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Chapter Text

Introduction

The hall was still silent after the traumatic events everyone had just witnessed. Arcs 1 to 4 of Subaru's journey had left deep marks on every person present. Emilia still had tears in her eyes, Rem firmly held hands, Ram maintained a serious but worried expression, and even Roswaal seemed less theatrical than usual.

Crusch frowned, breaking the heavy silence. "Why are we still here? I thought after seeing all this, we'd be sent back".

Felix nervously wagged his tail. "Nya, I'm wondering that too. And why is Subaru-kun still sleeping?"

Wilhelm, with his experience, carefully observed his surroundings. "Something has changed. I can feel a different presence".

Anastasia, ever pragmatic, crossed her arms. "It seems like there's more to come, doesn't it?"

Julius nodded, his hand instinctively going to his sword. "The atmosphere is different from before".

Beatrice, still visibly shaken by what she saw regarding her relationship with Subaru, murmured: "Betty feels something strange in the air, kashira".

Reinhard, always alert, positioned himself near Felt. "There's a new energy here".

It was then that a completely new voice echoed through the hall - different from the previous one, more casual and relaxed.

"Hey, everyone! Sorry for the delay."

Everyone turned, looking for the source of the voice.

"Ah, you can't see me yet. I'm the new temporary director of this... well, let's call it an 'experience'. The previous director had to step away for a while to prepare some important things."

Emilia stood up, still confused. "Director? Can you explain what's happening?"

"Of course! So, the original plan was to wake Subaru up and send you back after watching the arcs. But..." The voice paused dramatically. "Looking at the mental state of all of you, especially after seeing all those deaths and suffering, well... if I released you now, I'm sure you'd do some emotional foolishness."

Rem lowered her head. "It's true... I'm still processing everything".

Ram crossed her arms, annoyed. "And how long will we be stuck here?"

"Relax! When the original director returns, he'll wake Subaru up to have a serious conversation with you all, like a group therapy session. He'll help you process everything before you return to your lives."

Otto adjusted his glasses. "And what do we do until then?"

Garfiel pounded his fists together. "I'm bored as hell already!"

The voice laughed cheerfully. "Oh, don't worry! I brought entertainment! We're going to react to some... interesting images. Let's say they're 'artistic interpretations' of your journey."

Priscilla stood up abruptly, her expression furious. "ENTERTAINMENT?! Do you think we're clowns for your amusement?!"

Crusch slammed her fist on the table. "This is unacceptable! We've just gone through traumatic situations, and now they want to use us as... entertainment?!"

Ram crossed her arms, annoyed. "How ridiculous. We're not obligated to participate in this nonsense".

"Artistic interpretations?" Priscilla repeated with disdain. "What kind of pathetic excuse is that?"

"Exactly! Some people from the world these images come from watched your story and created... well, let's call them 'humorous tributes'. They're called 'memes'."

Felix stood up, agitated. "Nya! This doesn't make sense! Why can't we just leave?!"

Wilhelm frowned. "Memes... that sounds degrading".

"It's hard to explain, but basically, they're funny images with text that make jokes about specific situations. You'll understand when you see them!"

Frederica stood up, visibly disturbed. "With all due respect, wouldn't that be... extremely disrespectful to our suffering? People making jokes about our pain?"

Garfiel pounded his fists. "I don't want to see anyone making jokes about what we went through!"

Anastasia, trying to maintain composure, asked coldly: "And what if we refuse to participate?"

Reinhard stepped forward. "Yes, we have the right to refuse this".

Otto nervously adjusted his glasses. "Why do we have to watch these... 'jokes'?"

Julius placed his hand on his sword. "This situation has gone too far. We demand to be released immediately".

The director's voice became more serious. "Look, I understand the revolt, but you don't have an option to refuse."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, WE DON'T HAVE AN OPTION?!" Felt screamed, standing up from her chair.

Emilia, trying to keep calm but visibly shaken, asked: "What do you mean by that?"

"Simple - you're stuck here until the original director returns. You can sit there dwelling on the traumas you just saw, or you can distract yourselves a bit with these images. The choice is between watching the memes or staying silent, thinking about Subaru's deaths."

Beatrice muttered angrily: "This is emotional blackmail, kashira!"

Ram clenched her fists. "What a ridiculous situation..."

Millie, who had been quiet, spoke in a trembling voice: "No... I don't want to keep thinking about those horrible things..."

Rem shook her head, resigned. "If we truly have no choice..."

Ricardo sighed heavily. "It seems we're in a very complicated situation".

Al shrugged. "Well, if we can't leave anyway..."

"Look, I understand the revolt, but sometimes laughing a little helps to heal. Besides, it shows that your story touched people's hearts - even if in a... peculiar way. And as I said, you really have no choice."

Priscilla sat down with forced elegance, clearly furious. "What humiliation..."

Crusch crossed her arms, resigned but annoyed. "This is coercion".

"Perfect! So, ready or not, you're going to see how the 'public' interpreted your adventures!"

Roswaal, surprisingly serious, spoke: "What a most... unpleasant situation".

Al sighed. "Well, if that's how it's going to be..."

"Great! Get ready, because some of these 'tributes' are... quite peculiar. Let's start, whether you want to or not!"

Meme 1: Among Us

The screen lit up, showing a familiar image — Subaru in the village near the Roswaal mansion, surrounded by local children. But there was a strange text at the top: "Villagers" and below "There is 1 Impostor among us", with the word "Impostor" highlighted in red.

Silence filled the hall for a few seconds before reactions began.

Petra excitedly pointed at the screen: "Oh! It's Subaru-kun with us in the village!"

Emilia smiled softly, seeing the familiar scene: "What a pleasant memory... Subaru always got along well with the children".

Otto adjusted his glasses, confused: "But what does 'impostor' mean? And why is it highlighted like that?"

Millie, who was in the image, lowered her head, visibly uncomfortable: "She knew exactly why she was being called an impostor".

Garfiel frowned: "Impostor? Who the hell would be an impostor among the children?"

Felix wagged his tail, intrigued: "Nya, it must be some reference we don't understand".

Ram observed the image more closely: "Interesting... someone in this image wasn't who they claimed to be".

Rem nodded, analyzing the scene with a mix of sadness and worry: "Subaru-kun trusted everyone in the village... He never suspected anyone. That makes it hurt even more".

Frederica covered her mouth, worried: "Oh my... wouldn't that be about..."

Roswaal smiled enigmatically, with a touch of provocation: "Ah~~~ the irony of fate! Who would have thought that the sweetest of children would hide so much hatred, wouldn't you agree, Millie?"

Wilhelm crossed his arms: "A disguised child assassin... truly, an impostor in the most literal sense".

Julius shook his head: "It's impressive how they managed to capture that irony in a simple image".

Anastasia chuckled softly: "Very ingenious! Whoever created this has a good eye for details".

Crusch maintained a serious expression: "It's disturbing to think that such a young child..."

Priscilla scoffed, with disdain: "Too obvious. If it were me, I would have found out immediately. I don't need games to notice betrayal".

Al laughed: "Brother, that's a good one! 'Among Us' with real assassins!"

Felt tilted her head: "I didn't get the reference, but I know it has something to do with that strange little girl".

Reinhard sighed heavily, with a reflective tone: "It's a peculiar way to highlight such a serious situation. A joke, but also a reminder of how fragile trust can be. It's not something to laugh at without reflection".

Beatrice murmured: "Betty remembers that time... Subaru was so happy playing with the children, kashira".

Millie finally spoke, in a small voice: "I... I really was an impostor, wasn't I? I pretended to be just a normal village child..."

The Director's voice intervened, with an irreverent tone: "Hey, don't get too heavy! It's just a joke about how you didn't know there was a disguised assassin. The people who made this probably laughed at the irony of the situation! They even created crazy theories about who else could be an impostor!"

Otto was still confused: "But what is this 'Among Us' that Al mentioned?"

Felix also seemed lost: "Nya, it seems to be some reference from the world these images come from".

The voice explained: "'Among Us' is a game where you have to find out who the disguised impostor is among the group. So, when they saw Millie hidden among the innocent children... well, it was perfect for the reference!"

Emilia chuckled softly: "Ah, I see! It's like a guessing game?"

Meme 2: Tea Trauma

Director : “Okay, let's move on to the next image.” The screen showed a sequence: first, Frederica elegantly serving tea to Subaru , then the image of the tea, and finally Subaru looking at the cup with a contemplative expression. Above his image, the half-faded silhouette of the Witch of Greed, Echidna, appeared, suggesting a memory.

Silence filled the hall for a few seconds before reactions began.

Julius shook his head in disapproval: "Serves him right. If he got used to accepting witch's tea, now he'll be suspicious of any drink".

Al let out a raspy laugh: "Man, this is hilarious! The kid must have tea PTSD now!"

Otto tilted his head, confused: "PTSD? What's that?"

Al scratched his head: "Uh... it's... how do I explain this? It's like when you go through something really bad and then anything that reminds you of it makes you nervous".

Felix wagged his tail: "Nya, like when someone who was attacked by a dog becomes afraid of all dogs?"

Al pointed at Felix: "Exactly! That's it, kitty!"

Julius nodded: "Ah, I see. It's a natural reaction to trauma".

Wilhelm agreed: "Yes, I've seen many soldiers with similar reactions after difficult battles".

Frederica put her hands to her face, mortified: "Oh no... Subaru-sama must have flashbacks every time I serve him tea!"

Rem murmured thoughtfully: "Hmm... if Subaru-kun has a preference for this kind of special tea, maybe I should learn how to make something similar..."

Ram sensed her sister's thoughts and was startled: "Rem?! What kind of thoughts are those?! Damn Barusu, making my sister have strange ideas!"

Rem was confused: "Nee-sama? What's wrong?"

Ram crossed her arms, annoyed: "You can't just try to recreate witch's tea! That's not normal!"

Emilia worried: "Ram-chan is right, Rem. We know very well what was in Echidna's tea... they were her bodily fluids!"

Rem turned red: "Oh! I... I wasn't thinking about that!"

Felix made a face of disgust: "Nya! Rem-chan, what a disturbing thought!"

Otto turned pale: "For all the spirits... Rem, that's disgusting!"

Roswaal chuckled softly: "Ah~~~ Echidna-chan's tea had some very... special ingredients".

Beatrice murmured uncomfortably: "Betty doesn't recommend trying to imitate Mother's recipes, kashira..."

Felix made another face: "Nya! Rem-chan, please don't do strange experiments in the kitchen!"

Otto waved his hands: "For goodness’ sake... Subaru suffers enough, he doesn't need suspicious tea too!"

Felix chuckled softly: "Nya! Frederica-chan, you inadvertently created a psychological trigger!"

Emilia worried: "Poor Subaru... he must remember bad things every time he sees tea".

Roswaal frowned enviously: "Ah~~~ how I wish I had participated in Sensei's famous 'tea parties'... but she only invited certain special people..."

Beatrice murmured sadly: "Betty was never invited to those tea parties either, kashira... Mother never called Betty..."

Otto adjusted his glasses: "That explains why he sometimes acts strangely during afternoon tea".

Garfiel scratched his head: "Captain does have some strange habits".

Wilhelm observed: "Traumas can be triggered by the simplest details".

Emilia asked: "Director, does he really have tea trauma?"

The director's voice replied: "No, that's the least of his problems, kashira. Let's just enjoy the fun of the memes!"

Beatrice huffed with a small "hmph!" in response to the director's imitation.

Chapter Text

Meme 3: How Beatrice "Sees" the World (or you)

Garfiel was the first to react, laughing: "HAHAHAHA! So Betty sees everything full of little butterflies?!"

Beatrice immediately got annoyed: "What nonsense is this, kashira?! Betty doesn't see the world like that!"

Otto chuckled softly: "Well... technically it makes sense, considering the shape of your eyes..."

Beatrice turned to him furiously: "Otto! You too?! Betty sees perfectly normally, kashira!"

Felix tilted his head curiously: "Nya! But Beako-chan, how do you really see? It must be different, right?"

Beatrice crossed her arms: "Betty sees exactly as you do! These irises are just... just decorative!"

Emilia chuckled sweetly: "It's a cute joke, Beatrice. You don't need to be angry".

Ram commented with her sarcastic tone: "Maybe that's why she spends so much time in the library. With that butterfly-filled vision, it must be hard to go out".

Beatrice became even more annoyed: "RAM! Betty has no vision problems at all, kashira!"

Rem tried to defend: "Beatrice-sama, I think it's just a joke about your unique eyes..."

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ahhh~ what an interesting observation! I had never considered that possibility~"

Beatrice looked at him with a disgruntled expression: "Roswaal! You should be on Betty's side, kashira!"

Al clapped his hands: "Man, imagine if that were true?"

Beatrice sighed heavily: "Why does Betty have to put up with these people...?"

The director laughed along with the others before composing himself: "Well, well, I think we've tormented our dear librarian enough for today. How about we move on to the next meme? I'm sure you'll find this one even more interesting..."

The screen changed, preparing to show the next image.

Meme 4: Narcissistic Ram on Instagram

Garfiel burst into laughter: "PAHAHAHA! That's the Ram I know indeed!"

Otto was confused: "Instagram? What's that? And those strange words..."

Felix tilted his head: "Nya? It seems to be some kind of... communication tool?"

The director intervened to clarify: "Instagram is a platform where people post photos and others can 'like' these photos as a form of approval. It's basically digital exhibitionism - you post a photo of yourself and hope many people like it to feel validated".

Wilhelm raised an eyebrow: "What a most... peculiar concept. And superficial".

Anastasia showed interest: "Interesting! Is it like a business based on appearance and popularity?"

Al laughed: "Basically that! And the meme is showing that Ram would be the type of person completely addicted to it!"

Ram crossed her arms proudly: "Regardless of what this thing is, the meme is perfect. I would really do that".

Rem was startled: "Nee-sama! You would let Subaru-kun drown just to... to pose for an image?!"

Ram shrugged indifferently: "If Barusu can't swim, that's his problem. My beauty cannot be wasted".

Emilia was horrified: "Ram-chan! That's terrible! A human life is worth much more than any photo!"

Ram rolled her eyes: "Emilia-sama, you are too naive. Beauty is rare, Barusu... not so much".

Garfiel laughed loudly: "Wow! Ram is crueler than I imagined! Captain really got screwed!"

Julius commented, impressed: "I must admit that such dedication to one's own image is... notable, although morally questionable".

Crusch frowned: "That's selfishness in its purest form. How can someone be so insensitive?"

Ram looked at everyone with disdain: "You simply don't understand. When one possesses beauty like mine, preserving and properly displaying it is a responsibility".

Otto still processing the information: "So people really care more about these... 'likes' than about human lives?"

Felix made an expression of understanding: "Nya! Now I get it! It's like receiving many compliments at once, but from strangers!"

Frederica sighed: "What a strange world that must be where people value virtual approval more than helping someone in danger".

Meme 5: "3 out of 4 Maids Agree"

Al immediately burst into laughter: "AHAHAHAHA! Man, Subaru really won the hearts of all the maids! All but one, right Ram?"

Ricardo joined the teasing with a smile: "Haha! Little Ram is the only one who insists on not being honest about her feelings!"

Ram looked at the two with irritation: "You two are delusional. I have no special feelings for Barusu".

Otto observed the image curiously: "Wait... this format with numbers... it looks like some kind of... survey?"

The director explained: "It's a parody of advertisements from my world that use statistics to sell products. They always say something like '9 out of 10 people recommend this' to make it seem more trustworthy. Only here it's '3 out of 4 maids approve of Subaru'".

Anastasia showed commercial interest: "Ah! That's brilliant! Using numbers to convince people... what a smart marketing strategy!"

Wilhelm frowned: "What a peculiar concept... using numbers in this way to influence opinion".

Frederica nodded with a smile: "Yes, I really did say that! Subaru-sama has a special way of connecting with the people. It's an admirable quality".

Rem smiled nostalgically: "Subaru-kun truly has a special way with people. He genuinely cares about us".

Petra got all excited: "Subaru-sama is the kindest! He always treats me well!"

Everyone looked at Ram, who maintained her completely indifferent expression: "..."

Garfiel pointed at her: "So, Ram? Are you going to say anything?"

Ram crossed her arms and said in her usual tone: "Barusu is still an idiot. A statistic won't change that".

Felix chuckled: "Nyahaha! Ram-chan is relentless indeed! She doesn't change her mind even when everyone agrees!"

Emilia tried to mediate: "Ram-chan, Subaru really tries hard to help everyone..."

Ram shrugged: "Trying hard and being competent are different things. Barusu fails at the second part".

Julius commented amusedly: "Interesting how the meme perfectly captured the dynamic. Three approve enthusiastically, one remains... skeptical".

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ahhhh~ Ram has always been the most... discerning of my maids~"

Wilhelm observed: "It's admirable how young Subaru managed to gain the trust of the majority, even with his... peculiarities".

Crusch analyzed: "Three out of four is an impressive approval rating for anyone".

Ram sighed: "You're all giving too much importance to this. Barusu might have won them over, but with me, he still has a lot to improve".

Anastasia laughed: "Ram-chan, aren't you going to give him even a little credit?"

Ram thought for a moment: "...He has improved since he arrived. But he's still a Barusu".

Everyone laughed at Ram's reluctant "concession".

Chapter Text

Meme 6: "Pregnant Emilia" and Flash Subaru

The director announced: "Alright, everyone, this next meme is... interesting. Brace yourselves."

Emilia turned completely red: "Oh no... not this moment again..."

Otto immediately remembered: "Wait! That actually happened! Emilia-sama genuinely thought she was pregnant!"

Ram rolled her eyes: "Ah, yes, when Emilia-sama thought kissing caused pregnancy. How naive."

Rem nodded: "I remember that confusion! Emilia-sama was very worried at the time."

Felt asked curiously: "Wait, big sister, you really thought you'd get pregnant just from a kiss?"

Emilia covered her face with her hands: "I... I didn't know how those things worked back then!

It seemed logical!"

Felix was having fun: "Nyahaha! But Emilia-sama, what cute innocence!"

Beatrice defended her contractor: "Betty's Subaru would never run away from responsibility, kashira. He's an idiot, but he's not a coward."

The director laughed: "Exactly! The conversation happened, but the meme exaggerated it by making him turn into Flash running away. In reality, he was confused but tried to explain things."

Anastasia smiled: "Well, that makes everything more... understandable, but who is this Flash?"

The director explained: "Flash is a fictional hero from Subaru's world, known for being the fastest man alive. The joke is that Subaru became so desperate that he gained super speed powers to escape."

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ahhh~ what fun memories~ Emilia-sama's innocence was always charming~" He then looked at Frederica: "Frederica, I entrust you with the task of educating Emilia-sama about these... more delicate matters."

Frederica felt unlucky with the task: "R-Roswaal-sama! Perhaps I don't get paid enough for this!"

Roswaal smiled: "Ahhhh~ Very well then! I shall give you a bonus for this special task~"

Frederica sighed resignedly: "...Alright, Roswaal-sama."

Al defended: "Man, seriously, Subaru would have been right to run! The girl suddenly appears, saying she's pregnant with a child that clearly wasn't his!"

Priscilla hit him with her fan: "Shut up, Aldebaran."

Al replied as usual: "Don't call me Aldebaran, Princess!"

Anastasia laughed: "Ah, so that's why the meme is funny! It takes a real situation and exaggerates the reaction!"

Emilia was still embarrassed: "Can you stop talking about this... it was a very embarrassing misunderstanding..."

Beatrice rolled her eyes: "What a stupid meme, kashira. Subaru wouldn't run away, he's too idiotic for that."

Anastasia laughed: "Look, if I were a man and heard that, I'd run too! Hahaha!"

Ram smirked: "At least now we know what Barusu's true reaction would be to real responsibility."

Meme 7: Subaru's Thoughts VS Rem's Thoughts

Director: "Alright, let's move on to the next image... and this one is interesting!"

The silence lasted for exactly three seconds before the situation exploded.

Rem turned completely red, covering her face with her hands: "I DON'T THINK ABOUT THOSE THINGS!"

The director laughed mischievously: "Oh, really? It's kind of hard to believe that when you immediately understood what the '+18' symbol means... considering that kind of rating doesn't even exist in your world!"

Rem turned even redder: "I... I... that was just... intuition!"

Al slapped his thigh, roaring with laughter: "Intuition? What kind of intuition is that, girl?"

Ram sighed heavily, massaging her temples: "Damn Barusu... he corrupted my innocent sister! It's all his fault!"

Felix started laughing uncontrollably: "Nya-ha-ha-ha! Rem-chan, what spicy thoughts! And what specific intuition!"

Emilia tilted her head, genuinely confused: "I don't understand... what would that strange symbol with numbers be?"

Otto adjusted his glasses: "I don't recognize that symbology either..."

Julius frowned: "It seems to be some kind of... censorship code?"

Beatrice murmured: "Betty has no idea what it means, but by the context... kashira..."

The director was amused: "Ah, let me explain! The '+18' is an age rating symbol from the world of the sleeping knight and the one-armed knight - it means content for people aged 18 or older only. Basically, it's used to censor things... let's say, more 'adult' ones. And look - even without knowing it, Rem understood perfectly!"

Garfiel scratched his head: "Huh, but Captain is thinking something cute, right? What's the problem with that?"

Wilhelm coughed discreetly: "Young Garfiel, the joke is in the contrast..."

Priscilla scoffed disdainfully: "What unnecessary vulgarity."

Crusch blushed slightly: "Rem is... quite bold, isn't she?"

Rem continued to hide her face: "I swear I don't have those kinds of thoughts! I just... I just want to take care of Subaru-kun!"

Ram sighed again: "Rem, the more you deny it, the worse it gets..."

Frederica put her hand to her chest, worried: "Oh my... what an embarrassing situation..."

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ah~~~ how people interpret your relationships is fascinating!"

Anastasia smiled mischievously: "Well, considering how Rem behaves with Subaru..."

Ricardo let out a raspy laugh: "The little girl's got guts, doesn't she?"

Reinhard merely observed the situation with a discreet smile on his face.

Felt slapped her forehead, thinking: "Ah, I get it! The blue maid is ready to attack, while the older sister just sucks her thumb..."

Emilia remained confused: "But why is there a forbidden symbol? What could she be thinking that needs to be censored?"

Beatrice sighed: "Betty won't answer that question, kashira..."

Otto nervously waved his hands: "I don't want to get involved in this conversation..."

Felix was still laughing: "Nya! Rem-chan's face is redder than a tomato!"

Rem finally uncovered part of her face: "I... I only think about serving Subaru-kun well! About cooking for him, taking care of him when he's sick, protecting him..."

Felix winked mischievously: "Nya~ And also waking him up every morning very early, massaging his shoulders, giving him a bath when necessary..."

Rem turned even redder: "I... I've never bathed him!"

Felix laughed mischievously: "Nya~ But would you do it if he let you?"

As Rem started to imagine the situation, Ram reprimanded her: "Rem! Stop those thoughts right now!"

Rem shook her head desperately: "I don't have any strange thoughts about Subaru-kun! I just want to serve him well as a maid!"

Felix winked mischievously: "Nya~ Rem-chan, your reaction says it all!"

Julius tried to be diplomatic: "Perhaps it's just an exaggerated interpretation of your... dedication to Subaru."

Wilhelm nodded: "Loyalty can be interpreted in different ways."

Petra raised her hand: "Why is Rem-oneechan so red?"

Ram sighed for the third time: "Children don't need to understand these things..."

Roswaal continued to be amused: "The most interesting thing is how they captured each person's personality perfectly! Subaru truly would be the romantic and dreamy type, while Rem..."

Rem interrupted: "ROSWAAL-SAMA!"

Emilia was still processing: "So... people from another world think Rem has... inappropriate thoughts about Subaru? But what does this symbol with numbers mean?"

Roswaal smiled theatrically: "Ah~~~ Frederica, did you forget to teach some... more adult matters to our dear Emilia-chan?"

Frederica decided to remain silent, hoping everyone would forget the topic.

Ram sighed: "Sister, even without understanding the symbol, you grasped the essence of the joke very quickly..."

Rem shook her head desperately: "No! I just... I just realized from the context! It's not like I..."

Beatrice murmured: "Considering how she acts, Betty isn't surprised by this interpretation, kashira..."

Rem desperately waved her hands: "L-let's change the subject! Please!"

Felix winked mischievously: "Nya~ but it's funny to see Rem-chan's reaction!"

Rem buried her face in her hands again: "I want to disappear..."

Meme 8: Emilia Level MAX

Director: "Now that Rem has calmed down... let's move on to something that will make someone else quite uncomfortable!"

The theater fell completely silent for almost ten seconds.

Emilia blinked several times, processing slowly: "I... I am... who?"

Beatrice adjusted her posture, visibly proud: "Betty knows what 'max level' means, kashira! Subaru taught her about levels in games - the higher the number, the stronger the character becomes!"

Ram sighed heavily: "So they're saying the Witch of Envy is an... improved version of Emilia-sama?"

Roswaal laughed theatrically, but there was an underlying tension: "Ah~~~ what a most... interesting comparison!"

Emilia remained confused: "But I don't understand... why are they comparing me to... to her?"

Felix tried to lighten the mood: "Nya~ it must just be because you physically resemble each other..."

Crusch frowned: "The physical resemblance is undeniable, but the implications..."

Reinhard maintained a serious expression: "This comparison is... problematic."

Rem finally understood: "How dare they make that comparison?!"

Priscilla laughed mischievously: "Well, well... so this is the future version of my rival? How interesting! Perhaps it's the natural fate of one who carries that blood."

Anastasia murmured thoughtfully: "Well... considering the rumors about Emilia's origin..."

Julius reprimanded her discreetly: "Anastasia-sama..."

Emilia started to become visibly disturbed: "I... I'm not like her! I would never be like her!"

The director laughed mischievously: "Calm down, calm down! It's just a meme about video games! You know, when a character gets stronger, they 'level up'!"

Al snapped his fingers: "Ah, I get it! It's like when you pick up an iron sword and then find a diamond sword!"

Beatrice nodded proudly: "Exactly, kashira! Betty learned that in games, you start weak and get stronger and stronger! Subaru explained that it's like evolving!"

Otto tried to be diplomatic: "So... it's not necessarily a bad comparison? It's just saying that one is more... experienced?"

Wilhelm coughed discreetly: "The issue isn't power, young Otto..."

Garfiel scratched his head: "Huh, but if Princess Emilia is low level, she can still get stronger, right?"

Emilia became even more disturbed: "I don't want to become like her! I will never become like her!"

Rem was still red from the previous meme, but tried to console: "Emilia-sama, you are completely different from her..."

Ram murmured: "Physically speaking... not so much."

Frederica sighed: "What a delicate situation..."

Petra raised her hand: "Emilia-sama is very kind! She would never be evil like the witch!"

Felt crossed her arms: "Tch... at least they're not comparing her to someone weak."

Roswaal observed Emilia with interest: "Ah~~~ but it's fascinating how this simple comparison awakens so many... insecurities."

Julius tried to be comforting: "Emilia-sama, strength and kindness are not mutually exclusive."

Ricardo nodded: "The little girl is right to be upset... It's not a comparison anyone would want to hear."

Felix tried to brighten the mood: "Nya~ at least they said you have the potential to be super strong!"

Emilia shook her head desperately: "I don't want to be strong if that means becoming like her!"

Crusch said firmly: "Emilia, you have already proven to be completely different from her. Your kindness is genuine."

Al laughed nervously: "Man... you guys take these things too seriously. It's just an internet joke!"

The director was amused: "The interesting thing is that you're reacting exactly as expected! The comparison is bothersome because it touches on deep issues!"

Emilia murmured almost inaudibly: "Do I... do I really look that much like her?"

The theater fell into an awkward silence.

Wilhelm coughed discreetly: "Physically, yes. In everything else, you are complete opposites."

Emilia looked at him sleeping and took a deep breath: "I... I will continue to be myself. No matter what they say."

Garfiel smiled: "That's right! The Princess can become super strong but still remain the kind Princess!"

The director laughed: "Ah, what a beautiful lesson in self-acceptance! Who would have thought that a simple video game meme would generate so much existential reflection!"

Chapter Text

Meme 9: Vegan Cat

Director clapped animatedly: "Very good! Now that we're done with existential crises, let's move on to something more... light! This next one is about diets!"

Crusch denied, surprised: "I never said that!"

Felix looked at her with fake tears: "Crusch-sama... would you really think of doing that to me? Nya..."

Crusch sighed: "Felix, you are not a cat."

Felix, as if he hadn't heard, protested with tears in his eyes: "But I like meat! And fish! Nya! How will I survive on just vegetables?!"

Crusch sighed heavily: "Felix..."

Al laughed: "Man, in the image, he looked genuinely scared by his owner's decision!"

Garfiel roared with laughter: "Dude, look at his desperate face!"

Wilhelm coughed, trying to hide a smile: "The reaction was... very authentic."

Felix continued dramatically: "Crusch-sama is cruel! How can you think of taking all the protein out of my diet?!"

Al was amused: "Wow, he even cried! What drama over vegetables!"

Ram observed maliciously: "Actually... It's not a bad idea. Maybe we should consider that for our cat as well. He's eating all the food in the house."

Garfiel blinked, confused: "Huh, since when do we have a cat in the mansion?"

Ram smiled coldly: "Hmph! Who else could it be but you?"

Garfiel became furious: "No, no, no! I'm not a cat, I'm a tiger! I need meat to be strong! How will I protect everyone by eating just leaves?!"

Ram replied coldly: "Figure it out."

Al laughed: "Man, you laughed, and now it's coming back to bite you!"

Mimi provoked: "If Garf gets weak eating just vegetables, Mimi will be able to beat him super fast!"

Garfiel protested indignantly: "What are you talking about, shorty?!"

Anastasia smiled maliciously: "Mimi should stay quiet, if she doesn't want to go without meat either."

Mimi fell silent…

Felix complained with fake anger: "Nya! Crusch-sama, do you see what you've done?! Now all of us will go without meat because of you!"

Crusch, noticing the provocation: "Perhaps you really do want to go without meat, Felix."

Felix reacted startled: "N-no! Crusch-sama, I was just kidding! Nya!"

Otto laughed: "Now he's really turning vegan!"

Wilhelm hid a smile: "The tables turned quickly..."

Director laughed and then became more serious: "But seriously, everyone - cats really cannot be vegan. They are obligate carnivores; they need nutrients that only come from meat. Trying to force your cats to be vegan would literally be slowly killing them. The humor of the meme lies precisely in showing the despair a real cat would feel with such an absurd idea."

Crusch, tired, murmured: "As I already said, they are not cats..."

Crusch thought tiredly: "The people who make these images really have nothing better to do..."

Meme 10: Parents and children

Director: "Ah, this next one is interesting! Let's see how you react to a... shall we say, 'family' moment of our sleeping knight!"

The theater fell completely silent for a few seconds, until a burst of laughter echoed through the room.

Al slapped his thigh, laughing: "Hah! That's the kind of dad who never misses an opportunity to mess with his son!"

Emilia tilted her head, genuinely confused: "But... what does that word his father said mean? 'Gay'?"

Beatrice adjusted her posture, trying to appear knowledgeable: "Oh, Betty knows! Betty's contractor taught me that word once, kashira! It's... it's when a man marries a man, I think? Like... maybe like Roswaal?" She said this with a confused and uncertain expression.

Director intervened, laughing: "Hold on, hold on! Let me explain better. 'Gay' refers to men who feel romantic attraction to other men. The father was teasing Subaru, suggesting that showing love for his father would be... well, not very 'masculine' by their standards."

Otto started laughing uncontrollably: "PFFFT! Beatrice-sama, you just called Roswaal-sama...!"

Garfiel burst out laughing: "AHAHAHAHA! Beatrice said the clown is gay!"

Al laughed even harder: "That's right, little girl! You nailed it!"

Ram immediately rose in defense: "Roswaal-sama is NOT gay! He is perfectly normal and..."

Julius interrupted diplomatically: "Well... technically speaking, he has married both men and women throughout the generations, hasn't he? Considering the body swaps..."

Al clapped: "So the guy swings both ways! How versatile!"

Ram turned red with anger: "That... that doesn't count! He merely possessed the bodies, it doesn't mean that..."

Crusch coughed delicately: "Ram-san, perhaps it's better to change the subject..."

Petra raised her hand curiously: "Frederica-oneesama, how can two men love each other?"

Frederica became visibly embarrassed: "Oh... Petra-chan, you are still too young to understand these things..."

Wilhelm shook his head with an ironic smile: "Well, that seems like the kind of joke Subaru-dono's father would make..."

Everyone looked at Roswaal, who merely smiled theatrically.

Roswaal laughed: "Oh~~~ what an interesting observation~~! But I prefer to keep the mystery about my preferences~~"

Emilia suddenly brightened, as if she had come to a profound conclusion: "Oh! Now I understand! Love can appear in many different forms, right?" She looked at the sleeping Subaru with innocent curiosity and asked: "Subaru, are you gay?"

The theater exploded in laughter again.

Otto almost fell out of his chair: "EMILIA-SAMA!"

Garfiel slapped the armchair, laughing: "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Felix laughed so hard he started to cry: "Nya-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

Al held his stomach: "Her innocence is lethal!"

Rem turned red: "Emilia-sama! Subaru-kun clearly likes... well..."

Ram sighed heavily: "Emilia-sama, considering how Barusu acts around you, I would say the answer is quite obvious..."

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Oh~~~ Emilia-sama, what a... direct question!"

Beatrice murmured: "Betty thinks if Subaru were awake, he would faint, kashira..."

Emilia looked around, seeing everyone laughing, and tilted her head in confusion: "Eh? Was what I did strange? I just asked if he was gay... was it a bad question?"

Ricardo smiled: "Actually, it was great, kid."

Felix wiping away tears: "Nya~ it was excellent!"

Felt grinning: "It was awesome!"

Al clapping: "It was brilliant! I recommend doing it again when he's awake!"

Meme 11: Rabbit Trauma

Director: "Ah, this one is going to be interesting... Let's see how you deal with more... traumatic memories."

The silence in the theater was deafening. A heavy silence, loaded with memories no one wanted to relive.

Al finally broke the uncomfortable mood, adjusting his helmet: "Well... I think we all agree that no one will look at rabbits the same way anymore, right?"

Otto swallowed hard: "I... I can't even think about rabbits without getting chills..."

Garfiel clenched his fists: "Damn creatures from hell..."

Emilia placed her hand on her chest, visibly shaken: "Those... those horrible monsters..."

Ram observed the sleeping Subaru: "At least the idiot isn't awake to see this..."

Beatrice trembled slightly: "Betty... Betty doesn't want to remember that, kashira..."

Frederica immediately hugged Petra affectionately: "Don't blame yourself, dear. That scene happened before the Sanctuary... you made that little rabbit with so much love and innocence. You don't need to feel guilty for something that hadn't even happened yet."

Wilhelm nodded: "Frederica is right, child... at that moment, rabbits were still just cute creatures to you (and to him)."

Crusch closed her eyes, trying to forget the scene.

Felt grumbled irritably: "Damn it! I was finally managing to forget that cursed scene!"

Felix completely lost his usual cheerfulness: "Nya... it was the most horrible thing I've ever witnessed..."

Julius clenched his fist: "The helplessness we felt at that moment..."

Ricardo growled softly: "Damn creatures... I'll never forget that sound..."

Reinhard lowered his head, thinking: "If I had been there, this would never have happened... because of my negligence..."

Rem covered her mouth with her hands: "Subaru-kun... he suffered so much..."

Garfiel punched the armchair: "DAMN IT! Why did they have to show this now?!"

Priscilla finally ordered with authority: "Remove this horrible image at once! Enough of reliving these unpleasant memories!"

Everyone fell silent. A rare moment where everyone agreed with the arrogant princess - no one wanted to keep looking at that image that brought so many painful memories to the surface.

Director conceded: "Okay, okay... I guess this kind of humor is still too soon for you all."

Chapter Text

Meme 12: FELLAS IF YOUR GIRL

Director: "Okay, this one is going to be interesting... Let's see if you can follow the logic!"

The silence was absolute. Everyone was processing the information.

Otto adjusted his hat: "Wait... what... what do you mean?" 

Emilia tilted her head in confusion: "I don't understand... why did Subaru's dad appear at the end?"

Julius frowned: "Is there some logic I'm missing..."

Felix scratched his head: "Nya... what a strange connection..."

Garfiel murmured: "Captain's dad... he woke him up too, right?"

Wilhelm nodded slowly: "Yes, we saw that during the memories... he used to wake Subaru-dono."

Beatrice began to understand: "Wait, kashira... cute, wakes Subaru, and..."

Ram raised an eyebrow: "Are you comparing my sister to that idiot's father?"

Al started laughing: "Ah! Now I get it! It's a trick! The characteristics apply to both!"

Anastasia blinked: "So... both Rem and Subaru's dad do these things?"

Crusch processed: "Cute, wakes Subaru... and apparently both have..."

Ricardo looked more closely at the third image: "Hold on... Rem has a great body in that picture!"

Frederica blushed: "Oh my... she looks more... mature in this version..."

Felt whistled: "Damn! Is the blue maid going to look like that in the future?"

Rem turned completely red: "I'M NOT GOING TO LOOK LIKE THAT! What is this picture?!"

Anastasia laughed: "It looks like how you might look when you're older, dear..."

Priscilla observed disdainfully: "Quite a... generous projection of the future."

Al whistled playfully: "Well... time is going to be very good to you, girl!"

Rem buried her face in her hands: "DON'T SAY SUCH THINGS!"

Ricardo laughed: "And the boy's father also has a very well-defined physique..."

Otto finally understood: "Ah! So the joke is that the three characteristics apply to both Rem and Subaru's dad!"

Felix laughed: "Nya-ha-ha! What an absurd comparison!"

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ah~~~ what a most... interesting observation about similarities!"

Beatrice murmured: "Betty admits... it was quite well-elaborated, kashira..."

Julius smiled: "A well-constructed trick, I must admit."

Wilhelm coughed discreetly: "Both truly take care of young Subaru..."

Garfiel guffawed: "Captain's dad is really strong! We saw him training!"

Wilhelm observed: "An interesting observation about similar roles..."

Roswaal winked: "Ah~~~ it seems that both Rem and Subaru's dad have a special role in his life!"

Rem sighed in defeat: "Why is it always me in these embarrassing situations..."

Al whistled once more: "And much more... developed!"

Rem exploded: "AL-SAN!"

Rem thought to herself, still blushing: "Well... if I really do look like this when I get a little older, Subaru-kun will probably like it, right?"

Meme 13: Normal Witch stuff

Director: "Now let's see something about our dear Witch of Greed... and her secret activities!"

The initial silence was pure confusion.

Emilia tilted her head: "What is that strange object she's pushing?"

Otto adjusted his glasses: "It looks like some kind of... tool?"

Julius observed: "It has wheels, and she's pushing it through the grass..."

Felix blinked: "Nya~ What a strange thing..."

Al perked up: "Ah! That's a lawnmower! It's a machine from our world that cuts grass evenly."

Director added: "Exactly! It's a very common tool for keeping gardens and lawns well-maintained. But seeing the Witch of Greed using one..."

Crusch blinked: "She's... gardening?"

Anastasia laughed: "A powerful witch mowing the lawn like an ordinary housewife?"

Then the joke finally landed.

Garfiel burst out laughing: "BWAHAHAHA! The witch is doing housework!"

Felix started laughing uncontrollably: "Nya-ha-ha-ha! 'Normal witch stuff' - mowing the lawn!"

Ram smiled maliciously: "What a... domestic witch."

Garfiel teased: "Huh, but even the witch mows grass better than you, Ram!"

Ram got annoyed: "WHAT DID YOU SAY?! I am perfectly capable of mowing the lawn!"

Rem joked: "Oh, so I don't have to fix all the gardening after Onee-sama does it 'perfectly' anymore? What a relief!"

Ram was caught off guard: "R-Rem! That's not fair!"

Everyone started laughing at Ram's embarrassing situation.

Ram turned desperately: "Roswaal-sama! Help me here!"

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ah~~~ don't worry, Ram, I'll have one of those machines made for you too~~"

Everyone laughed again, while Ram had a defeated look on her face.

Beatrice, seeing the image, was shocked: "M-MAMA WOULDN'T DO THAT! She's a powerful witch, kashira!"

Roswaal laughed theatrically, but with a touch of affection: "Ah~~~ my dear master... always so charming in her simplicity!"

Wilhelm coughed: "It's an... unexpected image of one of the witches."

Frederica laughed gently: "Even witches need to keep their homes organized..."

Emilia smiled: "Actually, it's quite cute... she cares about the appearance of her castle!"

Beatrice waved her hands desperately: "It's not cute! Mama is grand and mysterious, kashira! She wouldn't mow the lawn!"

Roswaal continued laughing: "But what a most adorable image of my master~~~ She was always a perfectionist in everything!"

Otto scratched his head: "But... she can change the castle at will, can't she? Why would she use a manual tool?"

Al laughed: "That's the funny part! She could just make the grass perfect with magic, but she chose to use the lawnmower like a normal person!"

Petra tilted her head: "Maybe she likes the feeling of doing things herself?"

Julius smiled: "An interesting perspective... even powerful beings might prefer simple methods sometimes."

Ricardo let out a laugh: "The most feared witch doing gardener's work!"

Felt guffawed: "And she even tried to disguise it as 'witch stuff'! How embarrassing!"

Millie laughed affectionately: "What a hardworking witch..."

Beatrice continued in denial: "Mama would never stoop to that kind of work, kashira!"

Roswaal winked mischievously: "Ah~~~ but remember how meticulous she was with everything? She always wanted every detail to be perfect!"

Felix laughed: "Nya~ The Witch of Greed... greedy for well-mown grass!"

Garfiel continued laughing: "The look on her face when she said 'normal witch stuff'! Liar!"

Beatrice murmured, less convinced: "Mama... would she really do that, kashira?"

Roswaal smiled affectionately: "My dear master was always unique in her choices~~~ That only makes her more adorable!"

Al laughed: "The best part is she tried to hide it! 'Oh, you know... normal witch stuff... like mowing the lawn...'"

Otto shook his head: "One of the most powerful witches in history... doing yard work."

Felix blinked: "Nya~ Now I imagine all the other witches doing household chores!"

Director laughed: "Imagine the Witch of Wrath washing dishes, or the Witch of Sloth... well, she probably wouldn't do anything at all!"

Everyone laughed at the absurd image of witches doing household chores.

Meme 13: Trick or treat!

Director: "Alright, now let's go with something lighter... at least I hope it is!"

The initial silence was broken by general confusion.

Emilia tilted her head: "Halloween? What is that?"

Otto adjusted his glasses: "I've never heard of that word..."

Julius frowned: "It seems to be some kind of... festivity?"

Crusch observed: "From the context, it involves costumes and sweets..."

Everyone looked at Beatrice, expecting an explanation, since she appeared in the image.

Beatrice lowered her head, crestfallen: "Betty... Betty doesn't know either, kashira. My contractor hasn't taught me about it yet..."

Al immediately perked up: "Ah! Finally something I know and you don't! Halloween is a tradition from the boy's world and mine - children dress up in costumes and go from house to house asking for candy with the phrase 'trick or treat.' If they don't get candy, the children play tricks!"

Director added: "Exactly! It's a holiday where people dress up as monsters, witches, ghosts... and children go out collecting candy. A very fun tradition!"

Felix blinked: "Nya~ So Beatrice-chan was asking for candy?"

Garfiel scratched his head: "And if you don't give them candy, you have to put up with a trick?"

Al nodded proudly: "That's right! And Subaru was clever - he ate all the candy to force Beatrice to play a trick!"

Ram raised an eyebrow: "What a most... peculiar tradition."

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ah~~~ how interesting! A holiday dedicated to tricks!"

Beatrice blushed: "I would never play such a strange trick, kashira!"

Wilhelm coughed: "Going inside someone's jacket is quite a... creative trick."

Anastasia winked mischievously: "Very creative indeed... what a cute way to cuddle!"

Beatrice exploded: "IT WASN'T FOR CUDDLING! It was just an improvised trick, kashira!"

Frederica laughed gently: "What a sweet scene... even though it's strange..."

Otto in the audience covered his face: "Why is it always me who encounters these bizarre situations?!"

Felt guffawed: "Man, big bro planned everything! He ate the candy on purpose!"

Petra tilted her head: "But why did she go inside his jacket?"

Al laughed: "Because she didn't know what trick to play! It was pure improvisation!"

Julius smiled: "A very literal interpretation of the rules..."

Ricardo let out a laugh: "The little girl had no choice!"

Crusch observed: "It was a well-calculated strategy by Subaru..."

Felix laughed: "Nya-ha-ha! The best part is Otto-kun's utterly confused face!"

Otto groaned: "Please, don't remind me of that..."

Rem smiled shyly: "Subaru-kun always manages to create interesting situations..."

Emilia laughed softly: "So this is an activity from your world?"

Al bragged: "Exactly! And apparently the boy taught Beatrice well!"

Beatrice crossed her arms: "He didn't teach me anything! Betty would never do that in real life, kashira!"

Ram smiled maliciously: "But you have to admit... it was quite creative..."

Priscilla sighed: "What unnecessary childishness."

Roswaal winked: "Ah~~~ but what a lovely way to get close!"

Beatrice turned even redder: "IT WASN'T TO GET CLOSE, KASHIRA!"

Garfiel slapped his thigh: "The look on Otto's face when he arrived! 'But what are you two doing!?'"

Wilhelm observed thoughtfully: "An interesting tradition... dressing up and asking for candy..."

Anastasia laughed: "And if you don't give them candy, you deal with the consequences!"

Felix blinked: "Nya~ And Beatrice-chan improvised a very... intimate trick!"

Beatrice buried her face in her hands: "I hate all of you, kashira..."

Petra laughed affectionately: "It was a very cute trick, actually..."

Al continued bragging: "That's right! Now you know one more thing from our world!"

The director laughed: "Halloween is truly one of the most fun traditions! Costumes, candy, and tricks... what more could a child want?"

Chapter Text

Meme 14: Ram Awarding Herself

Director clapped excitedly: "Ah, this one's going to be good! Let's see how you react to another classic about our dear Ram!"

The initial silence was broken by a mix of muffled laughter and exasperated sighs.

Rem was the first to react, covering her face with her hands: "Sister…"

Ram crossed her arms proudly, raising her chin: "And what would be the problem? I was merely stating an obvious fact."

Garfiel burst out laughing: "HAHAHA! Ram's giving herself a medal! This is too good!"

Otto adjusted his hat, incredulous: "Ram... do you really believe that?"

Ram looked at Otto with disdain: "Otto, your limited mind cannot comprehend reality. If I were just a little more lovable than I already am, all of humanity would fall at my feet. It would be total chaos."

Felix laughed loudly: "Nya-ha-ha! Ram-chan has impressive self-esteem!"

Beatrice murmured sarcastically: "Impressive isn't exactly the word Betty would use, kashira..."

Frederica sighed softly: "Ram... perhaps it would be better to maintain some modesty..."

Ram turned to Frederica: "Modesty is for people who have something to be ashamed of. I don't fit into that category."

Wilhelm coughed discreetly: "Confidence is a virtue, but..."

Ram interrupted him: "But nothing, Wilhelm. You simply cannot accept perfection when it's right before your eyes."

Al slapped his thigh: "Man, this girl has no limits! She's literally congratulating herself!"

Priscilla smiled with approval: "Finally, someone with a minimum of self-respect in this place. Although, of course, she is still far below my level."

Ram turned to Priscilla with shining eyes: "Ah, Priscilla understands! Although I recognize that your beauty is... adequate."

Crusch shook her head: "Ram, that attitude isn't very... humble..."

Ram laughed delicately: "Humility is for those who need to compensate for their deficiencies. I don't have that problem."

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Oh~~~ our dear Ram has always been like this! It's one of her most... interesting characteristics!"

Anastasia smiled maliciously: "Well, confidence is important in business, but that has gone too far!"

Julius tried to be diplomatic: "Perhaps Ram has... a unique perspective on her own qualities..."

Ram nodded, satisfied: "Finally, someone with good sense. Julius can recognize the truth when he sees it."

Ricardo gave a hoarse laugh: "The little girl has attitude, I'll give her that!"

Reinhard merely smiled discreetly, clearly amused by the situation.

Felt crossed her arms: "Seriously? She really thinks she's all that?"

Ram looked at Felt with superiority: "Child, when you grow up and develop a minimum of sophistication, perhaps you'll understand."

Petra timidly raised her hand: "Big Sister Ram... but you are already quite lovable..."

Ram smiled benevolently at Petra: "Ah, Petra-chan, you are a wise child. But imagine if I were even more lovable. It would be too dangerous."

Rem buried her face in her hands completely: "Sister... you're really serious..."

Ram placed her hand on her hip: "Rem, you should learn from me. Self-confidence is fundamental."

Mimi laughed: "Ram-chan is funny! She loves herself so much!"

Hetaro and Tivey exchanged amused glances.

Felix winked maliciously: "Nya~ Ram-chan, do you at least admit you're narcissistic?"

Ram frowned: "Narcissism implies excessive and unfounded self-love. What I feel is merely... appropriate recognition of the facts."

Emilia tilted her head, genuinely curious: "Ram... do you really believe it would be dangerous if you were more lovable?"

Ram nodded seriously: "Emilia, imagine: if I were just 10% more lovable, men would abandon their families. If I were 20% more lovable, wars would be fought in my name. If I were 30% more lovable... well, civilization as we know it would cease to exist."

Beatrice sighed deeply: "Betty can't decide if that's impressive or worrisome, kashira..."

Otto waved his hands nervously: "Ram, isn't that a little bit... exaggerated?"

Ram looked at Otto as if he were a child: "Otto, your simple mind cannot process such complex concepts."

Garfiel was still laughing: "Ram is truly unique! I've never seen anyone so proud of herself!"

Ram smiled with satisfaction: "Garfiel, at least you can appreciate greatness when you see it."

Director clapped: "So, Ram? What did you think of literally seeing yourself being awarded?"

Ram raised her chin proudly: "It was a very accurate representation. Finally, someone recognized that I deserve all the praise I can give myself."

Rem murmured softly: "How am I even her sister..."

Al chuckled: "This girl is incredible! She doesn't have a shred of shame!"

Ram turned to Al: "Shame for what, exactly? For being perfect?"

Wilhelm smiled discreetly: "Youth certainly brings... interesting perspectives on life."

Ram nodded gracefully: "Wilhelm, your wisdom is finally proving useful."

Frederica sighed again, thinking: "How did I manage to work with her all this time..."

Roswaal continued to be amused: "Oh~~~ Ram has always been my most... confident maid!"

Ram smiled: "Roswaal has always had good taste in recognizing exceptional talents."

Meme 15: Scary Petra

The director rubbed his hands excitedly: "Ah, this one's going to be fun! Let's see how you react to this... interesting domestic situation!"

The silence lasted only a few seconds before Otto sighed deeply.

Otto shook his head, defeated: "Of course... It's on me again. Why do I always end up being the target of these situations?"

Al dramatically recoiled in his chair: "My goodness, princess! That little girl looks like a killer! Otto, what did you do to deserve this?"

Ricardo gave a nervous laugh: "Damn, the little one has an intimidating presence! Otto, are you still alive?"

Felix covered his eyes with his paws: "Nya! Petra-chan is scary! Otto, beg for your life!"

Petra turned red with embarrassment: "I-I'm not like that! I would never treat Otto that way!"

Ram smiled with approval: "Hmm, it seems Petra learned a few things from me after all. Very good, child."

Petra waved her hands desperately: "No! Big Sister Ram, I swear I didn't learn that from you!"

Ram smiled, even more satisfied: "You learned by yourself? Magnificent. You have natural talent, child."

Petra turned even redder: "Big Sister Ram!"

Rem sighed: "Otto... you shouldn't drink during work..."

Otto protested: "I wasn't drinking! I mean... not much! And besides, nobody cares a little bit about me when I work late, taking care of all the paperwork!"

Garfiel laughed loudly: "HAHAHA! Otto's begging the little girl!"

Beatrice murmured: "Betty isn't surprised. The merchant always gets into trouble, kashira..."

Wilhelm observed the scene with interest: "Young Petra certainly has... a commanding presence for her age."

Emilia tilted her head: "Otto... were you really drinking at work?"

Otto sighed: "Emilia, sometimes a man needs... liquid motivation to deal with all the bureaucracy!"

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ah~~~ Otto has always been very dedicated to work! Perhaps too dedicated sometimes!"

Julius tried to be diplomatic: "Perhaps Otto should consider... healthier methods of dealing with stress."

Otto looked around desperately: "You don't understand! I work alone with mountains of paper every day! Nobody recognizes my effort!"

Crusch frowned: "Otto, that doesn't justify drinking during working hours..."

Otto sighed again: "Maybe I should go on strike for mistreatment..."

Anastasia smiled maliciously: "Oh, Otto, if you're not satisfied with your current job, I can always offer you a position in my organization!"

Otto looked at Anastasia with interest: "Seriously? With what kind of benefits?"

Al chuckled: "Man, you're actually considering abandoning ship!"

Felt crossed her arms: "Wait, why is Petra holding a bottle like that? It looks like she's going to use it as a weapon!"

Petra turned even redder: "I wouldn't do that! I just... I was just organizing!"

Frederica sighed worriedly: "Oh my... Petra-chan, what a scary expression..."

Reinhard observed with a discreet smile: "Young Petra's determination is... impressive. I must admit, even I would run if I encountered a Petra like that."

Mimi laughed: "Petra-chan is mad! Otto did something wrong!"

Hetaro and Tivey whispered to each other about the scene.

Felix was still dramatizing: "Nya! Otto, beg for forgiveness! The little one is bloodthirsty!"

Otto sighed deeply: "At least someone could pretend to care about my well-being..."

Emilia finally smiled gently: "Otto, you know we all appreciate you at the camp, don't you? You do very important work!"

Otto immediately became emotional, with tears in his eyes: "Emilia! Finally, someone recognizes my value!"

Ram rolled her eyes: "What an easy man to please..."

Beatrice agreed: "The merchant is very simple-minded, kashira. One compliment and he gets all emotional."

Otto protested: "Hey! I'm not easy! It's just that... It's rare for someone to recognize my effort..."

Garfiel slapped Otto's back: "Relax, Otto! Everyone knows you're useful!"

Otto looked hopeful: "Really?"

Al chuckled: "Man, you're needier than I imagined!"

Priscilla snorted with disdain: "What pathetic behavior. A man should have more dignity."

Otto murmured: "Easy for you to say when you don't have to deal with all the bureaucracy by yourself..."

Petra finally regained her composure: "Otto, I promise I would never treat you like that! You work very hard!"

Otto became emotional again: "Petra-chan! You're an angel!"

Ram sighed: "And there he goes again..."

Felix winked maliciously: "Nya~ Otto, you cry very easily!"

Ricardo gave a laugh: "The guy goes from despair to happiness in seconds!"

Meme 16: Ram vs Rem - Anatomical Differences

The director rubbed his hands with a malicious smile: "Ah, this next one is cruel! You'll love it... or hate it. Probably hate it!"

The initial silence was broken by a series of simultaneous reactions.

Garfiel was the first to burst out laughing: "GYAHAHAHA! The captain broke his head!"

Al slapped his knee, laughing: "Man, what a pathetic death! Survives the White Whale only to die like that!"

Ram said with her cheeks flushing: "Hmph! What an unnecessary comparison!"

Rem tried to console her: "Sister, you're beautiful just the way you are..."

Ram turned to her: "REM! YOU DON'T NEED TO CONSOLE ME ABOUT THAT!"

Felix couldn't contain himself: "Nya-ha-ha-ha! Ram-chan, you would accidentally kill Subaru-kun!"

Frederica put her hand to her mouth, worried: "Oh my... what an embarrassing situation for both sisters..."

Anastasia thought to herself: "At least I'm not the only one without... special equipment here..."

Felt shrugged: "Hey, having small breasts has its advantages! It's easier to run and fight!"

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ah~~~ the genetic differences between twins can be fascinating!"

Crusch blushed slightly: "What a most... intimate observation about the sisters."

Ricardo gave a hoarse laugh: "The pink-haired girl has no cushioning whatsoever!"

Reinhard maintained diplomatic silence, but observed the situation with interest.

Petra tilted her head: "Why did Subaru's head break? Is Big Sister Ram too hard?"

Ram became even more irritated: "I'M NOT HARD! It's just that... I don't have... certain unnecessary characteristics!"

Rem tried to console her sister: "Sister, you have many other admirable qualities..."

Felix continued provoking: "Nya~ but to save someone falling from the sky, certain... natural cushions... are useful!"

Ram pointed at Felix threateningly: "You damn cat, I'll turn you into a rug!"

Al was still laughing: "Just imagine – 'Cause of death: flat chest.' What an epitaph!"

Garfiel wiped a tear from laughing so much: "But it really is funny! The Captain survives death loops only to die in a 'rescue'!"

Roswaal continued to be amused: "The interesting thing is how perfectly they captured Ram-chan's personality! Even while saving someone, she would be cold and direct!"

Ram sighed heavily: "At least they recognize that I would save Barusu, even if he's annoying."

Felix winked maliciously: "Nya~ but you'd kill him in the process!"

Crusch tried to be constructive: "Well, Ram could use wind magic to cushion the fall..."

Al shook his head: "No, no! The joke is precisely that it would be the same move Rem made, but with... different results."

Ram turned to Al with eyes blazing with anger: "If it were you falling, I wouldn't even try to save you!"

Al cowered, startled, and murmured: "Regardless of whether you try to save me or not, good thing I wear a helmet..."

Despite speaking softly, everyone heard and burst out laughing.

Felix clapped his paws: "Nya-ha-ha! Al protecting himself from Ram-chan!"

Garfiel laughed even harder: "GYAHAHAHA! The guy's afraid of breaking his head even from afar!"

Ricardo slapped the table: "Good one, Al! Always thinking about safety!"

Felt laughed: "At least he's smart!"

Al remained cowering: "It's... life experience, you know..."

Chapter Text

Meme 17: Felix, the Trap

Director clapped animatedly: "Now this is going to be interesting! Prepare yourselves for another one about our dear sleeping knight!"

The silence lasted only two seconds before Al burst out laughing.

Al slapped his thigh, nearly falling off his chair: "AHAHAHAHA! The kid's face! Just look how purple he turned!"

Ricardo let out a hoarse laugh: "The kid got quite a shock! Thought he was going to get lucky, huh?"

Otto adjusted his hat, trying to hide his laughter: "H-his expression in the third image is priceless..."

Felix blushed lightly, but smiled mischievously: "Nya~ well, it's not my fault if people get confused! I am naturally adorable!"

Crusch coughed, trying to maintain composure: "Felix, are you... aware of the effect you have?"

Wilhelm sighed discreetly: "Youngsters..."

Emilia tilted her head, confused: "But what's wrong with bumping into Felix? And why did Subaru turn that strange color?"

Ram said mockingly: "Barusu probably thought it was a real woman and got a shock."

Roswaal laughed theatrically: "Ah~~~ Subaru's expression of pure shock is fascinating!"

Anastasia smiled shrewdly: "Well, considering Felix's appearance, the confusion is understandable..."

Al pointed at the screen: "Wait a minute... did anyone else notice that in this meme Felix has... some big breasts?"

Ricardo burst out laughing: "You're right! Where do you hide all that, kid?"

Felix turned red: "Nya! I don't have breasts! That's photo editing!"

Mimi tilted her head: "Felix-kyun, you really don't have that?"

Felix waved his hands desperately: "Of course not! I'm a man!"

Al laughed maliciously: "Wait a minute... could it be that Felix has always been a girl and we were the ones who were wrong this whole time?"

Ricardo joined the joke, roaring with laughter: "Exactly! Just look at those assets!"

Felix turned even redder: "Nya! I am a man! I have always been a man!"

Otto adjusted his hat, pretending to be analyzing while holding back his laughter: "Hmm... now that you mention it, Al... the evidence is quite convincing..."

Mimi clapped, laughing: "So Felix-chan is a girl disguised as a boy!"

Felix waved his hands desperately: "No! That's just the meme! I am a real man!"

Crusch tried to hide a smile: "Felix... are you absolutely sure?"

Felix almost screamed: "Nya! Not Crusch-sama too! Everyone knows I'm a man!"

Al continued provoking him between laughs: "I don't know... this image looks too realistic..."

Rem joined the teasing with a mischievous smile: "Now everything makes sense! Felix has always been a girl, and that smile with the V-sign in the last image was him celebrating having managed to 'snatch' Subaru-kun!"

Emilia tilted her head innocently: "Is that true? Is Felix really a girl?"

Felix nearly fainted: "NOT REM-CHAN, EMILIA-SAMA TOO! Nya! Everyone has stopped believing me! I AM A MAN!"

Al said with a tone of fake understanding: "Alright. We get it, Felicia."

Felix yelled: "MY NAME IS FELIX! F-E-L-I-X!"

Still amidst some laughter, Anastasia raised her hand trying to calm the situation: "Okay, okay, calm down, Felicia. We won't treat you differently for discovering your secret, okay?"

"HAHAHAHA!" Another wave of laughter echoed through the theater.

Julius then asked curiously: "But what does that strange word mean... 'Trap'? I don't recognize that term."

Crusch nodded: "I don't know that word either. It seems to be from another language..."

Felix tilted his head: "Nya? Trap? I've never heard of it..."

Al stopped laughing and composed himself: "Ah, I can explain that one. 'Trap' comes from English, the language of our world. It means 'trap' or 'snare'."

Wilhelm raised an eyebrow: "Trap? In what sense?"

Al gestured casually: "It's a slang word they use to describe... well, people like Felix here. Men who have such a feminine appearance that they 'catch' other men off guard. The 'trap' or 'snare' is when you think you're dealing with a girl, but... surprise! That's what this meme here represents - Subaru falling for the 'trap'."

Otto adjusted his hat thoughtfully: "But wait... if we just discovered that Felix is, in fact, a girl... does the term still apply to him... I mean, her?"

Felix panicked: "Nya! No! I'm neither a trap, nor a girl! I AM A MAN!"

Ricardo laughed: "Well, you have to choose one thing, boy... or girl?"

Felix started to break out in a cold sweat: "I... I... I'm a man who looks like a woman, but I'm neither a trap nor a real woman!"

Al laughed maliciously: "Hmm, so you admit you look like a woman?"

Felix buried his face in his hands: "Nya! There's no winning this argument!"

Reinhard merely observed with a discreet smile.

Felt slapped her forehead: "Now I get it! The guy bumped into him thinking it was going to be one thing and it was something completely different!"

Otto was still holding back his laughter: "The expression they put on him in the third image... as if the world had fallen apart!"

Al continued having fun: "That's right! They perfectly represented the shock of reality hitting him head-on!"

Felix crossed his arms, pouting: "Nya! It's not my fault for being naturally beautiful! And it's not like I try to fool anyone!"

Crusch tried to be diplomatic: "Felix, you truly have a... unique appearance."

Garfiel laughed: "The Captain must have thought 'what luck!' and then 'what bad luck!' within two seconds!"

Roswaal laughed: "Ah~~~ but look closely! The person who made this image knows Felix's personality very well! They even put him making that characteristic pose!"

Felix blushed harder: "Nya... I really do make that V-sign sometimes..."

Beatrice murmured: "Betty thinks the merchant is still laughing internally, I suppose..."

Otto tried to compose himself: "No, no! I already stopped!"

Ricardo let out one last laugh: "Man, the kid's expression... it's like he's seen a ghost!"

Wilhelm commented thoughtfully: "It's interesting how the people of this other world manage to capture these moments of... surprise."

Julius reflected: "So is this term 'trap' common in their world?"

Al nodded: "Quite common. Especially in stories and cartoons. It practically became a... how can I explain it... a recognizable character type."

Anastasia smiled: "And our Felix fits the definition perfectly, doesn't he?"

Felix hid his face in his hands: "Nya! How embarrassing! Now they're going to keep calling me a 'trap'!"

Al laughed once more: "And apparently, they created this meme imagining what it would be like if this happened to Subaru! His face says it all!"

Otto finally stopped laughing: "Well, at least now we understand the context of the joke... it's a very creative composite."

Director: "Perfect! You captured the essence of the situation! So let's continue!"

Meme 18: Chivalry Until Death

The Director clapped his hands enthusiastically: "Ah, this one is going to be delicious! Literally... or maybe not. Let's see!"

The silence was broken by a muffled laugh from Otto.

Otto covered his mouth with his hand: "Sorry, but... that looks like it's alive..."

Ricardo snorted loudly: "Stew?! That's not food, it's a biological weapon!"

Emilia widened her eyes, horrified: "My food looks like that?! But it looks so... scary!"

Anastasia crossed her arms, analyzing the screen with a critical eye: "Hmm~ I can't say my food would be THAT bad... but it's creative on the part of the meme maker."

Beatrice huffed, crossing her arms: "Betty would never cook something so grotesque, I suppose! This is an insult!"

But she fell silent for a moment, remembering the times she tried to make tea for Subaru...

Julius sighed heavily, massaging his temples: "So this is how the world sees us? As... culinary martyrs?"

Wilhelm cleared his throat: "A knight must have courage in all situations, Julius-sama. Including at the dinner table, apparently."

Al slapped the arm of his chair, laughing: "Man, the guy's FACE! He's calculating his chances of survival! And you, Julius, treating this like a mission of life or death!"

Felix laughed, covering his mouth: "Nya~ but Julius-kyun was so serious! 'You REALLY understand what must be done' — as if he were going to face an Archbishop!"

Crusch allowed herself a small smile: "I must admit that the chivalric logic applied to... that... has its comic charm."

Julius closed his eyes, trying to maintain his dignity: "There are times when courtesy demands sacrifices."

Ram looked directly at Emilia: "Emilia-sama, with all due respect, your culinary skills in the meme are... worrying."

Emilia blushed intensely: "I-I'm not THAT bad! ...Right?"

The silence that followed was eloquent.

Frederica coughed delicately: "Well, Emilia-sama, perhaps it would be best if Rem or I prepared the meals..."

Rem nodded softly: "Subaru-kun would be happy to eat anything Emilia-sama made, but... perhaps it would be safer if I supervised."

Garfiel gave a loud laugh: "The Captain was breaking out in a cold sweat! He faced Archbishops, but that dish scared him!"

Anastasia smiled maliciously: "Julius, would you really do that? Eat something... questionable... just out of politeness?"

Julius opened his mouth, closed it, then sighed: "...It depends on who prepared it."

Ricardo roared with laughter: "Translation: it depends on whether he wants to live to tell the tale afterward!"

Otto adjusted his hat, thoughtful: "But look on the bright side — at least in the meme Subaru wasn't alone in the sacrifice. He had company on the suicide mission."

Beatrice rolled her eyes: "The merchant is right, I suppose. If you're going to suffer, it's better to suffer with company, I suppose."

Felix gave a mischievous smile: "Nya~ but imagine the real scene! The two sitting, looking at the dish, waiting to see who would be brave enough to take the first bite!"

Wilhelm commented seriously: "In my years of service, I learned that there are battles that cannot be won. Only... survived."

Crusch looked at her husband in surprise: "Wilhelm, are you talking about food?"

Wilhelm maintained a solemn expression: "I am talking about experiences, Lady Crusch."

Ram sighed: "Barusu would have probably eaten everything and said it was delicious, even while dying inside."

Rem smiled softly, with a touch of sadness: "Subaru-kun would do that out of kindness... he always puts the feelings of others before his own well-being."

A more serious moment of silence hung in the theater.

Emilia looked at the sleeping Subaru a few rows ahead, her expression softening: "He really would do that... wouldn't he?"

Beatrice looked away: "...Betty knows he would, I suppose. Subaru is an idiot like that, I suppose."

Al broke the melancholy moment: "Hey, hey, don't get depressed! That's precisely the joke — the guy has the courage to face monsters, but trembles in front of a stew!"

Priscilla spoke for the first time, with elegant disdain: "How pathetic. If the food is bad, you simply don't eat it. Knights and their ridiculous obsession with 'honor'."

Julius took a deep breath, but did not respond.

Anastasia poked his arm: "Come on, Julius, admit it — you definitely went through this before, didn't you?"

Julius kept silent, but the slight redness in his ears gave him away.

Ricardo roared with laughter: "AH! You went through it! The perfect knight had to swallow horrible food for politeness!"

Mimi jumped in her seat: "Tell us! Tell us! Tell us!"

Hetaro and Tivey repeated in chorus: "Tell us! Tell us!"

Julius sighed in defeat: "...There was a diplomatic banquet once. The food was... culturally important. And extremely... peculiar."

Felix widened his eyes: "Nya?! You never told me that! What was it?"

Julius closed his eyes as if reliving a trauma: "Let's not discuss the details."

Otto laughed: "This confirms it! The meme is based on real knight experiences!"

Garfiel thumped his chest: "I eat anything! Nothing defeats the amazing Garfiel!"

Frederica looked at her brother skeptically: "Garfiel, you complained about my vegetable stew last week."

Garfiel choked: "Th-that was different! It had those strange vegetables..."

Ram smiled maliciously: "How disappointing. The 'amazing Garfiel' defeated by carrots."

Garfiel blushed: "Th-they weren't normal carrots!"

Emilia murmured softly, still embarrassed: "I will practice more... so I don't make anything like that..."

Rem gently touched her shoulder: "Emilia-sama, I can teach you some simple recipes if you like."

Anastasia smiled: "I'll also contribute some recipes from Kararagi~ They are much more... safe."

Beatrice crossed her arms: "Betty can supervise to ensure nothing explodes, I suppose."

Otto heard this and thought:

"Has Anastasia-sama and Beatrice-sama already forgotten that they are also in the meme?"

Petra raised her hand animatedly: "I can help too! I know how to make cookies!"

Otto laughed: "Did this turn into a cooking class now?"

Felix winked: "Nya~ that would be better than watching more embarrassing memes about me..."

Ricardo: looked at him with a cruel smile: "Ah, yes, Felicia. Still haven't gotten over the last one?"

Felix protested: "Ricardo-san! My name is Felix!"

Crusch sighed: "Please, don't start again..."

The Director laughed, observing the friendly chaos: "Well, well! It seems this meme touched upon deep culinary wounds! Knights and their honor, cooks and their pride... what an interesting combination!"

Wilhelm commented with a slight smile: "There are battles everywhere, it seems."

Julius finally relaxed a little: "Yes... some stranger than others."

Al roared with laughter: "But admit it, Julius — you would have done exactly what the meme shows, right? All serious, 'we are knights, Subaru, we have to EAT THIS'."

Julius did not answer, but his silence was answer enough.

The theater exploded in renewed laughter as the Director prepared the next meme, and Julius buried his face in his hands, resigned to his fate as the "knight of culinary sacrifice."

Meme 19: Good Luck, Petra

The Director gave a mischievous smile: "Ah, this one is going to stir things up for some people! Prepare yourselves for a little bit of... rivalry."

Silence. Then Otto let out a laugh.

Beatrice looked at the screen: "It's... it's the same idea as that level meme from before, I suppose."

Al nodded, laughing: "Exactly! Rem and Emilia have max-level armor and equipment, while Petra has a beginner's sword! It's like starting the game and trying to defeat the final bosses!"

Ricardo roared with laughter: "The girl is facing two QUEENS with an iron sword! What courage!"

Garfiel scratched his head, still processing: "So it's about... ah! It's because Petra likes the Captain too!"

Felix covered his mouth, smiling: "Nya~ poor Petra-chan is 'competing' with Rem-chan and Emilia-sama! What a situation!"

Petra sank into her chair, turning red: "P-please, no..."

Anastasia smiled maliciously: "But the meme is perfect~ The small challenger facing the established veterans!"

Ram looked at Petra with something between amusement and pity: "Child, look at the difference. They are on thrones. You are on the ground with a basic sword."

Rem blushed slightly: "R-Ram, don't be so blunt..."

Emilia looked at Petra kindly: "Petra, I know you admire Subaru... but this looks quite... intimidating when they put it like this."

Julius analyzed the image: "The visual representation is effective. The disparity in 'equipment' symbolizes well the... temporal and emotional advantage you two have."

Wilhelm agreed: "Petra-chan is at a clear disadvantage, represented by the difference in armament."

Crusch observed with interest: "Yet, she is there. Facing the two without backing down."

Al clapped his hands: "And that's the funny part! 'Good luck, Petra' is like saying 'you're going to need a miracle, girl, but we admire the courage'!"

Beatrice huffed: "It's the kind of foolishness Subaru would do, I suppose. Facing obviously superior enemies, I suppose."

Mimi jumped excitedly: "But it's brave! Petra is brave!"

Hetaro and Tivey agreed: "Very brave!"

Petra murmured between her hands covering her face: "This is so embarrassing..."

Otto adjusted his hat, trying not to laugh: "But look on the bright side, Petra-chan — at least they made you look determined! You're not running away!"

Frederica gently touched the girl's shoulder: "There is no shame in having feelings, Petra."

Garfiel thumped his chest: "That's right! Petra is not scared! Even against Sis and Emilia-sama!"

Felix tilted his head: "Nya~ but imagine this scene happening for real! The three looking at each other, and Subaru in the middle not understanding anything!"

Al roared with laughter: "The guy would freaaaaak out! 'Why are you looking at me like that?! What did I do?!'"

Petra finally took her hands off her face, still red, but with a determined expression: "I-I won't lose! Even if it looks difficult in the meme!"

The theater fell silent for a moment.

Otto blinked: "Petra-chan... did you just declare war?"

Al burst out laughing: "THE GIRL DECLARED WAR ON THE FINAL BOSSES! Now that's attitude!"

Felix widened his eyes: "Nya?! Is Petra-chan challenging Rem-chan and Emilia-sama?!"

Garfiel shouted excitedly: "THAT'S RIGHT! Petra won't give up!"

Petra turned even redder, but kept her gaze firm: "I-I know that Rem and Emilia-sama are incredible! I know they saved Subaru-sama several times! B-but that doesn't mean I'm just going to give up!"

Rem smiled gently: "Petra-chan... your feelings are valid. Subaru-kun is truly an admirable person."

Emilia nodded: "And you are very brave for being so honest about it!"

Crusch observed with approval: "Determination in the face of adversity. An admirable quality."

Wilhelm agreed: "Many would not have the courage to declare their intentions so openly."

Julius smiled: "Especially not against adversaries so... well-equipped, apparently in the meme."

Priscilla huffed: "How ridiculous. A child with delusions."

Al turned to her: "Ah, let the girl dream, Princess! Everyone needs a little hope!"

Felt shrugged: "Well, at least she has courage. I respect that."

Reinhard nodded: "The courage to express genuine feelings is always worthy of respect."

Anastasia laughed: "But look at the funny side~ Little Petra with her 'beginner's sword' declaring she will defeat the two queens on their thrones!"

Otto held back his laughter: "What a terrible analogy to apply to relationships..."

Beatrice rolled her eyes: "Betty agrees with the merchant, I suppose. But the girl has foolish determination just like Subaru, I suppose."

Frederica hugged Petra sideways: "Your determination is admirable, Petra-sama."

Garfiel jumped out of his seat: "That's it! Even if it's difficult, Petra will try! That's what being brave is!"

Felix smiled: "Nya~ it's like those stories of unlikely heroes! Starts weak, but never gives up!"

Al commented: "Although it must be noted that in games, the protagonist usually eventually gets better equipment before facing the final bosses."

Al pointed: "So, Petra, what are you going to do? Farm experience? Get better equipment?"

Petra blinked, confused: "F-farm...?"

Al roared with laughter: "Ah, it's a gaming term! It means repeating tasks to get stronger!"

Beatrice huffed: "Translation: she needs to impress Subaru somehow, I suppose."

Rem blushed: "T-this is not a competition..."

Ram looked at her sister: "Rem, you can't say that after the way you stared down Patrasche when you first met her."

Rem turned even redder: "Nee-sama!"

Felix laughed: "Nya~ Rem-chan is kind, but she is very protective of Subaru!"

Anastasia smiled: "And you, Emilia? How do you feel about the little competitor?"

Emilia thought for a moment: "Well... Petra is adorable. And her feelings are genuine. I can't be mad about it."

Al whistled: "What a diplomatic answer! But what if the situation got serious?"

Emilia blushed: "Th-that is... I don't know how to answer that..."

Ram sighed: "Emilia-sama would be kind and polite while unconsciously monopolizing all of Barusu's time."

Garfiel tilted his head: "Would Emilia-sama do that?"

Otto and Beatrice replied in unison: "Yes."

Emilia turned red: "I-I wouldn't do that on purpose!"

Petra murmured: "...Then it's going to be even more difficult than the meme shows."

Ricardo laughed: "The girl is realizing reality!"

Mimi jumped: "I'm rooting for Petra!"

Hetaro and Tivey agreed: "Us too!"

Felt shrugged: "Well, someone has to root for the underdog."

Beatrice huffed: "Subaru attracts problems and complications, I suppose. It is his unique talent, I suppose."

The Director clapped, amused: "What an unexpected development! Little Petra declaring war on the final bosses!"

And Petra, though red with embarrassment, maintained that determined shine in her eyes as she looked at the meme on the screen.

Beginner's sword or not, she did not intend to give up.