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---
Chapter 58
Link woke before the bell.
Before Ram.
Before Rem.
Even before the thin gray strip announcing dawn appeared behind the curtains.
He opened his eyes in complete darkness.
For several seconds, he remained lying there, listening to the manor's quiet breathing.
Then he smiled.
—Today is the date.
Luci lit up above the table.
The golden sphere illuminated the stone Charmander, the spell notebook butchered by red ink, and the clothes Link had prepared before going to sleep.
The other four presences rested near Luci.
The red flame floated inside an empty glass, settled there as though it were a candle.
The bluish-white sphere remained suspended near the window.
The little ember bird had its head tucked beneath one wing.
The golden light slowly circled Charmander's raised thumb.
Link pushed aside the blankets.
—I need your help.
The five lights reacted in different ways.
Luci approached.
The red flame grew larger.
The blue sphere descended.
The bird opened its wings.
The golden one crashed into Charmander's stone face and bounced off.
Link got dressed.
Not in his gardener's uniform.
Not yet.
He put on old work clothes, tied his hair back as best he could, and pulled four sheets of paper from beneath the bed.
They weren't new.
They came from the domestic challenge.
Rem's handwriting dominated the first instructions. Ram had added corrections. Link had scribbled notes in the margins, and Subaru had left a mark that still looked like a drawing of someone falling down a flight of stairs.
He had added a fifth sheet.
In large, crooked, stubborn letters, it read:
OPERATION DATE WITHOUT A CLOCK.
Luci illuminated the phrase.
—It's readable.
The sphere blinked.
—My handwriting improved.
More light.
—A little.
The blue spirit approached the paper.
Link covered it.
—I don't accept evaluations from illiterate creatures.
The red flame bumped his forehead.
—Fine. Let's start.
The manor began functioning without waking.
Link opened the windows in the common areas to let in fresh air and closed them before the cold could reach the bedrooms.
He lit the necessary lamps without touching a single match.
The red flame traveled through the hallways, leaving little lights on every wick. It did so with too much enthusiasm, so Luci followed behind and reduced any flame that grew larger than necessary.
The blue spirit maintained an even temperature in the water intended for the baths.
It couldn't create water.
But it could heat each container with far more precision than Link could.
The ember bird settled atop the clothes iron and kept the metal hot while Link worked.
The golden sphere turned drying the sheets into an unnecessarily dazzling spectacle.
Link had washed the fabric with his hands and two kagunes wrapped in clean cloths. Then he hung everything outside.
The golden light passed between the sheets.
The water evaporated.
It also singed the corner of a pillowcase.
Link caught it before it fell.
—That was too much.
The sphere dimmed.
—It's fine.
He examined the mark.
It was small.
He could turn that side downward.
Luci positioned herself in front of him.
—It's not hiding a mistake. It's visual management.
Luci remained still.
Link picked up a needle and thread.
The repair came out ugly.
Strong.
Good enough.
—There.
He continued.
Swept the hallways.
Cleaned the windows.
Dusted the furniture.
Organized the common rooms.
Emptied ashes.
Checked the oil reserves.
Filled the jugs.
Changed the water in the flower vases.
He brought food to the Wolgarms and remained with them for several minutes until he had confirmed none showed injuries, fever, or unusual behavior.
The one that had growled during his collapse did not approach.
It didn't run away either.
Link left the food and withdrew without giving it any orders.
Then he started on the garden.
Darkness was retreating.
A pink line appeared above the trees.
All four kagunes worked at the same time, each performing a different task.
One carried tools.
Another held a basket.
The third removed dead leaves.
The fourth dragged a small cart filled with soil.
Link pruned, loosened the earth, watered, and checked the plants he had repeatedly buried in the wrong places during his first day as a couple.
The spirits floated around him.
The red flame tried to burn unwanted weeds.
—No.
It stopped.
—You can dry them after I pull them out.
The creature waited.
Link pulled one free.
The flame consumed it before it touched the ground.
—That works.
The remaining weeds disappeared with terrifying efficiency.
Luci remained above the task sheet.
Every time Link completed something, the little sphere illuminated the corresponding line.
He made a checkmark.
The mark was horrible.
But the number of them kept increasing.
By the time the sun began to rise, only three tasks remained.
Check the pantry.
Prepare the list of supplies they needed to buy in Arlam.
And the kitchen.
Link entered the manor.
He checked the food.
He wrote down flour, vegetables, salt, oil, fruit, eggs, soap, thread, and other necessities.
On a separate sheet, he wrote the materials he wanted for Charmander:
Fine tools.
Small metal parts.
Heat-resistant pigment.
Fire lagmite.
He tried writing "conduits."
The word came out so badly that he decided to draw tubes instead.
The drawing was worse.
He crossed it out.
Finally, he reached the last task.
Kitchen.
Link stared at the door.
He did not enter.
Underneath, he wrote:
RAM AND SUBARU.
A smile slowly appeared.
—Every job needs a fair distribution of responsibilities.
Luci turned red.
—They know how to cook.
The sphere remained red.
—Subaru made mayonnaise.
The red flame released a spark.
—And Ram's specialty is sweet potatoes.
All five presences remained silent.
Link folded the list.
—I'm sure they'll be fine.
Rem left her room ready to work.
She carried her uniform folded over one arm.
She had not put it on yet. She wore a simple garment for washing up and beginning her routine before waking Ram.
She took two steps.
Stopped.
The hallway was already clean.
Not merely free of dirt.
Clean.
The lamps had been checked. The windows were closed at the correct angle. The flowers had fresh water.
Rem looked toward the stairs.
Listened.
The manor wasn't making the usual sounds of a morning beginning.
No broom.
No buckets.
No tools.
A low voice came from downstairs.
—No, you are not going into the pantry.
A red flash crossed the corridor.
—Come back!
The flame passed in front of Rem.
Link appeared behind it.
He had a cloth over one shoulder, papers beneath one arm, and two kagunes still manifested.
He stopped when he saw her.
The red flame hid behind his head.
—Good morning.
Rem looked at the spirit.
Then the kagunes.
Then the papers.
—Good morning.
—You woke up early.
—Rem always wakes up early.
—Right.
She lowered her gaze toward the cloth.
—What are you doing?
—I already finished.
—Finished what?
Link raised the papers.
—Everything.
Rem did not react for a moment.
She took the list from him.
Read it.
Turned the page.
Then another.
The tasks were checked off.
The notes were clumsy, but understandable.
Inspection times appeared beside each task.
There were even little symbols showing which spirit had participated.
The red flame was a blotch with spikes.
The blue sphere looked like a potato.
The bird was recognizable only because Link had written "bird" beneath it.
The golden light looked like another potato, except with lines.
—Rem will inspect everything —she said.
—I expected that.
She walked.
Link followed her.
Rem inspected the rooms.
The hallways.
The laundry.
The jugs.
The inventory.
The ugly repair on the pillowcase.
Link pointed at the stitching before she could.
—Golden got excited. I fixed it.
Rem touched the thread.
—It will hold.
—You didn't say it was pretty.
—Link already knows the answer.
They continued toward the garden.
The soil had been worked.
The plants were in the correct places.
The tools were clean.
The Wolgarms had been fed.
The air still smelled faintly of burned weeds, but there had been no fires.
Rem looked back at the lists.
—What time did you start?
—I don't know.
She looked up.
—An amount.
Link calculated.
—A little after midnight.
—You slept less than four hours.
—I slept in the afternoon.
—That was not last night.
—I'll go to bed early today.
Rem closed her eyes.
—Link.
—I didn't do it like the third day.
She opened one eye.
Link didn't look exhausted.
No kakugan.
His horns remained hidden.
His kagunes moved steadily.
His breathing was normal.
—I ate before I started —he added—. I rested between tasks. They helped. Luci forced me to stop twice.
The sphere positioned herself above Rem's head, proud.
—Three times —Link corrected.
Luci brightened.
—Four if you count the pillowcase.
Rem studied her partner.
—Why?
Link pointed toward the supply list.
—We have to go to the village.
—Yes.
—Buy materials, supplies, and check Petra's work.
—Yes.
—We could've come back before lunch.
Rem waited.
Link put his hands in his pockets.
For the first time since she had found him, he looked nervous.
—But I didn't want to.
Rem's expression changed.
—You didn't want to come back?
—I didn't want to spend the day looking at the sky every ten minutes, wondering how long we had before you needed to go back to work.
She slowly lowered the list.
—That is why you did everything.
—I left the kitchen.
—Rem noticed.
—Ram and Subaru need opportunities to grow.
—Link abandoned them.
—I distributed responsibilities.
Rem's smile threatened to appear.
Link stepped closer.
—I didn't want to ask you for a few hours.
He took one of her hands.
—I wanted to give you the day.
Rem stopped breathing for a moment.
Morning light passed through the trees behind Link. The five small presences floated around him, still restless with the energy of all that work.
His hair was messy.
There was dirt on his shirt.
A dark streak crossed one cheek.
The stitching on one sleeve was beginning to come undone.
He didn't look like a man prepared for a date.
He looked like someone who had fought an entire house before breakfast so that nothing could claim her afterward.
—There's no return time —he said—. We'll buy what we need. We'll walk. We'll eat. We can stop wherever you want. We'll come back whenever you decide.
Rem squeezed his hand.
—Link could have asked for help.
—The idea was for you not to work.
—Emilia-sama or Subaru...
—Subaru has an important mission.
—The kitchen.
—Exactly.
Rem looked toward the manor.
Ram was still asleep.
In less than an hour, she would discover the list.
Then she would discover the kitchen.
Then she would discover her sister's absence.
—Nee-sama will be angry.
—Yes.
—Subaru too.
—Probably.
—Beatrice-sama will demand sweets.
—Always.
—Roswaal-sama will smile in an unpleasant way.
—That never changes.
Rem looked back at him.
—Then Rem needs to change.
Link smiled.
—Is that a yes?
—Link already completed the tasks. It would be irresponsible to waste his effort.
—Very romantic answer.
She stepped closer.
She wiped the mark from his cheek with her thumb.
—Rem will go on a date with Link.
The direct statement left him motionless.
Rem withdrew her hand.
—You need to change too.
Link kept staring at her.
—Link.
—I'm processing.
—Do it while washing yourself.
She turned around.
The red flame tried to follow her.
Luci blocked its path.
Rem looked at the five spirits.
—You should prepare too.
The golden light began spinning.
—Don't give them ideas —Link said.
Rem smiled.
—A date's chaperones should look presentable.
All five lights shot toward the bathroom.
Link watched them disappear.
—That is going to end badly.
—Probably.
Rem walked toward her room.
Before entering, she turned her head.
—Link.
—Yes?
—Thank you for giving Rem the day.
The door closed.
Link remained in the corridor.
Luci returned.
The sphere bumped his forehead.
—Yes, I'm going to change.
Ram woke seven minutes later.
She reached toward the place where Rem normally was.
Nobody was there.
She opened her eye.
—Rem.
Silence.
She sat up.
The room was tidy.
There was a note on the table.
Ram picked it up.
The handwriting was atrocious.
She needed several seconds to translate it.
Everything done.
Rem and Link in Arlam.
Kitchen: Ram and Subaru.
Do not burn manor.
Ram stared at the sheet.
Then at the door.
—Gardener.
Subaru woke with the feeling that something was wrong.
Not because of a vision.
Not because of miasma.
Not because of a death.
Because of the silence.
Nobody was pounding on his door.
Nobody was ordering him to get up.
Nobody was reminding him of his position in the household hierarchy.
Subaru dressed.
He went outside.
Found Ram in the dining room.
She was holding a sweet potato.
—Good morning —Subaru said.
—Barusu.
—Where's Rem?
—On a date.
Subaru smiled.
—And Link?
Ram looked at him.
—Barusu is a danger to himself.
—Question withdrawn.
He sat down.
Studied the empty table.
—What's for breakfast?
Ram placed the sweet potato in front of him.
Subaru stared at the tuber.
—Is that it?
—Ram is present.
—I meant food.
—Steamed sweet potato.
—With eggs?
—No.
—Bread?
—No.
—Mayonnaise?
Ram placed a small container on the table.
Subaru regained a little hope.
—Good. We can work with this.
Emilia entered a few minutes later.
—Good morning.
She saw the sweet potatoes.
—Did Rem go out?
—Yes —Ram said.
Emilia smiled.
—So this is their date.
—The manor is already aware of the information —Ram replied.
Roswaal appeared at the head of the table.
—What a very roo-romantic morning.
Ram placed a sweet potato in front of him.
The margrave studied the plate.
—Especially simple.
—Ram's specialty.
—Of course.
Beatrice opened a door.
She looked at the table.
—Where are the sweets, I suppose?
Ram placed a sweet potato in front of her.
Beatrice stared at the tuber.
—Betty did not ask for that.
—Ram did not ask to become the cook either.
—Then don't cook.
—Ram already did.
Subaru split open the sweet potato.
Steam escaped.
—It's not bad.
Ram looked at him.
—Barusu sounds surprised.
—I said it wasn't bad.
—Ram heard the tone.
Emilia added mayonnaise to hers.
—It's tasty.
Roswaal tried his.
—Very nutritious.
Beatrice continued staring at her plate as though waiting for it to transform.
—Betty will return later.
—Lunch will also be sweet potato —Ram said.
Beatrice took the plate.
—Betty is reconsidering the social contract of this household, I suppose.
Puck had yet to manifest.
He was the only palate whose innocence remained intact.
For now.
Rem left the manor wearing the pale blue dress.
It wasn't exactly the same one she had worn during her day off.
The cut was.
The fabric wasn't.
She had chosen one that was slightly darker and less plain. A thin white line decorated the collar. The sleeves reached her wrists. The skirt fell softly and moved around her legs with each step.
She wasn't wearing her maid headdress.
Her hair was loose.
Her usual ornament remained beside her bangs.
A white shawl rested over her shoulders.
Link forgot to greet her.
He was standing beside the cart intended for supplies. He had managed to wash, change, and partially tame his hair.
Not enough to deal with this.
Rem stopped.
—Is something wrong?
Link opened his mouth.
—No.
—You are staring.
—Yes.
She waited.
—That doesn't sound like a problem.
Rem lowered her gaze toward the dress.
—Do you like it?
—Very much.
—Only very much?
—I'm trying not to say anything that'll make Ram appear through a window.
Rem looked toward the manor.
No windows were open.
—Nee-sama is still inside.
—Then you're beautiful.
Rem smiled.
—Thank you.
Link stepped forward.
He offered her a hand.
She looked at it.
—Does the cart require two people?
—No.
—Then...
—I want to walk with you.
Rem placed her hand in his.
—That is different.
Their fingers intertwined.
Link took the cart handle with his other hand.
The spirits arranged themselves around them.
Luci remained on Link's shoulder.
The red flame floated beside Rem.
The blue sphere occupied the edge of the cart.
The ember bird settled on top of a tarp.
The golden light circled the wheels.
—It looks like a procession —Rem said.
—A private date with five glowing creatures.
—They do not speak.
—Luci has plenty of opinions.
The sphere bumped his cheek.
Rem laughed.
They began walking.
Before leaving the grounds, Link looked back at the manor.
—Do you think they'll be okay?
—Nee-sama can cook.
—Are you sure?
Rem took too long to answer.
—Nee-sama can steam sweet potatoes.
Link looked toward the road.
—Maybe we should've left bread.
—There is bread.
—Then they'll be fine.
All five lights dimmed at the same time.
Link decided to interpret that as confidence.
The road toward Arlam was dry.
The sun was still mild, and a gentle breeze moved through the fields. The cart produced a rhythmic sound behind them.
Rem walked beside Link.
At first, their hands remained joined.
Then the path narrowed slightly.
She let go of his fingers.
Link felt a ridiculous disappointment.
Rem wrapped her arm around his.
Moved closer.
Her shoulder rested against him.
The disappointment vanished.
—This makes it easier to walk —she said.
Link looked at the road.
There was plenty of room.
—Of course.
—Does Link disagree?
—I completely agree with any explanation that keeps your arm there.
Rem tightened her hold.
—Then you do not need to question it.
They walked for several minutes.
Link looked at their hands.
Then at her.
—Can I ask something?
—Yes.
—Did you already have that dress prepared?
—Rem has several.
—That wasn't what I asked.
She looked toward the fields.
—Rem chose it last night.
—Before I finished the chores.
—The date had already been arranged.
—We could've come back quickly.
—It still would have been a date.
Link smiled.
—So you wanted to look pretty for me.
Rem raised her face slightly.
—Rem wanted Link to keep looking.
He nearly tripped.
The cart wheel hit a stone.
The golden sphere circled his head.
—That was deliberate.
—Rem answered a question.
—You could've lied.
—Link asked for honesty.
—I'm discovering the risks.
Rem leaned slightly more against his arm.
—Do you regret it?
—No.
—Good.
The red flame floated in front of them.
It released a spark.
Link pushed it aside.
—We don't need special effects.
Rem watched it.
—It seemed to agree.
—Don't encourage it.
The first children found them before they entered the square.
Petra was running in front.
Two more children followed her.
She stopped when she saw them.
First she looked at the cart.
Then Rem's dress.
Then their linked arms.
Her expression changed at impressive speed.
—It's a date.
Link raised an eyebrow.
—Good morning to you too.
Petra ignored the greeting.
—Is it a date?
Rem answered.
—Yes.
Link turned toward her.
There had been no hesitation in the word.
Petra smiled.
—I knew it.
—Since when?
—Since Rem started looking at him weird.
—Rem did not look at him weird.
Petra tilted her head.
—She looked at him a lot.
Link felt his smile threatening to split his face.
Rem squeezed his arm.
—Petra observes too much.
—I want to be a seamstress. I have to observe measurements, movement, and shapes.
—That was a disturbingly prepared defense —Link said.
The girl approached the cart.
The four lesser spirits descended around her.
Petra's eyes widened.
—Are they new?
—Don't touch them.
The red flame was already approaching her hair.
Link pushed it aside with one finger.
—We're still establishing manners.
The ember bird landed on Petra's head.
She froze.
—Does it burn?
—It shouldn't.
—Shouldn't?
—No.
Rem raised both hands.
The bird moved onto her fingers.
—They are fire spirits.
Petra looked at Link.
—Now you have more things that can set you on fire.
—Everyone seems very focused on that possibility.
The girl looked at their linked arms again.
—Have you kissed yet?
Link choked on his own breath.
Rem answered.
—Yes.
—Rem!
Petra's eyes widened further.
—How many times?
—That information is not part of the tailoring commission —Link said.
—Then it was several.
—Go find your parents.
—They're in the square.
Petra walked beside them.
—I have the first pattern for your shirt.
—Does it work?
—I don't know. You haven't tried it yet.
—Honest answer.
—I also need to see how your other kagunes come out.
Rem looked at Link.
—Petra will take measurements.
—Professionally.
—Rem did not say anything.
—You thought it.
—Perhaps.
Petra looked at both of them.
—You talk weird now.
—Go away —Link said.
The news traveled through Arlam faster than they did.
By the time they reached the square, several people were already looking at them.
Not with hostility.
With interest.
Far too much interest.
Link was used to standing out.
The kagunes.
The horns.
His strength.
The spirits.
The strange clothes.
This was different.
Their gazes dropped toward Rem's arm wrapped around his.
An older woman selling bread smiled.
—So you finally caught him.
Rem tilted her head.
—Link was not trying to escape.
—That's not what it looked like when your sister dragged him away by the ear.
—That was a different matter —Link said.
The woman picked up a loaf.
—Take care of her.
Link looked at Rem.
—That's the plan.
—And you —the vendor continued, turning to Rem—, don't let him blow up the square.
—Rem will do her best.
—People have very little faith in me.
—You lit up the entire sky —a man from another stall said.
—It was romantic.
—My chickens stopped laying eggs for a day.
Link looked away.
—That wasn't in the calculations.
Rem covered her mouth.
—Are you laughing?
—No.
—That lie no longer works.
The vendor handed them the bread.
Link reached for his coins.
The woman shook her head.
—It's for the couple.
—I can pay.
—Then buy something else later.
Rem accepted the loaf with both hands.
—Thank you.
The woman smiled.
—Make him laugh when he starts thinking too much.
Rem looked at Link.
—That is also part of the plan.
The warmth produced by that answer was different from any flame.
Link took the bread.
Placed it in the cart.
When he returned to Rem's side, she sought his hand.
Not his arm.
She intertwined their fingers in front of everyone.
Link looked down.
—What?
—Nothing.
—You are smiling.
—I have reasons.
—Rem does too.
They walked toward the market without letting go.
Buying supplies turned out to be surprisingly efficient.
Link carried things.
Rem negotiated.
She didn't shout.
Didn't threaten anyone.
Didn't raise her voice.
She simply asked questions until the vendor began doubting the price he himself had chosen.
—The flour in this sack is damp —Rem said.
—Very slightly.
—Then the price should receive a very slight reduction.
—The transport—
—The merchant's cart has a new cover. It was not exposed to rain.
The man looked at his own cart.
Then at Rem.
—I can reduce it by two copper coins.
—Four.
—Three.
—And you will include the small sack of salt.
—That is not a fair negotiation.
Rem smiled.
—Then we will buy from the next stall.
The man looked at Link.
Searching for solidarity.
Link had a cart full of products obtained through similar processes.
—Don't look at me. I'm in love.
The vendor closed his eyes.
—The salt is included.
Rem inclined her head.
—We appreciate your generosity.
They continued.
—That was terrifying —Link said.
—We only bought flour.
—You destroyed his will.
—The sack was damp.
—I want you to negotiate everything in my life.
—Rem already negotiates with Link every day.
—I don't remember winning.
—Exactly.
At the next stall, they bought soap, thread, and oil.
Then vegetables.
Fruit.
Eggs.
Link looked at the basket.
—Subaru asked for eggs.
—He needs more mayonnaise.
—Nobody needs that much mayonnaise.
A voice came from behind them.
—Heresy!
Link turned around.
Nobody was there.
Rem looked around too.
—Did Subaru follow us?
—No. I can already hear his voice inside my head.
—That sounds serious.
—It is.
The mineral merchant had set up his stall near the edge of the square.
He recognized Link immediately.
—The ice cream boy.
—The defective-stone merchant.
—The lagmite worked.
—It spat fire at me.
—Then it worked.
—The direction was wrong.
—You installed it.
Link looked at Rem.
—I don't like him anymore.
—Rem believes he is being honest.
The merchant smiled.
The table held chisels, pliers, small hammers, files, metal pieces, and crystals of various colors.
Link temporarily forgot he was on a date.
He leaned forward.
His eyes moved over every object.
—That file.
—Used.
—I can see that.
—Still works.
—It's bent.
—Can be corrected.
—How much?
The man named a price.
Link opened the small pouch Roswaal had given him.
The amount inside was still painful.
Rem stood beside him.
—We also need fine-point tools.
The merchant showed them a case.
—Precision work.
Link opened it.
Five tools.
Two were in good condition.
One had a broken handle.
The others could work after repairs.
—And lagmites?
The man placed three on the table.
The first was red, large, and bright.
Too expensive.
The second had good color, but a deep crack.
The third was smaller, darker, and irregular near the base.
—That one —Link said.
—The weakest one.
—Its output is stable.
The merchant raised an eyebrow.
Link brought his hand closer.
He didn't touch the stone.
He felt the mana.
Its reserve was smaller than the previous lagmite's, but its release didn't fluctuate.
—I need control. Not power.
Rem looked at him.
That sentence would have been impossible several days earlier.
—Good choice —she said.
Link smiled.
—I'm learning.
The merchant calculated the total.
The file, tool case, and lagmite together cost more than the pouch contained.
Link removed one tool.
Still too much.
He removed the file.
Now he could pay.
But he wouldn't have enough tools to repair Charmander's internal conduits.
Rem pointed at the case.
—Two pieces are damaged.
—That is why it is used.
—This handle must be replaced, and one of these tips needs to be reshaped.
—Even so—
—Furthermore, the lagmite is small and cannot be used in a high-power artifact.
—The boy just said that is why he wants it.
—Rem is explaining why other buyers did not choose it.
The man looked at her.
Then at Link.
—Does your partner always negotiate like this?
—It's our first date.
—That doesn't answer the question.
—I hope so.
The merchant laughed.
—I can lower the price a little.
Rem shook her head.
—And Link will provide two containers of ice cream the next time you visit the manor.
Link turned.
—When did I agree to that?
She looked at him.
—Do you not want the tools?
—I do.
—Then now.
The merchant held out a hand.
—Three containers.
—Two —Rem said.
—Two and one small one.
—Accepted.
Link stared at the agreement.
—You just sold my labor.
Rem took his hand and placed it in the merchant's.
—Now seal the deal.
Link shook his hand.
—I feel used.
—We got the file too —Rem added.
The merchant placed it inside the case.
Link's eyes widened.
—I feel appreciated.
He paid.
Two copper coins remained.
Only two.
He placed the tools, lagmite, and parts inside a padded box.
Charmander would be able to breathe fire without making Link's face the primary target.
Probably.
Rem looked at the box.
—You are happy.
—Very.
—Happier than when you saw Rem in the dress.
Link closed the case.
—Don't ask questions designed to end our relationship.
—Rem is merely comparing.
—The dress wins.
—Without thinking?
—The lagmite doesn't kiss me.
The merchant raised both hands.
—I do not need to hear the rest.
Rem blushed.
Link picked up the box.
—Thanks for the tools.
—Thanks for the future ice cream.
They walked away.
Rem was still slightly red.
Link smiled.
—Jealous of a rock?
—No.
—You asked.
—Rem wanted to know Link's priorities.
—You. Then fire. Then food. Then Charmander.
—And Subaru?
Link thought.
—Somewhere below the sweet potatoes.
Rem laughed.
The handicraft stall stood beside the fountain.
Link did not have enough money to stop.
He stopped.
There were wooden decorations.
Small pendants.
Ribbons.
Bracelets made from cord.
Animal figurines.
Cheap objects made by villagers during the months when there was less work.
Rem looked at a dark blue ribbon.
She said nothing.
Only looked.
Link noticed.
—Do you like it?
—It is pretty.
—Try it on.
—It is not necessary.
—Nothing pretty is necessary.
Rem raised an eyebrow.
—Link spent an entire day building a Charmander.
—Exactly. I'm an expert in important uselessness.
The woman running the stall picked up the ribbon.
Two small red beads rested near its ends.
—My daughter made it.
Link looked at the two beads.
He remembered Rem's hands on his horns.
—How much?
The woman named one coin.
Link had two.
Rem touched his arm.
—No.
—Yes.
—You need the money for the return trip.
—We're walking.
—For any emergency.
—I have four kagunes, five spirits, and a partner capable of carrying a mace.
—Money is still useful.
Link placed down the coin.
—So is this.
The woman handed him the ribbon.
Rem looked at him.
—Link.
—I didn't buy it to make you prettier.
—That does not help.
—You were already prettier than necessary.
The woman turned her face away to hide a smile.
Link held the ribbon.
—I bought it because today is our first date. I want there to be something we can look at later and remember this day.
Rem lowered her gaze toward the red beads.
—There are two.
—Yes.
—Like your horns.
—Coincidence.
She looked at him.
—You are bad at lying.
—I didn't want it to sound too planned.
Rem turned around.
She gathered her hair with both hands.
Exposed the back of her neck.
—Then put it on.
Link stopped breathing.
Not because of her neck.
Not only because of that.
The trust in the gesture struck him harder.
He stepped closer.
The ribbon passed around her blue hair.
His fingers weren't good with small knots. The first loop was too loose. The second caught a strand of hair. Rem remained still.
—Rem can do it herself —she said.
—No.
—Link is taking a long time.
—I want to do it properly.
—Rem can wait.
The sentence stopped his hands.
Link looked at the nape of her neck in front of him.
He lowered his face.
Placed a soft kiss against her skin.
Rem shivered.
She didn't move away.
—That was not part of the knot —she murmured.
—I got distracted.
—Deliberately.
—Yes.
Rem turned her face slightly.
The blush had reached her ears.
Link finished tying the ribbon.
The two red beads rested beside her blue hair.
—Done.
She touched the ribbon.
—How does it look?
—Come here.
He guided her toward the fountain.
The reflection moved with the water.
It wasn't a perfect mirror, but it was enough.
Rem studied the ribbon.
Then Link's reflection behind her.
—Rem will wear it whenever she can —she said.
—You don't have to.
—Rem wants to.
Link rested his hands on her shoulders.
—Then the two beads can look after your hair.
—Rem thought your two horns were for her.
—Those look after the rest.
The woman at the stall pretended to rearrange her merchandise.
Petra, who had arrived without either of them noticing, made a high-pitched sound.
They both turned.
The girl covered her mouth.
—That was really romantic.
Link pointed toward the other side of the square.
—Don't you have work?
—I came to bring the pattern.
—You can leave it in the cart.
Petra looked at the ribbon.
—It looks pretty on you.
—Thank you —Rem said.
—Link chose well.
—I know.
The answer was so calm that Link needed a moment to realize Rem wasn't talking only about the ribbon.
Petra understood immediately.
—Oh.
—Don't make that sound —Link said.
—I didn't do anything.
—You thought it loudly.
Meanwhile, the manor discovered the second form of sweet potato.
Subaru entered the kitchen before lunch.
He found Ram placing several tubers inside a steaming basket.
—No.
Ram closed the lid.
—Yes.
—We ate that for breakfast.
—Now they are cut.
Subaru stared at the pieces.
—They're still sweet potatoes.
—The shape alters the experience.
Emilia was sitting at the worktable, trying to help with a pile of vegetables Ram had refused to use.
—We could make soup.
Ram shook her head.
—It takes more time.
—We have time —Subaru said.
—Ram does not.
—What do you have to do?
—Supervise Barusu.
—That job only exists because you refuse to let me cook!
Puck floated near Emilia.
He had already sampled some of breakfast after manifesting.
—We could order food from the village.
Ram looked at the spirit.
—The purchase of supplies is already underway.
—We can wait.
—Emilia-sama needs lunch.
—I don't mind the sweet potatoes —Emilia said.
Subaru turned toward her.
—You don't have to protect Ram's feelings.
—They're tasty.
—You said that at breakfast.
—They're still tasty.
Roswaal appeared in the doorway.
—What are we having for lunch?
Ram opened the basket.
Steam filled the kitchen.
The margrave looked at the pieces.
—A reinterpretation.
—Exactly —Ram said.
Subaru closed his eyes.
Beatrice opened a door beside the pantry.
—Betty came for something sweet, I suppose.
Ram handed her a sliced sweet potato.
Beatrice closed the door.
The sweet potato remained on the floor.
Ram picked it up.
The door opened again.
A small hand took it.
The door closed.
Puck watched the process.
—Looks like we're all adapting.
Subaru picked up the mayonnaise container.
—At least we can change the flavor.
Ram placed a piece on his plate.
—Lunch is served.
Link and Rem left the cart at Petra's house.
Not because they were finished shopping.
Because Link had decided that dragging supplies through the entire date reduced its elegance.
Petra promised to watch it.
Link suspected half of Arlam would be watching too.
They walked toward the edge of the village.
The houses gradually fell behind them.
The path descended toward a broad stream surrounded by grass and trees.
Rem carried the bread.
Link carried cheese, fruit, and a blanket they had bought cheaply because one corner had a stain.
The spirits floated above them.
—This was not on the list —Rem said.
—Exactly.
—Did Link plan this?
—I planned not to plan everything.
—That sounds dangerous.
—Trust me.
She took his hand.
—Rem does.
They found a place beneath a tree.
Link spread out the blanket.
The stain went underneath.
Visual management.
Rem arranged the food.
Fresh bread.
Cheese.
Fruit.
A small jar of honey Link had acquired with his last coin.
Rem noticed it.
—You spent everything.
—I have materials.
—You have no money.
—You negotiate.
—That does not produce coins.
—It can.
Rem shook her head.
—Next time Rem will carry the money.
—That sounds like an invitation to another date.
—It is.
Link went still.
—Say it again.
—No.
—Please.
—You must learn to be satisfied.
—You just promised me a second date.
Rem sliced the bread.
—There will be a third one too.
Link sat down.
—I love you.
—Rem knows.
—I needed to say it again.
They shared the food.
Link spread honey over a piece of bread.
Rem took a fruit.
She cut it.
She prepared each portion with the practiced habit of serving before eating.
When she tried handing him the first one, Link caught her wrist.
—You first.
—Rem was preparing—
—You aren't working today.
—Someone has to organize the food.
—It can be disorganized.
Rem looked at the pieces.
—They are different sizes.
—And we will survive.
He picked one up.
Brought it to her lips.
—Eat.
She looked at his hand.
Then opened her mouth.
Accepted the fruit.
Link smiled.
—Good?
—Yes.
—Perfect.
He took another for himself.
Rem pushed his hand away.
Took the fruit.
Brought it toward his lips.
—Now Link.
He obeyed.
Rem's fingers touched his mouth.
Link gently closed his lips around the tip of her finger.
He didn't bite.
Only maintained the contact one moment longer than necessary.
Rem withdrew her hand.
The blush appeared.
—That was deliberate.
—I learn quickly.
—Bad habits.
—My teacher is excellent.
She cleaned her fingers with the cloth.
—You will not receive any more fruit.
—Worth it.
Luci floated between them.
—You don't eat.
The sphere hit his nose.
Link picked up a piece of bread.
—You can absorb a little mana.
The other four lights approached immediately.
—I said Luci.
The red flame grew larger.
—Fine. A little.
Link held out his hand.
He released a minimal amount.
The five spirits gathered around it.
No giant sphere formed.
No beacon appeared.
Only five warm lights above the blanket.
Rem watched them.
—They look happy.
—They like free mana.
—Perhaps they like Link.
—That too.
The red flame settled on his thumb.
Link looked at it.
—It's strange.
—What is?
—Not long ago, I couldn't speak with any of them.
Luci settled over his wrist.
—Now I have five following me around.
—Four follow you —Rem corrected—. Luci was here first.
—Don't let her hear distinctions.
Luci shone proudly.
Rem held out a hand.
The blue sphere descended onto it.
—Do you think they will stay?
—I don't know.
—Do you want them to?
Link studied the four presences.
—Yes.
The answer came without much thought.
—But I don't want to bind them just because I like them.
Rem looked at her own hand.
—You are learning.
—Don't sound so surprised.
—Rem is proud of you.
Link raised his face.
She was still watching the spirit.
She hadn't said it as a reward.
Or as empty praise.
She was proud.
The feeling reached deeper than he expected.
—Come here —he said.
Rem looked up.
Link opened one arm.
She understood.
She moved until she was sitting beside him.
Link wrapped an arm around her waist.
Rem rested her head on his shoulder.
The five spirits scattered around them like tiny stars.
—Thank you —he murmured.
—For what?
—For saying that.
—It was true.
—That's why.
Rem settled against him.
Her body moved closer.
There was no task waiting.
No bell.
Nobody shouting from the manor.
Only water, leaves, and the warmth of the body pressed against his own.
—Are you tired? —Rem asked.
—A little.
—You did not sleep much.
—Not little enough to pass out.
She lifted her head.
—That is not an acceptable measurement.
—I'm sleepy.
—Better.
Rem moved away.
She adjusted herself on the blanket.
Then patted her thighs twice.
Link looked at her.
—What?
—You can rest.
—There?
—Yes.
Link stared at her lap.
Then at her face.
—This seems like a test.
—No.
—A trap.
—No.
—Did Ram tell you to immobilize me?
—Nee-sama does not know where we are.
Link lay down.
He placed his head on Rem's thighs.
The world changed perspective.
Her face appeared above him.
The blue sky behind her.
Her hair fell on either side, held by the new ribbon.
The two red beads moved near her shoulder.
Link stopped talking.
Rem smiled.
—Is something wrong?
—No.
—You are staring.
—A lot.
—That does not sound like a problem.
She had learned to use his own words against him.
Link closed his eyes.
A hand began running through his hair.
Slowly.
Her fingers separated strands and put them back into place.
Her other hand rested on his chest.
—This is dangerous —he murmured.
—Why?
He opened one eye.
From that angle, the dress concealed less than the uniform did.
Rem followed his gaze.
She didn't move away.
—Link.
—I am trying to be respectful.
—You are failing.
—Not for lack of effort.
She leaned forward slightly.
The shadow of her face covered his.
—Then close your eyes.
—That sounds even more dangerous.
Rem laughed.
Link obeyed.
Her fingers continued moving.
For several minutes, neither of them said anything.
Sleep began approaching.
Not the violent exhaustion of the third day.
Only peaceful drowsiness.
—Rem —he said.
—Yes.
—What would you like to do?
—Right now you are resting.
—Not today. In general.
Her hand stopped for a moment.
—Rem has work.
—That wasn't the question.
She resumed moving her fingers.
—Rem would like to see more places.
Link opened his eyes.
—Which ones?
—The capital. Other domains. The sea.
—You've never seen it?
—No.
—I have.
—What is it like?
Link thought.
—Too big.
—That does not help.
—Loud. Salty. It never stays still. It looks like it could swallow everything, and even then, when you're near it, you still want to go in.
Rem listened.
—Do you like it?
—Yeah.
—Then Rem wants to see it with Link.
He looked at her face.
There was no guilt.
No explanation involving Ram.
Only a desire.
Small.
Her own.
—We'll see it —he said.
—You do not know where it is.
—We'll find it.
—And if it is far away?
—Even better. It'll be a long date.
Rem smiled.
—Without a clock?
—Without a clock.
Her fingers moved through his hair again.
—I also want to see what kind of clothes you'd wear if you weren't a maid —Link added.
—Rem is already wearing a dress.
—More.
—That sounds expensive.
—I'll have money after I finish paying for the chains.
—In several years.
—Don't ruin the future.
She looked at the red beads on the ribbon.
—This gift was enough.
—No.
—Yes.
—I want to give you things.
—You already have.
Rem pointed toward his forehead.
His horns were hidden.
Link understood.
—You can't wear them in your hair.
—Something does not need to be visible in order to exist.
His heart struck again.
—That was really good.
—Rem learns from Link.
—I hope not everything.
—Rem also wants to know the food from your homeland.
—I can try cooking it.
—Without fires.
—Most of it doesn't require large fires.
—Most.
—And I want to show you music.
—Do you know how to play an instrument?
—No.
—Then...
—I can sing.
Rem remembered something.
—Subaru can too.
—Don't compare us.
—Emilia-sama says his songs are bad.
—Mine are better.
—Rem will have to check.
Link started singing.
One line.
Rem placed a hand over his mouth.
—Rem has checked.
He laughed against her fingers.
She removed her hand.
Link caught it.
Kissed the center of her palm.
Rem went still.
Then her fingers closed against his cheek.
—Link.
—Yes?
—Rem wants something too.
—Tell me.
—Rem wants to know all the things you miss.
Link's smile faded slightly.
She continued.
—Not to replace them.
Her thumb caressed his cheek.
—Rem wants to understand why they matter.
Link held her gaze.
—And Rem wants to create new things.
—New things?
—Memories that belong to this life.
The words entered slowly.
Without violence.
More dangerous than any blow.
—So that when Link thinks about something he lost, he also remembers something he still has.
He closed his eyes.
Rem's hand remained against his face.
—That's unfair.
—Link said the same thing last night.
—You make me want to say things that are too big.
—You can say them.
Link opened his eyes.
—I want to stay with you.
Rem did not answer immediately.
Her expression softened.
—Then stay.
—Not just today.
—Rem was not speaking only about today either.
Link sat up.
Rem moved her legs aside so he could sit.
They ended up facing each other.
Very close.
—Can I kiss you? —he asked.
—Yes.
No hesitation.
Link placed one hand against her cheek.
The other remained around her waist.
The kiss began gently.
With the same care as the first night.
But there was no longer any uncertainty over the answer.
Rem moved closer.
Her hands went around Link's neck.
Their lips moved with greater confidence.
The blue ribbon brushed against his fingers.
The red beads touched softly.
The spirits rose higher.
Luci brightened.
The red flame tried producing sparks.
Without fully pulling away, Link raised one hand.
—No.
The creature dimmed slightly.
Rem laughed against his lips.
Link kissed her again.
Slower.
When they separated, their foreheads remained touching.
—Next time —Link murmured—, we're leaving them at the manor.
Luci hit his head.
Rem laughed again.
—Luci has the right to accompany us.
—She's watching too much.
—Petra does too.
—Petra doesn't float over my head while I kiss my partner.
The golden light descended between them.
Link pushed it aside.
—Privacy.
The spirit returned.
Rem buried her face against his neck.
Her shoulders moved.
Link hugged her.
—Does my suffering amuse you?
—A little.
—Every day you become more like Ram.
She immediately stopped laughing.
—Take that back.
—Immediately.
Back at the manor, the third plate of sweet potatoes was received with a crisis of faith.
Puck looked at his serving.
Then at Emilia.
—Lia, you don't have to eat it.
—I don't want to waste food.
—I can freeze it until it ceases to exist.
Ram placed another basket on the table.
—The afternoon snack.
Subaru raised his head.
—Snack?
—Sweet potato.
—Steamed too?
—Ram does not change a correct method.
Roswaal cut his into little circles.
—The presentation is different.
—Don't encourage her! —Subaru said.
Emilia took a bite.
She smiled with considerable effort.
—It's still tasty.
Puck looked at his contractor.
—Your kindness will be your end.
Beatrice opened a door.
She saw the basket.
Tried to close it.
Ram placed one foot in the way.
—Betty isn't hungry, I suppose.
—Beatrice-sama did not finish lunch.
—Betty does not need to eat.
—Yesterday you needed mayonnaise.
—That was research.
Ram handed her a sweet potato.
Beatrice accepted it with both hands.
She looked at Subaru.
—This is all your fault.
—Link left!
—And left you the kitchen.
—Ram won't let me use it!
—Barusu would have created sweet-potato mayonnaise.
Subaru froze.
—That...
Ram looked up.
—No.
—But I could—
—No.
—A sweet version—
—No.
Puck brought one paw to his chin.
—Maybe with honey.
Ram looked at the spirit.
—No.
Emilia smiled.
—It might taste good.
Subaru stood up.
—Culinary innovation has found a path!
Ram forced him back into his chair with a gust of wind.
—Barusu will finish his sweet potato.
Roswaal drank his tea.
—Link has spoiled all of you.
Everyone looked at him.
The margrave gestured toward the plates.
—For days, there were soups, meats, breads, sauces, and desserts. Now a simple meal seems like a tragedy.
Subaru stared at the sweet potato.
—This isn't a meal. It's persecution.
—Ram still has not decided dinner —she said.
Absolute silence.
Puck looked at the sun.
His manifestation period would end soon.
—Unfortunately, my contract requires me to retire later.
Emilia's eyes widened.
—Puck!
—I'll remember you fondly, Lia.
Link and Rem returned to the village during the afternoon.
They were in no hurry.
They collected the cart.
Petra handed over the shirt pattern.
Link examined it without understanding most of the markings.
Rem did.
The girl had reinforced the back area and designed flaps that could open whenever the kagunes emerged.
—You'll need to try it on —Petra said.
—Tomorrow.
—Will Rem be there?
—Yes —she answered.
Petra smiled.
—Then I'll be able to tell whether it fits properly.
Link suspected something.
—I can tell whether it fits me.
—You thought the second Charmander looked athletic.
—That was a perspective problem.
—No.
Rem took the pattern.
—Petra has done good work.
The girl straightened.
—Thank you.
Link opened his small money pouch.
He remembered one coin remained.
It did not remain anymore.
—I'll pay you later.
—The manor provides my practice materials.
—Your time is worth something too.
Petra looked at Rem.
—He said that before.
—Link is right —she answered.
—I know.
Petra's reply came so quickly that Link looked at her in surprise.
—Why does nobody say that when I'm around?
—You are around —Rem pointed out.
—Exactly.
Petra stored the pattern.
—You can pay when I finish the first shirt.
—Deal.
The girl looked at the blue ribbon.
—Did Link buy that for you?
—Yes.
—Then he chose something well for the second time.
—What was the first?
Petra pointed at Rem.
The maid opened her eye slightly wider.
Link froze.
Petra ran away.
—Come back here!
Rem took Link's arm.
—Let her go.
—She's using us to practice comedy.
—She learns quickly.
—From the wrong people.
Before they left Arlam, a young man from the village approached Rem.
He carried a sack of grain over one shoulder and wore an uncertain smile.
Link recognized him by sight.
He had participated in the village's defense.
—Rem —he greeted—. I didn't know you weren't working today.
—Link finished the tasks.
The young man looked at the person in question.
Then at their joined hands.
—I see.
His disappointment was small.
But it was there.
Link saw it.
One of the kagunes moved beneath his back.
It didn't emerge.
Luci changed color slightly.
Rem noticed.
—I wanted to ask whether, the next time you came here, you might help my mother with some fabrics —the young man said—. She doesn't know how much she can ask for them in the capital.
—Petra is learning about that market. You can ask her as well.
—Sure.
The young man looked at their hands again.
—So... you two...?
Rem moved closer to Link.
She rested her head against his arm.
—Link is Rem's partner.
The answer was polite.
Also definitive.
—I understand.
The young man smiled with some difficulty.
—Congratulations.
—Thank you —Link said.
He didn't sound triumphant.
At least he tried not to.
The boy walked away.
Link waited.
Rem remained pressed against him.
—He's gone.
—Rem knows.
—You can move away.
—Rem doesn't want to.
The answer disarmed whatever jealousy remained.
—Oh.
Rem looked up.
—Were you jealous?
—No.
Luci turned red.
The flame imitated the color.
The blue sphere did too.
The bird began releasing sparks.
The golden one spun faster.
—My spirits are traitors.
—They are honest.
—I was only paying attention.
—Your kagune moved.
—My back has opinions.
Rem remembered the morning after Charmander.
—Like your arm.
—Exactly.
She stood on her toes.
Kissed his cheek.
Several people in the square were watching.
Link stopped caring.
—Rem is not upset —she said—. Rem likes it a little.
—Another man talking to you?
—Link wanting to stay close.
—Those aren't the same thing.
—Rem knows.
She took his hand.
Guided it to her waist.
—You can demonstrate it without frightening anyone.
Link kept his hand there.
—Like this?
—Yes.
—In public?
—Yes.
—Our relationship gets better every hour.
Rem started walking again.
Link walked beside her, one hand on her waist and the other pulling the cart.
He didn't look back.
Half the village did it for him.
They left Arlam as the sun began descending.
The cart was considerably heavier now.
Link barely noticed.
Rem walked nearby.
After a while, she climbed onto the edge of the cart to rest.
Link stopped.
—I can make room.
—Rem can walk.
—You've been walking all day.
—Link did every task beforehand.
—We're not competing.
She looked at him.
—You are right.
She sat among the sacks.
The blue skirt settled around her legs.
Link started walking again.
—How's the transportation?
—Acceptable.
—I can go faster.
—No.
—Slower?
Rem smiled.
—Yes.
Link reduced his pace.
The journey would take longer.
There was no deadline.
Shadows from the trees crossed the road.
Five lights floated around the cart.
For a while, Rem remained silent.
Then she extended a hand.
Touched Link's shoulder.
—Stop.
He did.
—What is it?
Rem climbed down from the cart.
She stood in front of him.
She was holding a small package Link didn't remember them buying.
—What's that?
—A gift.
—I already spent everything.
—Rem did not.
—That is unfair competition.
She handed him the package.
Inside was a notebook.
Not large.
The cover was simple brown leather. It had a metal clasp and several clean pages.
—Another spell notebook?
—The previous one has too many corrections.
—Most of them are Ram's.
—Exactly.
Link opened the first page.
A sentence had been written there in Rem's handwriting.
He recognized some letters.
It took him a moment.
—For...
The next word didn't come.
Rem waited.
Link tried again.
—For... Link...
—Return —she helped.
He looked up.
Rem read it aloud.
—"So that every spell returns with Link."
The road seemed to fall silent.
Link looked at the page again.
It did not say the spells had to work.
Or be powerful.
Or destroy anything.
They had to return with him.
—Rem...
—You can write down all your ideas.
—Even Explosion?
—You may write it down.
—Will you authorize it?
—No.
—This is still very romantic.
—The first condition is that Link returns after using them.
He closed the notebook.
Stepped closer.
—Come here.
Rem did not pretend not to understand.
She entered his arms.
Link hugged her.
The notebook remained pressed between them.
—Thank you.
—Do you like it?
—More than the lagmite.
Rem raised her head.
—More than the dress?
—Don't start again.
She smiled.
Link lowered his face.
Kissed her.
There were no spectators.
Only trees, spirits, and a cart full of supplies.
The kiss lasted long enough for Link to forget he was standing in the middle of the road.
Rem separated slightly.
—We should go back.
—There's no deadline.
—The manor needs the supplies.
—That's different.
—We also need to inspect the kitchen.
Link looked at the cart.
—I'm sure they made something decent.
All five lights dimmed slightly.
—Stop being pessimistic.
Puck disappeared before dinner.
He did so happily.
Emilia called him a traitor.
The final meal of the day arrived shortly afterward.
Ram placed a tray on the table.
Subaru looked at it.
Roswaal looked at it.
Emilia looked at it.
Beatrice wasn't visible, but a nearby door opened by one centimeter.
Ram removed the cover.
Steamed sweet potatoes.
Mashed.
Subaru dropped his forehead onto the table.
—I can't anymore.
—The form changed —Ram said.
—It's still sweet potato!
—Now it can be spread on bread.
Subaru raised his head.
—Is there bread?
Ram pointed toward an empty basket.
—Link and Rem were supposed to buy it.
Emilia looked toward the door.
—Maybe they'll be back soon.
Roswaal took a small serving.
—The texture is pleasant.
Subaru pointed at him.
—You can order another meal.
—I could.
—Then do it!
Roswaal tasted the food.
—But I wish to observe how far this goes.
—We're an experiment!
Ram placed mayonnaise beside the mashed sweet potatoes.
Beatrice opened the door.
Took a plate.
—Betty will eat in the Library, I suppose.
—Coward —Subaru said.
The door closed.
Emilia took a spoonful.
Her smile could no longer hide the exhaustion.
—It's tasty.
Subaru looked at her in pain.
—Emilia-tan, you don't have to lie anymore.
—I'm not lying.
—You've eaten sweet potatoes four times.
—They're still good.
—That doesn't mean you want a fifth.
Emilia lowered her spoon.
—Maybe not.
Ram served another portion.
—Then tomorrow there will be variety.
—Tomorrow?!
The main door opened.
Everyone raised their heads.
The sound of wheels came from the entrance.
Voices.
A red flash crossed the corridor.
Then Link appeared, pulling a cart full of supplies.
Rem walked beside him.
She wore a blue ribbon in her hair.
Two red beads moved near her neck.
Their hands were joined.
Subaru stood.
—BREAD!
Link stopped.
—Hello.
—Did you bring bread?
Rem looked at the table.
Then the tray.
Then everyone's expressions.
—Did you eat sweet potatoes?
Ram took a sip of tea.
—Ram's specialty.
Rem smiled with complete sincerity.
—They look delicious, nee-sama.
Subaru pointed at her.
—Don't encourage her!
Link left the cart.
He approached the table.
Took a spoonful of the mash.
Tasted it.
—It's good.
Subaru spread both hands.
—You've only had one spoonful!
—How many did you eat?
—I don't know! I've lost the ability to count in tubers!
Roswaal studied the cart.
—I see bread, cheese, fruit, and meat.
Subaru stepped forward.
Ram blocked him.
—Dinner has already been served.
—Ram!
—Food is not wasted.
Emilia looked at Rem.
The ribbon immediately caught her attention.
—That's new.
Rem touched the beads.
—Link chose it.
Emilia smiled.
—It looks very pretty on you.
—Thank you.
Beatrice opened the door.
She looked at the cart.
—Betty has changed her mind about eating alone, I suppose.
Subaru pointed at the little spirit.
—You escaped with your plate!
—Betty possesses superior survival instincts.
Link took a small package from the bag.
—We bought sweets.
Every eye turned toward him.
The atmosphere in the room changed.
Ram released Subaru.
Beatrice stepped fully through the door.
Emilia stood.
Roswaal put down his spoon.
—How many? —Subaru asked.
—Four.
Collective despair returned.
—There are six of us —Emilia said.
—Puck already left.
—Five —Subaru corrected.
Link looked at Rem.
She took the package.
Opened it.
There were six small pastries inside.
—Link forgot the two the vendor added —she said.
Subaru threw his arms into the air.
—REM HAS SAVED THE MANOR!
Ram struck him with a gust of wind.
—Barusu is too loud.
Rem gave one pastry to Emilia.
Another to Beatrice.
One to Roswaal.
One to Ram.
One to Subaru.
The final one remained.
Link looked at it.
Rem did too.
—Share it with me —he said.
—Link completed all the tasks.
—I did them so we could have this date.
—Then you deserve the pastry.
—The date belonged to both of us.
Rem picked up the sweet.
She split it.
One half was slightly larger.
She handed it to Link.
He looked at it.
—Yours is smaller.
—Rem already ate during the day.
Link switched the halves.
Gave her the larger piece.
—Not anymore.
—Link.
—Partner.
She held his gaze.
Accepted.
Subaru bit into his pastry.
—This is sickeningly sweet in two different ways.
Ram looked at the ribbon.
Then at the hands that were still joined.
—Ram understands the date was productive.
Link raised the tool case.
—We got everything.
Rem showed the supply list.
—And we saved more than expected.
—You also bought gifts —Ram said.
—With our money —Link replied.
—The gardener still owes several years' worth of chains.
—Don't ruin the moment.
Ram picked up her pastry.
—Ram hopes the next gift does not require a separate bedroom.
Link choked.
Rem turned red.
Subaru slammed the table.
—THE ONI DEMOGRAPHICS ARE BACK!
Emilia covered her face.
Beatrice retreated toward her door with the pastry.
Roswaal laughed.
Ram drank her tea.
—The manor has returned to normal.
After putting away the supplies, Link found Rem in the hallway.
The blue dress was still immaculate.
The ribbon remained in her hair.
She was carrying an empty tray toward the kitchen.
Link stepped in front of her.
—You finished your work.
—Rem was only carrying this.
He took the tray.
Placed it on a nearby table.
—Now you're finished.
Rem looked at the object.
—Rem could have carried it.
—I know.
Link extended a hand.
—The day isn't over yet.
She looked at his fingers.
—What do you want to do?
—Nothing.
—That does not sound like an activity.
—I want to be with you while doing nothing.
Rem placed her hand in his.
—Then let's go to the garden.
They walked toward the side door.
The first stars were beginning to appear.
There were no fireworks.
Link did not raise his fingers.
He did not write words across the sky.
They sat in the same place where their relationship had begun.
Rem rested her head on his shoulder.
Link opened the new notebook.
He looked at the first sentence.
Tried to read it again.
—So that... every...
—Spell —Rem said.
—Returns with Link.
—Yes.
He closed the notebook.
—I'm going to learn how to read it without help.
—Rem can teach you.
—Beatrice already charges five flavors.
—Rem charges differently.
Link raised an eyebrow.
—How?
She lifted her face.
Kissed the corner of his lips.
—Like that.
Link remained still.
—Your lessons are better.
—You have not learned anything yet.
—I need many lessons.
Rem smiled.
—Rem has patience.
Link pulled her closer.
Kissed her slowly.
The blue ribbon brushed against his hand.
The two red beads rested between his fingers.
When they separated, Rem kept her eyes closed for a moment.
—Link.
—Yes?
—Rem did not want to come back today.
He caressed her cheek.
—Neither did I.
—But you are glad we did.
—Yes.
—Why?
Link looked toward the manor.
The illuminated windows.
The distant sound of Subaru arguing about sweet potatoes.
Ram's voice destroying his dignity.
Emilia laughing.
A door closing after one of Beatrice's protests.
Roswaal speaking in that impossible-to-ignore tone.
Then he looked at Rem.
—Because now I know I can go somewhere with you and still have a place to come back to.
Her expression softened.
—Rem too.
She rested her head on his shoulder again.
Link intertwined his fingers with hers.
There was no unfinished work.
No time limit.
The day had ended because both of them had chosen to return, not because an obligation had separated them.
—When is the second date? —Link asked.
—After you sleep eight hours.
—That's blackmail.
—A condition.
—What if I sleep seven?
—There will be no date.
—Eight.
—A proper amount.
—Where are we going?
Rem thought.
—Link said he wanted to show Rem music.
—That requires privacy.
—Because you sing badly?
—Because my emotions are intense.
—Then you will practice first.
—With you.
—Yes.
Link smiled.
—And the third date?
—To buy fabric.
—Petra can come with us.
—Then it won't be a date.
—We can abandon her at a stall.
—Link is cruel.
—I want time with you.
Rem looked up.
—You will have time.
It wasn't a promise about something impossible.
Nor about an entire lifetime neither of them could guarantee.
It was a simple choice.
Tomorrow.
After that.
Another date.
Another memory.
Time built one day at a time.
Link squeezed her hand.
—Good.
Rem closed her eye.
—It was a good first date.
—Only good?
—Very good.
—Only very good?
She sat up.
Link smiled, waiting for another answer.
Rem placed both hands against his cheeks.
She kissed him.
This time it wasn't brief.
When she pulled away, Link had forgotten the question.
—What did I say? —he murmured.
Rem rested against his shoulder again.
—Nothing important.
Luci descended between them.
The golden sphere found a place above their joined hands.
The other four spirits floated around them.
The red flame released a spark.
Link pointed at it.
—No.
It went out.
Rem laughed softly.
Inside the manor, Subaru discovered another sweet potato hidden beneath his pastry.
His scream escaped through a window.
Link and Rem heard it.
Neither of them got up.
They still had a little of the day left.