"That settles it then, Lady Emilia, Carlisle-san, we'll be taking our leave now ~"
"Mm, you've worked hard, Felix."
"Hehe, Carlisle-san is still so formal," Felix winked at the two maids, "and to my two lovely little jealous pots, see you next time."
Completely ignoring Subaru's gritted teeth and Rem's icy gaze, Felix nimbly leaped onto the Carriage. Wilhelm nodded to Carlisle in greeting, then steadily boarded the carriage as well.
As the Earth Dragon Carriage slowly departed, Carlisle watched the receding dust, silently thinking, "The Royal Selection, is it finally about to begin...?"
"Carlisle!" Subaru suddenly tugged at his sleeve, "You... how do you see Felix?"
Carlisle was momentarily speechless, not understanding why she would suddenly ask such a question. He turned to find Rem also staring intently at him, an unusual persistence flickering in her blue eyes.
"He is a trustworthy friend."
"Really? No other... special feelings?" Subaru's cheeks puffed out slightly.
Carlisle then had a sudden realization and couldn't help but chuckle. He gently pressed his hand to his hilt and spoke with the solemn tone characteristic of a Knight, "I have never had thoughts for a male that go beyond friendship. This sentiment is as clear as the lines on my sword."
"Tha-that's great!" Subaru let out a long breath, her suspended heart finally settling down.
Just then, Rem suddenly stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her skirt, and spoke the most astonishing words in the gentlest tone. "It's alright... if you change your mind..." Her slender fingers gently hooked his cravat, "Rem can put on a butler's uniform anytime."
Carlisle's perfect Knight expression instantly froze.
"Wait, wait, wait! Rem, you're being too cunning!" Subaru stomped her foot in exasperation, "And why do you even have a disguise plan ready!?"
After a bout of commotion, Carlisle finally gently pressed Subaru's shoulder. "Alright, Subaru, don't be angry anymore. Go pack your luggage, remember to bring a change of clothes and essentials."
Subaru looked up, a hint of dissatisfaction still in her eyes: "Now? Where are we going? So suddenly..."
Carlisle smiled slightly, reaching out to tidy the slightly messy strands of hair on her forehead. "Tomorrow morning, we will depart for the Royal Capital. There are some important official duties to attend to." Seeing Subaru's slightly disappointed expression, he added, "After the official duties are finished, we can enjoy a few days of sightseeing in the Royal Capital. That promise can be fulfilled."
Was it from the Mabeast incident...? "Mm... I understand. I'll go prepare now..."
Just then, Rem, who was standing nearby, suddenly stepped forward. "Please wait, Rem will also accompany you to the Royal Capital."
"Eh?!" Subaru turned her head sharply, her voice involuntarily rising. "Rem-senpai is going too? What about the Mansion? Ram definitely can't handle it alone! And president Roswaal is so strict, he surely wouldn't agree, right?"
Finally, a chance to be alone with Carlisle... why does someone always have to interfere... Rem maintained her perfect maid posture, her voice soft yet unyielding. "Subaru, please do not worry. My sister's abilities are sufficient to manage the daily affairs of the Mansion on her own. In fact... this is precisely the order Roswaal-sama personally issued this morning, requesting Rem to accompany and assist Carlisle-sama with matters in the Royal Capital."
"How could this be... that hateful clown!"
— — — — — —
And so, with the exception of Ram remaining at the Mansion, everyone else packed their belongings. Early the next morning, the group boarded the Earth Dragon Carriage bound for the Royal Capital.
After half a day's journey, they arrived at Roswaal's house in the Royal Capital. Since official business wouldn't begin until tomorrow, Subaru and Rem quickly settled into their living quarters. As soon as they finished tidying up, Subaru eagerly dragged Carlisle's arm, exclaiming excitedly, "Let's go, let's go! We finally made it to the Royal Capital, we absolutely have to explore!"
Rem naturally followed closely behind, and the three strolled through the bustling streets of the Royal Capital. Subaru had fully entered tourist mode, her eyes sparkling as she took in her surroundings: the towering clock tower, the lively market, the distinct architectural styles, and the dazzling array of Another World goods at the street stalls. Although this was her second time in the Royal Capital, she hadn't had the chance to truly experience it last time. Now, finally able to immerse herself, and with the person she liked, she was utterly overjoyed.
"Carlisle! What does that sign say?" Subaru asked, pointing to a shop.
"Starry Workshop, it's a magic tool specialty store," Carlisle patiently explained.
"What about this one?"
"Honey Cake... three copper coins each."
"Wow! We definitely have to try that later!"
Carlisle had originally planned to visit Reinhard on the way and check on Felt and Old Man Rom. However, when they arrived at the Sword Saint's Mansion, they were informed that Reinhard was out.
Contact her using [Divine Protection of Telepathy]?
Carlisle hesitated for a moment, then ultimately decided against it.
Never mind, I'll see her tomorrow anyway, it's not appropriate to disturb her now... The three continued to stroll along the streets of the Royal Capital. Subaru's gaze was suddenly drawn to a familiar fruit stall, the very stall of the old man who sold apples when she first arrived in this world.
"Miss, would you like to buy appas(1)?" The stall owner gruffly called out, but when he saw Subaru's face clearly, his expression immediately turned disdainful: "...What, it's you, you pauper, go on, go on, don't disturb my business."
Subaru, however, grinned and leaned closer. "Don't be so mean, old man, I've found a proper job now, you know!" She proudly pointed to her maid uniform.
She remembered that time... when she first arrived in Another World, Subaru, to confirm whether this was a real world or a prank show, had asked the old man a foolish question like, "Are there cameras in these apples?" At the time, her face was full of panic, which, despite the fierce-looking old man's grumbling, made him eventually hand her an apple and offer to find the Guardsman for her. But Subaru was too flustered then, and the old man's appearance was genuinely intimidating, so she thanked him and fled in a panic.
"Is that so. Good for you, you've made something of yourself." The old man roughly tossed an apple over. "Here, take it, and stop making that about-to-cry face."
Subaru caught the apple steadily. "Thanks! Then, old man, please pack me a bag of your best appas."
She turned and handed the apple to Carlisle, "This old man is actually very nice, even though he looks like a gangster who collects protection money..."
"Hey! I can hear you!"
Carlisle took the apple, thoughtfully glancing at the gruff stall owner who had secretly slipped two extra apples into Subaru's bag. He silently noted the stall's location, perhaps he could frequent it more often when buying fruit in the future.
T/N- (1) Appas are Apples in rezero world.
When we talk in 1st pov I'll use Appas and in Subaru's head, I'll use apples.
If you want me to use Appas everywhere let me know.
Those who know, what this shop represents. 💀💀
...
Read advance chapters on p@treon
[email protected]/guilt_free_daoist
Join disc0rd link in synopsis.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.