Natsuki Subaru is chasing his back

Chapter 39: The Gift

In the mansion, several people who should have been asleep were not all asleep.

In the living room, Roswaal sat on the main chair, his hands crossed, his heterochromatic eyes fixed on Rem who stood not far away with her head lowered.

Beside him, Ram was also looking at Rem, but her face showed no sign of worry.

Sitting nearby, Emilia wore a troubled expression, having tried several times to speak but ultimately said nothing.

"Rem, can you explain why you attacked Subaru?"

Roswaal's tone was no longer his usual playful one; though not overtly oppressive, it showed that he was serious now.

Hearing Roswaal's tone, Emilia and Rem reacted differently, while Ram remained calm and expressionless.

"Lord Roswaal, Natsuki Subaru is a Witch's Cultist!" Rem said somewhat excitedly.

Emilia immediately opposed Rem's words.

"Subaru is definitely not a Witch's Cultist! Absolutely not!"

"That's because Lady Emilia is deceived! I will never be mistaken; the foul stench on him is exactly the stench of a Witch's Cultist!"

Hearing this, Emilia slammed her hand on the table and stood up, a bit angry.

She recalled when she met Subaru, and when he became her friend; she absolutely would not believe he was a cultist.

When he saved people, and spoke those words filled with emotion, the feelings were genuine.

Emilia trusted what she saw in him, trusted her intuition, and also trusted Puck who was willing to get along with Subaru.

"Rem! I'm a little angry—Subaru absolutely isn't a Witch's Cultist!"

"Then, Lady Emilia, what do you know about him? Do you know where he comes from? What his hobbies are? You know nothing."

"Enough." Roswaal's voice cut off their argument.

After looking at both of them, he turned to Rem and said,

"I also believe Subaru isn't part of the Witch's Cult. Of course, I don't fully trust him either.

But this time, you were wrong to act on your own without consulting anyone or finding evidence before attacking Subaru.

No matter what, he is Lady Emilia's benefactor, my new employee, and a guest."

"…I understand."

Rem lowered her head, but her clenched fists still showed she would never trust Subaru.

After all, the stench on him was a pain she could never forget, a smell she detested her whole life.

"So, Rem, because of your unauthorized action, you will be responsible for Subaru's work from now on~~~ as your punishment~~"

Hearing this, Rem raised her head, puzzled, looking at Roswaal, but he only smiled and continued,

"The new employee already plans to resign~~ It would have been easier, so just continue as before~~~"

Roswaal's gaze shifted to Emilia.

"Lady Emilia, regarding Subaru, I will provide other compensation.

Of course, I know you want Subaru to stay, but now, because of a little misunderstanding, Subaru might no longer trust us~~~ Of course, you can try to persuade Subaru to stay."

After hearing this, Emilia said nothing.

She understood... Rem had worked in the mansion a long time, while Subaru had only been here a few days.

Roswaal would not give Rem a harsh punishment for something like this.

After Roswaal said, "Everyone, go get some rest," the mansion fell silent once again.

Most of the people inside struggled with sleeplessness that night.

But some weren't awake because of Rem and Subaru's situation.

Roswaal sat in the study, looking out the window, lost in thought.

The night passed quickly, and Subaru, who fell asleep late, opened his tired eyes as usual. Sitting up, he rubbed his slightly fuzzy head and sighed thinking about the previous day's events.

He should have slept longer today, but because of the early wake-ups these days, he naturally opened his eyes around this time, wanting to work.

Shaking his head, Subaru got out of bed. Instead of trying to sleep again, he decided it was better to leave early and find a new job elsewhere.

Oh, and he still needed to visit the fruit stall uncle in the capital and Rom too.

With that thought, Subaru rubbed his eyes, went to the bathroom to freshen up, then prepared to head to the living room to say his goodbyes.

His gaze paused at a certain door.

'Better say goodbye to Beatrice as well.'

With that thought, Subaru walked to the door and opened it, revealing the usual library and Beatrice sitting there as always.

Her attitude hadn't changed one bit — still sharp-tongued.

"So, it's you, huh? You did that to Betty last night, and you still dare to show your face in front of her? You've got no shame at all."

Listening to Beatrice's unfriendly words but no corresponding action, Subaru smiled.

"Sorry, sorry. But Beatrice, you should sleep in your bed from now on. Next time, no one will come cover you with blankets like I do."

Hearing Subaru's words, Beatrice was momentarily stunned, then carefully examined his clothes.

Thinking over what he said just now, Beatrice asked,

"So, you're planning to run away because you can't bear the hardships of work? Fine by me — Betty won't be bothered by you every day anymore."

Though she said this, a feeling of loss rose in her heart. Betty restrained herself from showing it, lowered her head pretending to read, and raised her hand to wave at Subaru.

"There's no way I'd quit over a little hardship. Don't underestimate me. But yes, I'm really leaving now. So, I came to say goodbye."

"Since you've been saying goodbye for so long, don't bother Betty and let her get back to her book."

"Alright then, see you later."

Hearing the door close, Betty bit her lip and said,

"You said you're leaving! Why are you still here?"

Beatrice raised her head in displeasure and saw Subaru standing in front of her with a smile on his face.

Seeing his smile, Beatrice's annoyance froze, and the harsh words she wanted to say wouldn't come out.

His broad, slender hand with some scars gently rested on Beatrice's head, softly stroking it.

A gentle voice entered Beatrice's ears.

"As someone I'm most familiar with and a friend in this mansion, of course I'll leave Beatrice a little gift before I go."

"Hmph, a broke loser like you couldn't possibly have anything to give Betty. Even if you did, Betty would just throw it away."

As she spoke, Beatrice saw a white object appear before her eyes.

When she looked at Subaru in confusion, he said,

"This is the second most valuable thing I have on me. Later, I'll take a picture with you, then teach you how to use it, and give it to you."