Natsuki Subaru is chasing his back

Chapter 35: History Is Always Astonishingly Similar

Beatrice looked at Subaru's expression and spoke.

"Betty has no reason to help you, nor the time or desire to do so." Saying this, Beatrice lowered her head to continue reading the book without looking up.

"Although I don't know why you came to ask Betty for help, or for what purpose, Betty isn't the kind of gentle person you think I am.

So you should go find someone else.

I see the little girl your brother protects is quite willing to help you."

Hearing Beatrice's rejection, Subaru didn't turn to leave.

This matter didn't necessarily have to be discussed with Beatrice; he could have gone to Roswaal instead.

But Subaru didn't want to do that—he simply couldn't understand Roswaal.

The clown-like outfit, strange way of speaking, heavy makeup—all these were disguises, and Subaru couldn't trust Roswaal.

This wasn't just because they communicated so little, but also because of what Roswaal said when Subaru just woke up in the mansion, and their last exchange after Subaru left Beatrice's room.

All these reasons combined became an obstacle to Subaru's trust in Roswaal.

"Beatrice, only you can help me with this."

"What's with this dependence of yours that comes from nowhere? Don't think that saying that will make Betty help you. Your little schemes are empty."

Hearing this, Subaru sighed and scratched his head as he stepped in front of Beatrice. When he stood before her, he saw Beatrice raise her head to look at him. Her displeased expression made Subaru clearly understand that she was very annoyed with him.

"Beatrice, what I'm about to say might sound ridiculous to you, but I have to say it: Someone might be acting against the people in this mansion."

Hearing this, Beatrice frowned. Subaru had expected her to laugh at him and dismiss the matter.

"Why do you think that?"

"Sorry, Beatrice, I can't tell you why, but what I say is true, so I hope you can believe me."

"Huh?! Who do you think you are?! Why would Betty believe you? What reason do you have to be trusted?"

"..."

Beatrice looked at the silent Subaru and continued mercilessly:

"You're just a servant, someone who only recently arrived at the mansion. Betty has no reason to believe you. And right now, you're extremely suspicious. During that meal the other day, you acted like a clueless fool.

Why would you wake up today and say someone might be against the people in the mansion? You're an outsider who's been working in the mansion all this time.

Where did you get this information? You want Betty to trust you without revealing the source? Be reasonable and self-aware, aren't you abnormal because my brother nearly killed you?"

After she finished, the library fell silent.

Neither Beatrice nor Subaru spoke.

Beatrice looked at Subaru's mute expression, then lowered her head and said emotionlessly:

"If you have nothing else to say, you can leave now. Since you came in, the air in the library has gotten foul." Saying this, Beatrice waved her hand, signaling Subaru to leave.

Subaru looked at Beatrice's gesture, opened his mouth to speak, but gave up on revealing the source of his information.

Since last time, he realized he couldn't disclose his abilities.

Besides, Beatrice's current favorability toward him was low.

He remembered the time they spent together, but she had already forgotten and wouldn't trust him.

Not everyone believes in you like a best friend does.

"Beatrice, can you teach me how to read?"

"No, Betty doesn't have time to waste on you."

Hearing this, Subaru didn't show disappointment but smiled and said:

"Is that so? Then I'll leave you be."

Saying this, Subaru left the library.

Standing in the hallway, his gaze was resolute.

Since Beatrice didn't trust him, he would ask someone else—and that person was Puck.

If it was Puck, Subaru was certain he would trust him.

Even if no one else believed him, Subaru would handle this matter by himself.

If he ignored it, he wouldn't be able to proudly say he was Subaru's best friend anymore.

With this determination, Subaru returned to his room and met Ram.

Their interaction was much the same as last time. After Ram left, Subaru tidied his books and left the room.

He now needed to enter Beatrice's library again—not to seek her help, but simply to accompany her.

Though she said such heartless things, she was right, and that didn't stop him from wanting Beatrice not to feel lonely.

With that thought, Subaru opened the library door once more. Seeing Beatrice's puzzled gaze, he raised his hand with a smile and said:

"Beatrice, I'm here to study."

"You really don't understand human speech, do you?!"

"I do understand. You just said you won't teach me, so I'll study by myself here."

"Betty doesn't welcome you here!"

However, Subaru ignored Beatrice's words, took a book, and sat beside her.

Opening the book, he said under Beatrice's watchful eyes:

"Don't worry, Beatrice, I won't speak or disturb you."

"You're already disturbing Betty just by being in her library."

"But I'm weak right now, and this is the only place where I can learn."

"Why not in your room then?"

"There aren't any books there. What if I encounter characters I don't know?"

"Even if you're here, these books aren't ones you can understand. And even if you encounter unknown characters, Betty won't tell you."

"I know... It's just lonely being alone, and I don't want to trouble the seniors... So if Beatrice is nearby, I won't feel as lonely."

"... Hmph! Whatever! If you disturb Betty, Betty will throw you out. You're an adult but afraid of loneliness—how laughable."

After saying this, Beatrice stopped speaking.

Subaru smiled and lowered his head to continue studying seriously.

Time passed bit by bit, and Subaru noticed that Beatrice had started teaching him again, just like last time.