Day 3
"What are you doing here at this hour of the night, I suppose?"
A little Great Spirit frowned when, in the middle of the night, a silver-haired half-elf had burst into her library out of nowhere. Interrupting her peace while she looked at her sitting on her stool.
"B-Beatrice… You're here."
"And where did you think I would be?"
"I don't… It doesn't matter."
Emilia let out a small sigh of relief when she managed to find Beatrice behind the door she had chosen. The truth was that she was afraid she wouldn't be able to find her quickly and would have to resort to searching door after door.
Luckily, it seems it's true that the probability of the library being connected to Subaru's room was higher than the rest of the rooms.
"I just… wanted to visit you" She murmured, understanding that she must look very out of place in that place.
"At this hour of the night?" Beatrice raised an eyebrow doubtfully, clearly not convinced by the half-elf's words "You must be really desperate, In fact. No one is awake at this hour."
"Yes… I know."
She replied, murmuring. She knew the truth behind Beatrice's words, But she simply couldn't act with total rationality at this moment.
Her body was still sweating cold after waking up. Her clothes stuck to her body from her sweat. Her chest rose and fell faster than normal. Just like her heart rate, which beat as if she had been running for a long time.
She hadn't even decided to tidy herself up a bit after waking up. She hadn't brushed her long silver hair, nor had she put anything on her bare feet. She wasn't in a condition to think about it.
She still hadn't fully recovered from… whatever that little dream was. She could barely walk without trembling or speak without stuttering. And every time she blinked, she was afraid that darkness would attack her.
Naturally, she also knew it wasn't time to wake up.
"I know no one else is awake in the mansion. Ram, Roswaal, and Puck, Everyone must still be sleeping."
She instinctively placed her hand on her necklace. Where there was a small crystal where her spirit father rested. Perhaps in an instinctive move to regain some strength.
She would like him to be awake to talk about what just happened. But she knows she can't force him out of his crystal.
"Well…" Emilia breathed, trying to calm herself, at least enough to speak "I woke up very early. And I'm not sleepy or in the mood to sleep so… I was wondering if you could let me stay in your library."
She asked with some doubt and shyness. She wasn't used to talking to Beatrice. Much less asking her for a favor to be with her. She had barely seen her 2 or 3 times before the arrival of the boy from another world at the mansion. So she didn't really have great trust in her.
Beatrice frowned when the half-elf's question sounded in the air. Another person wanted to stay with her? Was her library not filling up with too many people lately?
"Hmm? And why should Betty give you that privilege, I suppose?"
"…Because you're a very cute and kind spirit?" That was the first response that came to her mind. As genuine as it was clumsy.
The Great spirit was not amused.
"Leave."
"Wait-!" She replied almost desperately "I want to talk about Subaru!"
"Huh?"
When that name left her lips, Beatrice blinked once. And looked with surprise at the girl in front of her. Clearly interested in the topic the girl wanted to talk about.
"About my son?"
"Yes!" She nodded hopefully "You knew Subaru as a baby, didn't you? When he was a child?"
"That's right, I suppose" She replied as if it were the most obvious thing "What about it?"
Emilia remained silent for several more seconds. As if she hesitated to actually ask the question that tormented her mind. After all, she didn't even know if she clearly remembered the object that she thought had been mentioned to her at some point in the past.
She was afraid that if she asked, the answer would let her fall into great disappointment. But even so… She needed answers.
"When Subaru visited you… did he happen to bring some books with him?"
Beatrice stood still for a few seconds. No apparent reaction…
Before finally nodding.
"I suppose Betty's Subaru had brought her several Mangas back then. In fact. I suppose he told you?"
"Manga… Yes, he… told me at some point… I think."
Saying that it was Subaru who told her about the existence of those books was something she could confirm with almost certainty. She didn't know any other person who could have told her about the existence of something like that.
But, She met Subaru a couple of weeks ago, And yet… she couldn't clearly remember at what specific moment they had that conversation.
The more she tried to remember, The blurrier the memory became in her mind.
"You have them, right?" She looked up, and said as if it were a slight plea "Could you show them to me? Please?"
She hoped that if perhaps she could see the object in question, her mind might clear up a bit.
Beatrice let out a small sigh, as if this were really a bother for her. But she still got up from her stool.
She still didn't understand why her brother's daughter had come to see her at this moment. But if granting this request made her leave her library, she would do it quickly.
"Betty's Subaru read her some stories when she was a child. It seems romance is one of his favorite genres."
She said as she walked towards one of the nearest bookshelves, and picked up a white book that seemed to have drawings on its cover. It was undoubtedly one of the books that stood out the most compared to the rest.
"And I suppose my son and I have also read it during these last few weeks. In fact. Why do you want them?"
"That is…!?"
Emilia looks at the white book in Beatrice's small fingers with excitement. She quickly approaches her chair to take it. As if she wanted to confirm that-
"Without touching."
Beatrice ordered and stopped her with one hand dryly. While with the other she moved the book away from the half-elf, with no intention of allowing her to touch anything of her property.
"Huh?" She seemed disappointed "Why?"
"Number one" Beatrice raised one finger "It's an object from the Other world, I refuse to lend it to just anyone. Number two" She raised another finger "It's an object of my belonging, Few people can touch my things. And even more important" She raised a third finger, as if it were the most important "This is a gift from Betty's Subaru. No one other than him or I is allowed to touch it."
She declared as if it were an absolute order. She knew the content and knew there was nothing really dangerous or important information-wise.
But that didn't change that it was one of her most valuable books. It could easily be the second most important book for her of all she had known.
So lending it to someone just for a simple 'please'? Simply, it wasn't going to happen.
Which makes Emilia let out a small noise of frustration. She understood that it was a very precious book for her. But would she really not let her touch even one page?
"Sigh… Fine, At least could you read it to me, please?"
"Why so much interest?"
Beatrice asked, raising an eyebrow. More curiosity than anything else.
It wasn't that she was opposed to the idea. She simply didn't seem to understand why Bubby's daughter had gotten up hours before dawn just to have her read a romance book.
And honestly… Emilia didn't have a clear reason either. She just believed she Needed to do it.
"I just… as I said I don't feel like going back to bed. And I would like to be able to spend some time with something." She said trying to convince both Beatrice and herself. Playing with her fingers "Besides, I would also like to know what stories Subaru likes…"
Beatrice observed her in silence for several seconds. Then, she let out a sigh that seemed to contain centuries of patience.
"Lately the library is filling up with many people. It's starting to get annoying. Why would Betty have to do it?"
"Well…"
Emilia remained silent for a few seconds… Before using her secret weapon to convince the Spirit.
"I could ask Puck to play with you for a full day. Without fail."
Beatrice remained silent, considering the proposal.
Today (Technically yesterday) she was able to talk and play with her brother for a good while. Luckily, this time there was no fight and they got along well. And although she still had some suspicions about him…
Simply, she couldn't help but love him and have fun being with him.
"It's a fair deal, I suppose."
Moreover, it wasn't just the proposal, Beatrice also loved reading her son's book over and over again. Perhaps it wasn't a story from another world (Ironically) But it was something she enjoyed reading. Much more than any other informational text she had in her library at least.
Setting her thoughts aside, Beatrice sits down again on her stool, Opening the manga starting from… the end?
"Huh? Don't books start from the beginning?"
Beatrice lets out a small amused grimace, almost nostalgic. She remembers herself several years in the past.
"All mangas start from the end." She replied while flipping through the book's pages in her hands "All books of this type have to be read from right to left. In fact."
"That… Doesn't make sense" Emilia didn't seem to understand.
Beatrice was not surprised by her confusion. She understood it after all. So she just lowers her gaze again to the pages in her hands. Seeing the characters from the other world.
"The language of Subaru's world is different from ours. At least in writing, I suppose. Surely you won't be able to read it even if you try."
When Emilia saw the cover -The only thing she could see from her position- she could indeed only see a bunch of scribbles that made no sense to her.
It was really frustrating not being able to understand it.
"But you can, right? You know Subaru's language?"
Beatrice shook her head, although she still had that proud smile.
"I suppose Betty hasn't completely learned her son's language. But after her son read it to her several times, she remembers the story completely. So she won't have any problems reading it."
"I see… that's impressive" Emilia smiled upon seeing that she wouldn't have any problem reading the book.
To which Beatrice responded with a proud snort.
"It's natural I suppose. Hmph!" She snorted "Now be quiet and let me read the manga."
"Yes!"
Emilia nodded with energy. But she didn't stay still in her position. Instead, she circled around Beatrice's small stool and crouched just behind her. Placing her head almost on the little spirit's shoulder.
"What are you doing?" Beatrice asked, almost with annoyance. But without turning or moving away.
"Well. Even if I can't read it, I want to see it, you know? I was wondering if you could let me see the pictures from here."
"Sigh… Just don't get too close."
"I promise!"
With that said. Beatrice begins to read the manga from the other world for the first time in front of someone other than her son.
Time inside the library seemed to have stopped completely.
Several hours had already passed since then. But for both, It was as if that moment hadn't advanced a single minute.
When Beatrice started reading, almost immediately, her tone of voice changed to a more narrative one. It was noticeable that she liked reading that book. She continued reading with a constant and soft voice. Almost with passion and emotion.
And Emilia hadn't lost concentration for a second either. She hadn't moved from her crouched position behind Beatrice. At most she had sat cross-legged for greater comfort.
But her mind was embedded only in following the story and looking at the panels page after page, Listening to Beatrice's words. The two looked very immersed with the characters.
She had already completely forgotten the fear of her previous dream. Of her nightmare, of the sweat and the fear. Everything had disappeared and been replaced by the names of two figures.
Cid and Emily.
The story for many might seem like other romantic stories they were used to. And for beings from another world, it might even be too generic for their tastes.
But that didn't mean it was a bad story at all. Not at all.
The plot was simple, almost generic in its entirety: two high school students —What is a high school?— who are forced to spend time together as class delegates. Cid, a quiet boy with no friends, but with outstanding abilities. Emily, a clumsy but adorable girl, easy to love.
At first, they barely exchanged words. Their personalities clashed strongly with each other. But little by little, without either of them realizing it, their worlds began to intertwine. A glance here, a smile there. An outing here, A blush there.
Emilia found herself smiling when Emily managed to get a laugh out of Cid for the first time. She held her breath when Cid took Emily's hand to help her up after a fall. And although they were all small and simple situations… they were so sweet and warm for her.
Perhaps it was that simplicity that made Emilia enjoy seeing and reading it so much. The scenes were so natural that she always had a laugh when seeing the drawings of the characters.
—Now that we've finished all the preparations for the sports festival… would you like to go visit the rest of the activities once our class finishes? —said Cid, while organizing the papers on the table.
—After our class finishes, I had told some friends that I would spend time with them —replied Emily, her cheeks slightly flushed—. But if you don't mind waiting a little… we can go together. If that's what you want.
—Tomorrow, at one o'clock?
—One o'clock is perfect. See you there.
Emily quickly left the room she was in. With the excuse that her parents were waiting for her.
Inside, She was excited for tomorrow.
She would have her first outing with the boy who had somehow earned her trust, after all.
"The End" Said Beatrice suddenly, closing the book in her hands with a small clap sound.
Beatrice finished narrating, while closing the book with a small clap sound.
"That's how this volume ends. I suppose."
She said with a small smile. Not exactly of joy for the characters of the work. Rather, it was for the fun generated by reading something different from what she was always used to.
"Huh? It can't end there, right?"
Emilia seemed disappointed and frustrated. It ended? That was it!? There was no scene of them walking together at the festival. Or fulfilling their dreams or…-!
"Of course not, I suppose." Beatrice reassured her, while getting up from the stool and heading to one of the bookshelves "This is only the end of the first volume."
She placed the book back where it belonged.
"Betty's Subaru brought several books of this particular series. We've only finished the first book of them."
And her words brought back the joy to Emilia's expression.
"So next one!" She said excitedly.
"You're getting too excited. Betty never said she would read you all the books."
She responded more out of obligation and pride than anything else. The truth was that she would probably read them anyway. It wasn't the same as reading with her son. But she still had fun doing it.
"Ehhhh? That's really unfair. You can't leave a story half-told! That should be illegal!"
Emilia made a small pout, puffing out her cheeks and her chest forward.
"You're too noisy… Sigh. There shouldn't be more than an hour until dawn. Shouldn't you take advantage of this time and study for your candidacy?"
"Ughh."
At the spirit's good argument, Emilia uses all her brain to find the perfect excuse. Suddenly, her eyes open wide, and a touch of mischief.
"Studying before dawn isn't healthy. In fact, It can negatively affect your brain. Yes! I shouldn't study more than necessary."
"You really are a child, I suppose."
Without adding real annoyance to her words, Beatrice grabbed a second book from the shelf, while returning to her Stool again. Preparing to tell the second story to the half-elf.
"I suppose we'll read until dawn and until Bubby wakes up. Then you'll leave my library and let me play with him."
"Yes! That sounds like a good deal."
She replied with happiness at having successfully completed her mission again. Sitting on the floor cross-legged once more, and waiting with anticipation.
Beatrice looked at her as she opened the second book… but instead of starting to narrate the story, she decided to ask a certain doubt she had had for a few days.
Seeing the ideal moment right now, she asks.
"Where does the -tan come from?"
"Huh?"
Emilia blinked confused when Beatrice's question took her by surprise. It was noticeable that she didn't understand what she was referring to.
Beatrice turned around to look her directly in the eyes. Her butterfly-shaped pupils met the purple irises of the silver-haired girl.
"You remember Bubby's Hatsumaki, don't you? From a few weeks ago?"
"The festival?" Emilia's eyes lit up with the memory "It was a very fun day! We all joined the competition that Subaru had created."
"Of course it was fun. He's my son after all."
She said proudly. Before asking again for what she wanted.
"Since the festival occurred, Betty has noticed that her son has started referring to you with the honorific '-tan', In fact. Since you asked him for it.What does it mean, and why did you ask for that nickname?"
It wasn't anger that Beatrice felt. She didn't think it was something bad either. She was just curious about it.
Emilia was silent for a moment, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink. She lowered her gaze to her hands, which were nervously playing with the edge of her nightgown.
"Well, The name Emilia-tan is pretty I think...Although you really don't know what the honorific '-tan' means?"
She asked, As if Beatrice had asked something absolutely obvious.
"And how do you expect me to know, I suppose?" She frowned. She didn't seem to share her point of view.
"The honorific '-tan' is used to call someone you refer to with great sweetness, affection, or fondness." Emilia explained as if it were the most natural thing "It's an indication of trust. Everyone knows that" She responded with confidence.
"No one knows that" Beatrice corrected.
"Everyone knows that" Emilia insisted without hesitation.
Beatrice sighed, massaging her temple with her small fingers.
"Sigh… Fine. So you asked Betty's Subaru to call you in a sweet and affectionate way just because you think it's cute?"
Emilia blushed even more at being exposed that way by the Great spirit. Responding with a slight stutter that was infinitely better than the stutter of terror she had during that night.
"I-I-! It wasn't fair that I was the only one without a special nickname, right?"
"Without a special nickname?" She arched an eyebrow.
"Yes!" Emilia raised a finger, as if giving a lesson. "Beako-sensei! Rem-rin! Ram-chi or nee-sama! Subaru gives a special nickname to all the girls." Her voice became smaller "I also deserve one."
"And Emilia-san isn't enough?"
"No!" She shook her head "'-san' is cute. But -tan is… mine. I like him calling me that way. That it's MY nickname."
"How possessive" Beatrice thought to herself.
Even so, she focused more on the reactions of the girl in front of her.
She had never really been interested in Bubby's daughter. Not enough to delve into her, at least. But lately she has been able to notice the way she seemed to want to get closer to her son.
And that WAS something of her concern.
"What is your relationship with Subaru?" She asked suddenly.
"Ah?" Emilia blinked, bewildered by the change of topic.
Beatrice turned completely on her stool. Crossing her legs without ceasing to be seated and resting her hands and the book on her knees. With a serious expression.
It was her motherly duty after all, I suppose.
"Betty's Subaru has many friends, I suppose. And we can't know how many there really are. If what you said yesterday is true, He has at least 12 different people since his childhood.You, however, only met him a couple of weeks ago in the slums, In fact."
"Yes… that's true."
Admitted Emilia, lowering her gaze, and a slight shadow of sadness crossed her face.
How she wished with all her might to have known someone like him earlier too. Anyone would have been happy to have a Subaru in their life.
Having a Subaru as a childhood friend… sounded like a dream.
"Considering you barely know him, Don't you think you're being too attached or close to him?"
"Ehhh!?"
For some reason she herself didn't understand, her cheeks blazed hot once more with force.
"No. Not at all! What are you saying" She said, waving her hands "He's just… A friend! Yes! A great friend. Maybe not from childhood, But he's still a-!"
"That's not exactly the answer I wanted. In fact." Beatrice interrupted.
"Ah…?"
"I already know you're friends, In fact. It's too obvious, From the way you talk to him, I suppose." She snorted "Besides, Betty's Subaru has also told her that-"
"What has he told you about me!?
"Ngh!"
Emilia interrupted her, and in less than a second she quickly approached her. Placing her face just centimeters from Beatrice's expression, startling her a bit.
Emilia had starry eyes. Like a child excited that her idol knew her and talked about her. She was clearly very happy. Almost too much for Beatrice to bear.
"What has he told you!?" She said again, with even more excitement.
"…That you are a kind and cute girl, as well as naive" She responded somewhat nervously before regaining her personal space "But that's not the point, I suppose!"
"Naive?" She frowned "Ughh. Subaru, you shouldn't tell a girl that...Although kind and cute… Hehe. I forgive you just for that."
Emilia seemed very satisfied with the response. Sitting with a joyful expression on her face.
"By Od" Beatrice said upon seeing the girl who was totally lost within herself.
"What do you feel? What do you think when you think of Subaru?"
"…What do I think of him?"
Emilia's smile faded, as if she were more focused on thinking of the right answer about the boy she had met just a few weeks ago. Thinking about it very seriously.
"How strange" She murmured to herself. She usually always had a clear and concise opinion of all the people she knew.
But when she thought of Subaru… She had to try a little harder to articulate the right words.
"I…" She began to speak, in a low voice "Being a silver-haired half-elf, Not many people usually approach me. And they judge me for being similar to… you know."
She began to play with her hair, twirling it around a finger of her hand.
"I know, I suppose."
"But Subaru wasn't like that" Her voice became warmer "Being a being from another world, he doesn't have prejudices because I'm a half-elf. He hasn't grown up with that knowledge and that's why He doesn't know how serious it is to resemble her. I think… It feels good to have someone other than Puck who doesn't associate you with her in any way."
"So that's all it is?"
Despite the way she said it, Beatrice could understand why Subaru got along so well with Emilia. Considering the prejudices she had had to endure throughout her life.
"I suppose Betty's son doesn't usually judge people prejudicially. Or at least he doesn't let himself be carried away by that. Betty raised him well."
"That's right" Emilia nodded. But quickly shook her head firmly "But it's not just that!"
"Hmm?"
Before Beatrice could ask what she meant, Emilia spoke again. And this time, her words flowed strongly and without stopping.
"It's… Everything about him! The way his terrifying eyes soften when he relaxes. Or his way of treating everyone with confidence and respect without losing what makes him him!. Or his warm hand taking mine when we walk together. Or when he puts a flower crown on me, flattering me and calling me cute. Or in the even simpler and simpler gestures, like when he greets me every day, Or when he worries about me and the royal selection, or just in the way he calls me Emilia-tan...I know he's probably just being kind to me, but still, When it's precisely him who makes those gestures… I can't help but feel happy."
"…"
Beatrice remains silent. Processing the somewhat long and unexpected speech of the half-elf who had a smile and starry eyes.
"…Is something wrong?" Emilia asked, when she noticed that Beatrice didn't say anything in response, and just stared at her intently.
"It's nothing. It's just that your cheeks are red, I suppose."
"Ah?"
Taken by surprise by those words, she slowly directs her own hands towards her face. Only then does she realize how really hot her skin is in that place.
"A-Am I sick?"
Beatrice lets out a small sigh of resignation and disappointment, and some amusement, at thinking about how her spirit brother had raised this girl.
"I see that Bubby hasn't taught you everything you should know, In fact… You're not sick. You're just an idiot."
"Oh I see. That's goo… No! That's not good! I'm not an idiot! I'm not a bubblehead!"
"Who says that nowadays?" Beatrice thought, although she decided not to say it.
"I already have a clear idea of what you feel. I suppose it's not necessary to have known him as a child to get along with him."
"Subaru is a boy with whom it's hard to get along badly. Truthfully, I don't understand how it's possible that he had no friends in his world before being summoned here."
Emilia remembered an old conversation with her friend in the capital about how he had decided to avoid remembering or thinking too much about his native world for some reason.
How could someone not wish to have a relationship with him? She simply couldn't understand it.
"Maybe his memory loss affected him in that regard… Or maybe simply none of them deserved to be friends with Betty's Subaru, in fact."
Beatrice said firmly. If someone didn't want to have a relationship with someone as incredible as her son, it was simply because they weren't capable of being on his level. I suppose.
"Hehe. It's cute how you talk about him as if you were his mother."
Emilia had to comment upon seeing Beatrice's small snort.
"I suppose it's my duty. I am his mother, In fact." She replied.
"Yes. I know. I just think it's cute."
"Let's just read until it's time for dawn." Beatrice decided, Opening the book in her hands "Then you'll go study."
"Yes! I promise."
At her confirmation. Beatrice began to read again.
A few hours later…
Actually, Several hours later.
A half-elf smiled from ear to ear while reading a book in her hands.
She, although genuinely trying to concentrate and focus on those words, her mind simply couldn't stop thinking about the pages of the book, about the real book she wanted to keep reading.
"It seems you had a lot of fun today, daughter."
The voice of a small cat made itself present. Who was sitting on Emilia's head with a smile. While accompanying her to study.
Emilia responded, while she was sitting on the chair in front of her desk inside her room. The golden light filtered through the curtains, dancing over the furniture there. A pretty scene for anyone.
"Yes! Puck! I had a great time."
It was the truth. She knew she had done something wrong today. But she simply couldn't help feeling happy about everything she had enjoyed during that day.
After she and Beatrice had decided to read until dawn and the sun rose, Genuinely the two of them wanted to follow that plan.
But when the sun rose, they had only reached the middle of the second volume. Clearly they couldn't leave a book halfway, right?
"A little more. Until we finish this book" Emilia insisted, And Beatrice didn't refuse.
With that in mind, they continued reading until they completed the second volume. Which left both satisfied… And wanting more!
They continued with the third volume, Where Puck had already woken up. He seemed somewhat surprised to wake up in the library.
But after talking a little, Finally the three decided to keep reading.
It was breakfast time.
And then they kept reading.
In the end, the two stopped asking when they should stop. They simply let themselves be carried away and decided to read until the moment came when they truly, truly didn't want to read anymore.
And that moment… never came.
It took Roswaal's presence in the Library for Emilia to stop reading the romance mangas all day. And he politely asked her to study for the Royal Selection.
That was precisely the only reason why she had been forced to return to the mansion, after all.
So, a few hours after lunch, Emilia was with her father Puck in her room. While, now yes, she tried to study enough for the Royal Selection. At least enough to have the right to leave her room and keep reading.
"I was surprised when I woke up in Betty's library." Puck commented placidly from his daughter's hair "I didn't think you'd decide to get up early today."
"Well…" Emilia hesitated for a second, stopping reading for a moment "I had trouble sleeping last night."
"Oh? Did something happen?"
"No, no. Nothing really important actually… It was just a nightmare."
Puck narrowed his eyes. He could tell in more ways than one that not even Emilia fully believed her own words. And that… was worrying.
"Maybe the rest today did you good, you know?" He said, while trying to calm his daughter with his words "Maybe you've been mentally exerting yourself too much over the past few days."
"No. No. You're wrong. I don't… In fact, maybe I need to take more initiative. Even Roswaal told me I couldn't get distracted today."
"I suppose it wasn't a good idea to be sitting all day either." He commented with an amused smile "You and Betty sure had your time, huh? You barely came out to eat breakfast."
"I couldn't help it, okay!?" She exclaimed almost ashamed of her actions "You were there, Didn't you like the story!?"
Puck just laughs at his daughter's reactions. With no genuine annoyance or understanding to be honest.
"Truthfully, I can't understand it." He admitted "I suppose romance isn't a genre that appeals to me."
The truth was that there wasn't any genre of reading that he really liked. His tastes had really diminished as a spirit over so many years, after all. So he finds it hard to get attached to or have tastes for certain objects or genres like others do.
"Really?" Emilia tilted her head, confused "But the story was so beautiful."
"For you and Betty, perhaps —replied Puck, shrugging—. I'm more into other interests. But I do understand enough to know why you two like it. I'm glad to see you enjoying it."
"Yes! Now I understand why it was Subaru's favorite book series. I mean, it's impossible not to connect with the characters."
"Betty also seemed to enjoy reading it." He remembered his little sister's expression "I suppose she has some appreciation for them."
"Well, they are special books for her. I think even though she didn't try to get too excited, she also loved reading all the pages."
"And you? What did you think?"
"I say super fun!"
Emilia says, stopping paying attention to the textbook she was studying.
"Cid and Emily are two completely different people, but no less likable with each other! How Emily tries to get Cid out of his shell, shows how hyperactive and lively she is. But she has the problem of not accepting others' space. Also how Cid tries to slowly let Emily in with his own tastes, but he has the problem of not noticing others' tastes.Without considering the rest of the friends who know them, who know that, without realizing it, they are getting closer to each other in a way they didn't think possible. Oh! And also let's not forget that…-"
"She's getting too excited about a book."
Puck scratches his head a bit when he's forced to listen to his daughter get overly excited telling her whole opinion about the books she had already read in just one day.
"And the dreams they share. How Cid and his desire to be a good guitarist. Or Emily and her desire to be a good singer. Who, despite liking completely different songs, still enjoy being next to each other to practice and simply to be there and…"
She stopped talking, letting out a small sigh of disappointment.
"Ahhhh. I'd really like to keep reading…"
But she quickly lets it go. Trying to increase her own determination and returning to reading the textbook in front of her fingers.
"But I have to focus on the royal selection now. Everyone is counting on me. And I have to… I have to do it to get the dragon's blood..."
Her voice faded, and a shadow crossed her face. Remembering her true objective in the Royal Selection.
It was a selfish reason, according to her own thinking.
She hadn't lied about her desire for everyone to be equal, about her vision of creating a kingdom where no one was judged and everyone could live in peace.
But even though that was also what she wanted, she knew she had used it to give her speech.
Her true and original reason was to unfreeze all those statues in the Elior forest. Until recently, she hadn't thought about anything else but that…
"I wonder if Subaru would judge me for hiding that fact from him."
"Don't worry, Lia" Said Puck, placing his small paw on Emilia's hand. "You'll achieve it. I'm sure of it. And I am here to support you, right?"
"…Yes. That's true" Emilia forced a smile.
But even her spirit father's words, the being she was supposed to love most, were not enough to fully calm the emotions beating inside her. A doubt, a fear, a longing… Everything tightened, forming a knot in her chest.
"Lia?" Puck's voice came out softer "I still feel sadness and guilt inside you. What's wrong with you?"
"Sigh… I'm sorry Puck." Emilia let her shoulders drop forward "It's just… there's something I can't stop thinking about lately."
"Is that so? Then tell me. I'll listen to everything you have to say."
Puck said with genuine confidence. After all, his daughter's happiness was above everything else.
Emilia looked into his eyes, searching for courage in his green gaze. Then, she lowered her gaze to her hands, which were nervously playing with the edge of her nightgown.
"It's about Subaru…"
"…"
And for some reason, it didn't surprise him that he was the culprit of the emotions and problems his daughter was having these days.
"Has he done something bad to you?" His voice came out a little colder than he expected.
"No. Not at all." Emilia shook her head "He hasn't done absolutely anything to bother me… Well, except that he lied to me and hid something about Priscilla."
Emilia's voice came out a bit faltered. And it was normal. Her friend had lied to her. Had lied to her!
She understood that they were friends. That Subaru and Priscilla were childhood friends, She understood that perhaps there would be a secret. She could understand that.
But still… She didn't like her friend lying to her or hiding things from her. And for some reason. She didn't like at all that it was because of that girl!
"Why does it bother me so much that he's with her?" She asked herself.
She didn't consider herself a bad person. Perhaps somewhat selfish, yes. But not someone who would wish harm on anyone.
But she simply can't help… wishing that Subaru wouldn't spend so much time with other people in the capital.
Did that automatically make her a bad person and friend to him?
"Lia, your emotions are speaking loudly inside you. Why do they affect you so much?"
"I just… I don't know. Maybe Beatrice is right that I've become too attached to him these past few weeks."
Emilia explains, trying to prove her point.
"Since we moved to this mansion, I've been talking a bit with Ram, Rem, and Roswaal. And I get along… well with them I think."
She turns to look at her father. Lowering her head to look him directly in the eyes.
"But with Subaru it's different!" Her voice rose "Despite having only been with him for a few weeks, I feel like I've trusted him my whole life! And I don't understand it! Why do I likehim so much?"
Puck remained silent, processing her words.
He had hoped that if Subaru wasn't near her, her thoughts about him would decrease considerably.
But it seems it had the opposite effect… Truly, even without being present, that human continues to bother his daughter, doesn't he?
"I suppose I can notice your closeness with him during this time" he said aloud "It really worries me how much he has affected your behavior."
"Huh?" Emilia blinked "I haven't behaved badly… Have I?"
"No, No." He shook his head "You're a good daughter. I just think that perhaps your thoughts lately are focused on him and not on what you should be thinking about."
"…I don't understand." She furrowed her brow "You don't like Subaru?"
"It's not that I hate him. I'm just not convinced how someone can have so many relationships and friends around him."
"…I don't like that he has so many friends around him either" Emilia said, in a low voice "Much less the girls…" Then, she startled, as if she had just realized what she had said. "But that's not something good to be happy about? Subaru has many friends to be happy with. Isn't that good?"
Puck sighed, with a mixture of tenderness and concern.
"You're still too cute and naive to understand my point, Lia. Don't worry about it, Everything will be fine."
"Joooo. Why does everyone keep telling me that? I'm not that little" She puffed out her cheeks.
"Yes yes." Puck rubbed against his daughter's forehead "You're the most mature and intelligent daughter."
"Exactly. Haha" Emilia's smile returned. Not as strongly, but enough to cheer her up. Returning her focus to the book in front of her.
"I just wish you wouldn't grow up so fast."
While Puck simply considered his own options.
Day 4
"Hehehe… How cute."
"Aghh. You're very happy, Betty."
The next day, There were only two people inside the Forbidden library. Two Great Spirits who were smiling at being together. Beatrice held her Bubby's small body on her lap. While she gently stroked his belly with one of her fingers.
They both shared a cute smile. It was clear that both were happy at that moment.
"How could I not be, with you here?"
"Ahhh. It feels so good" Murmured Puck, closing his eyes and letting himself be carried away by the caresses.
Puck said receiving Betty's caresses on his body. It wasn't the same as being with his daughter, But clearly he also enjoyed being with her.
"Enjoy it then, In fact. Hmph." Replied Beatrice, with a smile that she rarely showed to anyone other than him and her son. "It was worth making that little deal with your daughter, I suppose."
"My own daughter used me as a bargaining chip." He sighed, although there was no reproach in his voice "Ahhh. Who could have raised her like that."
"You did, I suppose" Said Betty without taking the smile off her face nor stopping stroking him "So Betty will take advantage of all this time here with you."
"Well. Okay. Anyway, I doubt Lia will leave her room today."
"Hmm? Did you punish her or something?"
Puck got more comfortable on his spirit sister's lap, while responding.
"Not really. Although I should for selling me out."
He said laughing. Although anyone could tell he wasn't serious and was just having fun.
"But she lost all of yesterday's time reading that 'mango' book with you. So I think she'll have to stay in her room today all day to make up for lost time."
"It's called manga. In fact." She corrected "And I can't blame her. The books Betty's Subaru brought are definitely incredible."
"Really? Hmm. Honestly, I don't think they are very suitable for her."
"I also think the story might not be the best. A bit boring in my opinion, In fact. But I understand why my son and your daughter like it so much."
"I suppose those books simply aren't for me" Puck concluded.
Silence spread between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. There was a warmth in the room, a sense of peace that the two enjoyed equally. The spirit siblings, finally reunited, simply enjoyed each other's company.
But Beatrice's thoughts did not stop, even in that moment of peace. Although she tried to enjoy being with her brother, there were questions inside herself. Questions that genuinely bothered her to have.
It wasn't only the apparent slight dislike that Puck felt towards her son —something that already generated mixed feelings in her—. But also the possibility that it was Puck who… helped Subaru try to abandon them.
Someone had to have given him a guide. Or a map. Or the idea. Or simply a clue to create his escape plan to another kingdom.
It was just a suspicion, of course. It could easily have been any other person in the mansion, like Roswaal, for example. Or perhaps her son was simply more intelligent —and more stupid at the same time— in considering the possibility of escaping and carrying it out alone.
But even so, no matter how much she tried, that suspicion about her brother did not completely disappear.
She had to get rid of that doubt.
So gathering her courage, and without stopping any of her caresses, she asks.
"Hey, Bubby?"
"Yes, Betty?"
"Do you hate Subaru?"
The atmosphere tensed immediately, The small cat body stopped purring and let out a small resigned sigh.
"Why does everyone talk about him in this mansion?"
Letting out a small sigh, and trying to shake off the slight tension that the question had caused him, he tries to respond without starting another argument again.
"Why the question?"
"It's just a doubt, I suppose" She replied trying to keep her tone neutral "It seems to me that, of everyone here in the mansion, you are the one who talks the least or gets along the least with him, in fact."
"Maybe I've been too obvious" Puck sat up slightly, looking into his sister's eyes. "I think I told you a few weeks ago. I don't hate him. But I still think he's a bad influence for everyone. Mainly for you and Lia."
"Ngh…"
Beatrice made a small noise of frustration, and her fingers stopped mid-caress…
No. She wouldn't let this start another argument between them. She just had to endure and listen… and make him see reason, in passing.
"Bad influence?" Although her voice still sounded somewhat cold "Why? He hasn't done absolutely anything wrong."
"If I'm honest, at first it was just because of his bad first impression. Added to his 'friends' as you call them."
"Ah?"
Seeing that Beatrice still doesn't understand, Puck thinks further about his words. He didn't want his image to be tarnished by that human here. So he had to be careful with what he said.
"I understand that you're still upset about when we talked about him a few weeks ago" he said, softly "I'm sorry. But you had to understand that I had my reasons."
"And those were?" She asked, still containing her emotions reluctantly.
"Listen…" Puck sighed "While you and the two maids were happy to finally see and reunite with your 'friend' I believed there was a possibility that he had been able to manipulate all of you in some way."
"Don't speak ill of my son" Speaking in a cold tone, Beatrice ordered "He would never do something like that to us. Never."
"I'm sorry. But you have to understand me at that moment." Puck did not back down "That 'Friend' was not only a 'Friend' of the Sword Saint and of Roswaal's Maids. But he was also a friend of the Thief who had stolen Lía's insignia. And even of the Assassin who tried to kill her" His voice rose "Are you going to tell me it wasn't suspicious that he knew everyone around us?"
Beatrice didn't respond. Her lips tightened slightly.
"Moreover, not only that. He had no problem approaching and talking to Lia, Without caring about her appearance. In any other case I would have been happy. But considering the witch's scent impregnated on him, I couldn't let my guard down in his presence."
Beatrice's hands clenched into small fists.
"And on top of that, when I tried to express my doubts to you so you could be cautious, You completely denied it. And you got upset with me for simply trying to maintain everyone's safety... You never raise your voice to me, Betty. See why I think he's a bad influence on you?"
"…Nghh"
Beatrice made a small noise of frustration, unable to deny any of her brother's arguments. Inside, she knew that her son also hadn't done anything really important to deserve such treatment from him. Simply… it was the circumstances of the world.
"Okay… I suppose Betty can understand a little bit of your reasons."
Although even as she gently drops her shoulders, she will not stop defending him.
"And what do you think of him now? We already know that what Subaru was trying to hide was about his amnesia. He doesn't remember anything about his time here. And I don't think he has any kind of bad intention, In fact...Can you trust him now?"
"I admit that I also don't think he wanted to harm us now. Even so, that doesn't mean I think he's any less dangerous to have with us."
"Explain yourself" She ordered.
"You sure are very sensitive about your son" Puck thought… I suppose he could understand it somehow.
"He may not remember it, Betty." He said aloud "But he is friends with an Assassin. With the Bowel Hunter, no less. How do we know he won't lead us to someone even more dangerous?"
"Subaru would not befriend-"
"We can't be sure."
Puck's voice cut coldly through her words even before she could complete her sentence. Creating a heavy silence.
"And if he's friends with more sadistic Assassins? Or with a Sin Archbishop? Or with Someone who sees us as enemies?You talk a lot about Subaru's possible friends. But no one thinks about the conflicts that could bring by having him close."
If Subaru had made many friendships during his childhood… he could also have made many enmities in the same way.
That was what Puck was trying to tell his spirit sister.
"And what's your solution?" She said in her voice, barely whispering "That the best thing would be for Subaru to move away from us?"
"It's the easiest and fastest solution." He admitted "At least it's what would make me feel most at ease."
Beatrice sighed, closing her eyes. Understanding his point was one thing. But his way of trying to fix it was something she couldn't accept in any way.
"I don't want to fight with you, Bubby. But that's not going to happen, I won't allow it. Betty's Subaru is Betty's son. Just as the half-elf is your daughter… You can't ask me to move away from him."
"I won't force you. I'm just saying think about it. It might be best for you."
"Best for me?"
Beatrice laughed humorlessly. As if she had been told a joke.
"You still think he's a bad influence on me, I suppose?"
"He's a human, Betty" Puck's words made her open her eyes "You've grown very fond of someone who won't even be able to spend a century with you… You know that, don't you?"
Beatrice remained silent. Her fingers stopped completely on Puck's fur.
"I already know, I suppose."
A small murmur with a small voice, and above all, broken.
But taking a breath, and still trying to speak with a bit of strength, she reaffirms her point.
"Even so… that's not for you to decide." She looked up, with a spark of determination in her eyes. "Even if you say we're better off without him, that doesn't give you the right to decide who can approach us or not."
"I know" Puck nodded. "But that doesn't change the fact that I'm right, does it? It's not just with you. I also don't like him getting so close to Lia."
Beatrice raises an eyebrow. Understanding that point even less.
"And why? Do you also consider her a bad influence for her? It seems to me that your daughter gets along and treats very well with my son every time they are together or talk about him."
Puck makes a small gesture of disgust. As if he didn't like accepting the words coming out of his sister's lips. Even if they were true.
"Yes. Lia really is a very kind person...It's not just the influence he could have on her. I simply consider that Subaru is not the best friend she could have. Even if Lia enjoys his company."
"I thought you would be happy that your daughter has someone she can trust and count on, Bubby" she said with a hint of disappointment.
"And I thought so too" shrugging, he continued. "But I would have preferred Lia to trust someone I also trust. And I don't trust Subaru. So, her trusting him too much… is problematic."
"That's a really childish thought, Bubby."
"Huh?"
Beatrice holds the small cat body in her fingers. And lifts him until he is level with her eyes. As if she wanted to make something clear to him.
"Your daughter loves my son, Bubby. And she loves him seriously. Perhaps I don't know her as well as you do. But I don't need to in order to know that she is happy by his side."
"Lia is just happy to have found someone who doesn't judge her by her appearance. I'm happy for that, But Lia is confusing her feelin-"
"Your daughter is in love, Bubby."
"…"
The silence was absolute.
"I don't know if you haven't realized it, Or if you don't want to realize it, But it's the truth. Your daughter is completely in love with my son, I suppose."
"…Lia is just confused, Betty. She thinks that because Subaru doesn't have a prejudice against her, He is more than he really is. When she meets someone else like that, she'll realize she doesn't need to rely on someone like him."
"I didn't say anything about relying" replied Beatrice, with frustration and disappointment in her tone of voice "Your daughter doesn't want to rely on him. Your daughter wants to be with him, in fact."
Puck remained silent, processing her words.
"The way she speaks, the way she looks at him, the way she treats him" She listed and paused, her expression becoming more serious. "That I think they deserve to be together, or that I approve of her being with my son, is a separate matter, I suppose. She hasn't earned my blessing yet, and she has a long way to go. Added to the fact that it doesn't seem like Subaru is in love with her."
"…"
"But your daughter is. Even if she hasn't realized it. You can try to convince her that maybe it's not true, Or tell her to stay away from him. But if she truly loves him… I doubt you can do anything to separate them."
Silence spread, dense and heavy. Puck lowered his gaze, his tail curling around his body.
"Sigh"
Before letting out a sigh.
"By Od… Reading that little romance book really affected you two a lot, huh?"
"Hmph. Even if it's a book from Betty's Subaru, That won't influence her intelligence, I suppose."
"Yes, yes." Puck waved a paw, as if wanting to dispel the tense atmosphere. "Better stop talking about this. I don't want to have another argument with you, Betty."
"…Fine" nodded Beatrice, placing Puck back on her lap "But at least try to give him a chance. And consider my words, I suppose."
"Sure, sure" He closed his eyes. "Keep petting me."
"Hehe. How cute."
"Mmmm. It feels so good."
And Beatrice began to stroke Puck's fur under her small fingers again, with a softness that contrasted with the harshness of the conversation they had just had.
"Just a little longer. In a while I have to go to Roswaal's office."
Beatrice blinks. Slightly surprised.
"You have to go to that clown's office?"
"Yes." He stretched his paws lazily "Yesterday when he scolded Lia he also asked me if we could talk later. Although I have no idea what he wants."
"Hmm, Don't be long. Come back quickly. I suppose Betty demands a full day with you without interruptions."
"Yes yes. I promise."
"Good."
With that, They fall back into a small comfortable silence...
She still wasn't sure if she had made any progress to improve her son's perspective. But at least, for now, she would set those thoughts aside. And enjoy her family time as much as she could.
Because deep down, Puck's words still echoed in her mind, like an echo that wouldn't be quiet.
"He's a human, Betty. He won't even live a century with you."
"…I know" She murmured so low that not even Puck heard her.
And she continued stroking her brother, while the sunlight filtered through the curtains, and the world, for an instant, seemed to be at peace.
Notes:
So, here's the second part of the week without him.
I wouldn't say it's worse than the previous one. Rather, there's nothing so murky or surprising here. Although I still liked the revelations that were made.
Hey. If you think Puck is still manipulating everyone, or you think his words make sense, or you think they don't justify anything… well, it's your decision to believe what you want. I wrote it with that in mind.
I wonder what you thought of Emilia's slight development. She's barely appeared. It's weird to write characters who haven't been on screen for a while.
And it's WEIRDER to write Betty, Beatrice… AND NOT BE ABLE TO WRITE BEAKO-SENSEI. I WANT TO WRITE BEAKO-SENSEI.
But. The time is not yet.
The next chapter SHOULD end this week. It will be a shorter one. A small conversation between Ram and Roswaal, A brief introduction of Subaru's letter. And maybe something else.
After that we return to Subaru's point of view… And back to Sloth.
Well. That's all. Thanks for reading and sorry for the inactivity.
See you. Byee!"