Arc 9: Chapter 35: 『Awakening Star』

Chapter 9: 『Light of the Nameless Star』
Chapter 9.35: 『Awakening Star』

――When Rem returned to the Roswaal Mansion, she did not feel any sense of having 'returned home' as Rem.

"Rem, can you see? That's the mansion where Ram and the others work, Lord Roswaal's mansion."

"Our workplace..."

From the window of the Dragon Carriage, Rem blinked her light blue eyes and fluttered her eyelashes at Ram's words as she pointed to the picturesque scenery bathed in bright sunlight. After taking a shared Dragon Carriage to the Industrial City of Costool, they boarded a shuttle Dragon Carriage prepared for them. What came into view was an unfamiliar 'home.' A grand gate and a magnificent mansion beyond it. The Roswaal Mansion, even more luxurious than the Belstetz Mansion where she had stayed with Katya in Vollachia's Imperial Capital, was an unforgettable and elegant building upon first sight. Yet――,

"How is it?"

"…I'm sorry, Sister."

Shaking her head slowly, Rem apologized, feeling inadequate for not meeting her sister's expectations. On the journey so far, Rem had parted ways with Subaru, Emilia, and the others due to various objectives, continuing the journey to the mansion with just Ram. During that time, she hoped that seeing various things would trigger her memories, but not once did those hopes come true. Apparently, the important mansion for Rem and the others was no exception.

"I see. But it can't be helped. After all, the mansion where Ram and the others worked is from quite some time ago, and the mansion that left a strong impression on Rem isn't this one."

"What!?"

"By the way, the previous mansion was burned down by Otto in a fit of anger, so it's nowhere to be found anymore. If it hadn't burned down, I considered stopping by there."

"Otto-san... didn't seem like that kind of person."

Rem, overwhelmed by the newly revealed information, was further confused by Ram's account of Otto. Otto, said to be the internal affairs officer of the camp, left an impression of being a gentle person, a friend of Subaru, and an indispensable companion. According to Petra and Frederica, he hardly ever sleeps. Now, with the added information of him setting a mansion on fire in frustration, his personality seemed lost. It might be a case of not judging a book by its cover, but is it really okay to conclude it like that?

"Is Emilia-san's group full of such people? Garfiel and Roswaal-san too..."

"Lord Roswaal."

"…Lord Roswaal too."

"Good girl. But it's naughty to compare those three with Lord Roswaal, Rem. Lord Roswaal is wise and capable, the most outstanding magician in this world. Compared to him, those three together barely make one competent person... no, more like half a competent person."

"Three make half a competent person..."

Imagining Otto, Garfiel, and Subaru stacked on each other's shoulders, Rem placed them next to Lord Roswaal, who could fly with magic. Comparing them like this, Rem couldn't tell how much of a difference there was, but she trusted that Ram was not wrong. For Rem, whose memory had yet to show signs of returning, the trust and affection stemming from the sense of closeness with her twin sister Ram was undeniably genuine. ――A definite bond connecting the past and present Rem.

"…This way of thinking would get me scolded by Priscilla-san."

In her heart, Rem recalled the gaze of the fiery crimson woman. In a short time, this woman had greatly influenced Rem's way of thinking and walking, never approving of clinging to the past. Similarly, she probably wouldn't favor Rem, who indulged in the sweetness of trust and relied on Ram. Rem didn't want to be disliked by Priscilla, nor did she want to live shamefully. So, she scolded her heart that was about to turn backward, slapped her cheeks, and raised her face.

"But Sister, from what you said earlier, doesn't it mean that there aren't many clues to regain my memory even if we return to that mansion?"

"Hehe, you're quick to catch on. Having a smart sister makes Ram proud."

"No, not at all... I don't think I'm worthy of such praise from you, Sister..."

"But who do you think the Ram here is a sister to? Do you think Ram, who is Rem's sister, would be so careless?"

Placing her hand on her chest, Ram declared confidently. At Ram's bold words, Rem honestly felt ashamed of her misplaced worries. Even without Rem pointing it out, Ram had already seen through it all. That being the case, what suddenly piqued her interest was Ram's plan—

"If returning to the mansion isn't the goal... is the goal a person?"

"Who knows? The answer... will come soon."

As Ram smiled at Rem, who had guessed correctly, the Dragon Carriage came to a stop almost simultaneously. Feeling the sway that had been kept at bay by the 『Protection from the Wind』 for the first time in a while, Rem was startled, and Ram, standing up briskly, extended her hand.

"Well, we've arrived. Let's go."

"—Yes, Sister."

Taking Ram's hand, Rem suppressed the slight excitement in her chest and stepped off the Dragon Carriage. While Ram spoke to the driver who had brought them this far, Rem took a step in front of the Dragon Carriage and, through the bars of the closed iron gate right in front of her, took in the mansion and the beautiful front garden.

"This is..."

Narrowing her pale blue eyes, Rem still found no familiarity in the mansion before her. Even so, she could see that the building, the flowerbeds, the hedges, and every corner that made up the mansion were well-maintained, which naturally made her straighten her back. Regardless of whether she had memories or not, if Rem were to spend her days in this mansion from now on, her position would likely be the same as Ram and Frederica's, as a servant.

'No, as long as Rem is healthy and living freely every day, that's enough.'

For a moment, an image of Subaru saying such things floated in her mind, but Rem forcibly dispelled the illusion that tried to overly pamper her. Indeed, it was something Subaru might say, but he wasn't in a position to do so now. More than that, he was now—

"—Oh? Oh, oh, oh, oh!"

Suddenly startled by the growling voice that came out of nowhere, Rem stepped back with a "kyah." Looking, the voice came from beyond the fence, within the mansion's grounds. There, a small girl with a lovely face and long, flowing pink hair, appearing to be around eleven or twelve years old, was gripping the fence with small hands, her round eyes wide open, staring intently at Rem. Rem recognized that girl. —From the devastation in the Empire.

"You are... the 『Witch』 who caused the 『Great Calamity』!"

"Oh, Lady Ryuzu, thank you for welcoming us."

Trembling and pointing at herself, the bearer of the 『Great Calamity』. As Rem was astonished by the sudden and forbidden reunion with the calamity, Ram casually poked her head out and spoke to her. At her natural demeanor, Rem turned to look back at Ram with a "Huh," while the 『Witch』 also snapped her gaze towards her sister,

"Ram! Welcome back. Though you’ve returned... you’re far too casual!"

"...Are you suggesting that Ram should lift Lady Ryuzu like Garfiel or Frederica?"

"I’m not saying that! More importantly, that girl is..."

"Sister, this person is..."

The 『Witch』 who plotted the downfall of the empire, her name was Spinx. However, the girl in front of them was called Ryuzu by Ram. As Ryuzu’s gaze turned back to her, Rem looked at Ram in confusion. In response to the two’s reactions, Ram gently placed a hand on Rem’s shoulder,

"Introduce yourself."

"――――"

Even without the slightest explanation, Ram’s calm voice strangely soothed Rem’s frayed nerves. Naturally, her confusion eased, and Rem turned to face Ryuzu. Taking a deep breath and meeting her gaze firmly,

"――I’m Rem. Is it alright to call you Ryuzu-san?"

"...Yes, that’s right. Indeed, I am Ryuzu, Rem."

As Rem introduced herself and asked for her name, Ryuzu momentarily looked distant before nodding softly. From that reaction, Ram’s demeanor, and the fact they were within the grounds of the Roswaal Mansion, Rem finally became certain that the girl before her and the empire’s 『Witch』 were different people.

"Even so, isn’t the resemblance too uncanny..."

"Indeed. There’s a saying that there are at least three people in the world who look like you, but in Lady Ryuzu’s case, it’s closer to ten times that. Meaning, her commonness is tenfold."

"To say such things when an old person is moved..."

Ryuzu scolded Ram, who responded to Rem’s comment about the confusing resemblance. From their exchange, it was clear that their relationship was quite familiar. Judging by Ryuzu’s demeanor, she was likely someone who had a deep connection with Rem in the past.

"I’m sorry. But I don’t remember anything."

"No need to apologize. I am――"

"――Your sister. She has the same hair color as Ram, doesn’t she?"

"Indeed...! But if she’s sister’s sister, then..."

The shocking truth revealed by Ram, interrupting Ryuzu. Stunned by the revelation, Rem looked between Ram and Ryuzu, finding the hair color to be a convincing argument. However, since Ram and Rem are supposed to be twins, logically, the relationship between Rem and Ryuzu would be――,

"Also my sister...?"

"Stop it, Ram! You’re being influenced by Roz-boy and Su-boy!"

"To put those two on the same level? Even for Lady Ryuzu, there are things you can and cannot say."

"Which mouth is saying that!"

With her cute face frowning, Ryuzu raised her voice, and Ram furrowed her brows. Watching their exchange, Rem finally realized that Ram was joking.

"Now that you mention it, if Ryuzu-san were truly our sister, it would be strange for sister to address her with such formality."

"In that case, it could be a possibility of half-siblings with different fathers or mothers, carrying the blood of some noble lineage. It’s not a perfect refutation, is it?"

"That’s true... So, could it be that she really is our...?"

"It's not. It's undoubtedly Ram's prank. Really, it's quite troublesome."

Ryuzu let out a big sigh, and Ram stuck out her tongue slightly. Although Rem had been somewhat bewildered by the situation, she realized that throughout their journey, Ram's playful nature had both troubled and saved her. For Rem, who tended to become easily depressed over trivial matters, Ram's confident and humorous demeanor was like the warmth of the sun.

"I think my sister is a wonderful person, including her playfulness."

"From what I heard from the bird message, it hasn't been long since you reunited, yet you've already been so tamed..."

"Being 'tamed' sounds terrible. I just showed sincerity and love."

"Even so, you're unusually excited, Ram. I understand you're happy that your sister, who had been bedridden, has awakened and you can spend time together like this."

"—. You're quite cheeky for someone like Ryuzu."

"Your way of hiding embarrassment is aggressive, so I'd like you to be gentle with Gar-boy, at least. Now then..."

Ram slightly furrowed her brows. As Rem was impressed by the rare sight of her sister being outmaneuvered, Ryuzu, who had been leaning against the iron gate, stepped away from the fence.

"It's strange to keep talking over the gate. I also want to hug and rejoice with my granddaughters who have returned safely."

"Granddaughters...?"

"It's Ryuzu-sama's best joke. You should laugh."

"It means she cares that much!"

Seeing Ryuzu pout her lips, Rem found herself smiling despite her confusion. It wasn't because Ram told her to laugh, but because Ryuzu's kindness naturally softened her expression. However, even considering that kindness, being treated as a granddaughter by Ryuzu, who looked younger than Rem and the others, was a bit perplexing.

"Beatrice-chan was like that too, but do small children have a tendency to try to act grown-up...?"

"Yes. When she's on Barusu's lap, that's Beatrice-sama's true self."

"With that cuteness, it's understandable."

Like Spica, it's best for children to laugh innocently and cheerfully. Not just Beatrice, but Ryuzu too would be so adorable if she laughed according to her age without trying to act older. As Rem was lost in such thoughts, her mind momentarily froze at the subsequent event.

"Now, everyone, open the gate."

As soon as Ryuzu said that, the iron gate of the mansion began to open slowly. That in itself was fine. There was no problem. The problem was the way the gate was being opened.

"――――"

The latch of the gate was removed, and the doors opened inward—moved by several people responding to Ryuzu's call. Although each had different hairstyles and accessories, all of them had the same face as Ryuzu. In other words, they were girls with the same face as the 『Witch』 Spinx—

"――!!"

Overwhelmed, Rem let out a loud scream.

△▼△▼△▼△

"I wondered what that scream was about, but now I understand. Certainly, anyone would be surprised to see Ryuzu-sama and her sister Pico-sama for the first time."

"Thank you for saying that. It makes me feel a little better..."

In response to the understanding words of the blonde maid, Rem bowed her head in embarrassment. The greeting with Ryuzu at the gate and the subsequent shocking event—seeing over ten girls with the same face as Ryuzu—made her flustered and ashamed.

"Even though my sister told me that there are ten times as many people with the same face as Ryuzu-sama, I thought she was joking..."

"With the way Ram said it, it's no wonder Rem thought so. To not think it was a joke would be blindly naive, in my opinion."

"You're speaking so nonchalantly, but perhaps Ryuzu-sama should reflect on herself? If you cause problems at a frequency that can't be overlooked by your cuteness, I might soon have to intervene."

"Th-that's a scary thing to say..."

Ryuzu shrank back in reflection, being glared at by the maid with quiet, reproachful eyes. Seeing this, Rem finally relaxed her lips and straightened her hunched back. She hadn't expected such a commotion before even entering the mansion's grounds, but now that they were properly inside, she couldn't afford to dwell on it any longer. Nevertheless—

"I apologize for causing trouble with my noise. Um..."

"—Sylphy Elmart. I was previously Cornias, but I've been divorced. I've been entrusted with managing the mansion while everyone was away."

"The mansion. So, Sylphy-san, were you also a colleague of mine and my sister?"

Bowing gracefully, the maid—Sylphy—was asked this by Rem. Naturally, those working at Lord Roswaal's mansion were likely all acquaintances of Rem. Surely, she had caused them trouble by falling asleep. However, to Rem's concern, Sylphy shook her head and said, "No,"

"I am still new here, so I haven't worked with you or your sister. Also, I wasn't hired by the margrave, but by Milord. Furthermore,"

"Furthermore?"

"My master is only me. And my heart's master is none other than Emilia-sama."

Overwhelmed by Sylphy's gaze filled with strong will, Rem's head involuntarily jerked back. Sylphy's unwavering loyalty to Emilia, as she mentioned, was evident in the impeccable maintenance of the mansion's interior, from the entrance hall to the corridors and the reception room they were currently in. The impression from outside the mansion matched the excellent work inside. Indeed, it seemed to be the result of her devotion to Emilia, whom she revered as her heart's master.

"Sylphy-san, have you known Emilia-san for a long time?"

"No, it's only been a few months since we met. And even then, the time we spent directly together was very short."

"Yet, you have such strong feelings?"

"How much someone occupies your heart isn't determined by the length of time spent together, but by what that person has done for you, isn't it?"

"That is..."

Surprised by the unexpected answer, Rem looked down at Sylphy's continued words. At that moment, what crossed Rem's mind were the faces of important people like Spica and Katya. However, considering that the time Rem spent with them was built from scratch without her memories, it couldn't be said to be a long period. Still, Rem strongly felt they were irreplaceable to her. Sylphy's words made perfect sense. —As she tried to convince herself of this, Subaru's face clearly came to mind, and Rem pursed her lips tightly.

"Rem-sama?"

"She's probably confused. Sylphy, I told you about Rem's situation, didn't I?"

"Ah, that's right. I apologize. I lacked consideration."

"No, there's no need to apologize. —It's just my situation."

Upon hearing Rem's answer, Ryuzu and Sylphy exchanged glances. Although Rem felt guilty towards the two who were genuinely concerned, she had no intention of discussing her current inner conflict. As she had said, this was ultimately Rem's own worry and problem.

"—You look troubled, Rem. Did Sylphy bully you?"

"——"

At the unexpected voice calling her name, Rem looked up towards the entrance of the reception room. Standing there was Ram, who had parted ways with them earlier, saying she had some business to attend to. Seeing Ram join them later, Rem's eyes widened in surprise, and she gasped. —Ram had appeared in an unfamiliar maid outfit, standing there.

"Sister, that outfit..."

"I've told you many times, haven't I? Ram is a maid of the mansion, serving Lord Roswaal."

Ram answered while elegantly smoothing her pink hair, and Rem couldn't help but be captivated. Watching Ram in the same way, Ryuzu let out a breath of admiration,

"It's been a while since I've seen Ram in that outfit."

"Indeed. Ram has been in travel attire for so long, it's refreshing."

"It's so refreshing that it seems the way you're wearing the uniform is a bit off. May I adjust it for you?"

"Is that so? Then please do."

While Rem stared in amazement, Ryuzu looked on with deep emotion, and Sylphy silently began to help Ram tidy up her appearance. As Sylphy adjusted her uniform, Ram winked at Rem, who was watching her,

"This is the maid outfit that Ram and Rem wear when working at the mansion."

"...I think it's lovely. But—"

"But?"

"Compared to Sylphy's uniform, isn't there a bit more skin exposed? What exactly is the difference... Could it be that person is involved?"

Comparing Ram and Sylphy's maid uniforms, Rem hugged her shoulders, harboring such suspicions. The outfit was certainly cute, but the differences were too obvious, and she couldn't understand the intention. Reflecting on it, Subaru often commented on Rem's attire even in the empire, suggesting this would be cuter or that adding certain touches would make it more attractive, which left her with complex feelings. Those memories resurfaced with the uniform before her.

"I thought he had an unusual obsession with others' clothing, and here it is again..."

"...It seems there's a misunderstanding brewing, Ram?"

"Indeed. As far as Ram is concerned, it doesn't matter if Barusu's reputation plummets in Rem's eyes, but it's not amusing if the credit is stolen."

"Credit, you say?"

"Yes. This maid outfit was something Ram personally proposed and modified. All because... Ram wanted a more comfortable uniform to wear? That was supposed to be it?"

"Why did you suddenly lose confidence there?"

At the end of the conversation, Ryuzu tilted her head at Ram, who uncharacteristically lost her confidence. At Ryuzu's remark, Ram muttered, "I can't understand it,"

"It's unpleasant not to be satisfied with my own opinion. Probably, the reason Ram proposed the uniform modification wasn't something as random as what I just said."

"Y-you're saying that about your own opinion!?"

"I sense an imposed intention. ...It's vexing to think similarly to Barusu, but wanting to dress Rem in a cute uniform makes much more sense."

"I see, indeed. That makes sense."

Sylphy agreed with Ram, who was deducing with a finger on her lips for some reason. From the flow of the conversation, it seemed that Sylphy also had the urge to dress someone in cute clothes.

In reality, in a world where memories related to Rem have disappeared for many, the true nature of the discomfort Ram felt and the correct answer to it would probably never be known.

"In that case, Ram will just believe in what she wants to believe. Without worrying about anyone else."

"...Sister, I'm sure you would have gotten along with Priscilla."

Rem's circle of friends was small and narrow, but in terms of being noble and strong women, Priscilla and Ram shared a dazzling commonality that made one want to admire them. If Priscilla were still around, there might have been a future where the two could have become friends through Rem. Or perhaps they would have clashed like arch-enemies.

In any case, it seemed that suspecting Subaru over the maid outfit was misguided.

"But it's all because that person usually does confusing things."

"If it's about Su-bo, it's a shame to hear him being criticized so harshly."

"Ryuzu-san, you can say that because you haven't seen him saying incomprehensible things and cross-dressing."

"What! Su-bo cross-dressed even in the Empire! He's incorrigible."

"Cross-dressing? Despite having Emilia-sama? What is he thinking? Depending on his answer..."

From Ryuzu's reaction, it was confirmed that Subaru was indeed a habitual offender. Hearing this, Sylphy showed a rather stern displeasure, and Rem resolved to confront him about it.

Meanwhile, Sylphy finished tidying up Ram. Ram twirled on the spot, flipping the hem of her skirt and briskly brushing her hair,

"Not bad. You've done a good job, Sylphy."

"...I am honored by your praise."

"Since it's praise from Ram, you should accept it graciously. It's not just that. I took a quick look around, and the mansion is well-maintained."

"Under a hopeless master, we've spent days in subjugation. If even a speck of dust fell on the floor, all the wives would suffer terribly. Just thinking about it makes me angry. Recently, he got his comeuppance, though."

Sylphy, who neatly adjusted Ram's uniform, seemed to have come from a terrible previous workplace—or rather, environment, as could be felt from her words, and Rem felt very sympathetic.

Then, in front of Rem, Ram, now a perfect maid, quietly placed a cup of tea.

"Now, you must be thirsty after being bombarded with questions by Ryuzu-sama and Sylphy."

"Even just serving a cup of tea makes us out to be the villains."

"Hmph."

Ram snorted at Ryuzu, who pouted her lips, and prepared tea for her and Sylphy as well.

Ram, who had apparently brought a serving tray into the hallway, skillfully brewed tea for the two while signaling with her eyes for Rem to drink first. Following this, Rem barely took in the aroma of the tea before bringing the cup to her lips—and her eyes widened in surprise.

"It's delicious..."

"Isn't it? Brewing tea is Ram's only skill as a maid."

"Such a refreshingly bold admission. ...In reality, there are few opportunities to drink tea this good, so I have no complaints."

"Even Frederica always says she can't compete with this and enjoys it immensely."

Sylphy and Ryuzu conceded defeat to the triumphant Ram and sipped their tea. Enjoying the aroma wafting to her nose and the taste on her tongue, Rem nodded at their words and suddenly noticed Ram's gentle gaze filled with affection and a faint expectation directed at her.

"――Ah."

Ram didn't say it outright. But surely, there was an expectation placed on the taste of this tea as well. With such a flavor, a tea that only Ram could brew, it wasn't hard to imagine that Rem had also savored it before losing her memory. Indeed, the masterful way the tea was brewed, enough to bring tears of emotion, seemed to permeate every corner of Rem's body with tenderness. However, it did not stimulate Rem's memory or bring about the desired result.

"It was very, truly very delicious. But――"

Placing the finished cup on the table, Rem averted her eyes and hesitated with her words. But seeing Rem's demeanor, Ram smiled and said, "Silly girl."

"I just made some tea. There's no reason for my dear Rem to apologize."

"Perhaps Ram's sharp gaze made her feel the need to apologize. My previous husband was quite moody, but he was always in a good mood if I apologized."

"……Could you brew a second cup of tea for Ram and Sylphy? I feel so sorry for this girl."

"Why do you think that? Far from being pitiable, she's enjoying unprecedented freedom."

With a slight furrow of her brow, Sylphy told Ryuzu, who looked at her with sad eyes, that she was mistaken. Responding to Ryuzu's request, Ram began preparing a second cup for Sylphy. Watching Ram's back, Rem once again made a strong, firm resolution.

"……I want to respond to the people who are kind to me."

△▼△▼△▼△

After leaving the reception room, Rem wandered around the mansion wherever her heart led her. Every time she stopped, Ram, who accompanied her, would share memories of the place, saying, "That's the flowerbed where Balthus got covered in fertilizer," "This pillar has bite marks from Garf. I'll scold him later," and "Oh, the portrait of the Great Spirit that Lady Emilia and Lady Beatrice drew on the ground is still here," leaving no time for Rem to feel lonely.

However, despite Ram's companionship and thoughtfulness, Rem couldn't quite find the feeling that would give her a strong push forward.

"Oh, there are more girls like Lady Ryuzu…"

"They're Pico and the others. They've been released from the 『Sanctuary』 and are learning everything from scratch."

"……I'm in a similar situation to those girls and Sylphy-san, aren't I?"

Unlike the unusually mature Ryuzu, the girls, who appeared as innocent as they looked—led by the one called Pico—could be seen throughout the vast Roswaal Mansion, busily helping the maids in the same uniform as Sylphy. The girls, who appeared so earnest and diligent, seemed to have been burdened with a fate different from humans due to their birth, but now they were in the midst of being freed from that and living a different life. On the other hand, many of the maid women, whose beauty and elegance were striking, were reportedly in the same dire circumstances as Sylphy, but thanks to Emilia, they were able to escape from that situation.

The sisters of Ryuzu and the maid women, in the sense that their lives were being toyed with and manipulated by fate, seemed to be in the same position as Rem. However, after Rem shared her thoughts, Ram continued, "That's right," and then...

"Regardless of whether you have memories or not, if you've decided to start walking a new path, in most cases, you have no choice but to rebuild from the beginning. Rem is nothing special."

"Sister..."

"No, I was wrong. Rem is special. To Ram, she is something incredibly dear."

Hearing this correction, Rem turns her face away, embarrassed by the magnitude of the affection she is given. Of course, Rem also feels a strong kinship and overflowing love for Ram, but while Rem's feelings are one, she feels as if she receives ten or even a hundred from Ram, leaving her unsettled. Bearing that frustration, Rem and Ram's tour of the Roswaal Mansion continues for a while. And eventually—

"—This is your room, Rem."

With Ram's hand opening the door, Rem steps into the room she indicates. Compared to the reception room, dining room, large bath, secret training ground, lounge, garden, and balcony they had seen around the mansion, there was little to note in this room that was no different from a guest room. Given the mansion's size, the room assigned to Rem, who was merely a servant, was quite decent, but that was about it.

"——"

A large bed, a bookshelf filled with poetry collections and picture books. The writing desk was neatly organized, with a vase of fresh flowers placed on it.

"There was a time I unknowingly put away your personal belongings, but Barusu pulled everything out and put it all back the way Rem had it."

"That person..."

Standing in front of the bookshelf, Ram shares Subaru's efforts with Rem. Generally, Ram is known for her harsh remarks towards Subaru, and Rem often agrees with her, but the words she added now were nothing but sincere, touching Rem's heart. She pulls out a poetry collection and flips through the pages. Although none of the poems were familiar, they were likely the ones the previous Rem liked and cherished. Many seemed to be about love and romance, making her feel amused and embarrassed by her past tastes.

"I've been asleep for over a year, haven't I?"

After returning the poetry collection to the shelf, Rem gently strokes the bed she sat on and narrows her eyes. In place of Rem, who fell into an unawakening slumber and could no longer fulfill her maid duties, Ram, Frederica, and Petra must have taken care of the mansion and looked after the bedridden Rem daily. Even now, the pillow and sheets on the bed are kept clean, showcasing their meticulous work. Next to the bed, the faint sunburn marks on the floor are evidence of a chair having been there for a long time. The image of someone visiting the sleeping Rem and speaking to her there comes to mind. That someone was surely Ram, Emilia, and then—

"——"

Ram silently sits down next to Rem, who is seated on the bed. As the gentle pink gaze looks at her profile, Rem closes her eyes and shakes her head. She hasn't been asked, but she must be thought of as wanting to know. There's nothing in this mansion, in this room, that stimulates Rem's memory. Everything here is filled with affection, only things that make Rem, who remembers nothing, realize she was a fortunate person.

She feels it so deeply, so strongly, that her eyes well up with tears. That's why—

"...Sister, I'm really curious about that. What is it?"

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a gentle glow in the room filled with a soft atmosphere and kindness. In one corner lay a mysterious object—a chained, spiked iron ball whose strangeness caught the eye.

In response to Rem's inquiry, Ram sighed as if realizing something and said, "That's a morning star."

"…Morning star?"

"Yes. Barusu started calling it that, and it stuck over time… Apparently, it was something Rem cherished."

"That was mine!?"

Hearing something so different from the usual reminiscing, Rem found herself glancing back and forth between Ram and the spiked iron ball—the morning star—multiple times. Just as she was about to conclude it was another of Ram's playful jokes, Ram continued.

"I understand your doubts, Rem. But seeing Barusu polish it daily with a special cloth and oil, I think it's too elaborate for a mere joke."

"But, but, isn't that just the kind of trivial thing he would do?"

"True. I won't deny it."

Perhaps it was a discussion they had exhausted already, as Ram's response to Rem's rebuttal carried a sense of resignation. Observing Ram's demeanor, Rem stood up from the bed and approached the morning star.

"I don't understand…"

Upon closer inspection, a handmade stand was provided to prevent the iron ball's spikes from damaging the floor, showing a touch of careful consideration. The cloth and oil container placed nearby corroborated Ram's words about Subaru polishing it daily. Yet, if asked what that meant, it was a conversation that would end there.

"Surely, this is just another one of his pranks—"

Like when he dressed up, it was merely an earnest expression of something, a malicious hobby of Subaru's reflected in it. Thinking so, Rem crouched down and touched the iron ball with her fingers. It was at that moment.

"—Eh?"

Suddenly, Rem's vision warped, and she fell back onto the floor. It was an undignified position, but at that moment, Rem had no time to feel embarrassed or concerned.

"Ugh…"

Even after falling, the dizziness didn't stop, and her vision spun around. Despite being there, she couldn't distinguish the floor from the ceiling, the world's black and white inverted, and a confusion of the senses occurred where the air was visible, sounds had a scent, smells could be touched, colors were tasted, and sounds could be heard.

"—Ah, uh"

Everything she felt mixed together, stirred, blending Rem's past, present, and future. A mountain village, a wolf-flag pierced by a sword, the creaking sound of a wheelchair's wheels, a sky filled with flying dragons, a horrifying white whale flying in the night sky, a broken horn soaring in the twilight lit by flames, and a desperate-looking boy pleading, an angry boy, a crying boy, a laughing boy—.

"——"

Eventually, the shock that seemed to remake the entire world burst suddenly like a bubble popping.

"——"

Vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, all returned to their proper forms, teaching her the correct way of life. Feeling the intense stimuli imprinted on her and the pulse that circulated blood throughout her body, Rem blinked once, twice, three times.

She didn't understand what had happened. But—,

"Wa… Rem is…"

Sitting on the ground, Rem touched her cheek with trembling hands, confirming its existence. The sensation on her fingertips wouldn't fade. It was fragile, unreliable, and she feared it would crumble away like a castle made of sand, so Rem couldn't muster the strength to press her fingers any harder. If she became greedy and wanted more, she felt as if everything would disappear――.

"――――"

Wrapped in an undeniable sense of anxiety and fear, Rem was enveloped from behind by a warm sensation. She gasped, unable to turn around, frozen in place. Embraced by arms wrapped around her from behind, Rem found a reason to direct her overwhelmed mind and heart elsewhere. And the first thing she turned to was the presence that held her from behind――,

"Sister――"

"――Wait."

"――――"

"Don't turn around yet. Right now, Ram is disappointed in herself for the first time in her life."

About to speak and turn around, Rem was stopped entirely by the other person, and she stiffened. Ram, whose face she couldn't see, had trembling arms wrapped around her, and her voice was shaking. It was so far removed from the image of Ram that Rem knew.

Ram was always gallant and majestic, never showing anything but a dignified appearance to Rem. That was true when they reunited in the empire, during their journey alone back to the Roswaal Mansion, when they first started working at the mansion with the burden of a broken horn, and even when she fought against the 『Witch』 cultists in a burning village to protect foolish Rem. Whenever she appeared in Rem's eyes, Ram was always cool――.

"I'm sorry, Rem. I'm pathetic."

"Sister... what are you..."

"To think that I could live until today, forgetting about such a beloved and precious Rem, how heartless a sister I must have been."

Hearing Ram's voice, filled with regret due to her overwhelming love, Rem's eyes widened. Then, defying all restraints, Rem turned around to face Ram, who was embracing her.

"――"

With slightly widened, tear-filled light pink eyes, Ram looked at her in surprise.――The face she had looked at the most, for the longest time, in her life made her chest feel warm. She was certain. She realized how fortunate she was, surrounded by beloved things.

"Sister, you're not heartless. I'm the one who's sorry. I've always made you worry, always been an ungrateful sister."

"Rem."

"I understand everything. How much you've worried about me, how much you've sacrificed to stay with me until today. And..."

"Rem..."

"What I, weak and pathetic Rem, must do from now on."

"――"

Seeing Ram's face directly, Rem wiped away the tears on her cheek with her fingers and smiled. Then, with an outstretched hand, she pulled her sister's head close and embraced her to her chest. Sitting on the floor, the two sisters gently leaned on each other, cherishing one another.――No, Ram had always been doing that. It was Rem who hadn't been able to.

"Sister, I love you."

Bringing her lips close to her sister's ear, Rem conveyed her overflowing feelings to Ram. As she felt the warm tears slowly wetting her chest, Rem continued to hold Ram, who was silently crying. Finally, truly accepting their reunion, Rem conveyed her love with all she had, from her past self to her present self.

Until I am satisfied, until my heart is content, I want to spend this time with Ram. Once I have fully reclaimed the time lost with my sister, there are things I must do for Rem—too many people to whom I must convey my gratitude and love. In particular, the first person who comes to mind is the dark-haired boy with the sharp eyes—

"—Subaru-kun."

I must stand up to convey my love. How fortunate I am to be alive for such a happy reason. —That is what Rem thought.

△▼△▼△▼△

"——"

Before the maid-dressed girl who raised her head after a deep bow, Petra gasped. Her eyes widened in astonishment, and her body froze. It wasn't just Petra who was struck speechless by the sight of the girl who appeared; Meili and Emilia were the same. In that enforced silence, the first to speak was—

"—Rem."

An imaginary Subaru, without substance, stood frozen, looking at the same person as Petra. His dazed voice reached no one but Petra, and sadly, the girl receiving all the attention could not meet his translucent gaze. Petra, or anyone else, had no room to assist the unnoticed 'Subaru.' However, the correctness of 'Subaru's' call was undeniable. —Standing there was unmistakably the cherished and precious girl, Rem.

"—Ah."

In that instant, a spark ran through Petra's mind, clearing the foggy areas of her consciousness one by one. The gravitational pull, with its cause right in front of her, began to display the picture of memories that had been unconsciously pushed to the corner of her mind and covered with the cloth of oblivion, once again in the corridors of her awareness. And all the vivid pictures displayed struck her with a spark-like impact.

—The time Petra spent with her as Petra was not much. A maid girl who frequently came shopping from Roswaal Mansion to the village. They had almost no interaction and had never exchanged words, but after Subaru started visiting the village, she became more expressive, and above all, she was a lifesaver for Petra and the others. —Though it was Meili who endangered their lives by controlling the beasts, which is an ironic story. In fact, Meili and her sister targeted the lives of their acquaintances too much at crucial moments.

Anyway, the connection between Petra and her was that thin. After that, with the start of the Royal Selection, she fell victim to the Sin Archbishop of 'Gluttony,' and Petra, hired to fill that gap, joined Emilia's camp as a maid. In other words, without her tragedy, Petra's current position would not exist, which itself was a deeply complex feeling, but—

"Rem... is it Rem?"

Like flipping over a hidden card to confirm its picture and written content, Petra's misunderstandings about her were being replaced with understanding one after another. Beside her, it was Emilia, blinking her eyes, who called out to her in such a halting voice. Emilia, stepping forward, opened and closed her lips repeatedly, as if hesitating over the words to follow,

"No, I'm sorry, that was a strange way to put it. I knew from the beginning that Rem is Rem... But that's not what I wanted to say."

"It's okay, Lady Emilia. Please take your time and be calm. Rem understands it's sudden."

"—. Yes, thank you. There are many things I want to say, but still."

"But?"

"......That outfit looks really great on you. It really feels like it's so very Rem."

Emilia placed her hand on her chest, her violet eyes glistening as she smiled at Rem. In response to Emilia's words, Rem raised her eyebrows slightly and then nodded. Proudly, she puffed out her chest in her maid uniform and said,

"It's a uniform that my sister tailored to suit Rem."

Ram, with her arms crossed, nodded in satisfaction at Rem's response.

"......What's all this about all of a sudden?"

Beside Emilia and Rem's exchange, Meili grumbled with a frown. A small red scorpion peeked out from her hair, clicking its pincers as if worried about its master's reaction. Meili closed one eye and placed a hand on her forehead,

"The moment I saw Ram's little sister, I remembered how that person crushed my Urugarum along with the whole pack. Isn't that the reason for my job failure......"

"In that case, you should be grateful to Rem. Thanks to Rem's job failure, there were no other victims besides Barusu, so you can be here now."

"It's a complicated feeling, so it's hard to be grateful......"

Meili made a face of disgust and stuck out her tongue at Ram's pointed remark, hugging her own elbows. Indeed, the way it was put was harsh, but Ram's point was also true. The fact that Meili, who was once an enemy, was accepted into Emilia's camp was undoubtedly because the damage caused by her actions was kept to a minimum. Ironically, Ram's remark that there were no victims besides Subaru was also correct from the perspective of 'Return by Death.'

"As you can see, the moment they saw Rem, those who knew her from before had their memories revived. Rebirth. Both I and Lady Ryuzu couldn't contain our agitation. As a result, our reunion was delayed to the utmost. Confession."

"Clind's reaction was dull and uninteresting, but Lady Ryuzu's panic was exaggerated and a sight to behold. It's a privilege for those who were present at the scene."

"I see, a sight to behold. Indeed, I witnessed something rare. I understand."

"――. Ha!"

The revival of Rem's 'memory' among those surrounding her. No, considering the conditions of the power of 'Gluttony' so far, this event should be called the revival of her 'name.' Clind, who touched on this fact, gave Ram a meaningful look, to which she clearly turned her gaze away in dissatisfaction and snorted. Upon closer inspection, Ram's eyes were slightly red, which might have had some connection to Clind's remark about it being a sight to behold. However, Petra did not mention it. Not out of a warrior's mercy, but because she couldn't bring herself to.

"――Petra?"

Suddenly, Rem, who had been the center of everyone's attention, noticed Petra, who had fallen silent, and widened her eyes. Emilia and the others also turned back to look at Petra, startled by her state. Their reaction was natural. Petra, who hadn't uttered a word until now, was shedding tears in torrents from her round eyes, desperately trying to suppress the sobs rising in her throat.

"Petra-chan!? Oh no, don't cry so much――"

"――"

The moment her tearful face was noticed, Petra kicked off the floor and started running. Surprised by Petra's tears, Emilia tried to embrace her, but Petra slipped past her hand, dodged Meili who was about to touch her sleeve, and quickly maneuvered through Old Man Rom's legs, who was left behind by the situation, before leaping into the chest of the wide-eyed Rem. And then――,

"Rem――!"

"Kyaa!"

Embraced by Rem, who did not shy away, Petra held her slender frame tightly. Clinging to her as if unable to let go, Petra was embraced back by Rem, who blinked in surprise.

"Rem... Rem, Rem..."

In response to Rem, Petra couldn't stop her tears from flowing, despite having decided she must never do such a thing as sniffle in front of others. Yet, she couldn't pull away. Supporting the tearful Petra, Rem looked around as if seeking help and said,

"Um, Rem and Petra-san, were we really so close that you would cry this much, and it's just that I can't remember...?"

With a hint of confusion she couldn't hide, Rem continued to gently stroke Petra's head.