The snow fell slowly on the grounds of the mansion. The cold was still intense, but now there was something different in the air: excitement.
Several people from the village had been called to help. Children ran through the snow, adults chatted curiously, and everyone looked towards the front of the mansion, where a small "improvised assembly" was taking place.
At the front of everyone was Yuji Itadori.
He climbed onto a small wooden box to be taller than the crowd. He crossed his arms and tried to look important.
Next to him were:
Emilia
Rem
Ram (still wrapped in a blanket)
Remi
Roswaal L Mathers
and floating above them all… Puck.
Yuji raised his hand.
"Attention!"
The children immediately became excited.
"It's Yuji!!"
"The hero of the forest!"
"He killed the majus!"
Yuji scratched his head, somewhat awkwardly.
"Okay, okay…" He pointed to all the snow piled up on the ground. "As you can see… it's snowing a lot."
Some children raised their hands.
"Yes!!"
"It's very cold!"
Yuji continued.
"So I had an idea."
He dramatically opened his arms.
"I officially declare the first snowman building championship of the Roswaal mansion!"
For a second…
Silence.
Then the children exploded.
"EEEEEEEEH!!"
"Snowmen!!"
"We're going to win!!"
Remi raised her arms.
"SNOW FESTIVAL!!!"
Emilia laughed, happy to see everyone excited.
Rem also seemed pleased. "This will certainly lift everyone's spirits."
Ram murmured from under the blanket: "Ram prefers to raise the temperature."
Puck was floating in the air, observing the scene with a smile. "Hmm… this sounds fun."
Roswaal crossed his arms. "Fufufu… turning a magical problem into a social event."
He looked at Yuji curiously.
"Interesting."
Yuji continued the announcement:
"The rules are simple!" He raised a finger. "Each team will build the best snowman they can."
Another finger.
"No magic allowed!"
He pointed to the mansion. "Whoever makes the best snowman wins special food from the mansion's kitchen!"
The children became even more excited.
"FOOD!!"
"I'M GOING TO WIN!!"
Remi was already pulling a child by the arm.
"Come on, let's make the biggest snowman ever!"
But even she continued watching.
Emilia approached Yuji and whispered: "You really changed the mood."
Yuji smiled slightly. "If the snow's already here..."
He looked at the people starting to play. "Then we'd better take advantage of it."
Puck looked at the whole scene. People laughing. Children running around. Snowmen starting to appear in the garden.
He murmured:
"Maybe spending a little more mana... isn't so bad."
The snow continued to fall.
But now... it seemed like part of a party.
The front of the mansion had transformed into a veritable activity field. Children rolled giant snowballs, villagers laughed while trying to balance hats on snowmen, and some even used small spells to mold the ice.
In the midst of all that movement, Yuji Itadori stood observing.
Beside him, Rem also watched silently. Her hands were clasped in front of her body, as if she were still deciding something.
Yuji tilted his head slightly.
"Rem."
She turned her gaze to him. "Yes, Yuji-kun?"
He pointed to the field full of snowmen beginning to appear. "Aren't you going to participate too?"
Rem hesitated for a moment. "Rem… isn't sure if she should."
Yuji looked at her curiously. "Why?"
Rem lowered her gaze slightly. "Rem thinks it would be better to help if someone needed it…"
Yuji thought for a few seconds.
Then he spoke naturally: "Then make one with Ram."
Rem blinked in surprise. "With… Ram-neesan?"
Yuji nodded. "Yes! You two together."
He crossed his arms. "I bet it would look better than any of them here."
Rem was silent for a moment.
Then… a small smile appeared on her face. "Rem would like that."
She gave a small bow.
"Thank you, Yuji-kun."
Rem started to walk away… but stopped after a few steps.
She looked back at him.
Yuji noticed. "Hm?"
Rem seemed thoughtful.
"Yuji-kun…" She spoke carefully. "Rem doesn't know the details."
Yuji continued listening.
"But…" She squeezed her hands slightly. "Does Yuji-kun miss his brother?"
The slight smile Yuji had disappeared.
For a moment, the sound of the children playing seemed distant.
He remained silent.
The question had been simple… but heavy. He wasn't ready to talk about it yet.
So Yuji just took a deep breath. And nodded.
Rem observed the answer in silence. She didn't ask anything else. She just gave another small bow.
"I understand…"
Then she turned and started walking towards her sister, leaving Yuji there watching the snow festival continue.
While the front of the mansion remained filled with laughter, snowmen, and children running around, Yuji Itadori began to look around.
He crossed his arms.
"Wait…"
He counted in his mind.
Emilia was helping some children. Rem and Ram were starting a snowman together. Remi was commanding a group as if she were a war general.
But someone was missing.
"The brat…" Yuji sighed. "Of course."
Shortly afterwards, he walked through the silent corridors of the mansion until he reached the library door.
He opened it slowly.
The room was exactly as it always was.
Endless books, tall shelves... and sitting in her chair, calmly reading, was Beatrice.
Yuji smiled slightly.
He entered very slowly, trying not to make any noise.
Until he was right behind her. Then he said casually:
"What are you reading?"
"KYAA!"
Beatrice literally jumped up in her chair.
She turned quickly, hugging the book to her chest.
"YOU IDIOT! DON'T COME UP FROM BEHIND PEOPLE LIKE THAT, I ASSUME!"
Yuji raised his hands. "Calm down! It was just a question."
Beatrice narrowed her eyes at him. "What do you want?"
Yuji pointed to the book. "I was just curious."
"What are you reading?"
Beatrice hesitated for a second… then turned the book so he could see the cover.
"An ancient legend."
Yuji looked.
The title of the book said:
"The Legend of Ryoumen Sukuna"
For a moment…Yuji froze. His eyes remained fixed on the book.
The name. That name. His stomach tightened slightly.
Beatrice noticed the reaction. "Hm? Do you know this story?"
Yuji blinked a few times.
Then he forced a normal smile.
"No." He looked away. "I just thought the name was weird."
Beatrice opened the book again. "It's an interesting legend."
She started flipping through some pages. "It speaks of an ancient demon… a king of curses."
Yuji was silent.
"They say he had enough power to destroy countries."
She continued reading.
"Some ancient texts say he had two faces and four arms."
Yuji looked away at the bookshelves. He definitely wasn't going to talk about it.vBeatrice then looked at him again.
"So? What are you doing here?"
Yuji pointed with his thumb outside the library. "There's a snow festival outside."
Beatrice crossed her arms. "Hmph... Childish."
Yuji shrugged. "There are snowmen."
...
Beatrice continued reading. "I don't care, I suppose."
Yuji walked towards the door. "There's also a competition going on."
Beatrice turned a page. "Um."
Yuji opened the door. "And special food for whoever wins."
The page stopped turning.
...
Yuji smiled without looking back.
"If you change your mind… We still need an ice sculptor."
He left the library.
Beatrice stared at the book for a few seconds.
Then he murmured softly:
"…idiot. But still…"
She bookmarked the page. Yuji Itadori left the library and closed the door behind him.
The hallway was silent.
He slowly walked back towards the mansion's exit, hands in his pockets. The name he had seen in the book still echoed in his head.
Ryomen Sukuna.
He didn't expect to find it there. Yuji sighed. "What an unfortunate coincidence…" He opened the door of the mansion and stepped out into the courtyard.
The children were still running through the snow. Dolls began to appear throughout the garden.
But Yuji was still a little distant.
Until…
A pile of snow fell straight on his head.
"GH!"
Yuji was completely covered in snow.
He slowly raised his face. "Who was the criminal…?"
Above him, floating in the air with a mischievous smile, was Puck. He was holding another snowball. "You looked very serious."
He threw another small snowball at Yuji. "Snow festival doesn't suit that face."
Yuji wiped his face, still a bit unresponsive... then ended up letting out a small laugh.
"You are worse than the children."
Puck crossed his arms in the air. "I'm helping. The creator of the festival can't be depressed."
Yuji took a deep breath. The cold on my face and the snow on my head kind of broke the heavy atmosphere.
"Okay… okay."
He picked up some snow from the ground. "So this turned into war?"
Puck's eyes widened.
"Oh?"
Yuji threw the snowball. It hit the spirit straight in the face. Puck was silent for a few seconds. Then he started laughing. "That was an attack against a superior spirit!"
Meanwhile, the library door opened.
Beatrice came out with her dress swaying slightly. She looked at the snow-filled yard… then at the children… then at the mess of Yuji and Puck.
"Hmph."
She walked towards Emilia, who was kneeling in the snow molding something.
Emilia seemed focused.
"Oh!"
She looked up when she saw Beatrice.
"Beatrice!"
On the floor was a snowman... small... round... Clearly trying to look like Puck himself.
Beatrice looked at the sculpture. "That looks more like a deformed cat, I suppose."
Emilia pouted.
"Hey!"
She kicked up some snow. "I'm trying!"
Beatrice sighed.
"Leave it to me."
She raised her hand… and began to shape the snow with absurd precision.
Emilia's eyes widened.
"Wow!"
The snowman began to take perfect shape. The ears. The body. The little scarf. It was practically a snow Puck.
Emilia laughed happily. "Beatrice-sama, you're amazing!"
Beatrice crossed her arms. "Obviously, I suppose."
Emilia then pointed at her. "But no magic allowed!"
Beatrice froze. "...what?"
Emilia put her hands on her hips. "It's a festival rule!"
Beatrice looked at the perfect snowman.
Then at Emilia. "You're saying I did this... without magic?"
Emilia nodded happily.
"That's it!"
Beatrice was silent for a few seconds.
Then she turned her face away.
"Hmph. Of course I did it. But... even so..."
She stood there helping Emilia finish the snow Puck.
The snow continued to fall gently as the mansion's garden transformed into a small exhibition of sculptures and snowmen.
Yuji Itadori walked through the field with his hands in his pockets, observing the creations of the children and villagers.
Beside him, floating lazily in the air, was Puck.
They passed a huge snowman with three heads.
Puck tilted his head. "That looks like a monster."
Yuji looked. "Or a snowman that went very wrong."
Some nearby children protested.
"Hey!"
"It's a dragon!"
Yuji raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. Snow dragon."
They continued walking.
Soon they passed a very detailed ice sculpture made by some adults from the village.
Puck looked curiously at everything.
"So…" He turned his face to Yuji. "How does the scoring system for this festival work?"
Yuji thought for a second.
"Quite simple." He began counting on his fingers. "First judge: me."
Puck laughed.
"Very impartial."
Yuji ignored the comment. "Second judge: Roswaal L Mathers."
Puck grimaced.
"That's even more suspicious."
Yuji shrugged.
"He owns the mansion."
Then Yuji lowered his voice slightly, as if revealing a secret.
"And the third judge…"
Puck approached curiously.
Yuji whispered: "Secretly… the owner of the village."
Puck blinked. "The village chief?"
Yuji nodded. "Yes. But nobody knows yet."
Puck crossed his arms in the air. "A secret judge." He smiled. "Interesting."
They continued walking.
Puck looked at the sculptures again. "So you really put a lot of thought into this."
Yuji shrugged. "Actually, I just invented it now."
Puck was silent for a few seconds.
Then he started laughing. "You're very honest for someone organizing a festival."
Yuji pointed to a snowman that looked like it had enormous muscles. "Look at this one."
Puck turned his face away.
"Oh?"
The snowman had giant arms made of compacted snow.
Yuji crossed his arms.
"This one's trying to win at snow bodybuilding."
Puck laughed again.
As they walked, the magical energy he released continued to be used in the games, sculptures, and small bursts of snow he created for the children.
Without realizing it…
His mana was being slowly depleted.
Exactly as Yuji had planned.
As Yuji Itadori and Puck walked among the sculptures, mentally evaluating each creation, a small figure ran towards them.
"Yuji-sama! Yuji-sama!"
It was Petra Leyte, breathless and clearly excited.
Yuji crouched down a little to be at her height. "Petra-chan?"
She tugged at his sleeve. "Come see! I made a bunny!"
Yuji and Puck followed her for a few meters to a corner of the garden where there was a small snow sculpture.
It was… a very cute little snow bunny, small, round, with two long ears and two pebbles for eyes.
Yuji's eyes widened.
"Wow."
He put his hand to his chin, analyzing it like a true judge. "This is very cute."
Petra smiled broadly. "Really?!"
Puck floated closer. "Hm… it's really cute."
Yuji walked around the bunny, still observing it.
Then he bent down a little and said softly, "But… if you want to make it even better…"
Petra leaned forward curiously. "How?"
Yuji picked up a small twig from the ground. "If you do this here…"
He positioned the twig as if it were a small nose.
Then he pointed to the snow behind. "And make a small snowball for the tail."
Petra quickly made the snowball and placed it behind the bunny.
Now the bunny looked even more complete. Her eyes widened. "It looks so much better!"
Yuji put his finger to his lips.
"Shhh."
Petra blinked.
Yuji whispered, "That's a secret."
She tilted her head. "A secret?"
Yuji looked around dramatically. "If anyone finds out I helped…"
He pointed to himself.
"I could be disqualified as a judge."
Petra brought both hands to her mouth. "Huh?!"
Puck was clearly holding back laughter.
Petra then made a serious gesture with her head. "I promise!"
She put her hands behind her back as if guarding a secret. "I won't tell anyone!"
Yuji smiled.
"Good."
Petra looked at the snow bunny again with pride. "Now he'll win!"
Yuji stood up. "He has a good chance."
Puck commented quietly to Yuji:
"A judge who helps competitors…"
Yuji shrugged. "I couldn't resist."
Petra was still happily gazing at her improved snow bunny, completely convinced that she now had a masterpiece in her hands.
The snow continued to fall slowly as the sculptures appeared in the mansion's garden.
Yuji Itadori was still walking with Puck when a familiar voice called out:
"Yuji-kun!"
It was Rem waving to him. Beside her was Ram. Between the two was a large sculpture… completely covered by a cloth cloak, so it wasn't possible to see what it was yet.
Yuji approached curiously.
He looked Ram up and down.
"Huh…" He pointed. "Did Ram finally get out from under that blanket?"
Ram crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. "Ram would do anything for her little sister." She looked at Rem for a moment. "Even freeze a little."
Rem lowered her head politely. "Rem thanks you, Ram-neesan."
Yuji stared at the covered object.
"So… What did you two do?"
Rem put her hands together proudly. "Rem and Ram finished our sculpture."
Yuji crossed her arms. "Can I see?"
Rem nodded. "Of course."
She held up the blanket.
"The name of the sculpture is…" She paused dramatically.
"YujiWaal!"
Yuji blinked.
"…huh?"
Rem pulled the blanket away. The sculpture appeared. It was a snow figure blending two people.
The body and messy hair resembled Yuji… but the face had exaggerated makeup and a dramatic air clearly inspired by Roswaal L Mathers.
There was even a small branch staff in his hand.
Yuji stood completely still.
Puck started laughing in the air. Rem calmly explained:
"Ram-neesan wanted to sculpt Roswaal-sama." Ram confirmed.
Rem continued. "And Rem wanted to sculpt Yuji-kun."
She smiled slightly.
"So we did both together."
Ram pointed to the sculpture.
"The masterpiece: YujiWaal."
Yuji stared at it in absolute silence.
He didn't know if he felt honored… confused… or scared.
"I…" He scratched his head. "I don't know what to feel about this."
Puck was almost falling over laughing.
"This is the best sculpture of the festival!"
Ram placed her hand on her chin, analyzing it. "Ram thinks we captured Yuji's face well."
Yuji pointed immediately.
"Hey! My face doesn't look like that!"
Rem tilted her head. "Rem thinks it looks quite similar."
Yuji sighed deeply.
"I created this festival… only to end up becoming a fusion with Roswaal…"
The snow continued to fall as several people gathered to see some of the festival's most striking sculptures.
Among them… was the famous hybrid sculpture.
YujiWaal.
Roswaal L Mathers appeared walking through the garden at that moment, with his usual theatrical manner.
"Ooooh~?"
He stopped in front of the sculpture. His eyes analyzed every detail. The messy hair resembling Yuji Itadori's…
The exaggerated makeup resembling his own…
The improvised staff…
…
Roswaal tilted his head.
"I… I don't exactly know how to feel about this."
Yuji crossed his arms. "Welcome to the club."
Rem watched nervously. "So… what would the grade be?"
Yuji took a deep breath like a serious judge. He walked around the sculpture once. Then he raised his hand. "I give it… a 6."
Rem looked a little disappointed, but still hopeful.
"I see…"
Then everyone looked at Roswaal. He put his hand to his chin, thoughtful.
"Hmmm…
A curious idea…
A… peculiar execution…"
He raised a finger.
"Grade 4."
Rem lowered her head slightly. "Oh…"
She looked a little sad. But behind her… Ram simply froze.
…
…
"A… four?"
She turned slowly to Roswaal. This was like an arrow to her heart.
Ram dramatically placed her hand on her chest.
"Ram… failed…"
Then she slowly turned her head to Yuji. Her eyes narrowed.
"It's your fault!"
Yuji pointed to himself.
"My fault?!"
Ram pointed to the sculpture.
"If you hadn't merged with Roswaal-sama… The sculpture would have been perfect."
Yuji was incredulous. "I DIDN'T MERGE WITH ANYONE!"
Rem tried to calm the situation. "Nee-sama… Rem was the one who suggested—"
Ram interrupted.
"No."
She pointed again at Yuji. "He brought chaos to the composition."
Yuji put his hand to his face. "This makes no sense."
Roswaal seemed amused by all of this.
Puck floated beside him, laughing.
"This festival turned out better than I expected."
Rem still looked a little sad, gazing at the sculpture. "Rem thought it turned out well…"
Yuji sighed and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"It did." He pointed to the sculpture. "At least now there's something in the world called YujiWaal."
Puck laughed again.
"A unique creature."
Yuji Itadori continued walking through the snowy field, assessing the sculptures along with Puck. The garden now resembled a small, makeshift art gallery: there were giant snowmen, animals, strange creatures, and even an attempt at a dragon.
Yuji then stopped.
"Hmm?"
A few meters ahead was Remi, fully immersed in her sculpture.
She was kneeling in the snow, shaping details with her hands. Beside her were various improvised tools: branches, pebbles, and even a scarf she had stolen from someone to decorate.
Yuji moved.
"What are you doing there?"
Remi finished adjusting a detail and then hesitated a little.
"Done!"
The sculpture became visible. It was… Yuji. But not exactly. It was Yuji… dressed as a medieval knight.
A large suit of snow armor, a stylized helmet, an improvised shield, and a sword made of ice.
The pose was heroic. Very dramatic.
Yuji stared for a few seconds.
…
"That's… interesting."
Remi crossed her arms proudly. "Of course." She was chosen for the sculpture. "My Knight-of-the-Shining-Armor…"
Puck started laughing in the air. "This one at least makes more sense than YujiWaal."
Yuji scratched the back of his neck. "I admit it's well done."
Remi was satisfied. "I knew it!"
But at that moment…
Some children were running through the snow chasing them.
"Catch!"
"Snowball fight!"
A snowball flew. Another child slipped. One of the children hit the sculpture directly. The snow armor…
completely crumbled.
The entire sculpture fell to the ground.
…
Remi stood looking at the remains of the work.
Yuji looked at what was left.
"…Remi-chan… Well."
He asked for the judge's hand.
"Note: 0 points."
Remi stood motionless for two seconds. Then…
Her expression changed completely. Her face flushed with anger. She mentioned it to Yuji.
"WHAT?!"
Puck almost fell over laughing.
Remi was now completely out of character as a helpless girl. "IT WASN'T MY FAULT, DAMN IT!"
She was assigned to the children. "THOSE KIDS DESTROYED IT!"
Yuji spoke with his hands. "The rules are clear."
He was assigned to the sculpture pieces.
"Sculpture destroyed. Zero points."
Remi began a furious gesture. "THIS IS A ROBBERY! I DEMAND A RE-EVALUATION!"
Yuji crossed his arms. "Appeal denied."
Puck was laughing.
"This is the best part of the festival."
Remi took a deep breath… trying to get back into character. She dramatically placed her hand on her chest. "Yuji-senpai… that broke my heart…"
But the vein on her forehead was still bulging.
Yuji sighed. "You almost managed to stay in character. But that won't be enough to change my mind."
Remi pointed at him again. "Oh shit… I'M GOING TO MAKE ANOTHER SCULPTURE!"
Yuji calmly replied:
"Time's up."
Remi grew even angrier.
After evaluating several sculptures, some incredible, others… questionable, Yuji Itadori walked to the last creation of the festival along with Puck.
"So this is the last one?"
Puck nodded.
"It seems so."
Some children and villagers were already gathered around, admiring the sculpture.
In the center were Emilia and Beatrice.
Emilia was covered in snow up to her elbows, clearly responsible for the heaviest part of the work.
"Ah!"
She sees Yuji arriving. "Yuji-kun! Did you come to evaluate it?"
Beside her, Beatrice crossed her arms. "Don't take too long, I suppose."
Yuji looked at the sculpture. And remained silent for a few seconds.
It was… Puck.
But unlike the simple doll Emilia had tried to make before, this one was extremely detailed.
The spirit's round body. The small ears. The carefully sculpted scarf. Even the expression seemed alive. It was clear they were a team effort:
Emilia had built the large, balanced body. Beatrice had the detailed work. Puck floated closer to the sculpture.
"Oh?"
He looked at the snow copy of himself. "This turned out very well."
Emilia nervously clasped her hands together. "It was teamwork." She mentioned to Beatrice. "I made the body…"
Beatrice turned her face away. "And I corrected the rest."
Yuji continued looking at the sculpture.
"Wow!"
He took a few steps around it. "This is very beautiful."
Emilia asked happily. "Really?"
Yuji agreed. "Yes."
He asked for a hand as judge. "For creativity… For teamwork… And for the level of detail…"
He said the fingers.
"Score: 9 points."
Some children around reacted with surprise.
"OOOH!"
Emilia smiled broadly. "Really?!"
Yuji agreed. "Very well deserved."
Beatrice turned her face away, trying to appear indifferent.
"Humph." "It was obvious, I suppose."
But even so… a small smile appeared at the corner of her face.
Puck stared at his snow version. "Should I feel honored?"
Yuji shrugged. "At least you look better in the snow. I, on the other hand, turned into a snowman with a mix of Roswaal and then into melted snow."
Puck looked at him. "Was that a compliment or an insult?"
Yuji smiled. "A little of both."
Meanwhile, Emilia was still happy with the result, looking proudly at the sculpture.
The Roswaal mansion's snow festival finally had one of its great favorites.
The festival ended shortly before nightfall.
After many sculptures, laughter, and some dramatic scoring discussions, the final result was announced. The winner was Petra Leyte with her snow bunny.
When Yuji announced the result, Petra practically jumped for joy.
"I WON!!"
The children celebrated with her as the villagers began to return to the village.
The snow continued to fall, but the atmosphere was now calm.
---
Later, almost at nightfall, everyone was gathered in the mansion's dining room.
Seated at the table were:
Yuji Itadori, Roswaal L Mathers, Rem, Ram, Remi, Beatrice, Emilia, and floating near the table… Puck.
The table was laden with hot food, something very welcome after a whole day in the snow.
Yuji took a sip of his drink and sighed contentedly. "It was a good festival."
Emilia smiled. "It really was."
Rem nodded. "The village children were very happy."
Yuji leaned back in his chair. "We could do this again next year."
For a second…
He realized what he had just said. As if he were going to be there. As if that was his place now.
But it wasn't. He had to go back. Back to his home… to his world… to everything he had left behind.
His smile faded slightly. On the other side of the table, Rem noticed. She watched his face silently. She didn't know exactly what Yuji was thinking…
But she sensed something was there. Yuji then quickly raised his glass, completely changing his tone.
"But anyway!" He raised his drink. "Today was a success." He pointed to the table full of food. "So let's do the most important thing of any festival."
Remi tilted her head. "What?"
Yuji grinned broadly. "Eat and drink a lot!"
Puck raised his paws. "I support this tradition."
Emilia laughed.
Ram commented calmly: "Finally something that makes sense."
Beatrice crossed her arms. "Hmph. Humans are simple, I suppose."
Rem still watched Yuji for a few seconds.
Then…
She also took her drink.
And the small celebration continued as night fell over the snow-covered mansion.
The dining room was full of life.
Dishes were being passed around, glasses were being filled, and lively conversations echoed through the hall. The cold outside seemed distant now.
Yuji Itadori sat observing the table.
Emilia laughed at something Puck was saying. Remi ate as if there were no tomorrow. Ram seemed calm as she drank quietly. Beatrice complained about the food, but still continued eating.
Yuji rested his chin on his hand.
Seeing everyone having fun like that… made him happy.
"It was worth it…"
He murmured softly. At that moment, someone approached silently. It was Rem. She stopped beside his chair. "Yuji-kun."
Yuji turned his head slightly. "Hm?"
Rem gave a small bow. "Thank you for organizing this party."
Yuji scratched the back of his neck.
"Ah… no need to thank me." He gave a simple smile. "I'll reward you as soon as possible."
Rem tilted her head slightly. "There's no need." She replied calmly. "Rem is already satisfied."
Yuji raised an eyebrow. "Satisfied?"
Rem replied naturally:
"Rem will just watch Yuji-kun sleep a little longer today."
Yuji stood still for a few seconds. Then he slowly turned his face to her.
"...Huh?"
Rem was already looking at the other side of the table, calmly.
Yuji frowned. "Wait. What did you just say?"
Rem replied calmly: "It wasn't anything important."
Yuji stared at her for a few seconds... but Rem was already serving more food as if nothing had happened.
Before he could insist, a voice called from the other side of the table.
"Yuji-kun~..."
It was Roswaal L Mathers, holding a glass.
He tilted his head curiously. "Do you drink?"
Yuji shook his head. "No."
Roswaal raised an eyebrow. "Not even a little?"
Yuji replied calmly. "I'm too old for that, and it doesn't even look tasty..."
Puck commented from the air:
"A festival without strong drinks? What a weakling, Yuji."
Ram murmured: "What a disappointment."
Yuji shrugged. "Sorry, but I don't want to drown in this world of alcohol so soon, the gambling is enough already..."
Roswaal slowly swirled the wine in his glass.
"Interesting… So what do you prefer?"
Yuji raised his simple glass. "Juice."
Puck laughed. "The hero of the snow festival drinks juice."
Yuji pointed at him. "For your information, not even a furball like you should drink juice, much less alcohol… Wait, do spirits get drunk?"
Puck crossed his paws. "They're mere details."
The table filled with conversation and laughter again as the night wore on.
The conversation at the table continued animatedly as the plates were emptied. Roswaal raised his glass of juice again. "Besides… How old are you, Yuji-kun~?"
He shrugged. "I'm still 16 years old."
On the other side of the table, Remi stopped eating for a second.
"Huh?"
She pointed to herself proudly. "I'm a year older."
Yuji blinked. "Really?"
Remi nodded. "That's right." She dramatically placed her hand on her chest. "Then you should respect me more."
Yuji stared at her silently.
Then he thought: "...so why does she call me Yuji-senpai?"
He decided not to ask. On the other side of the table, Emilia seemed a little thoughtful about the matter.
"Actually…" She said a little awkwardly. "I'm of legal age."
Yuji raised an eyebrow. "So, can you drink?"
She pouted slightly. "Puck won't let me."
Immediately, Puck replied from the air.
"Of course I won't. I would never let my little girl get into that degrading state humans get into when they're drunk."
Emilia crossed her arms. "I don't get degrading."
Before the discussion could continue, Roswaal L Mathers calmly stood up.
"In that case…" He walked to a small side cabinet. "I have something appropriate."
He opened the door and took out an old-looking bottle of wine.
The bottle had dust on the surface and an elegant seal.
Yuji tilted his head. "That looks expensive."
Roswaal smiled. "Very old."
He placed the bottle on the table and carefully opened it. "It came straight from the mansion's cellar."
Ram commented without much interest: "Roswaal-sama finally decided to open one of these."
Roswaal poured a small amount into a glass and placed it in front of Emilia.
"So…" He made an elegant gesture with his hand. "Try it."
Emilia looked at the glass. Then at Puck. Puck crossed his arms in the air. "I still think this is a terrible idea."
Emilia pouted slightly… but took the glass anyway.
Yuji watched curiously. Rem and Ram also looked. Remi seemed interested. Emilia slowly raised the glass…
brought it to her lips and began to drink.
Some time later…
The table was much more messy. Empty plates, scattered glasses, and a much more relaxed atmosphere in the hall.
The old bottle of wine was already half empty.
Yuji Itadori continued with his glass of juice, observing the situation with some concern.
Because now…
Emilia was clearly drunk.
She was sitting next to him, staring intently at his face with her eyes slightly unfocused. #01
She tilted her head.
"Y-Yuuuuji…"
She blinked several times.
"Why… are there three of you?"
Yuji blinked.
"What?"
Emilia pointed ahead of him, trying to focus.
"That… isn't FAIR!" She pouted slightly. "I only have one of me…"
She crossed her arms dramatically on the table. "That's cheating."
Yuji ran a hand over his face. "I swear there's only one of me."
Emilia then picked up the glass again and took another sip.
Then she gave a silly little smile. "Hmmm…"
She swirled the glass lightly. "Alcohol is good…"
Yuji began to deeply regret letting that happen.
Before he could say anything, Emilia leaned in slowly…
And rested her head in his lap.
"...zzz..."
Yuji froze completely.
"...Emilia-chan?"
She was practically asleep already. He looked around the table for help. But then he noticed something strange.
Rem was standing next to him. With a very serious expression. Her gaze was fixed on Yuji. That scared him for a moment.
"Rem-rin?"
She kept looking. Then she took a small step closer.
#02
"Yuji-kun..."
Her voice was lower than usual.
Yuji swallowed hard. "Yes...?"
Rem moved her face a little closer. "Don't provoke Rem..."
Yuji blinked.
"I didn't do anything!"
Rem continued looking at him. But now there was a slight blush on her cheeks.
That's when Yuji realized. "...Oh no."
She was drunk too. Rem held onto his sleeve.
"Yuji-kun. Yuji-kun. Yuji-kun…"
Yuji was completely at a loss for words. Emilia was asleep in his lap. In front of him was Rem, drunk, repeating his name.
And the rest of the table was watching the scene.
Yuji sighed deeply. "...I should have hidden that bottle."
The hall was silent for a few seconds after that. Yuji Itadori was completely still on the floor.
Emilia's head was already in his lap, sleeping peacefully, breathing slowly.
In front of him, Rem was still holding his sleeve. Her cheeks were slightly red.
"Yuji-kun…"
She spoke again, in a soft tone.
Yuji tried to remain calm.
"Rem… you should go rest…"
Rem shook her head slowly.
"Today…" She looked down for a moment. "Today was a special day."
She looked up again. "So Rem wants… to let loose a little."
Yuji didn't have time to react. Rem simply leaned forward… and laid her head in his lap as well, next to Emilia's head.
Yuji froze.
"W-wait…"
Rem sighed contentedly.
"Hm…" She closed her eyes. "It's your fault, Yuji-kun... You made my day very happy."
Yuji felt his brain starting to shut down. Yuji gently stroked Rem's silky hair; she even started to purr. "She's even turned into a kitten…"
He was about to try to get up when he heard another voice.
"Oi... oi... oi…"
It was Remi.
She was leaning against the table, clearly drunk too.
Yuji's eyes widened. "Remi?! You can't drink!"
Remi raised her finger as if to make a big argument. "Too late." She staggered a few steps towards him. "My knight…" She pointed at Yuji with a crooked smile. "He's a stud, a scoundrel, and two-faced, you know?"
Yuji blushed. "What?!"
Remi continued speaking without any filter. "A bunch of girls all over him…"
She crossed her arms, annoyed. "This makes me incredibly jealous, damn it."
#03
She let out a small curse word in the middle of the sentence, completely shameless. Yuji looked around desperately. "Someone help here?!"
But before anyone could react…
Remi simply leaned over. "Since everyone's doing it…"
And laid her head in his lap as well. Now there were three heads in Yuji's lap.
Emilia asleep. Rem relaxed. Remi grumbling softly. Yuji stood completely rigid on the floor.
…
He slowly looked at the rest of the table. "I… I don't know how this happened."
Yuji Itadori was still sitting, completely motionless, with three heads in his lap.
Emilia slept peacefully.
Rem was relaxed, breathing slowly. Remi mumbled something incomprehensible from time to time.
Yuji looked at the table, trying to understand what had just happened. "I thought… demons were resistant to alcohol."
Ram replied calmly, while taking a sip of tea. "They are."
Yuji blinked.
"Then why is Rem like this?!"
Ram shrugged. "Because she drank too much."
Yuji spent a few seconds trying to process this answer. "hm... whatever."
It was then that he realized something. Ram was completely conscious. He then looked at Roswaal L. Mathers.
Roswaal also seemed perfectly lucid, holding his glass elegantly. Yuji pointed at the two of them.
"Wait… Why are you two acting normal?!"
Ram replied emotionlessly. "Control."
Roswaal chuckled. "Fufu… experience helps too."
Yuji sighed. Beside the table, Puck was already completely passed out, fast asleep on the table.
Yuji frowned. "Wait..." He began to remember something important. "I shouldn't give alcohol to the girls..."
He looked around the room. That's when he noticed something. "Someone's missing."
Ram looked up slightly. Yuji looked towards the balcony door. Outside, leaning against the railing and watching the silent night, was Beatrice. She seemed distant from the rest of the party.
Yuji sighed and tried to get up. With some effort, he carefully lifted their heads from his lap. "Emilia-chan..."
Emilia slowly opened her eyes. "Hm...?"
Yuji spoke in a low voice. "I'm going to talk to Beatrice for a bit. Can you look after Rem and Remi?"
Emilia blinked a few times, trying to focus.
Then she nodded slowly. "Uh-huh..."
She pulled the two girls closer. And he hugged them tightly. "They're so cute…" Emilia smiled, still a little drunk. "Especially in those maid uniforms…"
Rem and Remi mumbled softly, completely relaxed in the embrace. Yuji let out a small sigh of relief.
Then he walked to the balcony. The door slid smoothly as he opened it. The cool night air entered the room. Beatrice continued to stare at the dark sky.
Without turning around, Yuji stopped beside her. "Escaping the party, brat?" Yuji Itadori slowly opened the balcony door.
The cool night air silently entered the room behind him. The party was still going on inside, but the sound was distant.
Leaning against the balcony railing was Beatrice, looking at the sky. Without saying anything, Yuji approached and offered her a glass. "Here."
Beatrice looked at the glass. "Juice?" She narrowed her eyes. "Betty isn't a child, I suppose."
Yuji He shrugged. "I know. But I'm not going to give you alcohol either."
Beatrice turned her face slightly, somewhat annoyed. "After big brother, Betty is probably the oldest in this mansion, I suppose."
Yuji simply replied, "Even so... I'd find it strange."
Beatrice was silent for a few seconds. Then she picked up the glass. "Hmph."
She took a small sip. Yuji then leaned against the balcony railing as well. The sky was clear, full of stars; he gazed at it for a while. The stars shone differently in that world.
Yuji let out a small sigh. "Funny..."
Beatrice glanced at him sideways. "What?"
Yuji continued looking at the sky. "Even the stars here seem different."
He was silent for a few seconds. Then he spoke more softly. "In my homeland... I had a friend who was good with these things."
Beatrice raised an eyebrow. Yuji continued.
"His name was Megumi." He gave a small, nostalgic smile. "When it came to stars, he knew them all! Constellations, star positions, and everything else… He could explain everything."
Yuji scratched the back of his neck. "I never understood anything, I just nodded as if I already knew everything."
He looked at the sky again. "But it was nice to hear him talk about it."
The cold wind swept across the balcony. Beatrice took another sip of her juice. She looked at the sky too. "So you miss your homeland, I suppose."
Yuji was quiet for a moment. Then he replied:
"Quite a lot…"
On the balcony, the silence of the night was peaceful.
Yuji Itadori was still leaning against the railing, looking at the starry sky. Beside him, Beatrice slowly drank her juice, also looking up.
The cold wind swept across the balcony. Then the door behind them opened. Yuji turned his head slightly. Ram appeared. She seemed completely normal… except for one detail. Rem was hanging over her shoulders, practically asleep.
Rem murmured something softly. "Yuji… kun…"
Yuji's eyes widened. "Ram-nee-sama?!"
Ram replied emotionlessly: "Rem decided that Yuji's lap was a permanent pillow. Unfortunately…"
"Ram decided to pass the problem on to me…" Yuji sighed.
Right behind them appeared Remi. She was still a little drunk, walking with slightly crooked steps. And she was holding someone by the shoulders.
It was Emilia.
Emilia also seemed quite cheerful, but calmer than before.
Remi spoke loudly: "Come on! The knight was hiding out here!"
Emilia laughed softly. "Knight? But Yuji is our butler… It's cold out here…"
Yuji put his hand to his face. "How this turned into a procession…"
But then Remi pointed to the sky. "Look!"
Everyone looked up. Small lights began to appear in the air above the mansion. Several of them. Like tiny bright points floating slowly in the night.
Beatrice spoke calmly:
"Artificial spirits."
Yuji watched the small lights flying. They looked like magical fireflies. Some soared high into the sky. Others floated slowly near the balcony. Emilia smiled softly.
"How beautiful…"
Rem, still half asleep, murmured:
"It looks like a dream…"
Remi looked fascinated.
"This really exists in this world…"
Ram replied calmly:
"They are very beautiful indeed."
One of the small lights passed close to Yuji. He raised his hand. The luminous spirit landed for a moment near his fingers before rising again.
Yuji watched it. Then he raised his eyes again to the sky full of small lights.
For a moment…
He completely forgot everything. He just stood there with them all, watching the little spirits illuminating the night.
"Tomorrow… I'd like to show you a secret place…"
End of Chapter 11