the bustling streets of Kararagi, Rem walked briskly, her blue hair swaying gently in the wind. After running away from the troubles of Lugnica alongside Subaru, they had found themselves in this unfamiliar city, seeking a fresh start and a chance at a better life. But as the days went by, the reality of their situation began to sink in. Subaru had been tirelessly working odd jobs, doing whatever he could to earn enough money to pay the rent and put food on the table. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to hold on to a job for long. It was as if misfortune followed him wherever he went, leaving him unemployed and disheartened.
Seeing Subaru struggle day after day, Rem couldn't bear to stand idly by. She felt a deep sense of responsibility to help provide for them both, to ease the burden that weighed heavily on Subaru's shoulders. Determined, she decided to take matters into her own hands and set out to find a job herself. But she had promised Subaru that she wouldn't do anything dangerous—no fighting, no risks that could put her in harm's way. She intended to keep that promise.
Rem made her way through the bustling streets, her eyes scanning the various shops and establishments around her. She had heard that the local guild was a good place to look for work, as they posted all kinds of jobs, from simple errands to more demanding tasks. So she decided to make it her first stop. As she stepped inside, the sound of chatter and clinking glasses filled her ears. The guild was filled with adventurers, mercenaries, and all sorts of individuals seeking opportunities for work.
Rem approached the counter, her gentle voice breaking through the noise as she inquired about any available jobs. The guild master, a burly man with a grizzled beard, glanced at her curiously. "Well, lass, we post all sorts of work here—not just adventuring gigs. But times are tough these days. With so many folks out of work and flooding the city looking for jobs, the safe, steady positions get snatched up quick. All that's left right now are the adventuring jobs: fighting monsters, escorting caravans through dangerous territories, that sort of thing. Requires experienced fighters or skilled mages."
Rem's heart sank, disappointment washing over her. She couldn't take on anything like that—not with her promise to Subaru. The thought of putting herself in danger was out of the question. Undeterred, Rem thanked the guild master for his time and stepped back onto the busy streets. She pondered her options, her mind racing with ideas on how she could earn money without breaking her word. She wouldn't give up; she needed to find a way to support Subaru, to help him in any way she could.
As she walked, Rem's gaze fell upon a small notice board tucked away in a corner. With a glimmer of hope, she approached it and began reading the various job postings. Most were the remaining adventuring tasks, but one particular notice caught her eye. "Looking for a maid to assist with household chores and occasional cooking," it read. "No combat skills required. Willingness to work hard and adaptability is a must."
A surge of excitement coursed through Rem's veins. This could be her chance to find a job that would suit her skills, honor her promise to Subaru, and provide the income they needed. With newfound determination, she tore the notice from the board and made her way towards the address listed.
Rem stood before the grand entrance of the Juukulius mansion in Kararagi, her heart pounding with a mix of determination and unease. The towering structure loomed over her, its ornate facade a stark reminder of the wealth and power within. Memories of Lugnica's royal capital flashed through her mind—Julius Juukulius, the elegant knight with striking purple hair, had once humiliated and defeated Subaru in a duel that still stung her heart. The thought of working under someone who had caused her beloved such pain made her hesitate, but their desperate need for money pushed her forward. She had promised Subaru she would avoid danger, and this job, though daunting, was her chance to keep that vow while supporting them both.
Taking a deep breath, Rem pushed open the mansion's heavy doors and stepped inside. The opulence overwhelmed her—polished marble floors gleamed under intricate chandeliers, and finely crafted furniture spoke of a world far beyond the modest life she and Subaru had now.
A butler in a crisp black suit approached, his polite smile tempered with a hint of scrutiny. "You must be the applicant for the maid position," he said, his voice smooth and refined. "I am Joshua, the head butler. Please, follow me."
Rem nodded, her expression calm but her hands clasped tightly to steady her nerves. "Thank you, Joshua-sama," she replied softly, her voice carrying the gentle deference characteristic of her kind nature. She followed him through the mansion's labyrinthine corridors, her footsteps echoing against pristine walls adorned with elegant tapestries. The contrast to their small, drafty room in Kararagi was almost dizzying.
They reached a grand study lined with towering bookshelves and a polished mahogany desk. Joshua gestured for her to sit. "Please wait here. Master Julius will see you shortly."
Rem sat, her posture straight but her mind racing. She smoothed her dress, her thoughts drifting to Subaru—his tired smiles, his relentless efforts to provide despite the string of lost jobs. She had to do this for him, for them. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Julius Juukulius. His purple hair caught the light, and his piercing eyes held the same refined intensity she remembered from that painful day in Lugnica. Yet, she steeled herself, determined to focus on the present and not the past.
Julius took a seat behind the desk, his knightly poise evident even in this domestic setting. "Thank you for coming," he said, his tone calm and measured, though his gaze studied her with curiosity. "May I have your name?"
Rem hesitated, her loyalty to Subaru urging caution, but honesty was her nature. "I am Rem," she replied, her voice soft yet firm, her blue eyes meeting his with quiet resolve. "I've come to apply for the maid position. I have experience in domestic work and will serve diligently."
Julius raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Rem," he repeated, as if testing the name. "Tell me, what skills do you bring to this household?"
Rem's heart steadied as she spoke from her core, her devotion to Subaru fueling her words. "I am a quick learner, attentive to detail, and wholly dedicated to my duties," she said, her tone earnest but unwavering. "I am adaptable and will pour my heart into serving this household to the best of my ability."
Julius leaned back, his fingers steepled as he considered her. "This mansion demands much from its staff," he said, his voice carrying a knight's authority softened by a hint of warmth. "The work is rigorous, and the expectations are high. Are you prepared for such challenges?"
Rem's thoughts flashed to Subaru's weary face, the weight of their struggles, and her promise to avoid danger. Her resolve hardened. "I am, Julius-sama," she replied, her voice steady with conviction. "I have been working as a maid before and I am sure to do good work."
Julius studied her for a long moment, his gaze piercing yet not unkind. There was a flicker of something—recognition, perhaps, or curiosity—but it passed quickly. "Very well, Rem," he said at last, his tone softening. "You will begin as a maid on a trial basis. Prove your dedication, and a permanent position may follow."
Relief flooded Rem, tempered by the weight of the task ahead. She bowed deeply, her voice trembling with gratitude. "Thank you, Julius-sama. I will not disappoint you."
As she left the study, Rem felt a mix of hope and apprehension. Working in the Juukulius mansion, under the knight who had once brought Subaru low, would test her in ways she couldn't yet foresee. Yet, for Subaru's sake, she would face it all.
Rem's first day as a maid in the Juukulius mansion began with a whirlwind of activity. The elegant hallways, lined with ornate tapestries and gleaming chandeliers, filled her with a quiet awe, but her heart burned with determination. She was here to prove herself, to show she was the best candidate for the job and to ease the burdens on Subaru's shoulders. Keeping her promise to avoid danger, she channeled her energy into mastering every task this opulent world demanded.
In the spacious kitchen, the head butler, Joshua, gathered Rem and the three other maids hired for a one-month trial. His crisp black suit and composed demeanor commanded respect as he explained their evaluation period. "Your skills and dedication will determine your place here," he said, his voice steady. His gaze settled on Rem, a glimmer of recognition in his eyes. "Rem, your experience as a maid is noteworthy," he remarked with a hint of warmth. "I have high expectations for you. I believe you have the potential to shine."
Rem's heart swelled with pride, though she kept her expression humble, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Joshua-sama," she said softly, her voice carrying the gentle sincerity. "Rem will do her utmost to meet your expectations." His words fueled her resolve to surpass every challenge, not just for herself but for Subaru, whose weary face lingered in her thoughts.
As the days passed, Rem settled into the mansion's rhythms with grace. She polished silver, dusted delicate vases, and assisted with meal preparations, her movements swift and precise. Her attention to detail and ability to anticipate the household's needs earned nods of approval from Joshua and murmurs of admiration from the staff. Each completed task brought her a quiet joy, reminiscent of her days serving at the Roswaal mansion, and the generous salary offered a glimmer of hope for a stable future with Subaru.
Yet, amid the harmony of her work, Rem noticed a subtle undercurrent of competition among the maids. Each sought to prove themselves the best, their glances sharp and their efforts meticulous. Rem, driven by her devotion to Subaru and her own quiet pride, pushed herself harder, determined to outshine the others while remaining true to her kind nature. She cleaned with unmatched care, organized with precision, and offered help without hesitation.
Despite the rivalry, Rem found unexpected warmth in the other maids. Late-night chats in the servants' quarters, shared laughter over spilled flour, and moments of mutual support wove bonds of camaraderie. The maids, once competitors, became allies in the demanding world of the mansion, their shared struggles forging friendships Rem hadn't anticipated. She listened to their stories, offered gentle encouragement, and found solace in their growing trust.
As the trial period neared its end, Rem's heart fluttered with both excitement and anxiety. She had poured her soul into every task, her love for Subaru driving her to excel. The thought of a permanent position in the Juukulius mansion—a chance to secure a brighter future—filled her with hope. On the final day, Joshua summoned the maids to the grand study, where Julius awaited, his purple hair catching the light and his piercing eyes scanning them with a knight's scrutiny.
"You have all shown dedication," Julius began, his voice calm yet authoritative, as befitting a knight of his stature. His gaze lingered on Rem, a flicker of curiosity in his expression. "But one has stood out for her exceptional skills."
A hushed silence fell over the room. Rem's breath caught, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Rem," Julius continued, "your diligence, experience, and unwavering commitment have set you apart. I am pleased to offer you a permanent position as a maid in this household."
Elation surged through Rem, her heart soaring as she bowed deeply, her voice trembling with gratitude. "Thank you, Julius-sama," she said, her tone soft but resolute. "Rem is honored and will continue to serve with all her heart." The weight of her achievement settled over her—a job secured, a promise kept, and a step toward a life where she and Subaru could find peace.
As she left the study, Rem reflected on the journey that had brought her here. The trials of Kararagi, the pain of past memories, and the strength she'd found within herself had shaped her into someone capable of facing any challenge. She thought of Subaru, his smile her guiding light, and knew this was only the beginning.
Rem stood in the grand study of the Juukulius mansion, her heart pounding as Joshua, the head butler, delivered an unexpected offer. His crisp black suit and warm smile contrasted with the weight of his words. "Rem, your work has been exemplary," he said, his voice steady and genuine. "Master Julius has requested you as his personal maid. The role comes with a significant increase in salary, reflecting its importance and the closeness it demands."
Her breath caught, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Julius—the knight whose arrogance and past actions in Lugnica stirred a deep resentment within her. The thought of serving him so intimately, of being at his side daily, made her stomach twist. She couldn't erase the pain he'd caused, the wounds he'd left on Subaru's heart. Yet, the reality of their life in Kararagi pressed against her like a vice. Subaru's endless job hunt, their meager savings, the constant struggle to keep a roof over their heads—the increased salary could change everything, offering the stability they so desperately needed.
Rem's fingers tightened around the hem of her maid's uniform, her blue eyes meeting Joshua's with a mix of resolve and uncertainty. "Thank you, Joshua-sama," she said softly, her voice steady despite the storm inside. "The offer is generous, and the salary would ease many burdens for my husband and me. But... Rem requests a day to consider it."
Joshua nodded, his eyes softening with empathy. "Of course, Rem. Take the time you need. It's a significant decision, and I respect your thoughtfulness."
As she left the study, her footsteps echoed in the opulent halls, each one heavier than the last. Her mind churned with the weight of the choice. Serving Julius meant swallowing her hatred, burying her feelings to maintain the professionalism she prided herself on. It meant standing closer to a man she despised, all for the sake of Subaru and their shared dreams. The thought of their small, drafty home, of Subaru's tired but hopeful smile, anchored her resolve.
That evening, in the quiet solitude of her quarters, Rem sat on the edge of her bed, her hands clasped tightly. She closed her eyes, letting her thoughts settle. Subaru's face filled her mind—his determination, his love, the way he fought for their future despite every setback. She thought of the life they wanted, free from the constant shadow of poverty. And she thought of the sacrifices she was willing to make, even if it meant facing Julius every day.
Her heart, though heavy with resentment, made its choice. She would accept the role, not for Julius, but for Subaru—for the stability that would lighten his burdens. The decision wasn't easy, but her love for him was unwavering, a beacon guiding her through the darkness of her doubts.
The next morning, Rem sought out Joshua, her posture straight, her voice firm with newfound resolve. "Rem has decided," she said, her blue eyes steady. "I will accept the role as Julius-sama's personal maid."
Joshua's expression warmed with respect. "Your courage is admirable, Rem," he replied. "I believe you will excel in this role. Your dedication will serve you well."
Rem found herself in a peculiar predicament. As Julius Juukulius's personal maid, she had committed to a role that demanded her utmost dedication, yet her heart wrestled with regret. The memories of Lugnica's royal capital, where Julius, with his striking purple hair and knightly grace, had humiliated and defeated Subaru, lingered like a stubborn shadow. Each time she saw Julius, the sting of that day resurfaced, making it difficult to fully trust or respect him. But duty and the pressing need for financial stability bound her to this path. For Subaru's sake, she could not turn back.
Despite her inner turmoil, Rem upheld the gentle professionalism. She greeted Julius with a warm, practiced smile, her voice soft and respectful as she carried out her tasks with meticulous care. Dusting his study, arranging his papers, preparing his tea—every action was executed with the precision of someone determined to prove their worth. Julius noticed her efforts, his piercing eyes softening with appreciation. "Your work is exemplary, Rem," he would say, his tone carrying the refined warmth of a knight. She would bow, her heart aching but her facade unwavering. "Thank you, Julius-sama," she'd reply, her voice steady. "Rem is honored to serve."
She understood the importance of maintaining harmony in the mansion. Her personal feelings—her loyalty to Subaru, her unease with Julius—had to be buried deep to ensure her work remained flawless. Yet, the weight of her past made every interaction a quiet battle.
As time passed, Julius grew to rely on her more. Her efficiency, her knack for anticipating his needs, and her quiet dedication brought a sense of order to his busy life as a knight and noble. He began to entrust her with more personal tasks—organizing his correspondence, even preparing his attire for formal events. To him, Rem was a steady presence, a calming force amid the chaos of his duties. Unbeknownst to him, however, her heart was a storm of conflict. Each kind word from Julius, each gesture of trust, deepened her struggle to reconcile her loyalty to Subaru with her role in this opulent household.
One afternoon, as Rem arranged books in Julius's study, her hands moving with practiced care, she overheard voices drifting through the partially open door. Her curiosity, a rare lapse in her disciplined demeanor, drew her closer. It was Julius and Joshua, the head butler, speaking in low tones.
"Rem has been an exceptional addition to the household," Julius said, his voice laced with genuine sincerity. "Her dedication and efficiency have far surpassed my expectations."
Joshua's response was measured but warm. "Indeed, Julius. Her attention to detail and ability to anticipate your needs are remarkable. She's proven herself invaluable."
Rem's heart swelled with pride, a flicker of warmth cutting through her doubts. Her hard work had been recognized, her efforts acknowledged. Yet, the praise was bittersweet. The memories of Subaru's pain at Julius's hands gnawed at her, casting a shadow over her accomplishments. She stepped back from the door, her hands trembling slightly as she resumed her work, her mind a tangle of gratitude and guilt.
As weeks turned into months, Rem's internal struggle persisted. She performed her duties with flawless grace, her smiles for Julius warm and her words laced with the admiration expected of a maid. But beneath her composed exterior, she yearned for resolution. How could she honor her love for Subaru while serving a man tied to such painful memories? The constant tension wore at her, though she refused to let it show.
The news of Julius's broken leg rippled through the Juukulius mansion like a sudden storm, leaving the staff in a state of hushed urgency. Rem's heart sank as Joshua, the head butler, informed her of the new arrangement: she would stay by Julius's side, assisting him around the clock until he fully healed. Anger bubbled within her—anger at the circumstances that bound her closer to the man who had once brought Subaru such humiliation. But she swallowed it down, her gentle features remaining composed. She couldn't let her frustrations show; her role demanded poise, and her promise to Subaru to avoid danger meant enduring this with grace.
Reluctantly, Rem settled into the room adjacent to Julius's chambers, which would serve as her temporary home. As she took in the elegant surroundings—the silk drapes, ornate furnishings, and soft glow of crystal lamps—she felt a quiet awe. The grandeur was worlds away from her humble village origins or the modest life she shared with Subaru in Kararagi. It was a reminder of the divide between her world and this one, yet she pushed the thought aside, focusing on her duty.
With a heavy heart, Rem reached out to Subaru through a discreet message, explaining the situation. She knew he cherished their time together and would dislike the extended separation. As expected, Subaru was unhappy, his response laced with concern and reluctance, but he understood the necessity. "Be safe, Rem," he urged, respecting her commitment even as it pained him.
Days blurred into weeks, and Rem's life became a rhythm of care for Julius. She attended to his every need—adjusting pillows for comfort, preparing medicinal teas, aiding him in small movements to aid recovery. Her initial anger faded, replaced by a sense of duty and quiet responsibility. In these intimate moments, she glimpsed a different side of the knight. His vulnerability emerged as he let down his guard, sharing fears of inadequacy in his knightly duties and aspirations for a more just world. Rem listened with her characteristic gentleness, her blue eyes reflecting empathy.
"Julius-sama," she would say softly, her voice steady as she helped him stand, "Rem believes in your strength. You will recover soon."
Their conversations grew genuine, heartfelt exchanges that bridged the gap between them. Rem discovered beneath Julius's aristocratic facade—a kind, compassionate soul, resilient and determined. She found herself appreciating his company, cherishing the quiet moments of shared stories. Yet, her loyalty to Subaru remained unwavering, a steadfast anchor in her heart. The connection she felt with Julius stirred a complicated mix of emotions, and guilt gnawed at her. She had kept the specifics of her work for Julius a secret from Subaru, fearing his disapproval amid their financial struggles. The weight of it pressed heavily, a silent burden she carried alone.
Rem found herself in an uncomfortable situation, her role as Julius's personal maid demanding she assist him in the bath becouse of his still-healing leg. The steam-filled room felt oppressive, the air thick with the scent of lavender oils. She hated Julius—the arrogant knight whose presence grated on her nerves, his every command a reminder of her trapped circumstances. Yet, duty bound her, and she approached with a forced composure, her cheeks already warming at the intimacy of the task.
"Julius-sama," she said softly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "Rem will assist you now."
Julius nodded, his piercing eyes meeting hers with a hint of something unreadable. She started with his top, her fingers trembling slightly as she unbuttoned his shirt. As the fabric parted, revealing his broad chest, Rem's breath caught. His body was a canvas of strength—rippling muscles honed from years of knightly training, etched with faint scars from battles past. Each mark told a story of peril, a jagged line across his shoulder, a faded gash along his ribs, all accentuating the raw power beneath his skin. She hated how his form exuded such commanding vitality, a stark contrast to her own quiet grace.
Moving lower, Rem's hands hesitated at his belt. With a deep breath, she unfastened it, sliding his pants down his legs carefully to avoid aggravating his injury. Her pulse quickened as she reached for his underwear, pulling it away to expose him fully. There, in the dim light, she saw his manhood, already stirring under her touch. It was larger than Subaru's—thicker, more imposing—and the thought flashed unbidden through her mind, sending a forbidden thrill through her despite her hatred. Julius's breath hitched, his arousal evident as his length hardened, his eyes darkening with desire at her proximity.
"Rem..." he murmured, his voice husky, but she focused on the task, helping him ease into the warm bathwater. The liquid lapped at his skin as he settled, the steam curling around his muscular frame.
Once he was submerged, Julius looked up at her, his gaze intense. "Join me, Rem," he requested, his tone laced with command and something deeper. "It would make this... easier."
Her heart raced, hatred warring with the strange pull of the moment. But obedience was her role, and with a nod, she began to undress. She slipped out of her maid's uniform, the fabric whispering against her skin as it fell away. Her body revealed itself—slender yet curvaceous, her breasts full and pert, topped with small, cute pink nipples that hardened in the humid air. Lower, her skin was smooth and shaved, a private preparation she'd done for Subaru, now making her feel exposed, as if fate had been anticipating this very encounter. Her hips curved gently, leading to long, toned legs that trembled slightly under Julius's hungry stare.
Julius's eyes roamed over her, his arousal throbbing visibly in the water, his breath growing ragged. "You're exquisite," he whispered, his voice thick with want.
Rem stepped into the bath, the warm water enveloping her like a forbidden embrace. She picked up the sponge, lathering it with soap, and began to wash him. Her hands glided over his chest, tracing the scars she'd seen earlier, feeling the firm muscles tense beneath her touch. She moved lower, the sponge brushing against his abdomen, then daringly closer to his hardened length. The contact sent a shiver through him, and Rem's mind swirled with confusion—hatred for the man, guilt toward Subaru, and an unwelcome heat building within her own body.
As she continued, the water rippling with each movement, the air grew charged with unspoken tension. Julius's hand brushed her thigh under the surface, a spark of electricity that made her gasp. She hated him, yet the intimacy of the moment blurred lines she never wanted crossed. Guilt gnawed at her, but the sensations were undeniable, pulling her deeper into the complexity of her emotions.
The bathwater swirled around them, warm and inviting, but Rem's mind was a storm of resentment. She hated Julius—his smug confidence, the way he commanded her presence as if she were his to summon. Yet here she was, naked and vulnerable in the tub with him, her body betraying her with unwelcome shivers of awareness. She gripped the sponge tighter, determined to focus on her duty, to wash him and be done with this intimate ordeal.
"Rem," Julius said, his voice low and probing, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made her skin prickle. He shifted slightly, his muscular thigh brushing against her leg under the water, testing the boundaries. "Allow me to return the favor."
Her heart pounded, but she shook her head subtly, her blue hair clinging wetly to her shoulders. "Rem is here to serve, Julius-sama," she replied, her tone firm yet soft, laced with the hatred she kept veiled. She leaned forward, her breasts swaying gently with the motion, the small pink nipples pebbling in the steamy air. The sponge glided over his chest again, tracing the ridges of his scars, feeling the heat of his skin beneath the suds. Her body moved with graceful efficiency—hips shifting for balance, her slender arms extending, curves undulating as she reached lower, brushing dangerously close to his throbbing arousal.
Julius's gaze darkened, his desire evident in the way his length twitched in the water. He reached out slowly, his hand grazing her arm, testing her reaction. When she didn't pull away immediately, emboldened, he took the sponge from her grasp. "Let me," he murmured, his fingers lingering on hers a moment too long.
Rem froze, her body tensing, but duty held her in place. She hated this—hated him—but the job demanded compliance. As Julius brought the sponge to her chest, her breath hitched. He moved it in slow, deliberate circles over her breasts, the soapy foam sliding down her skin. Her full mounds lifted with each inhale, the cute nipples hardening further under the gentle friction, sending sparks of unwanted pleasure through her. She shifted uncomfortably, her hips rocking slightly in the water, thighs pressing together as a flush spread from her chest to her cheeks.
"Julius-sama..." she whispered, her voice a mix of protest and confusion, but she didn't stop him, her hands clenching at her sides. Her body betrayed her resolve—arching subtly into his touch, the smooth, shaved skin below her navel glistening as water lapped at her curves. The sensation built, a forbidden heat pooling low in her belly, even as her mind screamed hatred for the man who dared to explore her this way.
Julius's free hand cupped the underside of one breast, lifting it as he washed, his thumb brushing perilously close to her nipple. He watched her reactions intently, testing how far he could push, his own arousal straining, pulsing with need. "You're beautiful like this," he said huskily, his eyes devouring the way her body responded—the quiver of her lips, the subtle tremble in her legs.
Rem bit her lip, forcing herself to reclaim the sponge, her fingers brushing his in a charged moment. "Rem must finish her work," she insisted, her movements quickening, though her body still moved with an involuntary sensuality—breasts heaving, hips swaying as she leaned to wash his shoulders, trying to redirect the tension. But the air between them crackled, Julius's advances lingering like a challenge, and Rem's hatred warred with the treacherous pull of the moment, leaving her breathless and conflicted.
The bathwater lapped gently against the marble tub, the steam curling around Rem and Julius in a haze that felt suffocatingly intimate. Rem's heart pounded with a mix of resentment and unease, her hatred for Julius—a man whose arrogance grated against her loyalty to Subaru—burning beneath her composed exterior. The sponge in her hand trembled as she finished washing his shoulders, her movements deliberate to maintain her professionalism despite the charged air between them. His touch had lingered too long, his advances too bold, and she could no longer ignore the discomfort twisting in her chest.
With a steadying breath, Rem stood, the water cascading off her slender frame, her full breasts glistening with soap suds that clung to her small, pink nipples. Her body moved with an unconscious grace, hips swaying slightly as she rose, the smooth, shaved skin below her navel catching the dim light. Julius's eyes followed her, his gaze dropping briefly to the private place between her thighs, a fleeting but unmistakable view that sent a spark of hunger through his expression. His arousal was evident, his length twitching beneath the water, but Rem kept her focus, her voice soft yet firm, laced with the respectful deference she forced herself to maintain.
"Julius-sama," she said, her tone gentle but resolute, her blue eyes meeting his with practiced composure. "Rem believes the bathing is complete. She will dress and return shortly to assist you out of the bath."
Julius's lips parted, as if to protest, but her unwavering professionalism held him at bay. He nodded, his eyes still dark with desire, watching as she stepped out of the tub. Water dripped from her curves, accentuating the sway of her hips and the firm, rounded shape of her ass as she moved toward the towel rack. The soapy foam slid down her chest, tracing the contours of her breasts, and Julius's gaze lingered, captivated by the sight of her retreating form—her long legs, the gentle curve of her spine, and the enticing sway of her backside.
Rem wrapped a towel around herself, her cheeks flushed not from the heat but from the intensity of the moment she was determined to escape. She hated him—his presumption, his ease in crossing boundaries—but she couldn't afford to falter. Her duty to Subaru and their precarious life in Kararagi anchored her, and she clung to it as she dressed quickly in the adjacent room, her maid's uniform a shield of familiarity. Her heart raced with guilt and resolve, the fleeting thrill of Julius's attention buried beneath her loyalty.
Returning moments later, her expression serene and professional, Rem approached the tub to help Julius out, her movements efficient as she supported his weight, careful of his healing leg. His eyes still held a flicker of desire, but she ignored it, focusing on the task. The line had been drawn, and though the air still hummed with tension, Rem's determination to uphold her role and her heart's devotion to Subaru guided her forward, unwavering despite the challenges of this gilded cage.
Julius's leg had finally healed, and with it came a wave of relief that coursed through Rem like a cool breeze. She could leave the Juukulius mansion behind, along with the tangled emotions that had ensnared her during her time there. The opulent halls, the weight of Julius's presence, and the forbidden tension of their bath encounter—all of it felt like a fever dream she was eager to escape. Her heart yearned for Subaru, for the simple comfort of their shared life in Kararagi, far from the complexities of that gilded cage.
Yet, as she packed her belongings, a heavy secret clung to her like a shadow. She had never told Subaru about her role as Julius's personal maid, nor the intimate moments in the bath that had left her flushed with confusion and resentment. She hated Julius for his arrogance, for the way he had tested her boundaries, and she wanted to bury that chapter of her life, to seal it away and forget. But the guilt of her silence gnawed at her, a relentless ache that followed her as she stepped out of the mansion for the last time.
Returning to their modest home, Rem's heart lifted at the sight of Subaru. A radiant smile graced her lips as she rushed into his arms, the warmth of his embrace grounding her. "Subaru-kun," she murmured, her voice trembling with joy. They settled together on the worn couch, the familiarity of their small space a balm to her weary soul. As they talked, Subaru shared stories of his relentless job hunt—countless rejections, odd jobs that barely paid, yet his eyes sparkled with determination to provide for them.
"Rem, I'm getting closer," he said, his voice earnest. "I know it's been tough, but I'll find something soon. I want to take some of this weight off you."
Her heart swelled with gratitude and love, his unwavering effort deepening her devotion. "Subaru-kun, Rem believes in you," she said softly, her hand squeezing his. "You're doing so much already." But even as she spoke, the secret she carried pressed against her chest, a silent burden threatening to crack her composure.
She longed to confess everything—the long hours tending to Julius, the uncomfortable intimacy, the way his gaze had stirred unwanted feelings she'd fought to suppress. Honesty was the foundation of their bond, and keeping this from Subaru felt like a betrayal. Yet fear held her back—fear of his disappointment, of the hurt that might flicker in his eyes, of the fracture it could cause in their trust.
As their conversation flowed, Rem's mind churned. She pictured the moment of truth, the words spilling out, and the imagined pain on Subaru's face. Secrets, she knew, had a way of unraveling, poisoning even the strongest love. But could she bear the consequences of her silence being exposed later, when the damage might be greater?
In that quiet moment, with Subaru's hand warm in hers, Rem made a silent vow. She would find the courage to tell him, to lay bare her experiences at the mansion, no matter how daunting. Their love deserved transparency, and she refused to let fear undermine it. Her resolve hardened, a spark of determination in her blue eyes.
As the evening drew to a close, Rem's heart brimmed with both joy and uncertainty. Being back with Subaru filled her with happiness, but the weight of her secret lingered, a shadow she couldn't ignore.