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---
Chapter 61
Link woke up cold.
Not the pleasant cold of a fresh morning.
Nor the tolerable chill of a draft slipping in through a window.
It was a damp, constant, completely personal cold that covered his body from his shoulders to his ankles.
He opened his eyes.
The sky was only beginning to brighten.
A layer of ice molded around his clothes kept him rigid on the ground inside the Wolgarm enclosure. Emilia had not frozen him directly. She had covered his shirt, pants, and boots with a second garment made of ice, fitted to every fold and limiting any sudden movement.
He could breathe.
He could talk.
He could regret his decisions.
That was all.
His arms were tied behind his back with several loops of rope. More rope circled his torso, thighs, and ankles. It was nowhere near strong enough to stop him if he used his real strength.
He knew that.
The people who had put him there knew it too.
Not escaping was part of the punishment.
A bump occupied the top of his head.
Link did not need to touch it to know how large it was.
He could feel it throbbing with every heartbeat.
—Good morning —he murmured.
One of the Wolgarms lifted its head.
The beast lay only a few steps away, its muzzle resting on its forepaws. It watched him for several seconds.
Then closed its eyes again.
—Thanks for the concern.
To his right, an orange head protruded from the ground.
Charmander had been buried up to its neck.
Only the stone face, dark eyes, and a small section of its reinforced neck remained visible. Its mouth hung slightly open, full of dirt.
Link turned his head as much as the ice allowed.
—Are you still working?
Charmander's eyes lit up.
Bluish-green.
A tiny flame appeared inside its mouth.
The damp soil began to smoke.
—Don't try to get out.
Charmander tilted its face.
It could not move its buried body.
Therefore, the motion produced a concerning crack in its neck.
—No! Stay still! I just managed to get your head to stay attached.
The automaton stopped.
A Wolgarm approached.
It sniffed the stone head.
Charmander opened its mouth.
—Don't burn it.
The flame disappeared.
The Wolgarm licked its face.
A long trail of saliva remained over the orange paint.
Charmander slowly closed its eyes.
Link saw an offended dignity in that gesture that should not have existed in a magical object.
—Now you know how I feel.
The beast approached Link.
It sniffed the ice.
Then raised one paw.
—No.
The Wolgarm placed the paw on his chest.
—Don't do that.
The beast turned around.
Then finally lay down on top of him.
The entire weight of the demon beast settled over his abdomen.
The ice cracked.
—Perfect.
The Wolgarm's head rested beneath his chin.
Link stared at the sky.
—My reputation is finished.
Luci floated above the fence.
The small golden sphere had been there from the beginning.
She had not participated in his capture.
She had not prevented it either.
She had watched Ram hit him with the broken post, Emilia create his ice clothing, Rem tie him up, Beatrice nullify any magical escape attempt, and Subaru dig Charmander's hole with morally questionable enthusiasm.
The other four fire presences remained outside the enclosure.
The red flame kept trying to warm him from a distance.
Every time it approached, a thin layer of frost appeared over the fence.
Emilia had left a magical warning.
—Luci.
The sphere descended.
—You can untie me.
Luci blinked.
—The punishment already lasted all night.
The light acquired a reddish tint.
—I didn't scare Puck.
Another flash.
—Because he wasn't materialized. That doesn't count as mercy.
Luci settled on the bump.
The contact produced painful pressure.
—Ow!
The sphere rose.
—Don't touch that.
Luci touched it again.
—I said don't!
The demon beast lying on his chest lifted one ear.
Link lowered his voice.
—Don't wake your friends.
The Wolgarm went back to sleep.
A side door of the manor opened.
Rem appeared.
She wore her uniform and carried a covered basket and a small bucket of water. She walked toward the enclosure with calm steps.
Link attempted to smile.
The ice around his neck did not prevent it.
—Good morning, love of my life.
Rem opened the gate.
—Good morning.
—Light of my mornings.
—Good morning.
—Beautiful, kind, reasonable woman who would surely never let her partner freeze to death.
Rem placed the basket beyond the Wolgarms' reach.
—Link will not die from this.
—That wasn't the emotional point of the sentence.
She crouched beside him.
The Wolgarm opened one eye.
Recognized Rem.
Didn't move.
—It is using Link as a bed —she said.
—It discovered my true purpose in this manor.
Rem extended one hand.
Touched the bump.
Link grimaced.
—That still hurts.
—Nee-sama calculated the strike.
—Ram calculates far too many violent things.
Rem checked his eyes.
Normal.
His breathing.
Regular.
The skin visible around his neck.
Cold, but unharmed.
—Did you sleep?
—In intervals.
—An amount.
—Every time one of them stopped stepping on me.
Rem looked at the Wolgarms.
Three were dozing nearby.
One was on top of him.
Another had placed its muzzle beside his frozen boots.
—Then you slept very little.
—Your voice sounds worried.
—Rem is worried.
—You can free me.
—Rem is also still angry.
—Both emotions can coexist outside the enclosure.
Rem did not answer.
She uncovered the basket.
There was bread, cooked meat, and a bottle of hot broth.
The smell woke every Wolgarm.
Five heads lifted.
The one resting on Link wagged its tail.
—That isn't for you —he said.
The beasts looked at Rem.
Then at the food.
Then at Link.
—Don't betray me.
Rem took a portion of meat.
Threw it toward the opposite end of the enclosure.
The weight immediately vanished from Link's chest.
All the Wolgarms raced after it.
Link took a deep breath.
—I'll love you forever.
—Rem purchased his freedom with part of his breakfast.
—A solid investment.
She took the broth.
Sat on the grass.
She carefully lifted Link's head and rested it on her thighs.
The cold of his clothes contrasted with the warmth of her lap.
Link stopped complaining.
Rem brought the bottle to his lips.
—Slowly.
He drank.
Warmth traveled down his throat.
He did not need to feed his regeneration.
The bump would disappear on its own.
But the Wolgarm meat and broth made from it cleared some of the heaviness the night had left behind.
Rem removed the bottle.
—Have you forgiven me?
—No.
—How much longer?
—An amount.
—You learned that from me.
—Yes.
Link looked up at her face.
—I'm sorry.
Rem's expression changed slightly.
—You said that last night.
—I'm repeating it while awake, tied up, and wearing ice. It has more value.
She ran her fingers through the hair surrounding the bump.
—Rem knew Link was behind Charmander before the night ended.
—Since when?
—Since the pantry.
Link closed his eyes.
—Because of Luci?
—Because of Link's heart.
He opened them.
Rem kept two fingers against his chest, above the ice.
—It was beating too fast when he pretended to find her.
—I was running.
—And you were smiling while asking what Rem had seen.
—That was nervousness.
—Luci also accused him.
—Luci does not respect relationship privacy.
The sphere floated in front of his face.
Link tried blowing her away.
It didn't work.
—It wasn't funny when Rem believed something could be inside the manor —she continued.
His smile disappeared.
—I know.
—Nor when Rem clung to Link believing he had arrived to protect her.
—I know.
Rem lowered her gaze.
—But afterward, when Rem saw the photographs...
—Who showed them to you?
—Subaru.
—Traitor.
—The photograph of Rem was well taken.
—Nobody was supposed to see that one.
—Why?
Link looked away.
—Because you were scared.
—So were the others.
—You're different.
—Because Rem is his partner?
—Yes.
The answer came directly.
—I don't like that I caused that expression.
Rem continued stroking his hair.
—That is why Rem only helped tie him up.
Link looked at her.
—Only?
—Nee-sama chose the strike. Emilia-sama, the ice. Beatrice-sama sealed his horns. Subaru dug.
—And Roswaal?
—He provided the rope.
—That bastard is going to monetize the wear and tear.
Rem did not deny it.
Her hand stopped over the bump.
—Rem also saw the other photograph.
Link immediately knew which one.
Charmander had taken an image from the pantry doorway.
Rem gripping his shirt.
Link with his arms around her.
Flour suspended in the air between them.
—That one was private.
—Rem kept it.
—Did you delete it from the phone?
—Rem does not know how to use it.
—Then...
—She asked Link to save it later.
He smiled.
—I could print it someday.
—Print?
—Turn it into an image you can hold.
Rem looked at her hands.
—Can your phone do that?
—Not by itself. I'd need another machine I don't have.
—Then why did you offer?
—Because I'll learn how to build one.
The absurd certainty with which he said it made Rem smile.
—First you will finish repairing Charmander.
They both looked at the buried head.
A Wolgarm had returned to lick it.
The stone eyes remained closed in resignation.
—It cleans off —Link said.
—That is what you said about your hair.
—That cleaned too.
Rem lifted the bottle.
Gave him more broth.
Then set the food aside.
—The punishment ends during breakfast.
—We are having breakfast.
—Everyone's breakfast.
—That's bureaucracy.
—You learned it from nee-sama.
—This family is full of bad influences.
Rem leaned down.
Kissed the bump.
The contact was gentle.
Warm.
Link froze.
—Was that medicine?
—No.
—Partial forgiveness?
—Perhaps.
—Proof that I'm still your partner?
She kissed his forehead, away from the injury.
—Yes.
Link closed his eyes.
—I could survive another night.
Rem pressed the bump.
—Ow!
—Do not say foolish things.
She stood.
Link was left lying on the grass again.
—Rem.
She picked up the basket.
—Yes?
—Don't let Subaru come near me with a shovel.
—He will not.
—How are you so sure?
—Emilia-sama wants to speak with him about a visitor.
Link looked toward the manor.
—What visitor?
Rem smiled.
—A cook.
The enclosure gate closed.
Link stared at the sky.
—That didn't sound dangerous.
Luci turned red.
—Don't start.
—Subaru, Subaru! Did you hear yet?
Subaru had barely finished stretching his arms when Emilia appeared in the garden.
The sun had not yet risen above the trees.
Puck floated over her head, copying the morning exercises with exaggerated seriousness.
Subaru left his arms raised.
—Emilia-tan arrived before my good morning. That means this information is adorable-emergency level.
—It isn't an emergency.
—Then it's adorable.
Emilia puffed out her cheeks.
—Listen.
—My ears, heart, and future are ready.
—Tomorrow, a traveling genius chef is coming.
Subaru lowered his arms.
—A what?
—A traveling genius chef.
—That sounds like the name of a character class that appears once and changes everyone's life through soup.
—His food is famous!
Her violet eyes shone.
—They say the first bite captures your body. The second, your heart. And the third traps your soul.
Subaru looked at Puck.
—That sounds like a curse.
—I said the same thing —Puck replied.
Emilia crossed her arms.
—It only means he cooks reeeally well.
—Who invited him?
—Roswaal.
Subaru's excitement dropped one level.
—Ah.
—What does that "ah" mean?
—That every gift from Roswaal comes with an invisible box containing something unpleasant.
Puck lay down in midair.
—Sometimes the box only contains another box.
—And there's makeup inside that one.
Emilia tilted her head.
—I don't understand.
—I hope you never do.
Subaru returned to the exercises.
—What's this chef's name?
Emilia tried to remember.
—Dias... Lepunzo... Elemanso... Oplane... Fatsbalm... the sixth.
Subaru dropped his arms.
—All of that belongs to one person?
—I think so.
—And what does he have to do with your future? You said something about that.
Emilia blinked.
—Did I?
—Yes.
—Roswaal said learning about his cooking might help me in the future. He didn't explain much more.
Subaru looked toward the manor.
The margrave's smile appeared inside his imagination.
He did not like it.
—I see.
—You don't look like you understand.
—Not yet.
Puck descended onto Emilia's shoulder.
—Let's finish the exercises first.
Subaru nodded.
However, the sentence remained in his head.
Emilia's future.
A famous chef.
Roswaal.
Something did not fit.
Link was released after breakfast.
He did not break the ropes.
He waited for Rem to untie them.
Emilia removed the ice layer with a gesture. The structure turned into water and fell around his feet, soaking the clothes underneath.
—That was unnecessary —Link said.
—It was the fastest method —Emilia replied.
—You could have evaporated it.
—After the fireworks, I'd rather not combine you with heat.
Ram watched from the fence.
She held a cup.
—The gardener should be thankful Emilia-sama preserved his underclothes.
Link looked at his wet shirt.
—There was another option?
—Several.
—I don't want to know them.
Subaru approached with the shovel over one shoulder.
—Time to release the accomplice.
Charmander was still buried.
The Wolgarms had gathered around the stone head.
One was biting an ear that didn't exist.
Another scratched at the soil.
—Careful —Link warned.
Subaru drove in the shovel.
—Justice does not require care.
—You buried him.
—And now I demonstrate growth.
—Scratch the paint and I'll bury you.
Rem handed him a towel.
Link began drying himself.
She took another cloth and moved behind him.
She dried part of his hair.
—I can do that.
—Rem knows.
—Then...
—Rem wants to.
Link closed his mouth.
The discussion was over.
Ram drank tea.
—How moving. Rem tends to a plant after removing it from the ground.
—I'm not a plant.
—You were buried and required water. The difference is minimal.
Subaru removed the dirt around Charmander's body.
The first foot appeared.
Then the tail.
The flame was extinguished.
—This is strangely sad —Emilia said.
—It terrorized us —Beatrice reminded them from a window.
—Link terrorized us —Subaru corrected—. Charmander was only following orders.
The statue slowly raised a dirt-covered thumb.
Emilia placed one hand against her chest.
—Look.
—Don't fall for it —Beatrice said—. It's manipulation.
Charmander turned its head toward the window.
Its eyes lit up.
Beatrice disappeared.
The window closed.
Subaru pulled the statue out.
Link received it.
—Does everything work?
The automaton tried walking across his arms.
One leg moved.
The other didn't.
Its head rotated too far.
—You need maintenance.
Charmander raised its thumb.
—That does not fix the damage.
The statue raised it again.
Link sighed.
—I'll repair you later.
Subaru set down the shovel.
—Before that, I need to ask you something.
—About the cook?
—They already told you?
—Rem.
She was still drying his hair.
Subaru lowered his voice.
—Emilia mentioned that he has something to do with her future.
—Roswaal invited him.
—Exactly.
Link looked toward Ram.
The maid pretended not to be listening.
Which meant she heard everything.
—We'll talk later.
Subaru nodded.
Rem finished drying him.
Link turned.
—Thank you.
She looked at Charmander.
—First, you must bathe him.
—I will.
—Then you will bathe yourself.
—I just received enough water.
Rem raised an eyebrow.
—I'll bathe.
—Good.
Link leaned over.
Kissed her cheek.
Ram lowered her cup.
—The gardener continues rewarding basic instructions.
—Positive reinforcement.
—Ram will use a stick.
—That's negative.
—It worked last night.
Link picked up Charmander.
He walked away before the conversation acquired physical consequences.
The second title appeared during the morning's work.
Subaru and Rem were checking the pantry.
Link sat near the doorway, cleaning dirt out of Charmander's joints with a fine brush.
The four lesser spirits observed the process.
The red flame occasionally entered a joint to dry the moisture.
Luci supervised from above.
Rem placed a sack on a shelf.
—Subaru, have you heard of the Chef Capable of Making the Dragon Roar?
Subaru dropped a box.
Link looked up.
—The what?
Rem turned.
Her expression contained unusual excitement.
Her eyes shone.
—Dias Lepunzo Elemanso Oplane Fatsbalm VI-sama will arrive tomorrow.
—Wait —Subaru said—. Emilia called him a traveling genius chef.
—That too.
—How many titles does this guy have?
—Many.
Rem placed both hands in front of her apron.
—He has traveled through numerous territories searching for new ingredients and techniques. It is said he has mastered dishes from every known region and that no diner remains indifferent after tasting his food.
Link put down the brush.
—You admire him.
—Yes.
The immediate answer produced a small, unpleasant feeling inside his chest.
It wasn't reasonable.
Rem admired Ram.
Emilia.
Cooks.
Competent people.
There was no problem.
The red flame above Charmander grew larger.
Luci hit it.
Link lowered his voice.
—A lot?
Rem looked at him.
—He is an important figure to people who cook.
—I understand.
—Link looks upset —Subaru said.
—I'm concentrating.
—You stopped cleaning.
—I'm waiting for it to dry.
Rem approached.
She crouched in front of him.
—Are you jealous?
—No.
Luci turned red.
The flame did the same.
The ember bird spread its wings.
The blue sphere released a pulse.
The golden one began spinning.
—My spirits exaggerate.
Rem placed one hand on his knee.
—Link prepares food Rem wants to eat again.
—That doesn't mean I'm better than some legendary chef.
—No.
The honesty hurt slightly.
Rem continued.
—It means his food belongs to Rem in a way that the chef's food never could.
Link watched her.
—That was very effective.
—It was true.
—I'm still slightly jealous.
—An amount.
He raised two fingers.
—Two.
—Acceptable.
Rem leaned forward.
Kissed his cheek.
Subaru covered his eyes.
—I'm inside a pantry. There is no escape route.
Link smiled.
—You can climb inside a sack.
—I would still hear you.
Rem stood.
—Subaru can also look forward to the visit.
—Sure. But I have a question.
Subaru remembered the previous remark.
—Is the chef strict about manners?
Rem thought.
—Some stories say so.
—How strict?
—Rumor says he has thrown diners out before they finished their meals.
—That's normal for a famous chef.
—They also say he cooks people who offend him.
Subaru turned pale.
Link stopped smiling.
—What?
Rem maintained her serious expression for two seconds.
Then laughed.
—That was a joke.
Subaru placed one hand over his chest.
—Don't make cannibalism jokes in front of Link!
She looked at her partner.
Link crossed his arms.
—I'm offended by the association.
Luci remained still.
—You too.
Rem continued laughing.
Link watched her.
Her excitement over the cook did not bother him as much anymore.
—Rem wants to learn something during his visit —she said—. Perhaps Rem's cooking can improve.
—It's already good.
—It can always improve.
—Then you'll watch him cook.
—Roswaal-sama already authorized it.
—And me?
—Link has an invitation to the table.
Subaru turned.
—What?
Link blinked.
—Why?
—Roswaal-sama mentioned the ice cream and mayonnaise. Dias-sama asked for someone familiar with foreign flavors to offer an opinion.
Subaru pointed at his own chest.
—I know foreign flavors too!
Rem tilted her head.
—Link knows how to prepare them.
Subaru's finger lowered.
—That was unnecessarily accurate.
Link tried hiding his satisfaction.
—I can represent our people.
—We aren't from the same country!
—Same planet.
Rem looked at both of them.
Subaru coughed.
—Distant regions —he corrected—. Very distant.
Link picked up the brush again.
—I'll tell you how it was.
—I hate you.
—I can save you a portion.
—That's worse.
The third title arrived with Ram.
Subaru was cleaning the eastern wing.
Link was repairing a wooden edge Charmander had burned during its escape.
Ram walked behind both of them, inspecting the work.
—Barusu —she said—. Tomorrow the Legendary, Lustful, Womanizing Chef will arrive.
Subaru rested his forehead against the wall.
—No.
Ram stopped.
—No what?
—I refuse to accept another title.
—Your acceptance does not modify reality.
Link raised his head.
—Lustful?
Ram looked at him.
—Extremely.
The piece of wood cracked in Link's hand.
—Womanizer?
—That is what Ram said.
Luci floated in front of his face.
—I'm calm.
The wood finished splitting.
—Structural failure.
Ram examined the pieces.
—The guest agreed to come after hearing that four beautiful women lived in the manor.
Subaru counted on his fingers.
—Emilia, Rem, Ram, and Beatrice.
—Barusu has mastered small numbers.
—Then why does Link have a seat?
—The gardener is attending as a culinary curiosity, not a beautiful woman.
—That reassures me.
Ram looked at Link.
—The cook looks too much.
—Too much at what?
—Everything.
—I don't like him.
—Ram did not ask for your opinion.
—Rem will be in the kitchen with him.
—Yes.
A kagune began emerging.
Luci slammed into his back.
The manifestation stopped.
Ram watched the movement.
—The gardener will not attack a guest of Roswaal-sama.
—I never said I would.
—Your back did.
—My back has opinions.
—Rem used that defense yesterday.
—We're a couple. We share resources.
Subaru stepped between them.
—The important part is that Roswaal invited a famous womanizer interested in beautiful women, organized a formal dinner related to Emilia's future, and excluded the only man willing to protect her.
Link looked at him.
—I'll be there.
—You'll be looking at Rem.
—I can do two things.
Ram laughed through her nose.
—The gardener failed to plant anything while Rem crossed a window.
—That was on the first day.
—Your relationship is less than a week old.
Subaru pointed at Ram.
—Also, this chef can ruin the lives of people he dislikes.
—Who said that?
—Nobody yet. But that seems like the natural direction of the story.
Ram continued walking.
—Barusu does not have a seat.
—I already know.
—He will not appear during dinner.
—You didn't know that until you said it.
Ram stopped.
Subaru smiled.
—Now I know you're trying to prevent me.
—Ram was attempting to spare you humiliation.
—You cannot stop love.
—Ram can lock it inside a room.
Subaru lost part of his smile.
—That sounded specific.
—Rest tomorrow afternoon. You already look unpleasant. It must not become worse in front of guests.
Ram left.
Subaru waited until she disappeared.
Then looked at Link.
—Manners test.
—Probably.
—Roswaal wants to evaluate Emilia without telling her.
—Possibly.
—Lustful chef with the power to destroy careers.
—We still haven't confirmed the second part.
—We will.
Link gathered the broken pieces of wood.
—How are you getting in?
Subaru smiled.
It was not a pleasant smile.
—First I'm finding out everything.
Beatrice provided the fourth title.
And the final piece Subaru needed to convince himself of an incorrect theory.
—The Decapitating Chef will arrive tomorrow, I suppose.
Subaru slammed both hands against the table inside the Forbidden Library.
—THE DECAPITA—?!
Beatrice threw a book.
Link caught it before it hit Subaru in the face.
—Library —she reminded him.
Subaru lowered his voice.
—Decapitating?
—He does not literally cut off heads.
—Thank you.
—He ruins positions, jobs, reputations, and futures of people he dislikes.
Subaru's shoulders dropped.
—That isn't better.
Link remained behind him.
He had entered under the pretext of returning a book.
In reality, Subaru had asked him to keep Beatrice from throwing him out before they obtained information.
The strategy was working partially.
Beatrice was still trying to expel them both.
—Why would Roswaal invite someone like that? —Subaru asked.
—Roswaal has reasons he does not share with noisy insects.
—Emilia said this had something to do with her future.
—Then you already have an answer.
Subaru went still.
The information began organizing itself.
Genius chef.
Strict manners.
Womanizer.
Interested in the four women of the house.
Capable of destroying careers.
Emilia's future.
Formal dinner.
—It's a test —he said.
Link placed the book on a table.
—Yes.
—Roswaal wants to see if Emilia can maintain her manners in front of incredible food.
—That sounds reasonable.
—Without warning her!
—That sounds like Roswaal.
Subaru clenched his fists.
—If she fails, the chef could spread a terrible opinion of her. The nobles will listen. The Selection hasn't even properly started and Emilia will already have a stain on her reputation.
—It's a theory —Link said.
—You don't believe it?
Link looked at Beatrice.
She neither confirmed nor denied anything.
—I think Roswaal is preparing something.
—Then I have to intervene.
—We do.
Subaru lifted his head.
—You'll help me?
—Rem will be there.
—That doesn't answer the question.
—Emilia too.
—Much better.
Beatrice closed the book.
—Betty wants no part in another operation with a stupid name.
Subaru smiled.
—It doesn't have a name yet.
—That means you are already thinking of one.
—Operation Good Lady.
Link grimaced.
—Terrible.
—Operation Save Dinner.
—Worse.
—Operation—
Beatrice opened a door.
—Out.
An invisible wave struck both of them.
Subaru flew out first.
Link followed.
The door closed.
They ended up in a hallway.
Subaru sat up.
—We need Puck.
—And a disguise.
—Why did you say that so quickly?
—Because you don't have a seat and you need to stay near Emilia without Roswaal throwing you out.
Subaru fell silent.
Link looked at him.
The idea entered the Japanese boy's eyes.
—No.
—You thought it.
—No.
—Your face said dress.
—Not again!
Link raised an eyebrow.
—Again?
Subaru began walking.
—It never happened.
—Subaru.
—It doesn't exist.
—Have you dressed as a woman before?
—Puck. We need Puck.
—I'm keeping this information forever.
Subaru accelerated.
Link smiled.
—Natsumi.
Subaru stopped.
Very slowly.
—How do you know that name?
—I didn't.
Link felt malicious happiness.
—Now I do.
Subaru closed his eyes.
—I'm going to die.
—First we have to save dinner.
Puck agreed to participate as soon as Subaru explained that Emilia might secretly be evaluated.
The little spirit crossed his paws.
—I don't like it.
—Neither do I —Subaru said.
—Roswaal could simply have told her.
—Then she'd prepare. He wants to see her natural reaction.
Link sat on a crate inside an abandoned dressing room.
—Or this entire thing is an excessively elaborate joke.
Subaru pointed at him.
—Your distrust of my theory is damaging morale.
—My distrust of Roswaal is why I'm still here.
Puck looked at the clothes spread out around them.
—What's the plan?
Subaru held up a black dress.
—I'm going in as a guest.
Puck slowly lowered his paws.
—A guest?
—A foreign lady.
Link picked up a brown wig.
—He has experience.
—Shut up!
—Her name is Natsumi.
—Shut up more!
Puck circled Subaru.
Evaluated his shoulders.
Waist.
Face.
—It could work.
—I do not need enthusiasm.
—Your voice won't.
Subaru lost some satisfaction.
—That was the problem.
Puck touched his throat.
—I can speak for you.
Link looked at the spirit.
—From inside the dress?
—From the scarf.
Subaru held a thin piece of cloth against his chest.
—I move my lips. Puck speaks.
—That's absurd —Link said.
—You built a photographer Charmander.
—I withdraw the criticism.
The transformation began.
Subaru handled the makeup with skill Link had not expected.
He outlined his eyes.
Corrected the shape of his eyebrows.
Darkened some areas.
Softened others.
Applied color to his lips.
Link watched from the side.
—This is concerning.
—Don't comment.
—You know more than Rem.
—Do not compare us!
—Did you teach yourself?
Subaru squeezed the sponge.
—Youthful curiosity leads to dark places.
—I need the entire story.
—You will never receive it.
The wig fell over his shoulders.
Link helped arrange it.
He had lived with enough women to know when hair looked wrong, even if he couldn't explain why.
—Farther back.
—Sure?
—Yes. It hides the line better.
Subaru looked at himself.
—Shit.
The dress concealed the shape of his torso.
The skirt changed his posture.
A pair of shoes increased his height and forced him to alter the way he walked.
Puck hid beneath the scarf.
—Try —Link said.
Subaru took one step.
Too long.
—Shorter.
Another.
—Don't lift your knees so much.
Subaru corrected himself.
Turned.
The skirt followed the motion.
Link remained silent.
—What? —Subaru asked in his normal voice.
—You're making me question too many things.
—Don't say that!
Puck spoke from beneath the scarf in a soft, androgynous voice.
—Is there some problem?
Link's eyes widened.
Natsumi tilted her head.
Subaru's lips followed the voice.
—I am Natsumi Schwarz.
Link stood.
Walked around him.
The result was too good.
Not perfect.
But confidence erased many flaws.
—Bastard.
Natsumi smiled.
—What do you think?
—You look better than several women I've met.
The door opened.
Rem appeared.
Link froze.
So did Natsumi.
Puck stopped breathing inside the scarf.
Rem examined the room.
The clothes.
The makeup.
Link.
Then Natsumi.
She needed less than a second.
—Subaru.
Natsumi's expression died.
—How?
Rem touched her nose.
—The smell.
Subaru lowered his shoulders.
—All that effort defeated by miasma.
Link approached Rem.
—It's for Emilia.
—Rem assumed so.
—You won't tell Ram?
She looked at Natsumi.
—Nee-sama will recognize him.
—But not beforehand.
Rem examined the dress.
—The waist is too loose.
Subaru stepped back.
—I don't need more help.
Rem approached.
Adjusted a side ribbon.
The dress gained shape.
—Now.
Link watched.
—You know too much too.
—Rem dresses nee-sama and herself every day.
—Solid point.
Rem took Link's arm.
—Why was he looking at her that way?
—Technical evaluation.
—Rem did not ask what way.
—That makes it worse.
Natsumi delicately covered her mouth.
Puck spoke.
—Such a young couple, and already trust problems.
Link pointed at Subaru's chest.
—Stay out of it.
Rem rested her head against his arm.
—Rem trusts him.
—Thank you.
—But she will keep watching.
—Fair.
Natsumi spun on her heels.
The skirt opened.
—How about now?
Rem evaluated him.
—Beautiful.
Subaru froze.
—I was not prepared for real praise.
—Your walk is still bad.
—There it is.
Link smiled.
—Natsumi is ready.
Subaru looked at him.
—When this is over, you will deny ever seeing me.
—I'll remember it at your funeral.
The visitor arrived during the afternoon of the following day.
The actual dinner would be served before Puck's usual manifestation period ended. The spirit had reduced the amount of time he spent manifested during the rest of the day so he could preserve enough energy to remain hidden with Subaru.
Link completed his tasks early.
Bathed.
Dressed in the most formal clothes he possessed in Lugunica.
They were not especially elegant.
Dark shirt.
Clean pants.
Boots.
A borrowed jacket adjusted by Petra so his kagunes could emerge without destroying the entire back.
Rem went to the kitchen.
Before separating, she met him in the hallway.
Her uniform was immaculate.
The blue ribbon from their first date remained hidden inside her apron pocket. She could not wear it during formal service, but she had decided to keep it with her.
Link adjusted a strand of hair beside her face.
—The womanizing cook arrives today.
—Yes.
—He might stare too much.
—That is what nee-sama said.
—I don't like that.
Rem placed one hand on his chest.
—Rem is working.
—I know.
—And she has a partner.
—That too.
—A strong, jealous partner who breaks furniture while trying to pretend he isn't.
Link looked at the repaired molding.
—That was an accident.
—Then there is no problem.
She stood on her toes.
Kissed his cheek.
—Trust Rem.
Link touched her waist.
—I do.
—Good.
—I don't trust him.
—Rem can hit him herself.
—That was romantic.
She stepped away.
—You will be late receiving the guest.
Link watched the movement of her skirt.
Rem turned her head.
Caught him looking.
She moved her hips a little more during the final few steps.
Only enough.
Link stopped worrying about the cook.
For approximately ten seconds.
The man who arrived with Roswaal was enormous.
Wide.
Tall.
With a prominent belly, sparse gray hair, and an expression that alternated between superiority and unpleasantly moist enthusiasm.
Two smaller figures accompanied him beneath cloaks.
One carried instruments.
The other ingredients.
—It is an honor —the man said—. A great honor, I say.
Roswaal opened his arms.
—Welcome to my humble residence.
Ram and Rem bowed their heads.
Link remained near the entrance, neither kneeling nor pretending to possess courtesy he didn't have.
The visitor's eyes passed over Ram.
Then Rem.
They stopped.
Lowered.
Link moved before he thought.
A red line appeared in his left eye.
Not the entire kakugan.
Only an edge.
The spiritual flame floating behind him grew larger.
Ram saw it too.
—Rem —Link said.
She did not need to turn.
—Yes.
—I'm thinking violent thoughts.
—Rem knows.
The visitor kept staring.
Ram smiled.
It was an empty smile.
—Roswaal-sama.
—Yes, Ram?
—Would you like Ram to guide the guest?
Roswaal examined her eyes.
—Rem will.
Ram maintained the smile.
—Naturally.
Rem stepped forward.
—Allow me to show you the kitchen.
The man nodded.
—Gladly, I say. Very gladly.
Link took one step.
Rem extended a hand behind herself.
Without looking.
Her fingers found his.
Only for a second.
Pressure.
Trust me.
Link stopped.
The visitor followed Rem.
One of the cloaked figures discreetly struck the man's back every time his gaze attempted to wander.
The other bowed toward Link as an apology.
When they disappeared, Ram spoke.
—Ram wishes to remove his eyes.
—I can do it without blood —Link replied.
—Ram already considered wind.
—Thin kagune.
—Too visible.
—Spoon accident.
Ram thought.
—Acceptable.
Roswaal looked at both of them.
—Neither of you will touch the guest.
—We weren't planning to —they answered together.
Link and Ram looked at each other.
Subaru had been right.
That was unsettling.
Natsumi Schwarz appeared once everyone was seated.
The food had not yet arrived.
Roswaal occupied the head of the table.
Emilia sat on one side.
Beatrice near her.
Ram and Rem had sat after completing the initial service. Link occupied the seat beside Rem, invited as a taster familiar with foreign flavors.
Subaru's seat did not exist.
The large man everyone believed to be Dias stood near the door.
—May I join you?
The soft voice captured the room.
A woman dressed in black appeared.
Long brown hair.
Colored lips.
Outlined eyes.
Elegant steps.
Scarf around her chest.
—I am Natsumi Schwarz.
Emilia's eyes widened.
—Oh.
Beatrice closed hers.
Ram brought one hand to her mouth.
Rem lowered her gaze.
Link pressed his lips together.
He could not laugh.
Natsumi performed a perfect bow.
Roswaal began trembling.
—Natsumi-sama. Of course. One additional guest will do no harm.
—I appreciate your generosity.
Puck spoke from within the scarf.
Subaru moved his lips precisely.
Emilia watched Natsumi with admiration.
—You're beautiful.
Link produced a strangled sound.
Rem rested a hand on his thigh beneath the table.
—Do not laugh.
—I'm trying.
—You're staring too much.
—Technical evaluation.
—Again.
Natsumi walked toward the empty seat beside Emilia.
As she passed Link, she turned her face slightly.
The smile was charming.
The eyes said:
Don't say anything.
Link tilted his head.
His eyes answered:
I will never forget this.
Ram lost the battle for one second.
A small sound escaped behind her hand.
Beatrice looked at her.
—Big Sister.
—Yes?
—Control.
—Ram is trying.
Rem watched Natsumi with almost maternal serenity.
Subaru noticed the expression.
He couldn't tell whether it was support or pity.
Probably both.
The supposed Dias returned to the kitchen.
Natsumi sat.
Emilia leaned closer.
—Do you know Roswaal?
—Only by reputation.
—Your voice sounds familiar.
Natsumi's back stiffened.
Puck spoke.
—Perhaps we have met on another occasion.
—I don't think so.
Emilia tilted her head.
—You also sit like Subaru.
Link dug his nails into his own leg.
He could not laugh.
Rem stroked his thigh.
That did not help.
Natsumi placed her hands elegantly.
—It must be a coincidence.
—Maybe.
Emilia accepted the answer.
Subaru regained some confidence.
—Are you ready for dinner?
—Yes. Although I am not very familiar with formal manners.
—Do not worry. Just watch.
Natsumi smiled.
The operation had begun.
The first course arrived beneath a silver cloche.
When the supposed chef removed the covers, the aroma filled the entire room.
White fish.
Golden exterior.
Yellow and green sauce.
Herbs Link did not recognize.
An acidic undertone.
Butter, or something similar.
Emilia opened her mouth.
Beatrice lowered the book she had attempted to keep beside the table.
Ram stopped pretending indifference.
Rem breathed deeply.
Link felt his stomach react before his mind did.
The man announced the dish's name.
It was far too long.
Subaru did not listen.
Natsumi picked up the fork and knife.
The plan was simple.
Show Emilia how to maintain her composure.
How to cut.
How to taste.
How to praise.
Puck would guide the voice.
Subaru the body.
Natsumi held the fish.
Cut it.
A portion separated with perfect ease.
The sauce coated its edge.
The fork rose.
Emilia imitated her.
Link watched Rem.
She used the utensils precisely.
Did not look at the visitor.
Did not seem impressed by his presence.
Only by the food.
The jealous tension disappeared.
Rem noticed him watching.
—The food —she whispered.
Link returned to his plate.
—You're more interesting.
—Eat before it gets cold.
—Yes.
He tasted it.
The flavor struck.
Not like an explosion.
That would have been simpler.
It was an accumulation.
First the texture.
Then the fat.
The acidity appeared behind it.
The herbs altered the fish without concealing it.
The heat remained in the center.
Link closed his eyes.
He had eaten dishes packed with seasoning.
Street food.
Celebrations.
Pots prepared for too many people.
Meat cooked for hours.
Rice, potatoes, sauces, soups.
This was different.
Every element seemed placed exactly where it needed to be.
He opened his eyes.
Rem was watching him.
—What do you think?
—It's incredible.
The word was not enough.
Rem smiled.
—Yes.
Link took another portion.
Across the table, Natsumi had reached the same point.
The bite entered.
Subaru lost the battle.
His eyes opened.
His body trembled.
Puck whispered something from the scarf.
It didn't help.
Natsumi put down the fork.
Stood.
Walked toward the supposed chef.
Her heels struck the floor.
She knelt.
—I completely underestimated you.
The voice came out masculine.
Natural.
Subaru.
Puck covered his face inside the scarf.
Emilia blinked.
—Subaru?
Natsumi lowered her forehead to the floor.
—I thought I could eat elegantly! I couldn't! This is too good! Delicious food should be eaten while saying it's delicious! Trying to keep a serious face in front of this is disrespectful!
The supposed chef remained motionless.
Subaru continued praising.
Texture.
Aroma.
Sauce.
Fish.
The cruelty of serving something like this and expecting dignity.
The impossibility of not wanting another serving.
Link lowered his fork.
—The operation lasted less than one course.
Rem looked at Natsumi.
—Subaru did his best.
—His best is fast.
Laughter came from the doorway.
Not from the man.
From one of the small cloaked figures.
The assistant removed her cloak.
A girl appeared.
Or someone with a childlike appearance.
Golden hair.
Proud face.
Ears barely visible beneath her hair.
—Excellent!
The large man stepped aside.
The small figure walked forward.
—I did not expect someone to face my cooking with such an absurd strategy.
Subaru raised his head.
—Your cooking?
The man bowed.
—My master is Dias Lepunzo Elemanso Oplane Fatsbalm VI, I say.
Silence.
The small figure placed both hands on her hips.
—I am Dias.
Link looked at Roswaal.
—Of course.
The margrave smiled.
—You knew? —Emilia asked.
—Yes.
—And you didn't tell us?
—It would have ruined the experience.
Ram closed her eye.
—Roswaal-sama is correct.
Link looked at her.
—No.
—The gardener is still breathing. Therefore, the experience was not so bad.
Dias helped Subaru stand.
She looked him up and down.
—The disguise is magnificent.
Natsumi recovered some posture.
—Thank you.
—The surrender was even better.
Subaru wanted to disappear.
Ram tilted her head.
—Natsumi-sama was charming.
—Don't start.
Beatrice added:
—An inevitably vulgar lady, I suppose.
—Not you too!
Rem smiled.
—Subaru looks very pretty.
—That is too sincere!
Link placed one hand on the table.
—Natsumi, never doubt yourself.
Subaru pointed at him.
—You die first.
Emilia approached.
Touched his cheek.
—Now that you mention it, your voice really does sound a lot like Subaru's.
The entire room froze.
—Who are you?
Subaru closed his eyes.
Final defeat arrived without violence.
Link began laughing.
Ram followed.
Roswaal no longer attempted to hide it.
Even Rem covered her mouth.
Natsumi Schwarz stood before Emilia, completely defeated by the only person she had successfully fooled.
Dinner continued.
Without a secret examination.
Without any curse hanging over Emilia's future.
Without rules capable of destroying a candidacy.
The rumors had been deliberately encouraged by Dias because she enjoyed watching how people reacted to them.
The supposed chef was Rodriguez, her disciple.
—So you don't ruin careers —Subaru said, still dressed as Natsumi.
Dias took her seat.
—No.
—You don't decapitate people?
—No.
—You don't cook people?
—Only if the recipe deserves it.
Subaru turned pale.
Dias burst out laughing.
—Joke.
—Everyone is learning Rem's bad habits.
She looked up.
—Rem only makes harmless jokes.
Link touched the mace resting near her chair.
—Different definitions.
The second course arrived.
Rodriguez avoided looking at Rem.
Not because he had corrected his personality.
Because Link had allowed half a kagune to emerge behind his chair.
It wasn't attacking.
It merely existed.
Rem noticed.
She squeezed his knee beneath the table.
Link retracted the appendage.
—Trust —she murmured.
—Prevention.
—Link.
—I already put it away.
Dias watched the interaction.
—Are you two together?
Rem answered before he could.
—Yes.
—Interesting.
Dias looked at their foreheads.
—Two oni.
—That's what we think —Link said.
The cook's gaze became more attentive.
—You have two horns.
—Yes.
—She has one.
Rem lowered her gaze slightly.
Link took her hand above the table.
Not beneath it.
Visible.
—Mine are at her disposal.
Dias watched their intertwined fingers.
She asked nothing more.
—Then I need the foreign cook's opinion.
—I'm a gardener.
—You made ice cream, an egg sauce, and a fire-breathing lizard.
—Charmander is not food.
—Yet.
Link moved his chair forward.
—If you try eating him, he'll respond.
Charmander wasn't at the table.
Even so, the warning sounded serious.
Dias laughed.
—The food. Speak.
Link looked at the plate.
He did not possess enough culinary vocabulary to describe every technique.
Nor did he know the names of all the ingredients.
—It's too perfect.
Dias raised an eyebrow.
—That sounds like cowardly criticism.
—No.
Link thought.
—Rem's food doesn't taste like this.
She tensed.
—Neither does mine. Or my family's.
Dias waited.
—Yours makes me want to focus on the plate. Look at every part. Understand it. Rem's makes me want to come back tomorrow.
The atmosphere around the table changed.
Rem turned toward him.
Link continued.
—I'm not saying one is better. They're different things. This food captures the moment. Hers builds days.
Dias smiled.
Not mockingly.
—A good answer.
Rem squeezed his hand.
The blush reached her cheeks.
Ram drank water.
—The gardener turns every conversation into courtship.
—I'm giving my opinion.
—About his partner.
—She cooks.
—And coincidentally sits beside you.
Link looked at Rem.
—Fortunately.
She raised their joined hands to her lips.
Kissed his knuckles.
Link forgot the rest of the plate for several seconds.
Dias struck the table.
—Excellent! A dinner needs good flavor and people ridiculous enough to enjoy it.
Roswaal raised his glass.
—I possess plenty of that.
—Don't take credit for our efforts —Subaru said.
Puck poked his head out of the scarf.
—I want to eat too.
Dias's eyes widened.
—A Great Spirit!
Puck came out.
Emilia received him.
—Were you inside the dress this whole time?
—Support work.
—Why didn't you tell me anything?
—It was a secret mission.
Emilia held him in front of her face.
—We'll talk later.
Puck's ears lowered.
Link smiled.
—Everyone gets punished.
Subaru looked at him.
—Yours ended this morning.
—I still have the bump.
Rem gently touched the top of his head.
—It is almost gone.
—Thanks to your medicine.
—Rem only kissed it.
The table became silent.
It took Link a moment to realize everyone had heard.
Ram rested her face against one hand.
—The demographic recovery continues progressing.
Rem turned red.
Subaru raised his glass.
—To the oni population!
Link threw a napkin at him.
Dias departed before the afternoon ended.
She had prepared enough dishes that everyone remained sitting after eating, incapable of considering physical activity.
Subaru was still wearing the dress.
Taking it off required energy.
He possessed none.
Emilia continued staring at him.
—It really does suit you.
—Please stop saying that.
—Could I borrow it?
Subaru lifted his head.
—The dress?
—Yes.
—Sure.
—And help me with makeup?
Subaru collapsed onto the table again.
Link laughed.
—Natsumi found employment.
Beatrice touched the wig.
—The quality is acceptable.
—Stop inspecting me.
Ram adjusted part of the sleeve.
—Barusu has better posture like this.
—Everyone get away from me!
Rem approached Link.
He was reclining in his chair, completely satisfied.
—Did you enjoy dinner?
—Very much.
—More than Rem's food?
Link opened one eye.
—Don't set that trap again.
—Rem only asked.
—Your food.
Rem smiled.
—You answered quickly.
—I learn.
She leaned forward.
Rested her chest against his shoulder while picking up a plate she could easily have reached from the other side.
Link stopped breathing.
—Rem.
—Yes?
—That plate wasn't in your way.
—Now it is no longer on the table.
She moved away.
The motion of her skirt was slightly more pronounced.
Link followed her with his eyes.
Ram snapped her fingers.
—The gardener has once again lost the ability to blink.
—I'm full.
—That affects the stomach.
—My body operates as a unit.
Ram picked up another plate.
—Rem is discovering that controlling you is simple.
—She does not control me.
Rem appeared in the kitchen doorway.
—Link, could you help Rem?
He stood immediately.
Ram watched him.
—Naturally.
Link gathered several plates.
—I'm a cooperative partner.
—You're a trained animal.
—That also works.
Roswaal accompanied Dias and Rodriguez to the entrance.
The real cook was wearing her cloak again.
Her golden hair was hidden.
Her ears too.
—I will not accept payment —she said—. The lady's reaction was enough.
A shout came from the dining room.
—DON'T CALL ME A LADY!
Dias laughed.
—Magnificent.
—Subaru-kun possesses unexpected talents.
—And the other boy.
—Link.
—A two-horned oni with four strange appendages, five spirits, and decent taste.
Roswaal smiled.
—Also unexpected.
Dias looked toward a window.
Emilia was helping Puck clean sauce from his fur.
—You wanted me to see her.
Roswaal did not pretend ignorance.
—There is much discrimination against people who share part of your blood.
Dias pulled the hood aside slightly.
The tip of an ear appeared.
—I am an elf. She is a half-elf.
—An important distinction for some.
—Not for those ignorant enough.
—Precisely.
Dias covered herself again.
—I will not promote her candidacy.
—I didn't ask.
—You thought about it.
Roswaal smiled more broadly.
—Perhaps.
Dias pointed toward the manor.
—Don't let go of that girl.
Then she pointed toward another window.
Natsumi Schwarz was trying to remove one shoe while Ram corrected her posture.
—Nor the boy in the dress.
Finally, a small flare appeared behind another pane of glass. Link was arguing with one of his spirits while Rem carried the plates.
—Nor the oni cook.
—Is that a request?
—An investment in the next dinner.
Dias turned around.
Rodriguez bowed.
Both walked away.
Roswaal remained at the entrance.
He had obtained a connection.
Allowed Dias to observe Emilia.
Received a favorable opinion without directly requesting it.
Everything had worked.
With several deviations.
The image of Subaru appeared in his mind.
Black dress.
Wig.
Heels.
Perfect bow.
Then the young man kneeling down, confessing defeat in a masculine voice.
Roswaal covered his mouth.
His shoulders began to shake.
—Natsumi Schwarz...
The laughter escaped.
Not elegant.
Not controlled.
Completely sincere.
Link helped Rem in the kitchen.
Not because it was necessary.
Because she had asked.
And because everyone else in the manor was busy destroying Subaru's dignity.
He washed dishes.
Rem dried them.
The routine resembled the afternoon they had made mayonnaise.
This time there was no nostalgia.
Only an excessive amount of food inside his body and a pleasant exhaustion.
—Rem learned several things —she said.
—From Dias?
—Yes.
—Will your cooking change?
—A little.
—Not too much.
She looked up.
—Are you afraid you will stop recognizing it?
—No.
Link rinsed the plate.
—But I like what you make.
Rem took it.
—Dias-sama cooks better.
—Don't start again.
—It is true.
—You're better than me at many things too.
—Cooking?
—Some foods.
Rem waited.
Link smiled.
—But I don't love you because you're the best cook available.
Her hand stopped.
—I love you because you're Rem.
The plate remained between them.
—If you burn breakfast tomorrow, I'll still love you.
—Rem will not burn breakfast.
—It was a romantic hypothetical.
—An unrealistic one.
—If Ram burns it.
—Nee-sama does not burn sweet potatoes.
—It doesn't matter.
Link set down the next plate.
—You don't have to win every comparison to keep your place.
Rem lowered her gaze.
—Rem knows.
—Good.
—But Rem wants Link to enjoy her food.
—Always.
She placed the plate onto the stack.
Then approached him.
Her arms wrapped around his waist.
Link looked down.
—Do you need something?
—Yes.
—What?
Rem rested her cheek against his chest.
—To hear again that you will come back tomorrow.
Link closed his arms around her.
—I'll come back tomorrow.
—And after that?
—That too.
—And when you go out to train?
—I'll come back to eat.
—When you accompany Subaru?
—I'll come back to complain about him.
—When you use Explosion?
Link hesitated.
Rem lifted her face.
—I'll come back after using it with supervision.
—Better.
Link lowered his head.
—Can I kiss you?
—We're in the kitchen.
—That didn't stop you before.
—Subaru is nearby.
A desperate voice came from the dining room.
—RAM, DON'T TOUCH THE WIG!
Rem smiled.
—He's occupied.
Link kissed her.
Slowly.
Without hiding.
The taste of dinner still lingered faintly on their lips.
Dias had prepared a meal capable of capturing body, heart, and soul.
But this did not feel like being captured.
It felt like returning.
When they separated, Rem kept her hands around his waist.
—Link.
—Yes?
—Natsumi-sama was very beautiful.
He closed his eyes.
—No.
—Link looked at her a lot.
—It was Subaru.
—Rem knows.
—Then this accusation is impossible.
—You also said she looked better than several women.
Link opened his eyes.
—You heard that?
—Rem entered while you were talking.
—It was a technical evaluation.
—Again.
Rem stepped away.
Link kept one hand around her waist.
—You are more beautiful.
—You answered too quickly.
—Because it's true.
—Even with the black dress?
—Rem.
She hid a smile.
—Rem only wanted to hear it.
—That was manipulation.
—Link offered Rem both his horns. Rem must ensure they remain oriented correctly.
—They don't work that way.
—Then you can prove it another way.
She stood on her toes.
Link obeyed.
The second kiss lasted longer.
A small light appeared near them.
Luci floated in the doorway.
Behind her was Charmander, still covered in dirt stains and dragging one leg.
The automaton raised its thumb.
Link pulled away.
—Who let him in?
Charmander took one step.
The damaged leg gave out.
It fell face-first.
Rem covered her mouth.
Link picked it up.
—First a bath. Then repairs.
The statue raised its thumb from his arms.
—Stop agreeing to everything without understanding.
Rem touched the stone head.
—Charmander needs to learn too.
—His primary teacher is me.
—That is why Rem is worried.
Link held the automaton with one arm.
With the other, he pulled Rem closer.
—Then you'll have to supervise us.
—Both of you?
—Yes.
Charmander turned its head toward her.
Its eyes glowed.
Rem stared at it.
—No photographs.
The thumb slowly lowered.
Link began laughing.
—He understood.
—More than Link understood last night.
—That was unnecessary.
Rem took his hand.
They left the kitchen together.
Inside the dining room, Subaru remained trapped within Natsumi Schwarz.
Emilia wanted to learn makeup.
Ram insisted on teaching him how to walk.
Beatrice had taken one shoe and refused to return it.
Puck, having exhausted his reserve, could no longer provide the voice.
Every time Subaru protested, an elegant lady spoke like an angry young man.
Roswaal returned in time to watch again.
The laughter began once more.
Link raised Charmander.
—Watch and learn. That is the consequence of creating something too perfect.
Subaru pointed at him.
—YOU HELPED!
Rem looked at Link.
—You helped?
—Minor details.
Ram smiled.
—Then the gardener also deserves to participate.
Link stepped backward.
—No.
Emilia raised her head.
—Another dress might suit you.
—No.
Beatrice examined his body.
—More difficult, but possible, I suppose.
—No.
Roswaal opened his arms.
—It would be an unforgettable evening.
—NO!
Rem squeezed his hand.
Link turned toward her.
His partner was smiling.
Too much.
—Rem.
—Link said he wished to share experiences.
—Not this one.
—Natsumi-sama may need a friend.
Subaru raised both arms.
—YES!
Link pulled Charmander against his chest.
—Retreat plan.
The statue raised its thumb.
A kagune appeared.
It hooked itself around the upper frame.
Link shot down the hallway.
—CATCH HIM! —Subaru shouted in a masculine voice while wearing a black dress.
Ram used wind.
Emilia laughed as she followed them.
Beatrice opened a door in front of Link.
Roswaal blocked the opposite route.
Rem walked behind everyone.
She did not run.
She didn't need to.
Link could escape chains made for dragons.
He could cross walls, jump over rooftops, and extend four kagunes.
But eventually, he would have to come back to sleep.
And Rem knew exactly where to find him.