the trench as she had planned to do so herself once At the bottom, all the sounds of the forest seemed to funnel down to her, and the vibrations of many running beasts filled her body. The scene lasted for another few moments before silence fell upon the area around her.

Lyra waited for more beasts to pass overhead, surely that wasn't all of them. Waiting a moment more, Lyra struggled to pull herself up to a crouching position, pushing the branches she had drug down with her off. Now standing, she looked all around herself.

I think the beasts passed...

The forest at this point was silent. Any and all creatures or birds that made sound had evacuated the area from the mabeast hoard. Putting her hands on the slope of the trench, Lyra figured she had fallen several times her own height, and getting out wasn't going to be an easy task.

Lyra:: If I still had all my strength, I might be able to pull myself out, but right now... I'm just too weak for that...

Looking down the trench's length, Lyra saw a series of rocks embedded into the side where she might be able to get a footing on. Making her way across the trench, Lyra approached the first large rock, one of a few boulders that had been knocked down into the trench somewhat-recently, either from erosion or something else. Getting ready to hoist herself up onto it and make it to the next rock, Lyra paused at the sound she heard.

The sound of chains. Very specific chains.

Turning to the direction of the sound, it was in the way Lyra had come from before falling into the trench. The sound of chains repeated, getting closer.

Without any further hesitation, Lyra pulled herself up onto the first bolder, only to climb back off it on the other side. She crouched down behind the boulder and peered over the side of it, trying to get a good look but not risk exposing herself. Only a few moments later, with the sound of chains getting louder did a familiar blue-haired young woman appear. Stepping out of the forest and to the edge of the trench, Rem approached.

Lyra's heart fluttered for a moment, seeing Rem alive and well, but quickly noticed the state she was in. With her horn illuminated, Rem's clothes were torn in various locations, perhaps they were new tears, or the same from the previous night. Walking to the edge of the trench, Rem stared up into the sky.

Is she all together right now, or is she frenzied like last time? I can't tell...

Lyra desperately wanted to call out, in the chance Rem actually wasn't frenzied. Before she could make up his mind, Rem began to sniff the air. Seeing this, Lyra's heart stopped and sunk.

Oh no... She smells the Witch's scent! She's going to find me, isn't she? This might be REALLY bad...

Feelings of fight or flight raced through Lyra. Does she bunker down? Does she now immediately run away, giving herself what could be precious seconds of time before Rem locks in on her?

Her mouth went dry. Lyra was frozen.

Stopping her sniffing, Rem's face turned to a grin, one filled with insanity and malice. Getting ready to choose something to do, Lyra's hesitation was beaten by Rem's next action. Bending her knees, Rem jumped and propelled herself forward, over the trench and then some. Standing back up and looking in the direction Rem had gone, Lyra was stunned she had passed over her like that.

She's got to be... Ram and Subaru!

Wild thoughts and speculation of what Rem's intentions were whirled through Lyra's mind, but she didn't have time to contemplate. Pulling herself back onto the boulder, Lyra climbed the rest of the way out of the trench. Ignoring her own fatigue, Lyra forced her muscles to pull herself upward. Reaching the top and back on to the forest floor, Lyra gave herself one large breath before bolting in the direction Rem had gone.

Lyra could see light and the sky behind the trees in the direction she was running.

A clearing! I might have a better chance of seeing what way Rem was following Subaru and—!

Lyra: —Hk!

As she thought, Lyra approached the "clearing" past the trees in the direction she was running, only to be met by a sharp, steep, and sudden cliff edge that she had nearly fallen off of. Catching herself, Lyra gulped her heart back into her chest and took a careful step back. The ground below the cliff edge was extremely far down. Looking over the edge, it was apparent there were mabeasts down there, although from where Lyra stood, they may as well be ants. As she looked over the cliff's edge, a shine caught Lyra's eye. Getting closer, Lyra peered at the shiny object embedded into the cliff face, nearly half-way down.

Lyra: Is that—?

Focusing her eyes, there was no denying it. Broken off in the cliff was the end of the sword Subaru had been using as a walking stick earlier that had been loaned to him. Having a thought of secondhand pity of Subaru for having to tell the young man he had borrowed the sword from that he had broken it, Lyra quickly cast the thought aside as she noticed two familiar specs at the base of the cliff, huddled behind a boulder.

There was no mistaking the two heads, one with a pink bob-cut and one with slightly-messy black hair, even from this far.

Ram! Subaru!

It hadn't appeared they had fallen the entire way, but if they had, they would certainly be much more red...

Noting the location of her comrades, Lyra observed the rest of the large clearing at the bottom of the cliff. Dozens and dozens of mabeasts populated the ground and were circled around one spec in the very center.That spec however, was another familiar one. Squinting her eyes, Lyra could make out the familiar hue of blue.

Lyra: Rem... she's—!

Quickly realizing how surrounded she was, Lyra knew Rem had no way, or perhaps even no care, for how outnumbered she was. Deciding that it was pointless to just watch, Lyra looked to her left and right, trying to see what would be the quickest way down off the cliff.

Although Ram and Subaru were off to the left, Lyra could see no easy or quick way down from that side that would allow her to regroup with them, and going right was clearly and vastly quicker. Not wanting to waste any time, Lyra headed right, running along the cliff face and down the gradual slope. Occasionally taking glances at the situation, it was clear Rem was in a fight she ultimately wouldn't be able to win. Just past halfway down the slope, Lyra was getting much closer to the action, and could see what was taking place in greater detail. 

What appeared to be Subaru had emerged from the boulder, and Rem was taking swings at him with her morningstar. Seeing the situation worsen more, Lyra ran faster, taking no more opportunities to look at what was happening. Reaching the forest below, Lyra made her way to the rocky clearing at the bottom of the cliff.

Hiding behind one of the trees at the beginning of the clearing, most of the mabeasts at this point were concentrated at the opposite side. Lyra could no longer see Subaru and Ram, but she COULD see Rem in the fight of her life. Kicking, punching, whipping, and smashing, Rem took out beast after beast. Staying out of sight, Lyra was powerless to do anything to assist in the situation. Observing the battlefield, Lyra saw to the opposite side of the clearing, the same small dog that had been the orchestrator of the landslide that had nearly killed her.

There it is again! That HAS to be the leader of the mabeasts! If I can sneak around, I can use my trump card and—

Before Lyra could finish her strategizing, a new entity entered the fray.

Subaru: AAAGGGHHH!

Running out from behind a boulder, Subaru charged forward, with a certain familiar pink-haired maid slung over his shoulder.

What is he—?!

Stopping halfway between where he'd come from and Rem, Subaru twisted his torso, putting the energy from his charge into what appeared to be a throw.

Subaru: Hey, Rem! Catch!

Springing his torso back the other way around and with his hands on Ram's calves, Subaru launched Ram forward and upward, Rem-bound. The rest of the world seemed to stop and watch the scene before them. Gliding through the air, arms held out in front of her, all eyes were on Ram, including Rem's. Falling slightly, and sloping downward, Ram approached Rem, who was slowly beginning to hold her arms, ready to catch her older sister. Finally reaching the blue-haired maid, Ram was caught in her younger sister's free arm. Both Subaru and Lyra IMMEDIATELY saw the change in expression on Rem's face, and her lack of hostility, even in her frenzied state, towards her sister. Seeing his opening however, Subaru charged forward, a broken sword held above his head.

What is he doing?!

Subaru: AAAGGGHHH! REM!

Looking back, Ram shouted to the charging hero.

Ram: Her horn! Barusu! Now!

Within striking distance, Subaru closed the gap, reading his sword, projecting the flat of the blade outward, ready to smack Rem right on her horn.

So, hit the horn, she'll calm down? That's so cliche!

Taking his opportunity, Subaru took one final bound, but Lyra could see a twinkle of doubt in his eyes, an expression that lacked the ambition to follow through. Taking an odd step, Subaru stumbled with his strike, a strike that Rem easily sidestepped.

Subaru: Oh, crap! I hesitated!

Stumbling forward past Rem, Subaru turned and tried to regain his composure. Seeing the act of hostility, Rem instantly returned to her frenzied state. Reaching back with her free arm that still held her morningstar's handle, Rem set forth to strike Subaru down. Normally, in such a position, still holding her sister, Rem would not be able to adequately strike Subaru accurately enough that he could not just dodge, especially with her off-hand. However given the circumstances and the positioning of the mabeasts around them, Subaru had nowhere to run to, and nowhere to dive to without being far enough from any mabeasts to safely recover.

Damn it! If Subaru dies its—!

Cutting off his own thoughts, Lyra immediately saw a larger danger. Upon the boulder it sat, the head mabeast let out a commanding, yet tiny howl as it cast forth it's magic as it had the night before. Its eyes glowing, the ground beneath Rem began to quake as she finished reaching fully back on her swing to Subaru. Looking downward, even in her frenzied state, Rem could easily tell what was about to happen. In the mere fractions of a second she had left, Rem looked to her older sister, still being held up by one arm. Ram exchanged with Rem a look of exhaustion before nodding her head down.Rem's mind raced, trying to comprehend everything around her. Her instincts, burning, told her to prioritize her sister. "Keep Ram safe. Ram will be hurt too if you don't get her away".

Dropping the handle to her morningstar, Rem pushed Ram away. Away from ground that was quaking beneath her feet, and away from herself. Rem had left herself to be the sole sacrifice to the head mabeast's magic. No sooner had Ram cleared the affected area, the ground violently projected itself upward beneath Rem, sending her flying. Up, up, and up, Rem flew. Several times higher than the tree canopy around them, such a fall would not be recoverable. Without her morningstar in hand either, Rem could not hope to even break her fall or redirect her energy.

Reaching the apex of her flight, Rem began to return back to the ground. Her trajectory taking her in her direction, Lyra sprang to action. Running out from behind her cover, Lyra made herself known.

Lyra: Rem!

Going as fast as her legs would let her, Lyra rushed to catch the falling maid. Although exhausted, she commanded hee legs to move faster. She HAD to get there! She HAD to catch her! Nothing else was acceptable! A feeling of terrible urgency began to overwhelm Lyra as she saw Rem fall lower and lower. Concentrating as hard as she could, Lyra would not let herself hesitate as Subaru had, she could not let herself lose hed footing due to her emotions overwhelming her.

Lyra knew she was close, so close but yet so far from being able to reach the falling maid. Letting her instincts take over, Lyra let her legs throw themselves forward in a jump, letting them slide forward, letting herself become lower right before reaching Rem, letting herself maximize how much space she could cover before she hit the ground. Reaching her arms out as she slid across the ground, a featherweight of a young maiden fell into her waiting arms. Kicking up a small dust storm, Lyra held Rem tight as she slid to a stop, holding her close. Still in her frenzied state however disoriented, Rem pushed herself away from Lyra, while still staying in her arms. With an arm under her legs, and an arm behind her shoulders on her back, Lyra shook and called to Rem.

Lyra: Rem! Please! It's me! Lyra! Rem, you've gotta snap out of it!

Beginning to get her bearings again, the maid in her arms began to fidget around, trying to get away before her strength could fully return. Taking the hand of the arm under her legs, Lyra reached for her hand, trying desperately to get a hold of it. With assistance from her other hand, Lyra clasped Rem's hand inside her own. Their palms touching each other, Rem seemed to freeze still from her thrashing. Her eyes began to lose their wild look as they slowly moved along with her head to face Lyra.Their eyes meeting, Lyra could not prevent herself from smiling.

Lyra: Fancy you dropping by, Rem.

A smile also growing on her face, Rem's horn began to slowly dematerialize.

Rem: L-Lyra...-ch-chan...

Slowly, Rem's free hand began to reach up to Lyra's face. The closer her hand came, the more and more her horn disappeared.

Rem: Lyra is all h-healed now...

Her horn fully subsided, Rem's fingertips lightly brushed Lyra's face as her arm fell back to Rem's side. Her eyes shutting, and the hand that Lyra held going limp, Rem spoke more.

Rem: Rem is so happy... so happy that Lyra-chan is okay...

No longer having the energy to stay conscious, the blue hair maid shut her eyes fully and went to rest, her body drained of all her energy.

Ram: Barusu! Go left at that fallen log!

Jumping over a rock, Subaru took a sharp left as instructed as a mabeast flew toward him.

Ram: Fula!

Casting wind magic from her fingertips, Ram shredded the mabeast to pieces.

Lyra: Ram!

Putting her free shoulder forward, Lyra body-checked another pouncing mabeast to Ram's left flank. knocked off track, the beast was thrown forward, away from Ram. Not giving it a second chance, with a flick of her finger, she commanded her wind magic, slicing its neck, dispatching the beast. Running again, the three currently who were currently conscious ran through the dark forest with the mabeasts continuing to pressure them. Following Subaru, who had taken point, Ram soon outpaced him, taking the lead spot, while Lyra brought up the rear, slightly encumbered with the target of their rescue under her arm. Taking Ram's suggested path, the three found themselves making distance from the mabeasts behind them.

Running for a while longer, it was clear there was a need for a rest, else they collapse from exhaustion. Heading into a bushel of shrubbery, Ram waved for Subaru and Lyra to follow her. Huddled together among an opening in the middle of the shrubs,, the three caught their breath and let their legs rest.

Subaru: Do you *huff* have any idea how far we are from *huff* the barrier?

Nodding her head, Ram answered.

Ram: We're getting closer to the barrier, but it's still not entirely close.

Punching the ground, Subaru let his frustration be seen.

Subaru: Damn it!

At the sound of his strike hitting the ground, the blue haired maid under Lyra's arm still began to stir awake.

Rem: Why...

Somewhat startled to hear Rem's voice suddenly, Lyra looked down to her under her arm.

Lyra: Rem! You're awake! Here, don't move! I can carry you more comfortably for you now if you just—

Rem: Why? Why did you come?

Lyra: Huh? What do you mean? Why else other then—

Rem: It would have been easier to leave me!

Turning her head back down, tears began to form in her eyes.

Rem: No one else would have to get hurt... Lyra-chan wouldn't need to be hurt again... For you all to show up, it makes it pointless now! Rem wasn't able to save Lyra-chan and now Rem isn't able to save Subaru-kun now either. Her tears began to well up more. Subaru spoke up, trying to help.

Subaru: None of that matters now. Me and Ram and Lyra are probably torn up a lot worse than you are. Ram passed out twice, Lyra fell down a hole, and my shoulder was dislocated. Once Subaru perhaps didn't use the best word choice, Rem hung her head once more.

Rem: It's all Rem's fault... Rem has to take responsibility for her actions, and atone for them. If Rem can't do that, then Rem will never be able to help Nee-sama or Subaru-kun or Lyra-chan... Nothing will have changed for Rem! Rem will continue to be the same as back when—

Lyra: Rem.

Cutting off Rem's words, Lyra stopped her.

Rem: Yes?

Lyra set the maid down from under her arm. Rem turned to face Lyra on her knees while everyone continued to squat down low in the brush. Going down to one knee and placing a hand on Rem's shoulder, Lyra spoke.

Lyra: Getting mad, storming off, and trying to fix everything yourself isn't a solution. It never is, and it never will be. You've got to learn to rely on others. To lean on others.

As Rem continued to hang her head, Lyra turned back to Ram. Having used the same topics she had spoken to her about earlier that day, Lyra exchanged a look with Ram for reassurance. Getting a nod from the older maid sister, Lyra turned back to Rem, putting a hand on each of her shoulders now.

Lyra: I know you can't just decide to rely on someone, to just lean on them. You might not be able to with Subaru, and you might not even be able to with your sister, given the place you put her in your heart, but.. Rem...

Looking up to Lyra, the tilt of Rem's head let her bangs move, allowing both of her blue eyes to lock with Lyra's also-blue eyes.

Lyra:: You can ALWAYS rely on me. You can lean on me. I promise you that.

Her eyes forming with tears once more, Rem's voice quivered with a mix of emotions.

Rem: Lyra-chan...

Hearing the sound of nearby brush and foliage being rustled, Subaru stood up slightly to poke his head up and out of the brush the four currently resided in before quickly ducking back down.

Subaru: Damn it!

Lyra: I can't believe they're back to being so close, so quickly!

Turning to Ram, Subaru asked a question with great agitation in his voice.

Subaru: Which way should we run?

Ram: Straight to the left at full speed. But what's our plan?

Subaru: Well—

Lyra: Ram, you carry Rem. Subaru, you make sure NO beasts get CLOSE to them. I'll run right and draw the mabeasts' attention.

Rem: You can't! Lyra-chan won't survive that. If you... If Lyra-chan gets hurt again badly like before...Rem doesn't know what she'll—

Lyra: I've... I've got a plan!

Grabbing the single item in her pocket, Lyra held it in her closed hand. This was the one item she had grabbed from her desk before departing to the village the previous night. Placing it back in her pocket, Lyra turned to grab Rem once more, placing her on her older sisters back.With everyone standing up in the brush now, they prepared to go their separate ways.

Rem: Why? Why are you doing all this, Lyra-chan?

Lyra: Well, because it's like I just told you. You can rely on me.

Placing a hand on top of Rem's sky-blue hair, Lyra smiled at the oni maid. She could feel the softness of her hair as she placed her hand along the smoothness as she lifted her hand back up.

Lyra: Now, go! I'll do what I have to do!

With that, Ram set out, running to the left. Just as Subaru went to follow, he was stopped by Lyra's hand on the back of his shoulder. Turning back with a "Hmm?", Subaru heard what Lyra had to say.

Lyra: Remember, I'm non-essential.

Subaru could only reply with a look of mixed emotions. Unable to find the words to answer, Lyra's hand on his shoulder turned to a push, urging Subaru to continue with Ram.

Lyra: I'll catch you around!

With that, Lyra ran to the right, down a path of certain uncertainties. As Ram and Rem were already off, Rem turned her head to see Lyra, running off and away into the direction of the mabeasts.

Rem: Lyra-chan!

Ram: Rem, don't look back. You'll make all of Lyra's's efforts meaningless now if we don't escape.

But Rem could not bring herself to look away as she rode on Ram's back.

Running, Lyra knew that at any moment, she could be attacked by beasts waiting to her side. Only a few paces later, still within Rem's vision, Lyra found herself at the mouth of a small forest clearing. At its center, the puppy that had bitten the village children. The arbiter of the entire situation, the curse deaths, everything.

The head mabeast.

Stopping at its appearance, the small beast's eyes began to glow a dark crimson red color. Not sure what to expect, Lyra readied herself, placing what little mana she had in hed palms and the singular item in her pocket into her mouth. As she did, the singular beast before her began to convulse. Almost as if its skin began to boil, the little beast began to grow and grow.Its body enlargening, its fangs, teeth, claws, and snout all began to grow to monstrous proportions. Soon, the once little beast was now a full grown monster. Now, in this form, it was truly worthy of being called the Head Mabeast. Unleashing a mighty roar at its complete transformation, Rem, from her sisters back, could easily see from her distance that the beast now stood three, perhaps even close to four times Lyra's height. Seeing the immense danger Lyra was in now, Rem turned back to her sister, tightening her grip she held to stay on.

Lyra: You're not the ONLY one with an ace up their sleeve, either!

Raising her hand, Lyra pooled every last bit of mana she had into it.

It's not much, barely enough for a single Jiwald. But with this...!

Taking a bite of the item in Lyra's mouth, which was actually the Bokko fruit that Emilia had given her which she had not yet used, Lyra felt an immense rush of mana flow through herself.Feeling the mana pour in, Lyra commanded it all to her hand

Rem: Nee-sama!

Turning back to see what had upset Rem, Ram fell over to her side by Rem's hand. With both of them collapsed on the ground, it was Rem who immediately rolled over looking to face Lyra, who she was certain was going to die. With terror in her heart and tears in her eyes, Rem called out in a near-scream.

Rem: LYRA-CHAN!!

With the pressure of all this new-found mana continuing to pour into her hand, Lyra readied herself. With the beast's eyes glowing, it raised its mighty paw, as big as a knight's shield, and with claws as long as swords and just as sharp, ready to kill Lyra in a single swipe.

I sure hope I can do this...but it's my ONLY chance!

Maximizing the amount of mana she felt hed hand could withstand, Lyra cast her magic, a spell she had only heard of in an explanation of how magic worked in this world.

Lyra: Take this! El Jiwald!

An immense heat escaped Lyra's hand. Except while warmer than his normal Jiwald, it was not the same blinding cascade of scattering light being emitted from hef hand, but rather a concentrated amount of light. On each finger tip a beam of light was projected. Quickly seeing the difference, Lyra had not entirely expected El Jiwald to be similar, but she did suspect there might be an unforeseen difference. With her open palm facing the beast, Lyra closed her palm halfway, having each of her finger tips face and point at the beast. As the light was brought in quickly, it burned the skin of the beast as her fingers came to center on it, causing it to flinch and delaying its paw swipe. With each of the five beams of light now focused on the beast, the immense heat of them drilled their way into its chest, straight down its entire body, through the entirety of its abdomen. Such complete shock and pain had stopped the beast completely.

No more than a second or two of the beams of light being affixed to the beasts chest, the lights made their exit on the back of the beasts body. Lyra had drilled five complete holes through the entirety of the head mabeast's body. With the light subsiding and ending, the five, or rather ten wounds in total began gushing an immense amount of blood. Dropping its paw, the beast staggered backward and coughed up a large amount of blood. Howling in pain, the beast stumbled from its left, and then to its right, before falling to its side.Letting out a final whimper, the head mabeast that had towered several times Lyra's height laid, defeated at her feet. 

An uneasy amount of adrenaline showered through Lyra. A mix of emotions of accomplishment, relief, disbelief, and many more. However, it was short lived. With the familiar feeling of extreme mana loss, Lyra collapsed to a single knee, heaving and huffing for air in exhaustion. Another sensation filled Lyra's immediate attention. The sensation of danger. There was danger around her. Forcing hed eyes to see clearly, Lyra saw in the treeline all around her were mabeasts. Several. Then a dozen. Dozens. Too many to count.In his current state though, Lyra did not even have the strength to stand, let alone run away or fight.

Lyra continued to huff and breath heavily. There was nothing else she could do. Finally, after a tenuous stare-off, one beast charged, then five, then ten. Twenty. More. All charging at once, unprepared to show Lyra any mercy for killing their "leader".Closing her eyes tightly and reluctantly, Lyra prepared to feel the pain of being shredded to bits, only letting a few last words slip out.

Lyra: Please...keep Rem safe, Subaru...

The first mabeast to charge, the closest, jumped as it charged, mere fractions of a second away from ripping Lyra to pieces, when suddenly...

?: Uuuuuul Goa!

Before Lyra's eyes, a bright flame engulfed the charging mabeast. Soon,the rest followed. One by one, they all ignited into flames, collapsing where they stood. Soon the entire treeline was ablaze with burning mabeast.

?: My oh my, it seems like Lyra-chan has quiiiiiiite the hunting trophy to take home here.

Descending down from the sky, a man in a morning suit and top hat, adorned with clown makeup landed in the middle of the now burning forest clearing.

Still exhausted, but now extremely relieved, Lyra choked his voice to work.

Lyra: Roswaal... What are you—?

Roswaal: Emilia-sama was quite thorough in giving me a lecture worthy of making me seek out Subaru and you.

Before Lyra could respond, another voice called out.

Ram: Roswaal-sama!

Turning to see her, Ram, with Rem on her shoulder, supporting her to walk on her own, walked up to Roswaal and bowed for the both of them.

Ram: We are both terribly sorry to trouble you so.

Roswaal: Actually on the contraaaaaaairy, you have all done fine work in my absence. I will make sure to show my gratitude to you all, you have my word.

Getting ready to breathe in a sigh of relief, Lyra was blindsided to her side, falling to the ground on her back.

Lyra: R-Rem?!

Rem: Lyra-chan!

Gripping the top part of Lyra's uniform with her hands tightly, Rem cried into her chest, her head shaking back and forth.

Lyra: Ouch! H-hey, Rem! Hold on, please! I'm sore all over right now!

Rem: You're alive! You stayed alive!

Lyra: Rem!

Rem: Lyra-chan! Lyra-chan! Lyra-chan! Lyra-chan!

Suddenly feeling all strength in her body vanish, Lyra knew exactly what came next.

Lyra: Oh, here it comes...

After completely tapping out her gate for mana, and with Rem continuing to cry into her chest, Lyra passed out from extreme exhaustion.

Chapter Text

Chapter 30: R.M.T

Feeling the tingle of light on her closed eyes, Lyra began to slowly wake up.The sensation she felt was very familiar. The smell of fresh, laundered bed sheets and cut flowers filled Lyra's nose as she took a breath in. She could feel just how high-quality the sheets on the bed were from how soft and smooth they were.

Opening her eyes, Lyra saw the familiar ornately-designed ceiling she was familiar with when she would wake up, but only on the first day in the mansion. Her room's ceiling was not as ornate as the one in the guest room. Seeing the ceiling, feeling the bed that was not her, and feeling the same sensation and smells as her first mornings, a squall of fear and sorrow filled Lyra.As if originating from her heart, she could feel the sensation be pumped around all of her body with each heartbeat. Fear, regret, frustration, sorrow, the cocktail of emotions mixed with her blood and spread above his body. All the things she had done right...was it all gone?

Her legs began to shiver slightly and a cold sweat began to develop on her forehead. Shutting her eyes, Lyra fought to keep tears from forming. Lyra just wanted to roll up into a ball and comfort herself, the only thing she could think to cope with the coming dread that felt as if it were diffusing into her very soul. Going to move her hands, Lyra first felt her left hand. Her fingers quivered as she pulled the sheets it held into a loose fist.Her right hand was something completely different. Her fingers didn't quiver in the least, and it was as if the dread in her blood was not reaching that hand at all. Instead, it felt as if her hand was warm. A feeling of compassion and love was present in her hand, keeping the dread from taking over her body entirely. In Lyra's hand, she could feel a softness and smoothness not unlike the sheets, but better, and warmth not produced by herself, but from its own volition. Turning her head, Lyra then opened her eyes more, eager to see what her hand held.

Before her, laid her hand, holding another hand. Their fingers were woven together, tight like a cloth stitch. Eight fingers in total, one of hera, one of the other's, one of hers, one of the other's. In her dread-filled drowsiness, Lyra mustered the strength to try and look up from the owner of the hand she held. Trying to raise her eyes up, up to see just who was being kind enough to show her pity like this, she was stopped before she could fully see for herself.

?: Lyra-chan? Are you awake?

Lyra's body up to that point had been a still puddle, one that had been slowly but surely been turning more and more murky as the dread expanded and took over everything, but at the sound of the voice that spoke to her, a single drop from high above fell onto the puddle, creating a ripple that cleared away all the murky dread that filled Lyra.Looking up at the voice, Lyra's answer to whose voice it was by sight alone was unanswered by the silhouette the person was in, created by themselves from the intense morning light being cast in from the open window behind them. Like an angel, this person was there when Lyra needed them most, at what felt like could be her lowest.

The warmth from the hand she held quickly continued up her arm and purified the rest of her body from the dread that threatened to drown hef in fear and regret. Regardless of what hef eyes couldn't tell her, Lyra knew EXACTLY who it was that was here with her. No one else could ever hope to make her dread disappear as it had. No one else could speak to her in such a calm and reassuring way. No one else could hold her hand this way. No one could look as much as an angel as she did, even if she was a "demon." Looking up to the maid that held her hand, Lyra let het morning voice croak out the name of the person she owed the most to in this new world she found himself still in.

Lyra: Rem.

With the light behind her blue hair subsiding, and Lyra's eyes adjusting, Rem came into full view for her, her warm expression still holding the brightness of the light that was there no more.

Rem: Yes, it is your Rem.

With her words came a slight squeeze from the hand she held, as if reassuring Lyra that everything was okay. Bringing her other hand to her chest, Rem hung her head, and her warm smile turned to one of bittersweetness.

Rem: Rem was never able to apologize for not being able to save Lyra-chan from nearly dying and for further endangering her after that.

A stripe of guilt went through Lyra. Sitting up, Lyra put her spare hand over Rem's as it still held her own.

Lyra: Wha- Hey...hey, Rem! Please don't be sad! It all turned out okay didn't it? I'm fine, and I'm guessing Subaru turned out fine too, right?

The mere fact it was the next morning and she had not Returned By Death with Subaru had meant the curses had to have been lifted somehow. Lyra had no doubt that Subaru was in no danger from them any longer.

Rem: Yes. Roswaal-sama cleared the rest of the forest of any and all mabeasts, so it would not be possible for Subaru-kun's curses to activate.

Lyra: See? Everything worked out! Could we have hoped for a better result?

Rem was quiet for a moment before answering, her head still hung, and her smile gone.

Rem: Things would have been much better had Rem not been as powerless or incompetent as she is. If Nee-sama had had her horn, nothing bad would have happened. Rem will always just be Nee-sama's replacement, meaning Rem will never be as good. Rem will always be inferior.

Lowering her head more, letting the hand at her chest drop, and losing part of the grip she held on Lyra s hand, Rem was silent again before continuing.

Rem: Why was Rem the one to keep her horn? Why couldn't Nee-sama keep hers? Why did she have to only be born with one horn?

Going quiet for a moment again, tears began to well up in Rem's eyes.

Rem: Why did... Why did we have to be born twins?

Lyra: Wha....Hey! Don't say such things about yourself!

Lyra was shocked at the way Rem felt at how she was letting herself say such self defeating things in front of herself. She had a look on her face which was a mix of concern for Rem's and defensiveness due to her saying such things about herself which Lyra knew couldn't be farther from true. Seeing Lyra's expression, Rem quickly wiped away her tears with her sleeve.

Rem: Please excuse Rem. It was not Rem's intention to become so emotional. Please forget what Rem said.

Tightening the hand she still held on Rem's, Lyra spoke up in Rem's defense yet again.

Lyra: Rem, I think you put your sister on WAY much of a pedestal. Even if she had kept her horn, I don't think she'd be ANY better off in her current position, you know?

Looking up, Rem's expression had finally finished being a somber one, now being one of surprise.

Lyra: I mean, come on! No offense to your sister or anything, but her cooking, cleaning, and work ethic are all NOTHING compared to yours! She often slacks off on the job and—

Rem: You're wrong! Nee-sama's true self is more… If Lyra-chan knew what...

Hesitating, Lyra could see Rem struggling to truly find fault in her words.

Rem: Eh—, what Rem means is if Nee-sama had her horn, then—

Lyra:: Well ,guess what? She doesn't, so it's pointless for me to know what she would be like if she DID have her horn.

Rem was silent at Lyra's words, hanging her head once more.

Lyra: Rem, I think you need to realize that...you have what Ram doesn't. You can do the things she can't. She relies on you to do that. How can someone who's supposed to be so much better than you be THAT if THEY also have to rely on YOU that much more?

Bringing her hand back to her chest, Rem looked back up, listening to Lyra's words carefully.

Lyra: Nobody here NEEDS to be better or worse than anyone else, though! She's your sister! She can rely on YOU since YOU'RE the one who is able to cook and clean and give their best effort when doing things!

Letting go of Rem's hand, Lyra turned, putting her feet on the ground.

Lyra: Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you're ENTIRELY wrong in giving your sister praise. She DOES have her good moments too, after all!

Standing up and stretching, Lyra re-extended her hand that Rem had been holding back to her once more.

Lyra: If it wasn't for Ram, then me, Subaru, and you might not be here right now....but, you know what? If it hadn't been for you, Rem... I wouldn't be alive right now...

Lyra gazed back at Rem fondly and gazed into her eyes as she spoke. Hearing Lyra's words, Rem's expression stiffened slightly, letting her know her words were getting through to her. Taking Lyra's hand, Rem was helped up from her chair.

Rem: If my TRUE Nee-sama had been there, EVERYTHING would have been MUCH less painful...

Lyra: Maybe so, but YOU were the one who saved ME, regardless... and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!

Lyra gave Rem a cheerful smile and giggled slightly. A slight gasp came from Rem.

Rem: B-but if Rem had been quicker...o-or not been reckless with her mana...then—

Looking down once more, Rem's sad expression quickly returned.

Rem: Rem said she was only Nee-sama's replacement, yet still—

Lyra's smile faded as she once again jumped to Rem's defense.

Lyra: Hey, now! You shouldn't see it that way, Rem! It's not fair to yourself! I may not be ENTIRELY privy to how Ram lost her horn, but you know what? All you've got to be is the horn Ram DOESN'T have. She relies on you for that already, doesn't she? Nothing changes other than how you view YOURSELF!

Rem: But...

Lyra turned a mixture of serious and comforting.

Lyra: It's fine for people to rely on others, Rem... everyone should. Ram needs to rely on you, but you know what you need to do too? Have someone you can rely on.

Rem was silent. Turning her gaze away from the floor, she slightly gripped Lyra's hand that she continued to hold before speaking.

Rem: Rem is... very weak. Especially now. If you keep saying these things, it will be Lyra-chan that Rem will be relying on...

Lyra: Rem, don't you remember? I already said you could.

With a look of surprise forming on Rem's face from her words, she could tell she was about to protest it, so Lyra spoke again before she could.

Lyra: There's nothing wrong with it. Just look at how relatively helpless and weak Subaru is, he has to rely on everyone he can to get through things. You having one person to rely on really isn't a big deal, Rem. If anything, it's worse to NOT rely on ANYONE at all.

Putting her free hand over Rem's hand holding her own again, Lyra looked down at their overlapping hands and softly smiled.

Lyra: I already rely on you, so we can just lean on each other, okay? We can talk, laugh, and help each other, okay? It's the least I can do for the angel that's come into my life to help me as much as you have! 

As Lyra finished speaking, a gust of wind came in through the open window. Gently swaying the curtains and rocking the petals of the cut flowers in their vases, so too did Rem's blue bangs sway in the wind, showing both her eyes begin to well up with tears in them. With the sun's light also shining brightly once more, the same tears began to catch the light as they fell, giving Rem the look as if she herself were shining too.

Rem: Lyra-chan... Rem is so happy you're here...

Trying to wipe away her tears with her free hand, Rem began to laugh and giggle in the joy she felt at this moment. Seeing the beautiful blue haired maid in such a state and reacting to the words she said to her, Lyra let her hand go, and pulled her close to her. With Rem embraced next to her, she buried her face into her chest, letting her tears of happiness flow unabated into her nightgown.With both of Lyra's arms around her, Rem pulled her arms up from her sides and held Lyra by her shoulder, gripping the sleeves of the nightgown she wore.Lyra put her chin on the top of her head as the two embraced one another.

 No more words needed to be said. Lyra had FINALLY survived her first week at the mansion, and sh

e had done so while also winning over the heart of the first person to have shown true kindness to her in this new world.

Chapter Text

Chapter 31: Headpats and Hope

After their moment together, Rem had been called away by her sister to help prepare breakfast for the day. On Rem's instruction, Lyra remained in bed until she came to inform her when everything was ready.

Upon Rem's return, Lyra rose from bed, immediately feeling the exhaustion from the night before still in her legs. As Lyra struggled to steady herself, Rem helped correct her balance as they both walked to the door. Stepping out into the hallway, Lyra began to feel slightly more energized, smelling the morning meal coming from the dining hall.

Lya: I think I've got it from here, Rem. Thank you!

Taking a few steps on her own, Lyra still felt sluggish, but had enough strength to be independent now that she was more awake.

Rem: If Lyra-chan needs Rem's assistance again, she will be right beside her.

Smiling at Rem, Lyra acknowledged her offer.

Lyra picked up her walking speed now as her and Rem approached the corner that would lead to the stairs downward, Rem leaned in front of Lyra,slightly slowing her back down as she made a shy request of her own.

Rem: Ummm…is Rem being helpful to Lyra-chan right now?

Somewhat confused to her question, Lyra slightly tilted her head to the side for a moment before returning to normal and responding in her usual cheerful demeanor.

Lyra: H-huh? O-oh! Yes! Of course! I mean, I wouldn't have expected anyone ELSE tto have helped me walk to the hallway like YOU did…cutie!

Lyra gave Rem a brief wink and smile. This made both Rem and Lyra’s hearts flutter and cheeks turn red slightly. Stepping in front of Lyra with stars in her eyes, Rem eagerly replied.

Rem: T-Then please...! Feel free to praise Rem!

Bringing her two closed hands to her chest and bowing slightly to Lyra, Rem shut her eyes and tilted her head forward, as if waiting for something in particular. Lyra was clueless on what Rem was doing or what she had meant by "praise her." With a second or two of silence passing between the two, Rem's eyes seemed to shut harder, as if expecting something. Once she had finally managed to guess what it was that Rem wanted from her, Lyra brought up her hand from her side and gently hovered it closer and closer to Rem. Perhaps it was her sense of smell or her training, but Rem appeared to be able to tell Lyra was moving her hand close to her as her expression became more and more anxious.

Slowly, Lyra placed her hand on the maid's blue hair and gave the girl two gentle head pats. Immediately Rem's face flushed red, her knees wobbled, and on each pat, Rem let out a small wincing noise, prompting Lyrato stop. Opening one eye, Rem saw the expression of confusion and surprise on Lyra's face, prompting her to shut her eyes again in embarrassment. As Lyra gave Rem a final pat, all of her previous symptoms returned, wince and all. Lowering her hand, Lyra's mind was abuzz.

Uhh… why did that ENTIRE interaction feel sort of…LEWD?

Standing back up straight, Rem looked at Lyra with slightl- watery eyes, as if she just endured a great emotional upheaval. Not wanting to let an awkward silence grow between, Lyra spoke.

Lyra: I think everyone is all waiting for us, aren't they? We don't want the food getting cold, right?

Regaining her composure and nodding, Rem and Lyra continued on to the meal hall.

Arriving at the table, Rem departed to plate the table, leaving himself, Subaru, Roswaal, Beatrice, and Emilia present at the table. Small talk was had. Of course Emilia once again asked about Lyra's gate.

Emilia: Are suuure you haven't noticed anything?

Emilia leaned in, invading Lyras personal space as she asked her barrage of questions.

Lyra: Yes, of course I am, Emilia! Same as always! I do appreciate your concern though, of course! 

Lyra spoke with her usual smile and upbeat behavior.Emilia sat in-between Subaru and Lyra, where Subaru sat closest to Roswaal, with Ram right across from Subaru, flanking Roswaal's other side at his seat at the head of the table. Leaning back away from Emilia, Lyra could see Subaru biting his napkin in jealousy at his crush invading a personal space that wasn't his own.

Emilia: Hmph, Puck, maybe we should tell—

Puck: Now now, Lia. It WAS your idea to be patient and let HER figure it out on—

Hearing the "woosh" of the kitchen door opening, everyone's attention was brought towards the newly-entered person. Exiting the kitchen, Ram carried a single cup of tea, placing it in front of her master, the only item she ever carried out when setting the table. Taking a sip of the cup, Roswaal gestured to Ram to be seated. Just as she did, Rem entered the dining hall with large platters, one in each hand. Each platter held one meal for every person seated at the table. Usually, per routine, Rem would start laying the plates out starting from the opposite of where she would eventually take her seat, this was done in part as a courtesy, ingrained in Rem from her maid training. All of this meant that during the usual seating of the table, Lyra was usually first to receive her plate.

However, that wasn't the case this time.

Rem, when seating herself, always took the seat next to Ram, and, which as of late, Beatrice was participating in meals, would sit to the side of Rem, across from Lyra. As Rem exited the kitchen, the first to receive their dish this morning was Beatrice. Such a small thing was only noticed by her older sister, who waskeeping an eye on her. Ram observed her sister's very odd behavior. Skipping a chair, Rem placed plates at Ram, followed by Roswaal, and worked her way down the other side of table, handing plates to Subaru and Emilia, and finally—

Rem: Here you are, Lyra-chan.

A bright smile beamed from Rem as she placed Lyra’s plate in front of her. While everyone ate the same meal as each other when dining like this, small changes were usually made to each of their dislikes and likes. This normally included things like putting Emilia’s share of peppirs on Subaru's plate, much to his lament, or adding steamed tatoes to Ram and L plate. While this particular meal had no real changes to anyone's individual plate, this was not true for Lyra’s plate. Her plate was plated in the most extravagant manner she could imagine, Lyra looked at the over-garnished plate of food before her. While unfamiliar still with the food of this world, it was VERY apparent that HER plate was MUCH more dressed-up then the rest of the table members. Small green garnishes adorned every corner of her plate, adding bits of color that were pleasing to the eye. Sauces were dribbled and spun about with extreme precision and grace. Anything cooked with heat was adorned with a golden glaze of perfection on them. All of this was topped off by every little food item either being heart shaped or being part of forming a larger heart shape on the plate itself. Lyra had also noticed the abundance of tatoes along with the lack of peppirs on her plate.

Lyra: Oh…uh…Rem? I appreciate you decorating my plate like this, but I have a question. Why are there so many tatoes and not any peppirs on my plate? Just asking.

Rem: Well, Rem took notice of what parts of your meals that you tended to eat more and less of. She noticed that you don't seem very fond of the peppirs but seem to REALLY enjoy the tatoes, so she figured she could do you a favor by fixing a plate just to your liking! What do you think?

Lyra looked surprised for a moment before smiling cheerfully at Rem.

Lyra: I…wow! Thanks so much, Rem! I love it! You did AWESOME as always!

Rem smiled warmly at Lyra.

Rem: Of course! Anything for Rem’s Ly-Ly!

Lyra blushed and giggled slightly at Rem’s response.

All eyes had fallen to Rem when she placed the final plate on the table. Her own. Right next to Lyra. The seating arrangement was immediately evident. Rem choosing to sit next to Lyra had left the table considerably weighted on one side in terms of body count. This was further exaggerated by the empty seat between Ram and Beatrice, opposite of Emilia. Everyone's attention was also quickly taken from the seat distribution to the bright collage of colors sitting on Lyra's plate. Double takes between her own and theirs were taken many times before the silence of observation was broken by none other than the person responsible for this change in routine.

Rem: Does Lyra-chan mind if Rem sits next to her?

Giving Lyra an innocent look, Rem asked her request. Before answering, Lyra looked around the table, gauging reactions to the current fiasco unfolding. Emilia held her hand over her pursed lips in surprise, while the small gray spirit in a cat-like form silently snickered to himself in her hair. Looking across the table, Beatrice could be seen with a look of contempt on her face, and Roswaal seemed not to notice at all. The only other reaction was Subaru's, whose eyes were glued to Lyra's plate, envy sparkling in them. The only person who seemed to have no emotion over the entire ordeal was Ram herself, who was quietly eating while watching everything unfold.

Finally turning back towards Rem, Lyra was met with puppy-dog eyes. Giving into her own weakness, Lyra smiled and nodded bashfully to Rem as both of their pairs of cheeks turned a bright pink. Rem has already taken the seat that she had asked for. 

Subaru continued to stare at the plate Lyra was given, and finally having too much of it, Subaru made his curiosity known.

Subaru: Lyra... What's that white, creamy-looking part placed on your dish? It almost looks like...

Picking up her utensil, Lyra went to go for a taste, but was abruptly cut off by her new table guest.

Rem: L-Let Rem!

Using her own utensil, Rem quickly gathered a bite together for Lyra, presenting it in front of her.

Rem: Say 'ahhhhh'!

Lyra: H-h-HUH?! R-r-r-REM?!

Entirely caught off guard and flustered off by Rem's offer of feeding her, Lyra quickly snapped her vision around the table once more, gauging reactions once more. While Emilia's expression hadn't changed, all that could be seen of her spirit cat were his little legs kicking in laughter, while Beatrice simply met his gaze with a "Hmph!" Looking down the far side of the table, Roswaal looked on with an air of amusement. Ram continued to give an expressionless face, but her eyes conveyed the message of "take the bite if you know what's good for you." Subaru, however, had yet to take his tunnel-visioned view off of the bite that now hung in front of Lyra's face. With no choice but to comply, and with her heart racing and face turning bright red, Lyra opened her mouth and let Rem feed her this bite as she desired. As Lyra tasted the food, she could quickly tell that it was Rem's usual extraordinary cooking as always.As Lyra excitedly took the bite, Rem gleefully awaited any comment she made about it.

Subaru: Lyra... was that... mayonnaise?

Looking over to Subaru, Lyra shook her head.

Lyra: No? It wasn't anything like mayonnaise. It had a much different flavor.

Lyra put her attention back around. Rem begged her question.

Rem: But it WAS good, wasn't it, Lyra-chan?

Lyra::Yeah! Everything you make is ALWAYS super tasty!

Bringing her fists up to her chest as she had done earlier in the hallway, Rem eagerly awaited Lyra's reaction.

Rem: That means Rem has possibly earned more praise from Lyra-chan, yes? Even a small amount?

Leaning her head forward, Rem presented her head as she had before, awaiting another headpat from Lyra. Lyra giggled at Rem’s cuteness and patted the maid's blue hair twice. She was thankful she had not given a wince as she had before in front of everyone else. As Lyra snapped her attention to the rest of the dining hall, Subaru floundered his arms about and laid on the table.

Subaru: I knew it was bad to get my hopes up that mayo existed here.

Leaning forward to communicate easier with Subaru, Lyra replied.

Lyra: I'm sure something like it IS available here... It would be weird if it didn't.

Subaru: If it's not, we need to show everyone of its greatness!

Immediately having his spirits lifted, Subaru sat up with a fist of triumph. Feling a tug on her nightgown from the opposite side she was facing, Lyra turned to see Rem once more.

Rem: Umm… does Lyra-chan like this "may-o-naze?"

Thinking a moment before responding, Lyra gave her honest answer.

Lyra: I mean, yeah! It's my second- favorite condiment next to ketchup! Come to think of it, could make a fortune if you imported it here. It's simple enough to make if memory serves right.

Snapping his fingers in agreement, Subaru spoke up.

Subaru: He's right on the money! If we could bring mayonnaise to Lugunica it would be a revolution!

Rem: Then Rem will assist in recreating this may-o-naze! Perhaps she could also eventually help make this “catch-up" thing you mentioned sometime too!

Lyra: Oh, absolutely!

Throughout the meal, Rem had, on an almost-consistent basis, asked how every different bit of food was. On occasion, she would also directly ask for praise.

Rem: Was that cooked to Lyra-chan's liking?

Rem: How did Rem do on that part?

Rem: It would be fair to praise Rem, yes?

Rem: Lyra-chan~, please praise Rem!

Just before the end of the meal, Roswaal had informed the table that due to their sustained injuries, Lyra and Subaru would not be required to work for the next two days, but that also meant that no tutoring would be taking place either.

Hearing that, a pang of guilt ran through Lyra. Not only would she be freeloading, but the workload would fall more to Rem and Ram once more, something that two new staff members were supposed to prevent.

Ram: Me and Rem will be sure to fulfill our duties, Roswaal-sama.

Bowing her head to her master, Ram turned her gaze to Subaru and immediately snorted.

Ram: I hope you feel guilty, Barusu. Not ONLY do Rem and I have to do EVERYTHING on our own again, but we ALSO have to take care of YOU on top of that.

Subaru: Hey it's not like I'm sort of a high maintenance hotel guest!

Crossing his arms and looking away, Subaru continued.

Subaru: I'll just be bedridden or at most reading during the recovery time anyway... or…I could bug Beako for the whole time to if I wanted to—

Beatrice: You will do no such thing ,I suppose!

While Beatrice and Subaru continued to banter, Ram gave Lyra a softer look, one that conveyed her statement did not reflect on her what she'd said to Subaru. Feeling her guilt grow, Lyra spoke up.

Lyra: Honestly, I'm well and good as is. When we're done here I can change into my work clothes and—

Rem: Absolutely not! Rem will not allow it! Lyra-chan must rest until she's all better.

Lyra: Then at the very most, just today. I'm sure I'll be one hundred percent by tomorrow morning—

Ram: Lyra. Please take your time to fully recover as Roswaal-sama has asked. Me and Rem have had to work under much greater stressors and demands.

Emilia: Please, Lyra, if your body doesn't rest, your gate will have a much harder time healing,as well.

Lyra looked down and then to her side. Rem gave him a look of begging.

Lyra: *Sigh* I know when I'm beaten…

Grabbing her arm, Rem smiled with glee at Lyra's cooperation. Still holding on to her arm, she leaned forward to speak more clearly with Subaru.

Rem: Subaru-kun, once Rem finishes cleaning the kitchen, we can attempt to recreate “may-o-naze'”if you have the recipe.

Giving Rem a blank stare in reply, Subaru uttered a single word in response.

Subaru: Recipe?

Rem: Hm?

The two silently gave each a look of disbelief before Lyra sighed. Pulling out her phone from her pocket, Lyra waved it around slightly, trying to grab their attention.

Lyra: Luckily for you both, I've got a recipe right here!

Before setting out on the journey that had inevitably led to being an employee of the mansion, Lyra had been assigned a lesson on "The History of Condiments" from her app, part of which included side notes on how basic versions could be made at home for extended studying opportunities. Clapping her hands, Rem gleefully responded to the good news.

Rem: Excellent, Rem will go ready the kitchen.

With a look of surprise on her face, Ram responded.

Ram: Rem, what about the table—

Before the pink haired maid could voice her concern, her sister could already be heard putting away items with the clank of pots and pans and the sound of running water being used to scrub dishes.

Roswaal: Hmmmm, well Ram, I trust you will be able handle things from here. I have a mountain of paperwork to do that simply muuuuuust be done today.

Emilia: I also have some studying that needs to be finished up as well.

Subaru: I better go make sure the pantry has all the right ingredients too!

In a matter of seconds, the meal hall had been subsequently evacuated, leaving only Ram and Lyra, as Beatrice had seemed to have left silently sometime in the sea of excuses being said only moments prior.

Sighing in response, Ram stood and began stacking plates and utensils in her immediate location. In almost pure instinct, Lyra began to as well, taking the plates and other items on her side of the table.

Ram: Lyra, don't you think this qualifies as “work?”

Shrugging while stacking the dishes in her hands, Lyra replied.

Lyra: I won't tell if you won't. Besides, I know you'd like the help.

Without a response, Ram continued to pick up dishes, stacking them onto a cart to take back into the kitchen once all collected. After loading everything onto the cart, Ram proceeded to hand Lyra a bucket and a rag to clean and wipe down the table with. After a few more minutes of silent cleaning, Ram finally spoke up.

Ram: I hope you are able to handle Rem's newfound self esteem. Even Ram is surprised by her behavior.

Looking up from where she was cleaning, Lyra responded.

Lyra: “Newfound self esteem”, huh? Is THAT why she's seeking so much praise?

Ram: It is more than likely a result of our childhood. Ram was always a prodigy child when growing up, and Rem unfortunately lived in that shadow... That's where she learned to be talented where I was not, and because of it, she always would seek to have that recognized by the adults.

Sighing, Lyra remembered back to Rem's inferiority complex she held with her sister and how it seemed rather... illogical.

Lyra: Rem ALWAYS talks about how talented you are and consistently thinks you can do no wrong... I don't mean to be condescending like Subaru when I say this, but, you know that when she says that, it's stretched truth at best, right?

Casting her eyes down, Ram quietly lamented.

Ram: While that wasn't always the case, it is now, and has been for a very long time.

Bringing her gaze back up, the confidence she normally held returned to her voice.

Ram: But because of that, it is where Rem places her Nee-sama in her heart. I intend to keep that spot.

Lyra: So, you aren't afraid that such an important facet of the relationship with your sister might one day crumble when it's built on such shaky ground as THAT? I think you can agree on just how much Rem has changed in just a single week, let alone what that might be like in a month, or two, or even in just a year?

Ram: Lyra.

Stopping both of their cleaning, Ram and Lyra both stared at each other from opposite sides of the table.

Ram: You must understand, Rem's ENTIRE world since our childhood has been NO ONE but myself, a former maid, and Roswaal-sama, with only occasional opportunities from Emilia-sama and both the Spirit-samas. Rem's view of the world is very narrow, at times even bordering on being outright gullible. Ram has used her position in Rem's heart to help protect her.

With almost a hint of pain in her voice, Ram continued, looking down at the table between them.

Ram: But even I know that won't work forever. Any new outsiders, much like you and Barusu have infected her mind as you have done. Ram must CLEARLY recognize such a tactic of hers won't work forever.

Looking back to Lyra, Ram concluded her point.

Ram: That is why Ram asked Lyra to be the one Rem could lean on.

Feeling an immense weight on her shoulders, Lyra hadn't entirely realized the size of Ram's request when she had first asked in the forest when searching out Rem.

Lyra thought for a moment before answering.

I never realized just how much Rem could be influenced. I hadn't realized how much trust Ram must be putting in ME, a person she'd only known for a few days prior…

Shaking her head to clear her mind, Lyra replied, unable to make eye contact at first.

Lyra: Ram... I had no idea the amount of... pain, pride, love for your sister, everything that it must have taken to entrust me with having Rem lean on me, even if it means she might one day come to have a more... rational view of you…

Bringing her eyes to meet Ram once more, Lyra continued.

Lyra: Ram, I promise you, I won't EVER be one to take advantage of her weaknesses. EVER.

Ram was silent for a moment more before a small, soft smile appeared on her face.

Ram: Then Ram was right to hang her hopes on this woman.

As Ram said that, the weight of the situation was blown right off of Lyra. She was unable to respond properly. Having said her point, Ram returned to wiping the table and cleaning, but not without one last comment.

Ram: Ram is mostly thankful though that it wasn't Barusu she had to rely on this for. Everything would be much different now had Barusu been the one to run in the opposite direction and play decoy.

Thinking back to the night in the forest, Lyra silently agreed.

Had I not made that decision, things would have turned out much different. But, given the circumstances of Return By Death, it was the logical one to take.

Ram: Ram also doubts that Barusu would have also been able to defeat the pack leader as you did.

Looking down at the hand that had cast the spell that slayed the head mabeast, Lyra saw that it was now reduced to holding a damp, slightly-dirty cleaning rag.

Ram: Ram isn't quite sure if you've realized this, but your actions that night were VERY heroic, indeed. Saving the village children, potentially sacrificing yourself, and defeating the monster... It's no wonder Rem has become so…attached…to you. It would be just like her to do so, given her previously-discussed view of the world.

Shaking his head, Lyra replied.

Lyra: It wasn't just ME, though. It was also you, Rem, and Subaru. Beatrice is the only reason I didn't die, and Emilia is the only reason Beatrice was able to save me. And it was Roswaal who went and slaughtered the rest of the mabeasts to nullify the curses on Subaru. We all played vital roles to get the outcome we did.

Going back to cleaning as well, Lyra continued.

Lyra: That all being said though, you STILL don't feel threatened by a change in Rem that might jeopardize the pedestal she has for you in her heart? Change begets change, after all.

Closing her eyes, Ram responded.

Ram: As long as Rem still respects Ram as her Nee-sama, that is all that is needed in the end.

Looking back to Lyra, Ram changed her tone to one of concern.

Ram: However, all this being said, Ram is still upset with Lyra for allowing Rem to be dragged into this— what was it? “May-o-naze” business. You should know she's going to be busy enough already.

Lyra: *Sigh* I take full responsibility for my poor speaking on the matter, but I believe her enthusiasm for it at the moment is only temporary. Right now, all her priorities are jumbled about. I'll work with her on getting them all evened out. That's part of my “lean on each other” promise I made with her.

Going back to concentrating on the cleaning and wiping, Lyra missed Ram's rare glance of satisfaction from her answer before going back to cleaning as well. Not too long after, the door to the kitchen opened back up. Stumbling forward and out, a disheveled and exhausted Subaru stumbled out. Catching himself on the back of one of the chairs that sat by the table, Subaru wiped the sweat from his brow.

Subaru: Whooooo... okay,...yeah.

Standing back up and stretching his back, Subaru continued.

Subaru: The kitchen is all clean.

Giving him a puzzled look in reply, Ram voiced her concern at his statement.

Ram: —? Barusu, just how would Rem and you have managed to clean the entirety of the kitchen in such a short time? It normally takes Rem close to two—

Rem: Nee-sama! Lyra-chan! The kitchen is ready! We can begin making 'may-o-naze!'

Barging into the dining room with a boisterous attitude and smile, Rem announced the news to everyone in attendance. Where Rem stood, she was fully illuminated in the morning sun still coming through the windows into the dinning hall, however, at this moment there was one thing brighter than that. Atop her blue hair, a single white light shone, humming in resonance to the light it gave off. Smiling in great enthusiasm, Rem was crowned by the one thing that distinguished her as an oni. Her singular horn. Raising a finger to point, Lyra spoke the obvious to Ram.

Lyra: Oh, I see! So THAT'S how everything got cleaned so quickly! 

Rem: Rem will prepare the ingredients Subaru-kun requested! We can commence shortly.

Spinning around at a heightened speed, Rem's dress and apron twirled up high, revealing the tiniest amount of the back of her thighs as she returned back to the kitchen, a glimpse only Lyra seemed to have seen. With the three in the meal hall left stunned at Rem's dedication, Ram was the first to speak.

Ram: Barusu, please go assist Rem immediately.

Hearing the seriousness in her voice, Subaru picked his battle and decided to simply comply with the pink-haired maid's order.

Ram turned to Lyra. Only the two young women remained in the hall. Ram spoke up in a stern voice. 

Ram: It is one of Lyras duties to make sure Rem does NOT overexert herself from this point forward. As part of “evening out her priorities,” Ram expects you to be more cautious as to NOT over excite Rem so much that it causes her to take on additional burdens. So far, you are doing poor in this regard.

Nervously scratching the back of her head, Lyra knew Ram was more than correct.

Lyra: I know, I know. I won't let you down. Now then—

Setting the bucket and rag down, Lyra took  a step forward and gestured to Ram to enter the kitchen first.

Lyra: You can't make mayo without breaking a few eggs!

Chapter Text

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 think 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 Lyra''s 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: Lyra. 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 with 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 replied.

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

Chapter Text

Chapter 33: A Painter In My Mind. 

After a day of making mayonnaise, Lyra and Subaru were given two final days of rest before returning to work. Lyra had spent her day off socializing with Subaru and company.

Subaru had eventually gotten himself wrapped up in some sort of shenanigans in Arlem with the village children at some point, so she decided to try socializing with Rem and Ram. However, with the twin maids both occupied in running the mansion, Lyra’'s only real chance for speaking with either of them was at the meal hall table, She had not one, but two conversations over tea with Emilia, one involving small talk along with the usual questions about Lyra’s gate, and the other…

Emilia: So, Lyra? Tell me…am I correct in assuming you're what they call “gay"?

Lyra nearly choked on her tea as her face turned bright red. She stuttered out a flustered response.

Lyra: Wh-wh-what g-gave you THAT idea?!

Emilia O-oh, well, it's just that Subaru told me about your feelings for Rem and that you were wondering if it would be legal for you to eventually marry her. I don't know much about romance to be honest, but I do believe that same-gender marriage has been legal here for quite some time now. As for myself, I personally think that as long as you are both happy together, I support your relationship!

Lyra: I mean…we're not in a relationship YET…and I don't know if she feels the same way about me just yet …I d-do have f-feelings for her, though….and I-I appreciate your support!

Lyra sat there blushing and stuttering like a complete mess of a woman, typical of someone who felt attraction towards someone and had been called out on it 

Emilia smiled at Lyra.

Emilia: Of course. Anything for a friend.

Lyra took a bit to calm herself down before smiling back at Emilia.

Lyra: Yeah. Of course!

With the conversation concluding after some more small talk between the two, and as soon as Emilia walked out of Lyra’s room, she thought to herself.

Why can't Emilia give this kind of attention to SUBARU? He'd be off the wall for not ONE,but TWO whole tea times with her! I DO appreciate her company and everything, but still!

With the twins working well into the evening, there was to be no tutoring session tonight yet again. Fearful of another day of minmal conversation with the twins, especially Rem, Lyra searched out Ram.

Lyra knocked on Ram’s bedroom door. Ram opened the door and was surprised to see Lyra there so late at night. Standing halfway behind the door, Ram answered the door in her pink nightgown as Lyra stood in front of her in her own yellow nightgown.

Ram: Lyra. This is unlike you to bother Ram at this hour. Is everything okay?

Sighing, Lyra came clean.

Lyra: I want to return to work early, starting tomorrow.

Staring blankly at Lyra before answering, Ram's red eyes cut right through her as she awaited her response.

Ram: While Ram would certainly welcome the additional help, it already took some convincing to get Rem to agree with allowing Barusu back early—

Lyra: What?! You mean Subaru got here before I did to ask the same thing?!

Ram: You were late by an entire night, Barusu pleaded with us to allow him to return to work today. Rem finally settled on a compromise of sending him out for groceries and a “welfare check'” on the village children.

Having most of the surprise taken out of herself after hearing that, Lyra replied.

Lyra: So he DIDN'T actually do ANY work today, then?

Ram: Not in the slightest, yet that is only Ram's opinion. Rem had made sure to hide that fact from you, in case you decided to push yourself.

Lyra: I take it Emilia was in on that too?

Ram: Is there any other reason Emilia-sama would take time out of her day not once, but twice other than to distract you and MAYBE check up on you out of genuine concern?

Lyra: There are plenty, and you know it.

While Lyra did feel a slight annoyance mixed with appreciation every time Emilia asked her the same series of questions every time they interacted, Emilia was hardly the one who noticed her insistent questioning of Lyra at every opportunity she had.

Ram: Er— That's besides the point. But back to your request, Rem will certainly not allow it on the grounds while your injuries are still recovering—

Lyra: Recovering? Look at me! I'm as fit as a fiddle!

Sighing, Ram began to grow tired of the conversation.

Ram: Fine, fine. Lyra may return to work tomorrow, but be prepared to incur Rem's wrath.

Lyra: Hey, now, I DID promise to let Rem lean on me. If she's being overworked and I can help her not be, and I don't, I'm basically breaking our promise, aren't I?

Nodding and giving the slightest of smiles, Ram replied.

Ram: It could possibly be interpreted that way, couldn't it? Rem did promise after all.

Lyra: Mhm! That she did!

Ram: Now, if there's nothing else—

Lyra: Say no more! Good night, Ram! I'll see you tomorrow!

Ram: Good night, Lyra.

Ram shut the door.

Lyra walked back to her bedroom and plopped down on her bed. As she stared up at the ceiling, her thoughts buzzed around.

At least with work tomorrow, I'll be able to see Rem again.

Lyra sighed as her thoughts drifted to Rem.

I can't really say where her and I stand at this point. I know she's willing to rely on me and to lean on me, but are we nothing else?

Flipping in bed, Lyra continued her thoughts.

I have to be direct about it. There's no other way. If I want something... more… between me and her, I need to say something.

With an action plan, Lyra let himself sleep, dreaming of Rem and the near-future she desired with her.

As Lyra roused herself awake,she readied himself for a day of work at the Roswaal Mansion. Getting up, she put on his work attire and headed downstairs.

Lyra: Huh, now that I think of it, when I told Ram I was ready to return to work last night, she never specified what she wanted me to work on.

Putting her shoes on and heading out the back door of the mansion, Lyra looked up to the dawn sky above her as it started to change from the black of night to the warm hues of the incoming sunrise. Walking further out into the back patio, she leaned over the railing and observed the gardens and pathways for anything that could need work.

Lyra: The lawn should be fine for a few more days... and the pathways won't need to be edged for a while at least.

Looking to the side, Lyra noticed a few weeds sprouting in the flower pots and few unkempt branches from the shrubs.

Lyra: Looks like even after a few days of absence, my line of work is starting to dry up a bit.

Ros-chi wouldn't lay me off... right?

Shaking the thoughts from her mind, Lyra set out to try and keep herself busy, lest she be seen as a slacker. Not long after, as she was starting to really run low on things to do, Lyra was met by Subaru, who had come outside to empty a full dustpan into one of the flower beds. Catching Lyra with a pair of hand pruners trying to find something to trim, Subaru asked Lyra question.

Subaru: Hey, breakfast is going to be ready in a bit, you know. Are you in the middle of something?

Lyra shook her head and replied. 

Lyra: Not at all. I'm actually struggling to find stuff to do, despite asking to come back to work early.

Subaru: Hmm…well, you could always lend a hand indoors too. I'm sure Rem or Ram could find something that needs done.

Putting the hand trimmers in her pocket, Lyra agreed with the idea.

Lyra: You know what? I might just have to do that. I do like helping them both out as well, so why not? 

Departing together, Subaru and Lyra went to walk back inside the mansion.

Subaru: It really does suck we had to go back to work so soon. What I would have given for another day of rest after everything that happened…

Lyra: Oh, hush it, you! I heard about your ploy to play tough guy and make an impression before I could! Don't even TRY to play that card with me!

Lyra was about to further-criticize Subaru, however, another thought quickly crossed her mind.

Wait a minute…neither Rem nor Ram got ANY days off to recover! They STILL had to go right back to work even after EVERYTHING that happened! That's not very fair! 

Right before reaching the door to enter the mansion, Lyra stopped as Subaru went to reach for the door handle.

Lyra: Hey, Subaru.

Turning to Lyra, who had just said his name in a rather-serious tone, Subaru raised an eyebrow.

Lyra: Neither Rem NOR Ram got ANY time off. They both—

Subaru: —got right back to work after everything that happened… 

Running a hand through his hair in thought, Subaru sighed.

Subaru: We should probably do something for them, shouldn't we?

Lyra: We have to. It's only proper. Plus, I actually want to as well…

Nodding in agreement, Subaru opened the door and stepped in while replying.

Subaru: We'll think of something. I'm sure of it.

Walking into the foyer, the two were greeted by the twins they had just been discussing.

Ram: Barusu, please go assist Rem in setting the table. Lyra, a moment, if you will.

Giving half a salute at Ram's command, Subaru marched off to the dining hall to help Rem set the table for breakfast.

Waiting untill Subaru was out of the foyer, Ram turned to Lyra.

Ram: I suppose it goes without saying, Roswaal-sama intends to reward you both for your actions that saved the village.

Scratching the back of his head, Lyra's guilt of having been off of work while the person in front of her hadn't began to swell even more.

Lyra: A-Ahhh…umm… about that—

Ram: Roswaal-sama has already spoken to Barusu this morning on the matter, but he will be asking Lyra today at breakfast, so Ram has come to ask you to please have your request ready and thought over before he asks.

He already asked Subaru?

Lyra: So, before I decide, may I ask what Subaru asked for?

Ram: Barusu has requested assistance in a personal matter regarding Emilia-sama and her availability.

Thinking for a moment, Lyra knew exactly what Subaru had asked for.

Lyra: He asked Roswaal to clear up her schedule and help him set up a date with her, didn't he?

Closing her eyes to respond, Ram answered.

Ram:”'Date”. There's that word again. Is it nothing but slang for courtship where you two come from?

Lyra: It's more like a word for a casualized form of courtship, you could say.

Ram: I see. Well?

Raising an eyebrow to Ram's question at the end of her reply, Lyra responded.

Lyra: “Well” what?

Ram: Do you know what you intend to ask Roswaal-sama?

Lyra: Uhhh… well…not really—

Suddenly, an idea popped into Lyra’s head. Seeing the fictional light-bulb above her head, Ram awaited her response.

Lyra: Actually, I do. I'll ask for—

Ram: —Ram refuses. Rem is too busy to entertain the idea, either.

Surprised at Ram's instant conclusion and answer before she could finish, Lyra was speechless.

Lyra: H-h-HUH? Wait, what?!

Ram: Must I say it again? Ram refuses and Rem simply has too many responsibilities in her day to take out time for one of these frivolous “dates” you two like so much.

Lyra shook her head and put her hands up in defense

Lyra: That's not what I was going to ask, but it's not far off, really.

Ram: Oh? Just what DID Lyra have in mind?

Lyra —and that's why I'd like to have my reward be a day off for Rem tomorrow, including the rest of today as well!

Having stood up at the table to answer Roswaal upon being asked, Lyra awaited his answer. Looking over to the maid in question,Lyra saw the immense blush beginning to grow on her also-worried expression.

Roswaal: Hmmmm, a rather geeeeenerious request. I shall grant you this—

Rem: Roswaal-sama!

With the attention of the table now being focused on Rem, she timidly argued the request.

Rem: Rem does not wish to trouble everyone with the inconveniences this would cause... that and Lyra-chan’s reward should be something for HER benefit rather than—

Ram: —Rem.

Setting her silverware down and using her napkin on her face, Ram interjected against her sister's objection.

Ram: Me and Lyra had discussed it prior, and Ram is in agreement with Lyra. You need some time to rest with everything that has happened.

Rem: B-but Nee-sama! What about—?

Ram: We've already worked out many of the details. Between myself, Barusu, and Lyra, we should be able to manage for a day and a half of your absence.

Looking over to Ram, Lyra gave her a silent nod of thanks.

Roswaal: Rem doooooes bring up an important point however.

Closing one eye, Roswaal looked upon the still standing Lyra with his yellow eye and continued.

Roswaal: Will the three of you really be able to sufficiently manage the workload with Rem on leave?

Ram: —With Lyra’s performance on landscaping duties, all of the beautification and upkeep responsibilities for the next few days have been completed already, leaving her free for more domestic work inside.

Closing her eyes, Ram continued

Ram: Not only would giving Rem a day off be beneficial to her health, but it would also keep Lyra busy and provide her an opportunity to become more familiar with the inner workings of the mansion should need arise for his assistance.

Closing his yellow eye on Lyra, and reopening both, Roswaal gave his final answer on the matter.

Roswaal: After caaaaareful consideration, I shall grant you this reward. Rem, you are excused from your duties for tomorrow and the rest of today, starting now.

Shocked at the idea of not working still, Rem hesitantly agreed.

Rem: Y-yes, Roswaal-sama.

Having finished up their meal and the conversation. Rem had to be lightly coerced into not helping clean up and thus headed to her room. With Subaru washing the dishes as they came in, Lyra and Ram had set about clearing the table.

Lyra: Thanks again for the help, Ram. I don't know if I could have done that without you... butt I still feel guilty that you don't ALSO get a day off.

Shaking her head in response, Ram replied.

Ram: Roswaal-sama would not let the only two experienced workers in the mansion both have a day off. If Ram must be honest, she prefers if Rem would have a day off over herself. Considering everything that she had gone through versus myself, and how our workload is already distributed, Rem is the clear deserver of a day off.

Closing her eyes and putting herself on airs, Ram continued.

Ram: Plus, her nee-sama must show a strong resilience in matters like these. That is the only way I will be able to keep such a position in Rem's heart.

Acknowledging Ram's intent, Lyra agreed.

Lyra: I suppose it can't be helped then, so I guess I'll owe you one.

Ram: Careful with your word choice. Ram will hold you to it.

Lyra:: Speaking of which, what should I do once we're done here?

Ram: Considering Rem had already attended to the days most pressing matters before breakfast and all the tasks you are familiar with in the mansion have been recently completed, there IS one thing me and Rem have been struggling to fit in for the past few days...

Ram went on to explain that while they had repaired the barrier near the village, it was a pressing matter that they also inspect the rest of the barrier extending past the village and up to the mansion in case there were any other insufficiencies to be found as well. 

Getting instructions and directions from Ram, Lyra had set out down the path to the gate of the mansion to perform the needed inspections. Close to halfway to the gate, a voice called out to Lyra from behind.

?: Lyra-chan!

Turning around to the familiar voice, Lyra saw the blue-haired maid running to catch up.

A smile grew on her face upon seeing her. A dumb,idiotic smile that she couldn't hide for the life of her A smile only SHE could give her. Lyra watched as the late morning's sunlight reflected off her cool, blue hair, swaying as she ran and exposing the two blue ponds she had for eyes. However, another thing about the approaching maid had definitely caught her attention. Rather then the shoulderless maid dress she normally wore, Rem was in a slightly-different, but still ultimately maid-like dress. Other than her nightgown, Lyra had never seen Rem in any other sort of outfit. Reaching Lyra, Rem smiled.

Rem: Rem is so glad she was able to reach Lyra-chan before she left.

Still curious about her outfit, Lyra pointed out the main difference it held when compared to her normal maid uniform.

Lyra: I see you found some sleeves.

Looking down on her outfit, Rem began to wonder what Lyra had meant by her observation. Pinching her dress ever-so-llightly, Rem turned around once to give Lyra a better look.

Rem: Yes, this is Rem's less-formal maid uniform.

Seeing the same similar style and colors as her previous uniform, the addition of the short length sleeves gave Rem an air of increased elegance and modesty, which in turn somehow made her even more adorable. Silent as his focus was now turned to Rem's appearance, Rem nervously asked for clarification as to why Lyra had asked about it.

Rem: D-Does Lyra-chan disapprove?

Lyra: N-n-no! Not at all! I like it! A lot really... It's very very uhh, c-cute on you.

With the worry on her face beginning to subside with a blush taking its place, Rem replied bashfully.

Rem: Rem is glad you like it.

Lyra: I do! I think it looks better than your normal uniform in fact...

With Rem also knowing the chief difference between her current outfit and her normal one, Rem grabbed her sleeves with hands, and asked another question in a worried tone.

Rem: D-Did Lyra-chan disapprove of Rem's normal dress due to her shoulders being exposed?

Lyra: N-no! I like your normal dress too! While this one gets its cuteness from it's modesty, your normal one is cute because it shows off how pretty your skin is! —hk!

Having realized what she had just blurted out, it was too late. Upon hearing her words, Rem's face turned a stark shade of red. Lyra’s face also turned a similar shade of red as she started averting her eyes nervously and twirling a strand of her long golden hair. Closing the gap between them, Rem lowered her head and placed it against Lyra’s chest as a way of hiding her embarrassment.

Rem: Lyra-chan.. please don't say such sudden things to Rem. It makes her heart flutter and her knees weak. So much so it feels like Rem could collapse.

Realizing she hadn't said anything "bad", Lyra simply patted Rem on the head as she calmed down, her face now turning a more pinkish color as she gazed at Rem fondly.

Lyra: I'll try to remember that. But now—

Lifting her head back up, Lyra could still see the remaining streaks of red across her face from her blush.

Lyra: I was going to ask, did you come out here just to tell me something or—?

Changing her expression to one of determination, Rem responded.

Rem: Rem will be accompanying Lyra-chan.

Somewhat startled by Rem's answer, Lyra protested.

Lyra: But you have the rest of the day off, don't you? You should be inside resting and doing fun stuff to pass time! You don't have to trouble yourself with this…

Shaking her head in response, Rem replied.

Rem: Rem would not betray the commands of Roswaal-sama and Nee-sama. Rem is simply going on a stroll with Lyra-chan, no work is involved.

Realizing there wasn't any point in arguing it along with the fact that it was an opportunity for her and Rem to be alone together, Lyra sighed before agreeing.

Lyra: Fine, but I don't want to see you lift a single finger! Got it? 

Nodding, Rem agreed. With that, the two exited the gate of the mansion, and entered into the forest to inspect the perimeter of the magical barrier.

Walking for a short while, Rem and Lyra enjoyed the calming stroll they were having in the woods. With Lyra’s unfamiliarness of the woods, she was lucky that Rem had decided to come along and started acting as a guide of sorts. However, Lyra had quickly realized that Ram might view this as work for her. Coming upon a fallen log in the forest, just big enough to need a considerably large single step to traverse across it, Lyra made pace to reach and step on top of it before Rem could at her current pace. As Rem went to step over the log, Lyra halted her with his hand. Clearing her throat, she spoke boastfully.

Lyra: It has come to my attention that while working as a charming and beautiful guide, you have done just that, "worked."

Rem had come to a complete stop, surprised at Lyra's attitude.

Lyra: According to the terms of you accompanying me upon this adventure, you would not have to raise a single finger.

Nodding, Rem responded.

Rem: Yes, Rem remembers.

Extending a hand down to her, Lyra went on with the same act.

Lyra: So, madam! Allow me to make your travel on this exhibition into lands unknown be effortless!

Giggling slightly at Lyra's overt chivalry, Rem took Lyra's hand.

Having had experience with hoisting Rem like this now, Lyra was determined not to recreate the bathing room hoist-and-balance dance. Gently helping her upwards, the two exchanged a brief moment of gazing into each other's eyes. Stepping down off the log, Lyra offered her and once more to assist Rem down off the log now. Taking her hand once more, the blue+haired maid elegantly descended down off the log. Going to release her hand, Lyra found that she could not free it. Looking down, she saw Rem's hand still holding on.

Lyra: Rem, you can let go—

Turning to meet her face, Lyra noticed that Rem could not look Lyra in the eye as both of their faces began to turn more and more red. Holding her hand back now, Lyra changed what she was saying.

Lyra: Is everything okay?

Rem: Ummm…Rem was... was just wondering if it would be okay if... okay if we just kept holding hands... Rem is always anxious that Lyra-chan might start walking too fast to where Rem can't keep up or if she trips over something, whether or not Lyra-chan would be there to catch her from falling... but mostly...

With Rem's eyes coming to meet Lyra’s during this very grade-school-esque confession, she gave her true reasons for why she clung to Lyra’s hand.

Rem: ...Rem would just like to continue to hold Lyra’s hand.

Gripping her hand back, Lyra agreed and smiled at Rem, blushing slightly.

Lyra: Of course! I would love that! Let's go, Rem! 

As they walked together side by side, holding hands and stealing glances and gazes into each other's gentle blue eyes, Lyra came up with an idea for a pick up line she could try using on Rem as she observed some nearby pine cone trees.

Lyra: You know, Rem…if you were a tree, you would be a pinecone tree. They represent immortality, life, and resilience. along with the pinecones that they grow by themselves. With its thick edges… rough and jagged paths…You may hurt a finger or two sticking into it, but it's still nice to look at. That's all that matters!

Lyra giggled and smiled as both her and Rem’s faces caught a hint of red on the cheeks.

Rem: L-Lyra-chan…that's…you're so sweet to Rem…it makes her heart flutter, you know…

Lyra: Honestly, you've…y-you've made m-mine flutter too! So, yeah…

Rem and Lyra gazed into each other's eyes for a while longer before continuing their walk.

Rem continued to act as Lyra's's guide as the two walked hand in hand in the forest, making sure each piece of the barrier was intact and functioning. As they checked all the points, it was beginning to be early afternoon as the two stepped back onto the main road leading back to the mansion from Arlem.

Still a good distance away from the mansion, Lyra had thought that now, with her hand in Rem's, would be a good time to ask his question.

Lyra: Not to kill the mood, but I really have something serious to ask, Rem.

Walking to Rem's immediate left, Lyra could see her visible blue eye turn to meet her own pair of blue eyes, briefly looking down at their held hands before answering with a slight dash of red on her cheeks.

Rem: Yes?

Lyra: What—

Lyra paused, she hasn't entirely thought on how she should ask her.

If I just say 'What are we?' that'll sound WAY too direct. I've got to remember, it's only been, what? Not even two weeks for Rem? Feels like it's been close to a month for me, though...

Lyra: What— err.

Stumbling on her words, she felt her held hand be slightly squeezed. Looking down at the hand holding hees, she looked back up to Rem. With a tilt of her head and a smile, Rem encouraged her on.

Rem: Take your time, Lyra-chan.

Lyra blushed and started twirling her hair nervously as she asked her question. 

Lyra: R-Rem… so…uhh…m-may I ask…wh-wh-what are we t-to each other?

As she looked downwards, the blush on Rem's face became much more flushed. A slight smile adorned her adorable face as she thought for a moment before turning to face her. A strong emotion was welling up on Rem's eyes before she answered.

Rem: Rem had actually h-hoped to ask Lyra-chan that very same question n-not so soon from now...

Lyra was silent, ready to let Rem continue, as she could not tell what she had meant by that.

Rem: To Rem, Lyra-chan is a very caring, patient, loyal, and honest person. Lyra-chan has selflessly helped almost everyone Rem knows, and Lyra-chan has helped Rem more times then she can count.

Bringing her free hand up her chest, Rem continued, her voice getting softer.

Rem: Lyra-chan says things to Rem sometimes that makes her heart incredibly weak. Lyra-chan always knows exactly what to say to Rem. Over the next few days, Rem had hoped to gather her words in a much more meaningful way then she is now, but to answer Lyra-chan's question now... right now... Rem and Lyra-chan... the one thing Rem is certain of is that Lyra-chan is Rem's hero and Rem will do ANYTHING for her hero...

Lyra hadn't expected the answer she had gotten from Rem.

Her “hero?” I wouldn't exactly say that I did anything “heroic”, though...

With Rem pausing, Lyra replied as she was now starting to calm herself down.

Lyra: Well, regardless of whether or not I'm a “hero" to you, Rem, I DID promise that you could lean on me AND rely on me, which means I'll do ANYTHING to let you do that.

Rem: Lyra-chan promised Rem that we could lean on each other. Rem can do that because Lyra-chan is Rem's hero... Is Lyra-chan saying that she can lean on Rem because of that also?

Lyra: I just need to know Rem... what… do you think WE are? Or CAN be?

Stopping, Rem turned to face Lyra. Taking her free hand and grabbing Lyra’s other free hand, Rem placed all four hands together and looked down at them while she answered.

Rem: In truth, Lyra-chan must remember, Rem and her are fellow workers at Roswaal-sama's mansion and that of Nee-sama's reaction to anything... That was why Rem was going to ask Lyra-chan in the next few days after Rem could make sure nothing bad could happen.

Looking up to meet Lyra’s eyes, Rem continued.

Rem: But all that can wait. Rem needs to know what Lyra wishes to ask of her now.

Lyra started blushing again.

Lyra Rem... Above all else…above working together…above living with each other…above what anyone else's feelings…above relying on each other,...above you seeing me as your hero…and above all other promises, do you think there's a way for us to be something…more?

Rem was silent for a moment. A surprised look grew on her face before it began to be washed away with a stark crimson coloring growing from her existing blushes to her entire face.

Drawing them closer to each other, but still holding Lyra's hands the way she was, Rem leaned her head on Lyra’s chest like she had done before.

Lyra: Rem?

Shaking her head against Lyra, Rem spoke, her voice slightly muffled from it still being pressed against het chest.

Rem: Rem had guessed what Lyra-chan was going to ask, but she did not expect her to ask in such a moving manner, in a way that would make Rem's heart ache so much.

Taking a step back again, Rem recollected herself.

Rem: To answer Lyra-chan's question though...

Lyra could feel the cold sweat begin to grow on her brow. A nervous feeling like she had never experienced before began to grow.