Chapter 21: Beatrice
Standing in the kitchen, Subaru Natsuki was currently gritting his teeth in a fierce struggle with a potato.
It was his first time peeling potatoes, and completely inexperienced, Subaru faced the task like he was battling a formidable enemy.
"Ah!!! I cut myself again!"
Putting the injured finger into his mouth, Subaru glanced at the mess he had made and let out a sigh.
"This is so hard. I feel like the potato is about to turn into diced cubes."
"You're really useless, Barusu."
"I told you already, this is my first time working!"
Subaru looked at Ram, who was expertly peeling potatoes beside him, and couldn't help but admire her as a seasoned pro.
The skin came off cleanly, just like how his mom used to peel apples.
"Barusu, didn't you say you were going to work seriously? Why are you slacking off now?"
"Oh! I'm not slacking off, look, I'm about to finish these potatoes!"
Subaru picked up the knife again and resumed peeling, only to cut himself once more soon after. Ram, unable to keep watching, came over and started demonstrating how to peel a potato properly while explaining it to him.
"Oh, so that's how it's done!"
After listening carefully, Subaru lowered his head and tried to imitate Ram's technique. While he couldn't keep the skin in one piece like her, he was showing improvement.
Focused completely, Subaru seemed to enter his own world, his eyes locked solely on the potato.
Ram, after giving him a glance, walked away and joined Rem, who was chatting nearby.
"Rem."
"Yes, sister?"
Ram looked at Rem, who had just turned her gaze away from Subaru. Without saying much, she simply shook her head and said,
"He's really useless."
Rem stayed silent for a moment before nodding.
"Yes, he really is useless."
"I did it... I did it! Look, senpai! I did it!"
Holding up a rather misshapen potato, Subaru beamed as if he had accomplished something incredible.
"Barusu, that's just one potato—and it looks terrible."
"But potatoes are meant to be eaten, right? Do looks even matter?"
"Rem thinks your potato isn't acceptable. Even though it's meant to be eaten, how the food looks is still important. If the sizes aren't uniform, it'll ruin the appetite."
"Cut me some slack, senpais! I really have no experience in this! But I'll work hard to meet your expectations!"
.
.
.
After finishing a day's work, Subaru collapsed onto his bed and let out a sigh.
"Working really is tough. I've started to understand how hard earning money is. What was I even doing with myself before..."
Lying on his stomach, he turned his head to look at his new room.
Compared to the ridiculously large and luxurious one he had in the morning, this room was much simpler.
But that suited Subaru's tastes better. It felt more comfortable.
"Alright, time to sleep. I've got work tomorrow too... I need to try even harder..."
Despite saying that, Subaru didn't have the energy to even change out of his clothes. Having used up all his energy, his eyes slowly closed—only to be interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Rubbing his eyes, Subaru got up and opened the door. Ram stood there.
"Senpai? Is something wrong? I thought work was over for the day."
Without answering immediately, Ram stepped into Subaru's room and went over to his desk before speaking.
"True, your work for the day is done. But this morning, I noticed that you don't know how to read or write. So I'll be teaching you now."
"I appreciate that, really, but... can we do this tomorrow? I'm really tired today..."
"No. How can you be a servant in the mansion if you can't even read?"
"...Senpai, are you just trying to train me into a capable servant so you can slack off more? I've figured out your true motives!"
"Tch."
"You just clicked your tongue, didn't you!? I heard it!"
"What are you talking about, Barusu? I don't understand at all. Now hurry up and sit down quietly."
With a deep sigh, Subaru sat at the desk.
Though exhausted, he knew the road home would be long and that he'd need to read magical texts to find his way.
So he forced himself to stay awake and began studying the language of this world.
Eventually, unable to fight the fatigue, Subaru dozed off at the desk.
Ram saw him sleeping and didn't wake him.
Instead, she walked over, took a blanket from the bed, covered him, and left the room after turning off the light.
.
.
.
The next morning, Subaru stretched as he woke up from the desk, his body making satisfying cracking sounds.
Rubbing his eyes, he remembered what happened the previous night and glanced around his now-empty room.
His eyes settled on the blanket that had slipped off him. Smiling slightly, Subaru was full of energy again.
"Time to work hard again today!"
After washing up and leaving the bathroom, he was heading to find Ram to ask about the day's schedule when he suddenly stopped and looked at a nearby door.
Thinking for a moment, Subaru opened the door—and as expected, it was the library.
"Good morning, Beatrice."
"How do you always manage to break through Betty's random door?"
"Just a hunch. I thought it might be this one, so I opened it to say good morning."
This time, Subaru didn't step inside.
He simply stood at the entrance and watched Beatrice reading. After being kicked out twice before, he didn't want a third time.
"What an irritating way to put it. Since you're a servant now, you should address Betty properly."
"Understood, Lady Beatrice."
"You sure don't hesitate."
"Because I'm staff here now. It's working hours, so I have to act like it."
"Well then, servant boy, if you understand that it's working hours, what are you doing wasting Betty's time?"
"It was just a simple greeting. Also, with all these books, and considering how I dozed off halfway during yesterday's lesson on this world's script... I think I left a bad impression with Ram-senpai. So I was wondering, Lady Beatrice, if I could come to you at night to study the language."
"If Ram is already teaching you, there's no need for you to come to Betty. Now leave."
Subaru nodded in slight disappointment and closed the door with a sigh.
He understood that he didn't need to come to Beatrice—but her loneliness had bothered him. That's why he had such a thought.
"Oh well. I'll just bring a book with me tonight. Surely she won't turn me away... probably..."
With that, Subaru began a new day.
Chapter 22 – The Promise Between Puck and Natsuki Subaru
If one were to describe what working feels like, for Natsuki Subaru—who had never worked before—the feeling could be summed up with one word: exhausting.
If he were allowed two words, it would be: fulfilling.
Yes, while work was tiring, what Subaru felt even more than exhaustion was fulfillment.
Every day he had things to do, he learned new things through his work, and every single day he could clearly see that he was moving forward.
He could distinctly tell that he was not the same person today as he was yesterday.
The experience from yesterday's work had improved his efficiency today—even if just a little, it was still progress.
For someone who had stood still for so long, eventually giving up on moving forward, and watched as others passed him by, until he was left alone—that tiny progress meant everything.
At that time, he had wanted to start over and get closer to his father.
But when high school started, he failed.
After being late one day without thinking, he slowly stopped going to school, becoming a shut-in.
If it hadn't been for the friend he met in a game, the life of Natsuki Subaru would have been nothing but failure.
Because of all this, Subaru now took everything seriously.
No matter how bitter or exhausting things became, he refused to stop.
He wanted to become someone who could stand proudly beside his father and be introduced as his son.
He wanted to be able to look his dearest friend in the eye and say, "Thank you."
"Subaru."
"Is there something you need me to do, senpai?"
"No… I'm just curious—why do you push yourself so hard? These tasks don't seem to be worth such effort."
Subaru paused for a moment and then smiled.
Taking his gaze off of Ram, he continued polishing the vase in his hands and slowly replied,
"Senpai, you're right. These things might not need to be taken so seriously, but life should be lived seriously. I once strayed from the right path and wasted a lot of time.
That's why now I need to work even harder, to take everything more seriously, to do each task well, and to treat every single day with earnestness."
Ram was stunned upon hearing that.
At first, she had thought Subaru resembled the Rem of the past, but after listening to his words, she realized there was a fundamental difference between them—even in the same resolve.
"Barusu, the morning's tasks are all done. Go take a break."
"Huh? But aren't there still a lot of things that need to be done?"
"Those can wait until the afternoon."
Even after hearing that, Subaru didn't immediately put down the vase in his hands, nor did his face light up with joy at the thought of a break.
"Senpai, this is only my second day on the job. There are still many things I'm unfamiliar with. I'd prefer to rest tonight. Besides, this is actually a good thing for you, right? Didn't you reveal all your thoughts last night?"
"What are you talking about, Barusu? Last night, aside from teaching you to read, I didn't say anything else."
"Yes, yes, of course—senpai said nothing last night."
"Barusu, as a servant of the mansion, your task right now is to go take a break.
Also, didn't you become friends with Emilia yesterday? Go talk with her on the lawn."
"But—"
"Subaru! This is an order!"
Seeing Ram's serious expression, Subaru helplessly nodded and said,
"Understood. I'll go start my new 'task' now. If there's anything troublesome or any heavy lifting needed, just call me, senpai."
After finishing, and seeing Ram nod, Subaru placed the now sparkling vase back in its spot and walked away. He spent a bit of time reaching the courtyard, where he saw Emilia chatting with Puck from afar.
"Yo! Good morning, Subaru."
"Mm, good morning, Puck. Good morning, Emilia."
"Good morning, Subaru."
Reaching Puck, Subaru extended his hand.
Seeing the sparkle in Subaru's eyes, Puck helplessly shook his head and landed on Subaru's palm.
Subaru gently stroked Puck's fur.
All the fatigue he'd accumulated that morning seemed to vanish—of course, only mentally.
"Subaru, are you done with work for today?"
"Not yet. I'm currently carrying out a task that Ram-senpai gave me."
Puck closed his eyes in comfort and asked,
"What kind of task?"
"Well, Ram originally wanted me to take a break. But after I refused, she told me to chat with Emilia, who I just became friends with yesterday."
"That definitely sounds like something Ram would do. I've seen you working a few times, and I also think you should rest."
"Really? I actually think being tired is great—it feels fulfilling."
While speaking, Subaru continued stroking Puck's small head and sat down beside Emilia.
"You really are something else," Puck said as he floated off Subaru's hand and perched on Emilia's shoulder.
"From the moment we met, I haven't sensed a single trace of deceit from you. Your heart feels so full."
Emilia, noticing Subaru's puzzled look, explained,
"Puck can sense people's hearts. That's why he said what he did."
"Really? Do all spirits have that kind of ability, like you, Puck?"
"Yep. Spirits are a pure bunch. But not every spirit is like me.
Spirits are divided into types. I'm a Great Spirit—capable of destroying the world.
Then there are micro-spirits. Their intelligence is lower, so they're even simpler."
"I see. But looking at you, Puck, you don't look like you could destroy the world at all. You're just cute."
"Don't be fooled by my cuteness! When I get angry, I'm scary! Destroying the world would be a breeze. So don't go having any funny ideas about my daughter!"
"You didn't say that yesterday. You really like teasing people, don't you, Puck?"
Subaru laughed as he replied.
He never had any intentions toward Emilia in the first place. So whether Puck was joking or not didn't matter to him.
"I wasn't teasing! We spirits don't like lying. And we hate it even more when someone breaks a promise. So if you ever sign a contract with a spirit, Subaru, make sure you never break it."
"Why do you think I'd sign a contract with a spirit?"
Puck crossed his arms and thought seriously.
"Because I feel like you have something that spirits like. I can't quite explain it, but I just know. You're definitely someone that spirits would like."
Hearing that, Subaru looked over his outfit, sniffed himself, and still couldn't figure out what Puck meant.
Ultimately, he chalked it up to this being another world and stopped questioning it.
"Oh right, Subaru—yesterday, because it was Lia's first time making a friend, she was so happy she forgot to thank you. She already told me what happened. Thank you for saving her back then. If you hadn't, I might've really had to destroy the world."
"So I ended up saving the world without realizing it, huh? But Puck, we're friends, right? There's no need to thank me for that.
But if you really want to thank me, just let me pet your fur when I'm tired—that's enough."
Puck looked at Subaru's smiling face, and he too smiled as he said,
"Then it's a promise. Friend!"
"Oh! And friend—you better not break this promise~~~!"
"Subaru, as your friend, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"When I'm not by Lia's side, please protect her."
"What are you saying? Do you even need to ask? Isn't looking after a friend just something that should be taken for granted?"
Subaru said this with such sincerity in his expression and emotions that Puck couldn't help but feel reassured and happy from the bottom of his heart.
Chapter 23 – Courting Death
"I'm telling you, I'm not a kid anymore. If you keep treating me like this, I'm going to get mad."
The voice that came from the side drew both Puck and Subaru's gaze to her face.
The expression of feigned anger was so cute that anyone seeing it would have to comment on it.
But sitting on Emilia's shoulder, Puck could see deeper into her eyes than just that playful irritation. As her contracted spirit and protector, he could read her clearly.
The time they'd spent together was more than enough for Puck to understand that Emilia actually had a lot she wanted to say.
Sensing this, Puck chose to stay silent and left that brief moment to the two of them.
Subaru Natsuki was technically a servant of the mansion.
As someone working here, he should have referred to Emilia as "milady."
However, neither Puck nor Emilia saw Subaru as a servant — they saw him as a friend.
Yes, a friend.
Puck liked Subaru's personality, and Emilia was genuinely happy and cherished having someone she could call a friend.
"That's true. Emilia, you're not a child anymore. But that doesn't mean I can't protect a friend I care about, right?"
"I don't need your protection! I can take care of myself. If anything, Subaru, you should be protecting yourself. You're still way too weak compared to me."
When she said that, the expression on Emilia's face turned serious.
"I know. I understand how weak I am. Compared to you guys, I might as well be completely useless. But strength isn't something that can be measured purely by power."
As Subaru said this, his gaze shifted from Emilia's face and turned toward the mansion.
But his eyes weren't focused on anything in particular — instead, they seemed to pierce through time and space, seeing old friends who had walked long roads with him, and the shadow of the father he had always chased after.
A gentle smile bloomed on Subaru's face.
Puck and Emilia both fell silent upon seeing that expression. Even if they didn't know what he was thinking, it had to be something beautiful.
Because that smile was so soft, and the light in his eyes so bright.
"Subaru?"
"Ah, sorry — just remembered something."
"It's fine." Emilia waved her hand, signaling that Subaru didn't need to apologize. The previous topic was now over.
"By the way, Subaru, are you really satisfied with just this as your reward?"
Hearing that, Subaru sighed and turned his head toward Emilia, speaking seriously.
"Of course. This is enough. Honestly, if it weren't for wanting to ease your minds, I might've left without asking for anything."
"But… you saved me and almost died doing so. Are you really okay with such a small reward?"
"I think it's fine. You are the one who thinks it's not enough, right? Then why not change your way of thinking?"
"Change my way of thinking?"
Seeing the confusion on Emilia's face, Subaru nodded and raised one finger, shaking it lightly as he spoke.
"Exactly. Change your perspective. Emilia, you think that me risking my life to save you is this massive favor, right?"
Emilia nodded and averted her gaze from Subaru, lowering her head and speaking softly.
"Yeah… You worked so hard to save me, and yet you ask for so little in return… and just want to be my friend… And because of me—"
"That's it!"
"Eh?"
With a displeased look, Subaru placed his raised finger on Emilia's forehead, flipped his hand, and gave her a firm flick.
As he pulled his hand back, he looked at Emilia, who was now holding her forehead, and said seriously:
"Emilia, you think that I got hurt because of you, don't you?"
"Yes—"
"I didn't say you could speak."
"..."
"Listen carefully, Emilia. I saved you to repay a debt."
As he said that, Subaru's gaze moved to Puck.
When he saw Puck nod slightly, he turned to look toward the mansion and continued:
"This whole situation started because of Felt. She stole your insignia, almost got herself and Old Man Rom killed, and put you in danger. But back then, you agreed to my request and even had Puck help us. You were so kind to us. I owe you for that.
Saving you was my way of repaying that debt — so really, you don't owe me anything anymore.
More importantly, you even saved me. So if anything, I'm the one who owes you now."
After speaking, Subaru glanced at Emilia, who was now covering her mouth and silent, and he smiled.
"You can talk now."
"But… wasn't the Bowel Hunter targeting me? If it weren't for me, none of this would have happened, and you guys wouldn't have been in danger."
"Yeah, that's one way to put it. Because of you, we were hunted and dragged into danger."
Subaru nodded as he spoke, his face showing full agreement.
Seeing him stand there with his arms folded and nodding, Emilia's expression turned despondent.
"So it's all my fault."
"That's right, it's all your fault."
"I knew it… I shouldn't have entered the royal selection, right?"
"Exactly. You shouldn't have entered the royal selection."
Hearing Subaru's agreement, Emilia, whose thoughts were already in disarray, felt tears begin to well up in her eyes — no, they were already there, ready to fall.
Her voice trembled as she continued speaking.
"Someone like me, a half-demon—"
"Then why don't you just die?"
At those words, Emilia lifted her head, her tear-filled red eyes locking onto Subaru's face.
At that moment, a streak of blood appeared on his cheek.
The temperature around them dropped drastically.
"Subaru Natsuki… if you don't know how to speak properly, I won't mind making you shut up forever!"
Floating down from Emilia's shoulder and now standing between them, Puck raised his hands toward Subaru.
The extreme coldness surrounding them was entirely his doing.
"Puck…"
Emilia reached out, wanting to pull him back and leave, when she heard Subaru speak again:
"Come on, Puck. Didn't you say you could destroy the world? Then start now — destroy the world."
"Subaru! What the hell are you saying?!"
Emilia shouted loudly.
Standing up, she could no longer hold back her tears or the sadness in her heart. The tears streamed down her cheeks.
Seeing this, Subaru's eyes held no guilt. Not even Puck's murderous aura or the deadly chill could make him flinch in the slightest.
Subaru stood up. Just as he opened his mouth to speak to Emilia and Puck, an icicle shot past his other cheek.
His cheek went numb, and he felt warm liquid start to drip.
"Shut up! For Emilia's sake and your own intentions, I'll spare your life — but tomorrow, you need to disappear from our sight!"
Emilia opened her mouth at those words, then lowered her outstretched hand. She didn't say anything more. Subaru, who saw all this, sighed and spoke earnestly:
"I'll resign today. But there are still things I have to say. Even if you silence me forever right now, Puck, I'll come back again and say the same thing next time."
"Ohhh~ So you can resurrect, huh? I honestly couldn't tell. Then do me a favor — show up again after this."
"Puck, no!"
An icicle shot from Puck's hand, and Subaru didn't dodge. It pierced through his side and sent him flying into a pillar, impaling him.
Blood spurted mid-air. But hanging there, Subaru still smiled. Looking at the floating Puck, he said:
"You're really not much of a father… Just a bodyguard, huh?"
"Is that your dying message, my friend?"
"Subaru!"
"Sorry, Lia. Stay right where you are now. I can't forgive someone who makes you cry like this. Even if that person is my friend and means no harm… For me, you are what matters most."
Chapter 24: Puck's Vow
As he spoke, Puck immobilized Emilia in place. After doing so, he turned his gaze to Natsuki Subaru, who was hanging from a pillar.
"Let's hope that this death teaches you what things should and shouldn't be said."
"Ah… Sorry, I only have one life… But even if I die, I won't change..."
Puck's eyes flickered with a trace of surprise as he looked at the hanging Subaru, visibly shocked.
He couldn't understand—Subaru's words were too sincere. He could feel it. Logically, Subaru should have been lying now!
While Puck was still reeling in confusion, Subaru had already averted his gaze from him and was now looking at the immobilized Emilia.
"Don't cry… I'm just atoning… After all, based on your logic, my mere existence in this world makes me a sinner. Because of me, someone else had one less meal.
Because I was powerless, those kids in the slums might die of hunger today… If I die… maybe someone else can eat one more meal..."
"You—!"
Puck panicked at Subaru's words.
His small body trembled, even though cold should've meant nothing to him.
The extreme cold surrounding them vanished.
Subaru could no longer feel the cold. From earlier on, everything had felt warm to him—like soaking in a hot bath.
"Emilia… your words earlier meant just that… So if everyone living in this world bears some form of sin, then Puck destroying the world would be wrong… right? So why do you not see yourself as being wrong either…?"
Subaru's vision blurred, and as he lost his strength and closed his eyes, he still spoke:
"Emilia… the fault isn't just yours… it's everyone's… It's because everyone shares some blame that tragedies happen… Learn to hold your head up… This is my final advice to you as a friend… Be more confident..."
As his words fell, Subaru lost consciousness. His life was slipping away rapidly.
"Subaru! Wake up! Don't die! Please don't die! I was wrong! It was my fault! I'll be more confident from now on—just don't die, my very first friend!!!"
Beside the unconscious Subaru, now placed on the ground by Puck, Emilia was weeping bitterly as she desperately tried to keep him alive. Floating above them, Puck paused in his healing when he saw Emilia looking up at him.
"Father, save Subaru!"
Puck said nothing but descended, placing himself on Subaru's abdomen.
His mana surged violently into Subaru's body.
"Oh my, what's going on here~~? Why is my new servant in such a state?"
Roswaal appeared out of nowhere, smiling as he casually strolled up. At his sides stood Ram and a weapon-wielding Rem.
Both maids had complicated expressions upon seeing Subaru's condition.
"You were watching this whole time, weren't you?"
"Mm~~ yes. But I didn't want to interfere in your business, so I stayed on the sidelines and watched the drama~~ Though I must say, he really doesn't fear death."
Roswaal's tone shifted to a more normal one as he looked at Subaru with suspicion.
Finally, he crouched beside Subaru and extended his hand.
"These wounds really are serious. Ram, go bring Beatrice out. Tell her it's by my request."
"Yes, Lord Roswaal."
Watching Roswaal's actions, Puck was silent for a moment before speaking:
"Thank you. Otherwise, I may never have forgiven myself, nor received Lia's forgiveness."
"Well, well. The Beast of the End actually said thank you. But don't mind me—I just think this new servant is quite interesting. He might bring me what I've been looking for."
Puck glanced at Roswaal but said no more.
After some time, Subaru's life was stabilized, and when Beatrice finally arrived, she healed Subaru's wounds rapidly.
.
.
.
Subaru opened his eyes and looked up at the familiar ceiling, wondering why he didn't feel the pain of death like last time. He only felt some fatigue.
Just as he was about to sit up to confirm whether he'd died, a small cat floated into view.
"Looks like I survived… That's a relief..."
Subaru leaned back against the headboard and extended his palm.
Seeing Puck quietly sitting in it, he laughed.
This time, he didn't pet Puck's fur—instead, he used his other hand to flick Puck's small forehead hard.
"Alright, I forgive you."
"..."
"Really, that's so unlike you, Puck."
"I'm sorry, Subaru… I thought you really wouldn't die… Why did you say something so misleading at that time? But it's true, whether it's just one life or another that appears before me again…"
"Sorry, I can't explain it."
"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I almost got you killed. I knew from the beginning you meant no harm."
Subaru glanced at Emilia, who was asleep beside the bed.
He didn't wake her, just shifted his gaze back and gently rubbed Puck's little head.
"I was wrong too. I really made her cry back then. You've spoiled her too much, which made her misunderstand things."
"To me, Emilia is the most important thing in the world. As long as she lives under my protection, that's all that matters."
"I get that you're strong, but didn't you also say you wanted me to protect her? You know you can't always be there for her, right?"
"I lost control… When I saw her crying, I completely lost my mind."
"Puck."
"I'm here."
"You're not a good father."
"..."
Subaru stopped his hand and said with a serious face:
"A father's job is not just to protect, but to teach a child how to grow up strong and healthy.
A father is someone a child should aspire to catch up to, not just rely on like a bodyguard.
As a father, you're falling way short."
"I'm reflecting on that..."
"Well, you're a spirit, so it's understandable you don't get it. But from now on, be a proper father. Don't ruin the image of fatherhood I have in my heart.
Besides, I'm your friend. The things you can't do—I'll help with. But only within the scope of friendship. Most of it is still up to you."
"Subaru… I, Puck—the Great Spirit and Beast of the End—vow that you will be my dearest friend. As long as you ask for help, I will aid you no matter what."
"No need to be so formal."
"This is my atonement, friend."
"Well then, friend, let me reintroduce myself. I'm Natsuki Subaru, just your ordinary shut-in. Let's get along from now on."
"Likewise, Subaru. Thank you for everything you've done for me and for Emilia."
The spirit and the boy exchanged a smile—everything was understood between them without needing any more words.
Chapter 25 – Awakening
"But at that time, I really thought I was going to die."
Hearing those words, Puck looked at Subaru Natsuki's exaggerated expression with an awkward face.
"It's because you said such harsh things, Subaru."
"I saw you nod your head!"
"Yeah, I knew what you were trying to do, but the way you said it was really misleading.
It made me so angry. You said something cruel without any malice, but it deeply hurt Lia."
Puck scratched his head, looking completely embarrassed.
Before Subaru said those extreme words, he looked at Puck, who nodded, indicating Subaru should handle Emilia's emotional state. But it all ended up going wrong.
Sometimes, communication between people is just that strange—laughing and calling each other brothers one moment, then fighting the next, almost to the death.
"Fine, I was also in the wrong. I just couldn't stand how Emilia was thinking. Anyway, how long was I asleep?"
"About a day."
Hearing Puck's reply, Subaru glanced at the sleeping Emilia at his bedside.
After a brief silence, he said:
"Puck, let her sleep a little longer."
"Got it." Puck left Subaru's hand, floated to Emilia, cast a spell, then turned to Subaru and said:
"Then, Subaru, please help lay Lia back on the bed."
Subaru looked over his shoulder at Puck with a helpless expression and spread his hands.
"I still feel weak, and this kind of thing shouldn't be something you need help with."
"Subaru, I'm giving you a chance. Isn't Lia adorable? Seeing her like this—beautiful and cute—doesn't your heart skip a beat?"
"Forget about opportunities. Come on, Puck, stop messing around. I still have to work."
Saying this, Subaru slipped on his slippers and got ready to change into his work clothes and head to work.
Puck sighed, grew larger, gently lifted Lia onto the bed, covered her with the blanket, then shrank down and said:
"You said you're still weak, yet you're going to work now? Don't tell me those two maids are more attractive than Lia?"
"Geez, can we not steer the conversation in that direction every time? Are you some kind of nagging aunt?"
Subaru glanced at Emilia on the bed, then walked to the door and added:
"Weak or not, I still have to get up after a whole day's sleep. I haven't been given a day off, and if my pay gets docked, that'd be a problem."
"Don't worry, Subaru. No one's docking your pay. If Roswaal dared to do that, I'd make sure he coughed up double!"
"Whoa, whoa, don't say scary stuff with such a scary face. Roswaal's still my boss, you know. I just don't like sitting around doing nothing—there's a lot I want to accomplish."
Saying that, Subaru opened the door. Puck glanced at the sleeping Emilia, then floated to sit on Subaru's shoulder.
"You're not going to watch over Emilia?"
"She won't be waking up anytime soon. I think I'd better follow you, just in case you overexert yourself and collapse again."
"Well, thanks for the concern."
Subaru closed the door and headed toward his room with Puck.
"By the way, was it you and Emilia who saved me back then?"
"Not just us. Roswaal and Beatrice were involved too."
"Really? I guess I should thank them later."
Puck looked at Subaru's face, paused, checked that no one else was in the hallway, then said seriously:
"Subaru, you have to be careful with Roswaal."
"Roswaal?"
"Yeah. Originally, Lia and I were living somewhere else.
Roswaal found us and made a deal, which led to Lia entering the royal selection to become the king.
I can't see through what Roswaal really wants. He's not someone to be trusted."
Subaru looked at Puck's serious expression, thought for a moment, then replied indifferently:
"Well, it has nothing to do with me. I'm just a servant working at the mansion. Whatever the boss wants to do has nothing to do with me."
"I hope that's true."
They stopped talking, and by the time their conversation ended, Subaru had arrived at his room.
He reached for the door—but it opened from the inside.
"Senpai? Why are you in my room?"
"Oh, it's the lazy Barusu."
"That was an unavoidable circumstance! But still, why are you in my room, senpai?"
"Hmph, because some brainless idiot pissed off Lord Puck and got a hole stabbed clean through his body. His clothes ended up torn, and Ram had to do more work because of it."
"So you came to deliver my work clothes? I'm sorry for sleeping a whole day, but I don't think your workload increased much because of it. Rem-senpai is the one fixing my clothes, right?"
Subaru walked into the room, looked at the work uniform on the desk, walked over, and picked it up to inspect it.
"Hmph. Ungrateful Barusu. Ram should've just let you sleep forever back then."
"Don't say such scary things! Anyway, thank you, Ram."
"Ram doesn't care about thanks from Barusu. So why aren't you resting properly? And what about Lady Emilia?"
"Of course, I'm getting ready for work. I already caused you senpai a lot of trouble.
If I keep lying around, I'll feel really bad. As for Emilia, she's still sleeping in the room."
After saying that, Subaru turned to look at Ram, only to see her step back, clutch her chest in shock, and say:
"Barusu… You actually did something perverted while Emilia-sama was asleep? Disgusting. Lewd!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Why are you slandering me like this?! I'm not that kind of person! Do I really seem that indecent to you, senpai?!"
"Yes! In Ram's eyes, Barusu is just a disgusting, lewd, utterly useless, infuriating piece of trash."
Subaru sighed and said:
"Alright, senpai, please close the door. I'll get ready and come help with work."
"No need, Barusu. You're useless right now anyway. Just go back to doing your gross, lewd stuff. Ram is leaving."
Subaru didn't stop her. After the door shut, he looked down to find Puck hiding in his chest. Puck poked his tiny head out and floated up.
"Puck, why were you hiding?"
"If I were there, you two couldn't have that kind of conversation."
"Well then, thanks."
Subaru put down his clothes.
The earlier conversation had been Ram's way of telling him to rest instead of forcing himself to work.
Subaru looked at the book placed on the upper-right corner of the desk, thought for a moment, and said to Puck:
"Puck, let's go find Beatrice. Even if I'm not working, I still want to study more."
"No problem. Since you're not working, I won't interrupt your time with Betty.
I'll go back and keep an eye on Lia. Subaru, if anything happens, be sure to call my name."
"What could happen in the mansion? You're being overly cautious, Puck. Well then, see you tonight."
Chapter 26: Beatrice's Guidance
After parting ways with Puck, Natsuki Subaru stood in front of his desk, gathered his study tools, changed out of his white pajamas, and into his ever-reliable tracksuit.
Stretching out his hand to smooth the wrinkles in his clothes, Subaru stood tall, took a deep breath with his book in hand, and left his room.
As he walked through the long hallway, his eyes scanned the doors on either side until he found the one he was looking for.
Stopping at the door, Subaru reached out and opened the entrance to Beatrice's library.
"Yo, good morning."
With a vibrant smile, Subaru cheerfully greeted Beatrice, who was seated in the library. The reply he received, however, was one of irritation.
"I've had enough. Why can you always just open Betty's library door so casually? And what's with that disgusting smile?"
"How cruel, Beako! Calling my smile disgusting when I actually think it's pretty charming." Subaru said as he entered the library, shut the door behind him, and walked up to Beatrice.
Beatrice glanced at Subaru standing in front of her, then lowered her head to continue reading her book as she asked casually,
"So, what do you want with Betty?"
"Well, I kind of overslept the other night due to some unexpected stuff. I missed our study session, so I thought I'd take advantage of today's rare break to come by."
"Betty doesn't remember ever agreeing to teach you. And I don't like having noisy people around me, so just go away if you have nothing to do."
"I actually came to thank you. Puck told me—you saved me back then, didn't you? Thank you for that."
"Oh, that. Don't get the wrong idea. I only helped you because Brother asked me to."
"I see… but even so, no matter what the reason was, I think it's only right to thank the person who saved me. As a reward for saving me, I'll do anything you want!"
"Is that so? Then leave Betty's library."
"Ah… Can we maybe choose something else? Look, I even brought study tools! Don't be so heartless."
As Subaru spoke, he sat down next to Beatrice, placed his study materials on the floor, opened the book Ram had taught him from last time, and began reviewing.
"You really are just full of big words. If you can't even leave Betty's library, don't say things like that."
"I'm not just talking big. I really don't know how to properly express how grateful I am. So I figured I'd come up with my own way to repay you."
"Hmph, do whatever you want. Nothing you do is going to make Betty happy anyway."
Subaru glanced at Beatrice, but said nothing and continued reading quietly.
The conversation came to an end, and neither Subaru nor Beatrice spoke again.
Only the sound of pages turning filled the room.
Subaru, after all, was just an outsider.
Ram's one-night lesson hadn't taught him much, so when he tried to get Beatrice to teach him again, he saw her reading with a serious expression.
She had such a cute, beautiful profile.
Subaru couldn't understand why her expression seemed lonely at that moment. Why did she look so disappointed?
Brushing away those thoughts, Subaru exaggeratedly said,
"Beatrice, I don't know the next character. Help me out!"
Hearing this, Beatrice balled up her small hand and looked at Subaru with clear annoyance.
"Are you just here to cause trouble!?"
"Trouble? But I didn't see you doing anything important. I just asked a question."
"Betty tolerating your presence here is already generous enough! I've told you before I'm not going to teach you!"
Subaru silently pulled back his book and pretended to—well, not entirely pretended—ponder the meaning of the characters seriously.
Then he heard a sigh. Beatrice's voice reached his ears.
"That character is pronounced 'dragon.'"
"Oh, it's 'dragon'!" Subaru repeated, then picked up a sheet of paper and began copying the character from the book.
Then he heard her again.
"You wrote that character wrong."
Puzzled, Subaru handed the pen and paper to Beatrice.
She took it, and under his gaze, wrote the character correctly.
Subaru took it back and began practicing in earnest.
Once he got through it once, the second time didn't feel so far off. The third was less clumsy. Fourth, fifth, sixth...
As the number of repetitions increased, Beatrice, at some point, closed her book and started supervising Subaru's studying.
Time passed unnoticed. One person teaching, the other learning.
Neither realized that something between them was slowly beginning to change.
Beatrice watched Subaru seriously practice his writing.
She didn't understand why she was doing this herself. Maybe she was just bored from the long years of waiting. Maybe she simply wanted Subaru to learn and leave the library sooner.
She had said she didn't want to teach. She had acted like she didn't want to.
And yet, she was now teaching him seriously, just like a real teacher.
"All done! How's this, Beatrice-sensei? How's my writing?"
"It's exactly what I'd expect from you—completely unsightly."
"Ah! You're insulting me, Beatrice-sensei!"
"If you don't want to hear that, then work harder to improve your handwriting."
"I'll do my best, Beatrice-sensei! I'll write perfectly to repay your guidance!"
"You really are weirdly energetic. Just got a hole opened in your stomach by Brother, and you're acting like nothing happened.
Also, what's with calling me 'sensei' all of a sudden? Betty doesn't remember ever accepting a hopeless disciple like you."
"Humph humph humph! Natsuki Subaru is like a cockroach—you can't kill him!
A hole in my stomach's nothing! As for calling you 'sensei,' it's because you're strict like one. Think about it—a loli teacher helping me study, isn't that great?"
"The word 'loli' really gets on my nerves. But seeing as you're at least self-aware enough to know you're a bug, Betty will let it slide."
Beatrice waved her hand dismissively, clearly wanting Subaru to keep his distance.
Subaru smiled without saying anything.
He didn't know if this kind of exchange, this kind of time spent together, helped ease Beatrice's loneliness.
But since she never talked about it, this was all he could do to try and dispel that solitude.
Subaru lowered his head again and resumed practicing.
Beatrice watched his progress. At this rate, he'd probably be able to read most simple books in a few days.
When that time comes, would he still come here? Would the next person to open the library door still be him...?
And the one she was waiting for—when would they come...?
"That character is pronounced 'thought.'"
"Got it, Beatrice-sensei! Please teach me more!"
"Hmph. Betty just thinks you're too noisy. Once you're done learning, you won't bother Betty anymore."
"Huh? Why would I do that?"
"Didn't you come here to study with Betty? Once you're done, why would you still come?"
"Because it's fun being with you, Beatrice-sensei. And I get to learn so much." Subaru looked up at her, eyes sparkling.
"I want to know more and more. I want to learn everything I can. That way, when I go back, I'll be able to tell my parents all sorts of stories."
"Is that so... If you can stay quiet, then Betty might continue teaching you."
"Mission accepted, Beatrice-sensei!"
Chapter 27: Once Again
Since there was no clock-like object in the library, Natsuki Subaru had no way of knowing how much time had passed since he entered.
It should be said that after he began receiving Beatrice's teachings, his sense of time had already become vague.
A long time may have passed, or perhaps only a short while.
However, when he noticed the fatigue in his body, Subaru concluded that quite a lot of time had gone by since he entered the library.
The time spent in the library was extremely peaceful. Although Beatrice taught him and he asked her questions, much of the time was spent in quietude—him writing, her watching.
Subaru put down the pen in his hand, stretched, and let out a yawn.
At that moment, Beatrice glanced at him and said:
"Someone outside is looking for you. You should go."
Subaru froze for a moment when he heard that.
Although he didn't know who was looking for him, it was true that he should take a break and go see who it was.
"Understood, Beatrice-sensei. Then, see you tomorrow night."
"…"
Beatrice didn't respond. She merely watched as Subaru packed up and walked toward the door.
A thought arose in her heart—but she quickly buried it deep inside.
Subaru opened the door to the library. Just as one foot stepped out of the room, he turned back and said to Beatrice:
"Beatrice-sensei, next time I come, I'll bring you a cup of black tea."
With those words, Subaru left the room.
As the door closed behind him, Beatrice immediately relocated the position of the library.
She lowered her head and reopened the book in front of her, but found that she could no longer concentrate on its contents.
Four hundred years had been more than enough time for her to finish reading every book in the library.
Perhaps the book she held had already been read more than once. But other than reading, she had nothing else to do.
Day after day, year after year, four hundred years passed by in the blink of an eye.
It wasn't as if no one had opened the door to the library during that time—but none of them were the person she was waiting for.
And Subaru wasn't that person either.
She knew that… he wasn't the one, because the future was no longer recorded in the books. Originally, she thought she could go on waiting, just as she always had.
After all, she was used to this lonely time.
But why did she feel so lonely now?
Beatrice's gaze shifted from the book to the floor beside her.
"That criminal of a human finally left… now Betty can wait in peace…" she muttered, but her gaze, filled with sorrow and loneliness, was fixed on the spot where Subaru had been sitting.
In the silent library, not a single sound remained.
Even the sound of pages turning, which had echoed through the last four hundred years, had vanished.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, completely unaware of Beatrice's feelings, Subaru was walking away holding a book in his arms, smiling and wondering whether he should bring some sweets for the evening.
'Hope Beatrice-sensei won't refuse… Though if I leave crumbs on the books, she'll definitely scold me harshly.'
As Subaru walked, deep in thought, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.
He stopped and turned around, only to see a white-haired Emilia running toward him, worry in her eyes.
"Emilia?"
"Subaru! Come back with me!"
With a firm tone, Emilia grabbed Subaru's hand without explanation and began dragging him back the way she came.
"Emilia?"
"…"
"Well, being grabbed tightly by a beautiful girl is a new and exciting experience, and it's making my heart beat faster, but what's going on?"
"Why did you run off…?"
"Ah, because I saw you were sleeping soundly, and I didn't want to stay in bed anymore, so I went to see Beatrice-sensei to learn more about the written language of this world.
Emilia, I can read and write a lot of words now!"
Hearing Subaru's explanation, Emilia stopped walking.
Subaru also halted and asked:
"Emilia? What's wrong?"
"Are you an idiot!?"
Subaru was startled by her angry shout and took a step back.
His eyes focused on Emilia's face, which was now filled with fury. It was an expression he had never seen before.
"Don't you know you almost died yesterday!?"
As she spoke, Emilia stepped closer to Subaru.
He smiled nervously and backed away to maintain distance—he felt like if she got any closer, she'd definitely hit him.
"But I'm fine now, aren't I…?"
"No, you're not! You need to rest properly!"
"Emilia, calm down. I really am fine. Do I look like someone who's still sick?"
"You! Need! To! Rest! Subaru!"
"Okay, okay! I'll rest properly with you, so please stop being angry.
I'm really scared you might slap me, kind and gentle Emilia!"
But Subaru didn't expect that Emilia would suddenly take a big step forward and grab his hand again. The two of them stopped moving.
Then, Emilia lowered her head, and a faint voice came from her lips:
"Subaru… why did you do something so dangerous yesterday? Couldn't you have just lied… I know you were trying to help me, but you almost got…"
Before she could finish, the sound of a book falling to the floor rang out, and Subaru used his free hand to firmly smack the top of Emilia's head.
"Ah, you really are so stubborn. I clearly told you already, and yet here you are again making the same mistake.
I know people don't change overnight, but Emilia, you really are too hard-headed."
Subaru sighed and gently pressed his hand onto her head.
"If you still don't get it, then I'll say it again. If you still don't get it after that, then I'll say it a second, a third time! Until you finally change.
The one who hurt me wasn't you, Emilia—it was Puck's fault.
And Puck already apologized to me, and we made up. I almost died, yes—but that has nothing to do with you.
Don't blame yourself for everything.
You have to learn to stop at the right point. Of course, putting all the blame on others is also wrong.
But I want you to understand this.
If you become king with your current personality, wouldn't you just end up depressed early on?"
"Depressed?"
"It's an illness. A very dangerous one. Anyway, Emilia, don't keep thinking everything is your fault."
Emilia let go of Subaru's hand and lowered her head.
She didn't know how to respond, nor how to face Subaru.
She couldn't understand—why did Subaru do so much for her? He saved her and nearly died. To make her realize her mistake, he nearly died again… Why?
Why did he want to be her friend? She had nearly gotten him killed multiple times—did she even have the right to be his friend?
"Subaru… why are you willing to be my friend? Why did you save me? Why did you say those things… even if it meant almost dying…"
"Geez, didn't I already say this before? Fine, since you forgot, I'll say it again.
I saved you because a kind and beautiful girl was running off with Felt. And besides, you can't just watch someone die and do nothing.
As for why I want to be your friend—of course it's because you're a beautiful and kind person.
And I said those things because your thinking was really unbearable. As your friend, it's only natural for me to help you fix that."
Chapter 28
Emilia looked into Subaru Natsuki's eyes, and before tears could fall, she turned away.
The hand that had been resting on her head also withdrew at that moment.
"Then now, Subaru, you should go back and rest."
"No! No way! I feel like I'll rust if I just lie in bed! And I really am fine now! Puck, come out and prove it!"
"L-Lia... Subaru really is fine..." Puck's head peeked out from behind the hair but was immediately shot a glare by Emilia.
Feeling guilty, Puck scratched his head and floated over to Subaru, striking a helpless pose.
"Subaru, why don't you just go rest for a bit..."
Hearing that, Subaru glanced at Emilia's back and quietly whispered to Puck:
"Is there any way to avoid just lying down and resting? I really don't want to go back to bed."
"Sorry, I have no idea. But Subaru, you really should get some rest."
"I already slept for a whole day!"
"Then just pretend to rest for a while and play while lying in bed."
Subaru glanced at the window in the corridor.
The sky outside was still bright, and it was clearly afternoon.
If he actually followed Emilia's plan, he might end up staring blankly in bed the entire afternoon.
To Subaru, that would be pure torture — no computer, no TV, no manga, no novels — just lying in bed.
It was basically a punishment! Maybe after the whole afternoon, Subaru would be able to put on a performance of his soul leaving his body.
Thinking about that, Subaru shook his head frantically.
Puck, seeing Subaru's expression, sighed.
"Well, then you'll have to tell Lia yourself."
Hearing this, Subaru's gaze shifted to Emilia, only now noticing she'd been eavesdropping the whole time.
You could tell by the way she was quietly listening with her head tilted.
"Emilia, I really don't need to rest."
Emilia's body trembled.
After composing herself and adjusting her expression, she turned to face Subaru, but as soon as she saw his face, her carefully held expression collapsed again.
She wasn't a girl who could hide her emotions well.
Subaru had already said more than once that he didn't need rest. Maybe if she insisted more firmly, he'd obediently go rest.
"Are you really okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Really?"
"Really!"
Emilia was silent for a moment, then nodded in reluctant agreement but still said:
"You mustn't do anything too strenuous. Even though your wounds are healed, your body is still weak."
"Understood. Then I'll go for now."
"Okay."
Watching Subaru's retreating back, Emilia's feelings grew increasingly complicated. At that moment, Puck's voice came from her ear:
"Subaru is really an incredible person."
"Hmm."
"Maybe entrusting Lia to Subaru is actually a good idea."
"Hmm."
Emilia, responding out of habit, suddenly snapped back to reality, blushing deeply as she turned to look at Puck — who was smirking mischievously.
"Puck! What are you saying!"
"But Lia, you were staring at Subaru's back like you were entranced just now."
"That's... that's because I'm worried about Subaru's health."
Puck looked at Emilia's flushed face and smiled, not exposing her cover. His expression then turned serious.
"Lia, I hope you'll think more about your feelings for Subaru."
"Why?"
Puck didn't answer Emilia's question. Instead, he looked toward the direction Subaru had left.
The time spent with Subaru, the conversations, and his behavior all proved that Subaru was a good person, someone worth relying on.
But precisely because Subaru was so outstanding, Puck noticed Emilia's growing feelings for him.
If she didn't realize her own heart soon, Subaru might be taken by someone else.
What would Emilia do then? Although her feelings for Subaru hadn't deepened to that level yet, Puck had seen how she acted after yesterday's incident.
If Emilia and Subaru continued spending time together, her feelings would surely grow larger and deeper.
If Subaru ended up with Emilia, everyone would be happy... but if not, Emilia would be unable to escape those feelings.
Though Puck could try to keep Emilia away from Subaru, he was her first friend, and doing that would be too cold-hearted.
Plus, he doted on Emilia too much. Despite this, Subaru's words made him want to change his attitude a bit.
'What should I do to help Subaru and Lia's feelings reach that level?'
Meanwhile, back in his room, Subaru put down the book he had picked up before leaving, glanced at the work clothes on the bed, and then out the window.
After a moment, he changed into his work clothes and left the room.
Wandering through the mansion, Subaru entered the kitchen.
"Senpai! I'm here to help!"
Greeting them, Subaru approached the cooking counter under the watchful eyes of Rem and Ram, ready to start handling ingredients. Ram's voice reached his ears.
"Barusu, I already told you this morning — you can't really help right now. To avoid troubling Rem and me, Barusu, you should just go back."
Subaru was taken aback, but instead of answering immediately, he picked up some ingredients and started working.
"Ram, I'm really fine now, and I've rested enough. As a servant in the mansion, I have to do my best."
"Tch, there's no arguing with Barusu's words."
Subaru smiled as Ram turned her head in silence and continued preparing the ingredients. After cleaning them, he carried them over to Rem.
"Senpai Rem, the ingredients are ready."
Hearing Subaru, Rem glanced at him and said:
"Thank you."
"It's my duty."
Rem watched Subaru put down the ingredients and walk over to Ram to work on the next dish with her.
They chatted and laughed while working. Rem's gaze lingered on Subaru's back, her feelings complicated.
Since Subaru arrived at the mansion, she had spoken to him very little — fewer than ten times.
Before yesterday, she had secretly watched him, as there was a faint but unpleasant scent about him that kept Rem wary.
But after what happened yesterday, and hearing Emilia's account, Rem felt she might have misunderstood Subaru.
After watching for a while, Rem withdrew her gaze.
Even though she suspected she had misjudged Subaru, there wasn't much to talk about between them.
As long as she didn't have to be on guard, that was enough.
Chapter 29 Will You Be That Person?
"Lord Roswaal, Subaru has arrived."
"Thank you for your hard work, Rem."
Standing aside, Subaru glanced at Emilia and Roswaal sitting at the table, then asked,
"Lord Roswaal, did you call me for something?"
"Of course, to invite you to eat together~~~"
"I'm a servant, so I'll eat with Ram and the others," Subaru said firmly, refusing Roswaal's invitation.
"Very well, I will see you later then Subaru~~~"
,
,
,
"Barusu, why did you refuse Lord Roswaal's invitation just now?"
Hearing this, Natsuki Subaru looked up briefly at Ram sitting across from him, then lowered his head again to continue struggling with the food on his plate.
"Because I'm a servant. I've only been here a few days, and I can't embarrass my seniors, so of course I can't accept."
The moment Subaru finished speaking, Rem's voice cut in.
"Subaru, you're lying."
"Yes, Barusu is lying."
Subaru was stunned, looking at the two sisters strangely and asked confusedly,
"Why do you think I'm lying?"
"Intuition."
"Got it."
"Rem-senpai's intuition is pretty good, but I prefer Ram-senpai's words more," Subaru said with a smile as he speared a piece of meat with his fork.
"To be honest, I actually wanted to have dinner with both of you seniors. Besides, I don't really understand etiquette, and it's uncomfortable to eat in such a large space with so few people. It's much more comfortable to sit together at this small table. Don't you think it feels like family?"
Hearing Subaru's words, Rem and Ram both paused, then leaned back and retorted,
"Hmph, little Barusu thinks he can become our family? Don't be so arrogant."
"Yeah, sister's right. Rem's family will always be just us two sisters, there's no place for Subaru."
"That's not true! If I marry one of you in the future, wouldn't we be family then?"
Subaru said this and saw the two of them lean towards each other, grabbing each other's hands and trembling all over as they said in unison,
"Little sister, little sister, Barusu has finally shown his true colors; let's bury him."
"Sis, sis, Subaru has finally shown his true colors; let's kill him."
Subaru twitched at the corner of his eye watching their act, sighed, grabbed a steak from his plate, and bit into it.
Wiping his mouth on a nearby rag, he looked at the dishes set aside and said,
"I'm going to bring food to Beatrice."
Leaving those muffled words behind, Subaru carried the food and left the kitchen.
After walking down the corridor for a while, he found Beatrice's room door and opened it with one hand.
"Beatrice, dinner's ready~~~"
Beatrice looked at Subaru with displeasure and said,
"What's with that tone like you're feeding a pet?"
"You're overthinking it, Beatrice-sensei," Subaru replied as he closed the door, carrying the food and standing in front of her. Looking around, he noticed there was no table.
"Beatrice-sensei, how do you usually eat?"
"That's none of your business. Put down the food and leave."
Beatrice closed her book, jumped down from her chair, put the book back, then approached Subaru and took the food.
"What are you still standing here for?"
"I was just curious how you eat since there aren't any tables around."
Beatrice glanced at Subaru, then sat back down and placed the tray on her lap.
"All right, now that you know, you can leave."
Subaru looked at Beatrice for a moment in silence, then rubbed his stomach and said,
"Hahaha, actually, I didn't eat enough earlier, so can I stay here a bit longer?"
"Huh?! Get your position straight! Betty would never share her food with you!"
"Even though I'm hungry, I really can't eat anything more. It's just that I feel hungry in my heart. Watching Beatrice-sensei eat beside me fills that hunger psychologically."
When Subaru said this, he suddenly noticed the atmosphere around him felt strange.
The next moment, he saw Beatrice raise her hand. A bad thought flashed through his mind and as he tried to say something, he was suddenly knocked away.
With the door shutting heavily behind him, Subaru rubbed his back while leaning against the wall and sighed, looking at the closed door.
"Eating alone like this is so lonely. If I stayed nearby, you wouldn't feel so alone, right?"
Muttering quietly, Subaru stood up and dusted off his clothes, about to leave when a voice came from nearby.
"Subaru, you really like Beatrice, huh~~ Could it be you've fallen for her~~ If that's the case, I might be able to help you~~"
Hearing that tone, Subaru pictured Roswaal's clownish expression.
Turning around to face Roswaal, Subaru replied,
"Who wouldn't like a girl like Beatrice? But it's not the kind of like that leads to romance. So, Lord Roswaal, I'll have to decline your kindness."
"Subaru, you really don't have to be so formal. Even though you're working in my mansion now, you can be more casual~~ You're actually a big help to me~~"
Subaru looked at Roswaal's smiling face and shook his head.
"No. Work is work. Besides, I don't even remember helping with any big favors."
"Subaru, you're really modest. Let alone saving Lady Emilia, you're working here as a reward so I can conveniently watch you. I heard about what you did yesterday~~ You really helped me a lot."
"So the real reason you made me work here was to keep an eye on me! Ah! I quit, I resign!"
"Subaru, you really love to joke. I'm a bit scared that if you don't work here, I'd have to use some unpleasant means."
Subaru stared at Roswaal's smile, his expression stiffening as he asked,
"You're joking, right?"
"Yeah, just joking~~"
"But why do I feel like you're thinking about where to bury me right now?"
"Hahaha, Subaru, you really love joking. No matter what, you're Emilia's savior and friend. I'd never do that."
Just as Subaru sighed in relief, Roswaal's voice suddenly turned cold.
"I'd only lock you in the dungeon, and only let you out when Emilia becomes queen."
"····"
"Don't be so nervous. There's no dungeon in my mansion."
"Don't say such scary things! I almost ran away!"
Roswaal chuckled without responding, then changed the subject.
"Subaru, it's getting late. Go rest early~~~"
"Ah... okay..."
As Subaru prepared to go back to his room to get a book and then visit Beatrice again, a faint voice reached his ears.
"Will you be that person?"
Turning around, Subaru looked, but Roswaal had already walked a long distance away.
Chapter 30: Waiting
Natsuki Subaru watched Roswaal's departing figure, feeling more and more that this employer who hired him was not as simple as he appeared on the surface.
On second thought, someone who could live in such a large mansion, and who was the lord of this border territory, could never just be a clown on the outside.
With that thought, Subaru withdrew his gaze and headed toward his room.
To him, this place was just his workplace; he could never stay working here forever.
According to Subaru's plan, he intended to work here for a while, and if no god came to send him back home, then he would leave with the money he had saved from work and try to find his way back on his own.
However, he guessed that would take quite some time.
Not knowing the language well would cause him many problems in searching for a way home.
More importantly, Beatrice's library had so many books that perhaps he could find a method to return home somewhere in there.
Therefore, he needed to study and work even harder and rummage through those books — though he wasn't sure if Beatrice would even let him do that.
When Subaru reached his room and opened the door, he saw Ram sitting by the bedside sipping a cup of hot tea.
"You're too slow, Barusu. Hurry and sit down. Since you rested all day yesterday, today's study progress needs to speed up."
Under Ram's watchful eyes, Subaru walked into the room and said while walking, "Senpai, there's something I want to discuss with you."
"What is it, Barusu? If it's about slacking off and not studying, Ram won't agree. After I teach you, I can slack off."
Subaru sighed and started tidying the books on the desk. "Ram, have you completely given up trying to hide it? I no longer feel that you deserve the title of senpai and respect. Actually, Rem fits the title of senpai much better."
Hearing this, Ram raised an eyebrow.
"Pfft! You, a mere Barusu, actually want to be on equal footing with Ram? You're hundreds of years too early."
"Why do you come to that conclusion?"
"Because you don't want to call me senpai — which means you want to be my equal."
Subaru looked at the books he had arranged, then turned to Ram and said, "Actually, what I want to say is, I might not need your help teaching me anymore."
"What? Are you saying you've already completely learned the language?"
"No, it's not that. But since you like to slack off so much, as your junior, I naturally want to consider your well-being.
So I plan to have Beatrice teach me the language.
Besides, I wasn't just idle after going to work this afternoon — I spent the morning and noon having Beatrice teach me.
So, for the sake of your sleep quality, I plan to go ask Beatrice for lessons now."
Ram looked at Subaru's sincere smile, then gripped her cup tighter. Although Subaru's idea was good, Ram felt somewhat uncomfortable.
If this had been before yesterday, she would definitely have agreed with Subaru's plan, but what happened yesterday had dispelled her suspicions about him — or rather, it made the suspicion that Subaru was a spy almost vanish.
Since Subaru arrived at the mansion, everything he did looked completely unrelated to being a spy.
At first, he didn't know anything except sewing skills, which were useful.
He worked diligently even if he was bad at it, and always asked Ram or Rem for advice.
He felt fulfilled whenever he completed a task.
Even when he was tired after a day's work, when he knew he was supposed to study, although he said "tomorrow," he still studied until he collapsed on the desk asleep, never asking to rest.
Moreover, he truly didn't understand the writing at all.
Sending a spy who can't read a single character is pointless—how would they pass on intelligence? And with what happened yesterday, a spy wouldn't collect information but instead teach and watch over the target, which is very strange.
Ram's suspicion had basically disappeared, and she was willing to spend more time on him.
"Barusu, your evenings belong to Ram. Though I like to slack off, I don't like to leave things half-done."
"But senpai, don't you usually give me tasks to do while you work?"
"That's to train you."
"Then why is it different with teaching me?"
"To let someone who knows nothing learn by themselves?"
"No, what I mean is, since Beatrice is willing to teach, Ram senpai should be able to go to bed earlier, right?"
"Because Barusu is so clueless, to prevent you from causing trouble for Lady Beatrice, Ram has no choice but to reluctantly teach you."
Subaru saw the troubled look on Ram's face and didn't know what to say for a moment.
"Also, Barusu, why do you want Lady Beatrice to teach you so badly? Are you trying to make a move on her?!"
Subaru didn't answer immediately.
After a short silence, he said embarrassedly, "Actually, it doesn't matter to me who teaches me. It's just that Beatrice stays alone in the library every day and might feel lonely.
And although she looks so cute, we rarely see her smile. So I want to try making Beatrice smile more, so she doesn't stay in the library all the time."
Hearing this, Ram stood up and, with Subaru's puzzled gaze following her, walked toward the door.
"If this is what you really want to do, Barusu, then go ahead. But I will check your progress from time to time, just in case my slacking plan fails. I'll head back now."
.
.
.
After finishing her meal, Beatrice looked at the book in her hands, but she was not very focused.
Her gaze kept drifting toward the tightly shut door. Once, she used to look forward and patiently wait for the person she expected.
Now, she had basically given up glancing at that door from time to time.
Now she resumed the habit again, but it was no longer in expectation of someone's arrival, but rather waiting for the new servant in the mansion.
After some time passed, Beatrice's expression grew somewhat downcast.
She closed the book, took a black-covered book from the nearby pile, and hesitated for a moment before opening it again after many years.
The pages were blank — the book contained no writing, just emptiness.
"Betty already knew... he's not that person. So why did she still think there would be any change..."
Beatrice put the book back and took another book to read for a while.
Then, she looked toward the door again, but still, no one opened it.
Lowering her head, the only sound left in the library was the rustling of pages.
Feeling mentally exhausted, Beatrice closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Hello everyone! I'm VarieTL.
Read ahead (60 chapters) by supporting me on patreon
VarieTL
There you can also read 6 Fanfiction of Oregairu and 2 of Re:Zero