"You and Subaru-kun... you seem to get along really well."
When they met up at the rendezvous point, those were the first words Rem said when she saw the two of them.
Her gaze was directed between the two of them, at the spot where Ram was tugging at Subaru's sleeve, and if only this moment had been cut out, it might have looked like a sexy scene, or so Subaru, the person involved, thought.
Laughing at Rem's jumping to conclusions, Subaru pointed to the scene in question,
"There's nothing else going on. Ramchie just got annoyed because I was slow. Sorry for making you wait."
She lightly shook her sleeve and removed her fingers, apologizing to Rem for making her wait. Even so, Rem seemed to lower the temperature of her gaze, but as Ram glided next to her, her expression also calmed.
Indeed, now that I have some peace of mind, I can see that Rem's mentality may seem calm, but it's actually full of flaws. Especially when it comes to Ram, her dangerous siscon nature is clearly exposed.
"Sister..."
Subaru: "Balusu said the same, Rem. There's no other meaning to it, right?"
Ram dismissed her younger sister's pleading voice with a composed look on her face. Rem, who had been staring intently at her sister with the same face, suddenly narrowed her eyes as if she had just realized something.
"Sister, did you happen to see it?"
"That's right."
"...Even though I tried so hard to stop him."
"If that's what it takes, then I will. There's no point in saying anything more, Rem."
"If they talk in their own world, I'll end up crying because I'll be left behind. Let's mix it up and have a chat!"
Rem was serious, Ram dodged her, and Subaru cut in and made fun of her. The two of them, especially Rem, gave Subaru a sharp look at his attitude.
It's unclear why, but it seems that this has made Rem quite wary. On the other hand, it seems that Ram likes him, which makes us realize once again that they are difficult twins to handle.
If things continue like this, it's heading straight for something bad.
I want to somehow increase Rem's likability, but I have no idea how.
For now,
"Well, well, well, that's it. Let's not make it so brutal and have fun. I'll do whatever it takes to fulfill my original purpose, like carrying luggage."
He moves his shoulders and hips to show he is hard at work.
Some of the small purchases were probably already in the packages Rem and Ram were carrying. If what Ram had said was correct, then the person in charge of Subaru was the one in charge of the big items that required a man's help.
With that in mind, Subaru glanced behind the twins and regretted his decision.
This was because, sitting there majestically, I spotted something resembling a barrel, roughly the size of a man's arms.
"...Is there a limit?"
"Seven times"
"teeth?"
As Subaru lowered his voice, imagining a line drawn across his face, Rem suddenly muttered a mysterious number from her lips. Subaru tilted his head in question, and Rem then looked him over with a testing look,
"We'll take breaks along the way to accommodate Subaru-kun's schedule. Rem estimates it will be seven times."
Bowing with such polite rudeness for the first time in a while, Subaru thought about the distance to the mansion. It was roughly a twenty-minute walk. In a straight line it was less than three kilometers, but Subaru was clearly aware of his lack of stamina.
Then, without saying a word, he walked over to the barrel and checked its weight. Perhaps it was just a show, like a paper tiger. Any hopes he had of it were quickly denied by the weight that was weighing heavily on his waist.
Carrying this, I covered a distance of three kilometers, taking seven breaks.
Twist your waist, bend and stretch on the spot, and stretch your back muscles.
"Let's try not to do it ten times."
Rather than feeling rebellious about being provoked by being asked to take seven rests, I actually offered to take even more than that to put in a defensive posture, and I kind of like that about myself.
"By the way, I expect Ram to take thirteen rests."
"You guys are also perfectly fair in the sense that you don't let personal feelings influence the decision of whether to be strict or lenient in your evaluations."
Even though there is a subtle difference in their likeability ratings, it still feels like Rem rates her better.
That in itself was a puzzling situation.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
By the time Subaru and the other three arrived back at the mansion, it was past dusk and the sun was already setting.
Subaru had collapsed under the weight of his luggage and suggested they take a break about a dozen times. The lactic acid in his upper arms was already screaming, and his legs below his knees were showing no signs of stopping the spasmodic trembling.
Subaru was easily defeated by Rem's prediction, but his thin pride in refusing to succumb to Ram's malice has led him on this journey.
"I've arrived, I've arrived... I did well, good job! Really good job."
"Sister, sister, Subaru-kun would be crawling on the ground with delight."
"Rem, Rem, when you Bals, you'll be so thrilled you'll drop to the ground like a dog."
"Shut up, instead of scolding me you should praise me for accomplishing it. I'm a sensitive and delicate person, so if you just whip me I'll break right away. I'm someone who grew up in a relaxed education system, so I don't have much experience with failure!"
Especially since coming to this world, there have been far too many whippings. Of course, I am aware that I have been given a lot of sweet treats, but even taking that into account, I feel that the power of the whips is a bit too strong.
Anyway,
"Yes, yes, thank you for your hard work."
"Yes, yes, good job."
Rem half-heartedly thanked Subaru for his efforts and easily lifted the barrel of sake that was on the ground.
Subaru, who has a record of being able to bench press 80kg, wondered whether he could lift an object of that weight above his shoulders if he really tried. Rem demonstrated by cradling an object of that weight in one hand while holding a small item in the other.
Subaru couldn't help but smile at the sheer abnormality of the bold scene,
"Was I necessary?"
"No? In the first place, if Barusu wasn't there, it would have been something Ram and Rem would have always done together… as you can see."
Ram has no intention of following the boy inside Subaru.
As Subaru watched Rem leave with a stomping gait that seemed to leave a sound effect behind, he was acutely aware of the meaninglessness of his own physical labor.
"Then why did you make me do it? ...Is it really just harassment? Hey, hey, please stop bullying your juniors, senpai."
"You don't understand, Barusu? Of course, it's consideration."
"I don't understand. What is this, compassion?"
Ram snorted in response to Subaru's question, then shrugged her shoulders and assumed an exasperated pose,
Subaru: "Then, Barusu wouldn't mind if Emilia-sama saw him return in high spirits with a small bag containing just a few spices in his hands, behind Rem, carrying a huge barrel of wine."
"I'm completely speechless at how thoughtful you are, senpai!"
He kneels down and expresses his gratitude to Ram's noble face.
Subaru makes a girl shorter than him carry the large luggage, and returns home with a smug look on his face, only carrying a shopping bag - what a scene from hell that is.
Even before Emilia saw him, there was no doubt that just looking at himself in the mirror would have been enough to fill him with despair. His flimsy boyishness would be worn down, but compared to that, he was nothing.
and,
"Sister, Lord Roswaal."
As the two of them were having this exchange in front of the entrance, Rem, who had gone ahead with her luggage, returned. When she mentioned the name of the mansion's owner, it was Ram who reacted with high speed.
The name must have given Ram a lot of energy, as it swept away the listless aura she usually exuded, and she moved briskly alongside her sister, adjusting her appearance as she walked. Then,
"What are you doing, Barus? Are you keeping Roswaal-sama waiting?"
"Even if you two understand each other out of sympathy, it won't get through to me. Eh, what, does this mean that all the servants are gathering?"
Subaru was looked at as if he was a retarded child, and scratching his head, he quickly followed after them. On the way, he followed Ram's example and adjusted his appearance as he opened the front door of the mansion,
"Ahh, so you two were together. That will save us a lot of trouble."
Roswaal, the owner of the mansion, was waiting for the three with open arms.
He has long indigo hair and heterochromatic blue and yellow eyes. He is a gentle man with a lazy, relaxed smile - but right now, his aura is different from usual.
"Are you dressing up for a special occasion?"
"You're right. Well, I don't really like it either. But there are always people who get annoyed when I wear my everyday clothes, so I have no choice but to wear formal attire like this."
He usually likes to wear clothes that are overly playful, with extremely large collars, geometric patterns, and colors that blend in with the background, but now he was dressed in proper clothes, just like when we first met.
Looking at Roswaal's outfit, Subaru thought of two possibilities.
and,
"Are you a visitor?"
"Are you going out?"
At the same time, the twins spoke of the possibility Subaru had mentioned.
Roswaal gave a wry smile at the servant's question,
"Ram was right, I'm going out. I just received some troublesome news. I'm going to Garfiel's place to check. I don't think I'll be late."
It's a name I've never heard before, and I don't know if it's a person or a place.
However, just like the twins who nodded as if they understood everything, Subaru also nodded to Roswaal's words and offered no objections.
He nodded generously at the three's attitude,
"And so, I will be leaving the mansion for a while. Either way, I don't think I'll be able to come back tonight――Ram, Rem. I'm leaving it to you."
"Yes, if that is your order."
"Yes, even at the cost of my life."
Subaru nodded with just his eyes to the two who nodded immediately, then his heterochromatic eyes stared at him. Feeling slightly intimidated by the glow, Subaru stiffened.
"Sorry, but I haven't pledged my loyalty to you with my life yet."
"That's fine. It would be burdensome and uncomfortable if you suddenly made a promise like that. But well, I'll leave it to you, Subaru-kun."
Tapped on the shoulder, Roswaal closed one eye and reflected Subaru in his yellow eyes,
"I sense something fishy going on. Don't worry about me… just take good care of Emilia-sama, okay?"
"--Ah, that's completely up to you."
It goes without saying.
It was unclear to what extent Roswaal was suspicious of the situation. Subaru responded clearly, but he didn't know.
--An unprecedented development.
This is a development that truly signifies that Subaru's actions have brought about change in the world.
Receiving Subaru's nod, Roswaal nods in satisfaction.
Then he said a few words to his loyal twin servants,
"Well, I'm off for a bit. I hope nothing happens."
Roswaal muttered in a low voice, and turned towards the other side of the entrance.
Suddenly, after bowing and seeing him off,
"Oh, I thought, but the two of them aren't following us. Plus there's no sign of a carriage or anything outside... are they walking?"
In response to Subaru's question, the twins both had expressions of amazement in their eyes,
"There's no point in going. I'll just end up being a burden."
"Loyalty won't get you anywhere. You can see under her skirt."
"Oh my, those were all words I couldn't miss..."
Subaru sees them as a hopeless fighting force comparable to Elsa, but the two of them are clearly aware of their lack of power. On top of that, if Ram's words are to be believed,
"Wow, seriously."
Pushing open the front door where Roswaal had disappeared, I confirmed that the master was nowhere to be seen outside. Then, turning my gaze to the sky for a moment, I saw a pea-sized shadow, barely fluttering its cloak, in the distant direction of the sunset. There was no doubt that it was Roswaal, flying solo.
"Can you fly in the sky or something?... Can you do that with the 『Yin』 attribute?"
"You can do it if you have proper control over wind, fire, and earth."
Hearing Ram's words, Subaru covered his face, feeling the distant day when that would come to pass.
Subaru's lack of magical talent had already been firmly established by both the royal court magician and the spirit.
I wonder when the day will come when I can fly freely in the sky.
Putting such sentimentality aside,
"Even if Lord Roswaal is not here, Rem and the others' work will not change. In fact, it is precisely because Lord Roswaal is not here that we should work hard."
"That's a very good opinion. But yeah, let's do it."
Subaru's mind was racing as he nodded along to what Rem had to say.
The situation changed again.
And it was a change that clearly predicted an attack. The twins were probably feeling even more motivated to put more effort into guarding the mansion, but Subaru knew an attack was definitely coming and that was not what he had in mind.
The sorcerer's true identity - we need to find out as soon as possible.
There's no doubt that their actions have accelerated, and today's visit to the village must have been the trigger.
In other words, Subaru's guess was correct, and the assassin was probably hiding among them.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"And so, it's finally time for the long-awaited Bearko time."
I push the door open and step into the Forbidden Library.
Beatrice, who was reading a book while sitting on a stepladder, slumped her shoulders in surprise at the overly confident way they had broken into the room.
"You're the only one who could break through Betty's Door Crossing so easily. I wonder how she actually does it."
"It's a hunch, a hunch. My sixth sense is telling me."
He closed the door and stepped inside, heading towards Beatrice. She watched Subaru approach with a look of genuine displeasure on her face, but perhaps because she saw a look of seriousness in his expression, she suddenly narrowed her eyes,
"His face looks different from the day before. He's a busy man."
"I'd like to take it easy for a bit too. But it seems the world is so busy that it doesn't let me have that."
Ordinary people have a hard time keeping up with the sudden changes in circumstances.
As you grope around trying this, that, and everything, it's not uncommon to find yourself at a dead end.
In that respect, the current situation is one in which they are cornered. However, at the same time, they are confident that they are also cornering their opponents.
"There's something I want you to check. I rushed over and finished cleaning the bathroom."
"If bathing is a higher priority, then it doesn't seem like a big deal."
"Rather than taking a bath, managing Rem's favorability rating takes priority... no, that's fine."
Cleaning a huge bathhouse is hard work. Even now that I'm used to it, it's hard work that makes my whole body feel tired. That's why I'm so scared of Rem's reaction if I slack off.
Even so, Subaru's close relationship with his sister meant that she didn't like him very much in this loop.
Even if he finds the sorcerer, Subaru will not be able to rest in peace if Rem's favorability rating is low and he ends up on the bad route.
Subaru now felt like he was walking a tightrope, like a man with two partners, having to deal with two threats.
However, I don't think it's very likely that a double-dating situation would lead to instant death due to a flag management error.
"And it's not that sexy a story."
"We're getting off topic again. So, what business do you have with Betty?"
"Ah, that's it..."
Subaru ponders for a while in front of Beatrice, who seems to be willing to listen. He wonders how he should begin the conversation, and then nods.
"I kinda think I might be cursed, can you confirm?"
"...I wonder what you're talking about."
"I kinda think I might be cursed, can you confirm?"
"I wonder who told me to say the same thing twice! It's only been half a day since I gave you the detailed story about the sorcerer! There's a limit to how easily I can be influenced..."
Perhaps thinking that Subaru was being paranoid, Beatrice yelled at him, roughly folded up the book and approached him. However, her enthusiasm died down midway, and instead her lovely expression was colored with suspicion, and then certainty.
Beatrice stopped and looked up at Subaru with suspicious eyes,
"I can sense the magic formula... You are truly cursed."
"Seriously? Even though I kind of knew that was true, it's still quite a shock to hear it in person."
Even though I am prepared to be affected by the curse, it is still hard to be told by others that I am actually cursed.
This only confirmed Subaru's thoughts, and confirmed that the assassin in question had been hiding among those friendly villagers.
"Do you know what kind of curse it is?"
"You can't know that just by looking at the formula. Betty doesn't have much knowledge about curses, so I don't think it's something she wants to know. However, in nine cases out of ten, it will be the kind of thing that will take your life."
Beatrice calmly tells him the facts, without any threats or anything.
Subaru quietly nodded at her words, he had already experienced firsthand that a curse could exert that kind of power.
Perhaps surprised by Subaru's unfazed expression, Beatrice blinked her large eyes rapidly,
"You have such courage. Aren't you afraid of dying?"
"What? Are you stupid? You're so scared of dying, you know? There's nothing in this world that's scarier than death. I'd like to hear people say things like, "I'd rather be dead" after they've died."
That was the truth Subaru had learned in this other world, and one that he would never give up.
"Death" is absolute. It is not permissible to treat it lightly. And to casually speak of "death" as a comparison is nothing more than a thoughtless and foolish thought that only those who do not know it as such can come up with.
It was precisely because he had known this, and it was precisely because Subaru had experienced 『death』 so many times, that he had redone the world and returned, in order to avoid experiencing a sensation that he would rather not experience even more than 『death』.
"So this time, I'll get through it, fate."
Pointing his finger towards the heavens, Subaru declared war on this supernatural being, who was watching from nowhere.
Then he turned to Beatrice once more,
"Well then, please quickly remove the curse. We don't have much time."
At the very least, you must identify the culprit and launch an attack before he or she makes a move.
Subaru was excited by his first chance to take the initiative. Beatrice tilted her head to the side and said,
"Why should Betty save your life?"
"I knew you'd say something unlovable like that so I prepared a way to persuade you. If I die, Puck will be sad."
"... I wonder if Nicha wouldn't be too upset if one or two people like you died."
"No no, if I die, Emilia-tan will be devastated. If Emilia-tan is devastated, it will hurt Puck too. And what about your position for not blocking it when you could have done so!"
"You're threatening someone when they're begging for your life to be saved. You're completely crazy!"
Beatrice stomped her foot in frustration, but seemed unable to think of an effective rebuttal.
She let out a long sigh of frustration to convince herself, then beckoned Subaru to come closer.
"I guess I'll go along with it. However, from this point on, Betty will never be involved in any further correspondence."
"To be honest, I can't promise you that. If I'm ever in trouble, I'll definitely come and borrow your powers. I'll bite your legs off, grind you up, make soup out of it and drink it."
"Do you realize you're in a position to help?"
"I have a reputation for getting my way. I'm not a recluse for nothing."
Subaru gave a thumbs up and flashed his teeth, while Beatrice shook her head in resignation.
Then, suddenly, a white light appeared in her palm and she touched Subaru's body.
"Now, we're going to destroy the curse seal that has the magic formula engraved on it. Since it's a place that the sorcerer touched directly, I guess we'll just use it as a reference."
"Oh, I've laid the groundwork, so don't worry."
As he watched the light-filled palm approach, Subaru took another look at his own body.
Each suspect touched a different spot. Only the rejuvenated old woman ignored my intention and touched my buttocks, but when Beatrice's hand went to her buttocks, that's when it happened.
After accepting the fact that the old woman was the culprit, let's also condemn Beatrice for her sexual harassment.
Subaru's thoughts were――
"--teeth?"
Beatrice's palm had made contact in an unexpected location, and it had completely missed.
The warm light seeps into my skin, and I feel a gradual heat. Suddenly, I feel a slight itch. It overflows from the inside, and finally,
"A black mist...?"
It turns into a black mist and is grabbed directly into Beatrice's shining hand.
The itch disappeared, and it was told that the thing that had been grabbed was the cause of the sensation. And then, in Beatrice's palm, the mist disappeared.
"Isn't there something abominable?"
With a crushed sound, the image disappears.
Beatrice waves her hand, shaking off the mist and light from her palm. When she notices Subaru watching her,
"It's over. Now, are you okay?"
Hearing this, Subaru instinctively took a deep breath.
He realized how timid he had been, having unconsciously held his breath out of nervousness, but before he could laugh at himself for it, there was something he had to ask.
"Hey, Bearko."
"That's what you call them..."
"The place where your palm just touched is the place where the sorcerer touched you, right?"
Beatrice nodded in agreement to Subaru's repeated question.
With that nod, Subaru learns the true identity of the sorcerer behind all of this.
The original plan was to wait until tomorrow to take action after identifying the culprit.
He makes contact with Ram, Rem, and the owner of the mansion, Roswaal, and then exposes the village sorcerer in an attempt to resolve the situation.
Such was the vision that Subaru had, but――
"I have to go to the village――!"
He ran out the door, forgetting even to thank Beatrice.
As Subaru runs, throwing everything away, including his original goal, the only thing occupying his mind is cursing his merciless fate.
"On and on and on.... You're kidding me!"
Subaru ran, yelling curses and expressing all the anger he could think of.
run.