I don't know this ceiling.
The wound on my stomach?
Gone.
Everything considered, she must've done it.
Emilia's healing power, huh?
Well, at any rate, I guess I escaped having to Return by Death this time.
But wouldn't you normally wake up to a girl asking, "Are you awake?"
after she'd spent all night caring for you by your bedside.
It's kinda flawed for a story about being summoned.
A looping hallway, huh?
I'll be stuck in it until I find the correct room, right?
The tried-and-true pattern tells me it's probably behind the first door!
I suppose you are one profoundly aggravating man.
First NPC found!
Your cute face is gonna go to waste if you're that cold.
Come on, smile. Smile!
A derisive sneer is the only "smile" worth giving you.
Are you mad because I guessed right on my first try?
I've always been a pretty lucky guesser.
I totally understand why game masters would want me in all the events,
but too bad for you.
So what is this place anyway?
It's Betty's multipurpose room. I suppose it's both a library and a bedroom.
Talk about your token response.
Are you one of those manual girls everyone's into now?
Betty's had just about enough.
I suppose it's time to teach you a lesson.
Hey, what are you gonna do?
Don't you dare move.
Any last words?
D-Don't hurt me.
What did you do to me, you drill loli!?
Not much. I suppose all I did was collect the mana within your body.
On the bright side, I now know you're not an enemy.
You're not human, are you?
And I'm not talking about your personality.
I suppose even you would notice eventually.
I take it back. Your personality isn't human either.
Do not measure a proud, noble being by your standards, human.
I know this ceiling.
Oh, he has awakened, Sister.
Indeed, he has awakened, Rem.
I, a denizen of the night, waking in the morning?
I'm getting all emotional.
I'd better go to sleep a second time.
No, I woke up earlier, so this'll be the third time.
My, what a deadbeat thing to say.
Did you hear that, Sister?
Yes, truly a loser's words. I heard him, Rem.
All right!
Who are these two voices that keep criticizing me in stereo!?
N-No way.
Maid uniforms are a thing in this world too?
I've always imagined maids as the living embodiment of elegance,
but I can live with this too!
How terrible. You are being violated in our guest's mind, Sister.
It is terrible. You are experiencing the ultimate shame in our guest's mind, Rem.
Don't underestimate the power of my fantasies.
You're both fair prey in them.
Can't you wake up more peacefully, Subaru?
Whoever picked that outfit totally gets it!
I don't know what you're talking about,
but the fact I know it's something silly is rather disappointing.
Listen to this, Emilia-sama.
My dear sister was just violated by that man.
Please listen to this, Emilia-sama.
Rem was held prisoner and shamed by that man.
Try not to tease him too much, okay?
Very well, Emilia-sama. My sister is very sorry.
Very well, Emilia-sama. Rem is very sorry as well.
Subaru, how's your body doing?
Does anything feel off?
Huh? Oh, I'm just a little groggy from oversleeping.
You healed me, didn't you, Emilia-tan?
Huh? "Tan"?
What does "tan" imply?
Uh, just ignore it, okay?
But seriously, thanks. I owe you one.
No, I should be thanking you.
You barely know me, yet you risked your life to save me.
Healing your wounds was the very least I could do.
Okay, let's start this off right.
It's time to dive headfirst into a brand new day!
This place is seriously huge.
The yard isn't so much a yard as a field.
Those are unusual movements. What are you doing?
An ancient practice of my homeland called "warm-up exercises."
Come on, Emilia-tan! Together now!
Radio calisthenics, number 2!
Bounce on both feet to loosen up your body!
Huh? You're kidding! What is that?
Just do what I do.
I'll drill the essence of radio calisthenics into you!
Now, raise both arms and shout, "Victory!"
V-Victory!
Victory!
Hi, Subaru! Great morning, isn't it?
Well, ever since the wee hours of the morning, it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for me.
Looping hallways and a little girl with a mean streak.
And of course, shedding the sweet sweat of passion with Emilia-tan!
Don't make it sound so scandalous!
Good morning, Puck.
Sorry I pushed you so hard yesterday.
Morning, Lia. I almost lost you yesterday.
I can never thank Subaru enough.
I have to repay him somehow.
Okay, then...
Let me pet your fur whenever I want!
Huh? That's all?
For a connoisseur of fine fur like myself,
being able to dote on the object of your affection anytime
is worth as much as a multimillionaire's riches!
Oh, man, these ears.
I'm in love with how soft you are.
I can kind of read your mind, so I know you feel that way,
but I'm amazed you can actually say it!
It's okay, Lia.
I can't find a trace of malice, hostility, or ill-intent in Subaru.
It's so cute how you call her "Lia" too.
Not as cute as your "Emilia-tan"!
You really are strange, Subaru.
Huh?
Oh? What brings you two here?
Emilia-sama.
Our lord, Roswaal-sama, has returned.
Please come inside.
I was watching you from upstairs, and you know what?
I suppose you are as dumb as you look.
What's got you so high and mighty, you damn loli!?
I suppose that word means nothing good.
I have never heard it before, but it irritates me somehow.
Hey, Betty. It's been four days.
Have you been nice and ladylike?
Bubby!
I've been waiting for you to come home.
Do you suppose you could spend today with me?
Sure, no problem.
Let's take the chance to relax together today.
Yay!
In a dither, aren't you?
Beatrice is so taken with Puck.
"In a dither"? Haven't heard that in awhile.
My, my! How unusual to see you here, Beatrice.
I'm so happy you've decided to dine with me.
I suppose that boy is more than enough addle-brained fools for me.
Betty was only waiting for Bubby!
You guys hired a clown to entertain you before each meal?
I'll never understand how rich folks think.
Um, Subaru, that man is...
Oh, no. It's quite all right, Emilia-sama.
What's that mean?
Only that I am the lord of this manor, Roswaal L. Mathers,
Natsuki Subaru-kun.
This is way better than normal food!
She may not look it, but Rem is quite the exceptional cook.
So this was cooked by the blue-haired one, um...
Rem-chan is fine, right?
You made this?
Yes, sir.
I do the cooking in this house.
My sister is not very good at cooking.
Oh, I see where this is going. Twins who are good at different things?
Is your sister good at cleaning, then?
Yes, that is correct.
My sister excels at housework, particularly cleaning and laundry.
So, Rem-rin, you're good at cooking, but bad at cleaning and laundry?
No, I am generally good at all household tasks.
I am also better at cleaning and laundry than my sister.
Why is your sister even here, then!?
You are truly a strange young man.
You visit the mansion of Margrave Mathers in the Kingdom of Lugunica,
yet you claim total ignorance of the state of affairs here!
"State of affairs here"? Is something bad going down?
Well, it's not exactly in an agreeable position.
After all, Lugunica is currently without a king.
Please, there's no need to be so concerned.
Everyone is well aware of this reality.
Really?
I expected a "now that you know our secret, I can't let you leave alive" thing.
Around the same time that the king passed,
an epidemic struck the royal castle!
The king and his children were the last of his line.
A council of wise men currently manages the nation,
and they are now in the process of selecting a new king!
I see. I'm starting to get the picture.
Besides the king's absence, the royal selection is causing unrest in the kingdom.
Then, suddenly, I appear from another world—
Wait, I'm totally suspect here!
And on top of that,
you made contact with Emilia-sama, thus becoming connected to my household!
Wait, why is the lord of the mansion calling her "Emilia-sama"?
It's only natural to address someone of higher status with all due respect.
Um, so Emilia-tan would be...
Right now, I'm a candidate
to become the forty-second ruler of the Kingdom of Lugunica.
Margrave Roswaal is acting as my sponsor.
What!?
Sorry to surprise you.
I wasn't trying to keep it a secret.
Hey, it's that insignia.
This qualifies one as a candidate for king.
It's a touchstone for determining if one is worthy of the throne.
Wait, Emilia-tan, you lost an insignia that qualifies you to rule an entire kingdom?
Don't put it like that! I didn't lose it!
A thief stole it from me!
That's the same thing!
And what happens if you lose that thing anyway?
Will some government body issue you another?
Oh, my! If you lost it, then all doubts would be cleared.
The passing thought that someone who cannot protect a tiny insignia
is unfit to rule an entire nation would spell the end of it.
Now that I think about it, I did a damn good job.
This totally raises my expectations for a reward.
Yeah, you're right.
You helped me more than you could ever imagine.
So ask for anything.
Merely say the word.
You may have anything your heart desires!
In that case, I have but one request.
Hire me to work in this mansion!
Achoo.
That isn't quite right.
Wasn't there anything else that fit you, Subaru?
Oddly, some of the girls' stuff fit me, but...
Our deepest apologies, sir. I mean, Subaru-kun.
You look quite ridiculous, sir. I mean, Balse.
Hey, older sister, you just turned my name into a blinding curse.
Rem, looking at Balse's ridiculous appearance, do you notice anything?
The shoulders don't fit right, his legs are short, and his eyes are scary?
I have no control over two of those things!
We cannot allow you to work here in such shady-looking attire.
It would bring question to Roswaal-sama's dignity.
Let us alter the jacket, at least.
Rem, if you please.
All right, I have to study for the royal selection.
Good luck with your work, Subaru.
Yep, leave it to me, Emilia-tan.
I shall take your measurements. Stand still and keep your back straight.
Please refrain from strange noises. It's unpleasant.
That was beyond my control!
This tickles a guy in all kinds of ways!
This is the VIP room.
This is the bathing room.
This is the kitchen.
And this is the lavatory.
In a mansion like this, the restroom must be huge.
You're the best, Bubby! Your fur feels like heave—
Don't worry. I won't tell a soul.
The feel of that fur would make anyone—
Hey! Let me finish!
That was Beatrice-sama's Door Crossing.
So it's a spell that can connect any door in the mansion to her room?
Once Beatrice-sama has eliminated her presence,
the only way to find her is to try every door in the mansion.
She's in here!
That was impressive, Subaru.
You picked the right door again?
What did I tell you?
I'm a flag-crusher who makes game masters cry.
I don't understand what you're saying!
And I don't even know who you are.
Roscchi's little sister?
I suppose I'd rather die than be his sister!
Betty is the librarian who oversees the Roswaal mansion's forbidden library.
Roswaal-sama is the greatest magic-user in the kingdom.
He has many books that must not be seen by others.
Beatrice-sama is contracted to protect them.
Now that you know, go away.
This concludes our tour of the mansion.
Any questions?
I know there's no point in saying this now that it's over,
but shouldn't Emilia-tan be my guide for the tour event?
If you have no questions, let us get to your actual job.
You will help me with my work, Balse.
This must be where my hidden skill as a butler comes to light!
Today's work includes tending to the front yard and garden, helping to prepare lunch,
polishing the silver, airing the futons, doing the laundry, cleaning the bathroom,
and completing the mansion's monthly soot cleaning.
I'm exhausted...
This is Rem.
Do you have a moment, Subaru-kun?
Sure, I'm good!
I won't do anything weird, so come on in.
The phrasing of your permission makes you sound less credible.
Pardon me, then.
You already finished it?
While Roswaal-sama's clothing requires the utmost care,
since this is yours...
Did you just imply that you cut corners?
I hate to admit it, but it's perfect.
Well? Do I look good?
Combined with those unusual gray clothes of yours,
no one in any kind of strange garment could rival you.
Okay! Not a compliment at all!
What shall we do about those?
This one's easy. Got a needle and thread?
I have both on me. Shall I repair them now?
Nah, I'll do it.
Don't look down on my sewing skills.
I am surprised.
I must say your sewing earns full marks.
Very much like you, however, I fail to see how that's useful.
Ow!
You may get full marks for sewing, but you are still useless with a knife, Balse.
Such a lovely picture could be painted of you peeling vegetables, Sister.
Your bias is so blatant it's almost comforting!
I'd like a comment on my work too!
I pity the farmer who grew those vegetables.
Stop! You're breaking my heart!
You do not know how to handle a knife, Balse.
You should hold the knife still, turning the vegetable.
Frankly speaking, my best dish is steamed tatoes.
Why do you look so proud of that!?
Just watch me, damn it!
My favorite blade, Shooting Star, will show you a thing or two—
It sliced right through me!
It's been five days since Subaru-kun came to the mansion.
How has he been?
By now, we should be seeing something.
Cooking, laundry, cleaning.
He is incompetent at all of them.
How strict of you.
And?
What of the potential he is a spy?
I cannot deny it exists, but I believe the possibility is slim.
For better or worse.
Specifically for worse, he is too conspicuous.
And if he's too conspicuous...
Despite that possibility, he certainly is carefree.
As I personally see it, interfering would be wise.
They are only children.
Even if we leave them be, nothing will happen.
It can't be all that fun to watch me.
Nothing is boring when I'm with you, Emilia-tan.
That makes me happy, even if it's just flattery.
Besides, we haven't had a lot of chances to talk in the past few days.
I guess so.
You must be having a hard time getting used to your work here.
Hell yeah, I am! It's killing me!
I wanna rest my head in your arms, on your chest, and then on your lap.
Yeah, yeah.
If you can joke around like that, you must be fine.
The moon sure is pretty.
True beauty is always beyond our reach.
I got a really touching response without even trying to!
On another note, don't you think you're too unambitious?
Like earlier with Puck,
or when you asked for my name back in the capital.
You just don't get it, Emilia-tan.
I want what I want at that exact moment,
and I want it from the bottom of my heart.
Huh?
At the time, I wanted to know your name.
In a new land, nervous and unsure of the future, I had no expectations for tomorrow.
Looking back on it calmly,
I'm sure there were other things I should have wanted.
But I can't lie to myself.
Same thing with the request I made to Roscchi.
I'm flat broke right now.
I could cheat him out of a fortune and live it up,
but I can just as easily obtain a source of livelihood, right?
In that case, couldn't you have become a permanent guest, rather than an employee?
I never thought of that!
Oh, man, talk about pathetic.
Your efforts should be kept a secret, right?
Do you want me to use my healing magic?
Nah, I'm fine like this.
Why?
It's kind of hard to explain, but...
I guess it's kind of like proof of the effort I put in.
I don't actually dislike exerting myself, you know.
Learning to do something I couldn't do before is, well...
It's not such a bad feeling.
I guess that's true.
Yeah, I think you're right.
You're such a silly man.
Hey, now. I don't know about that reaction.
You're supposed to fall for me all over again.
"Again"? There was no first time.
Honestly, you're so silly.
EMA...
It's short for "Emilia-tan, mesmerizing angel."
I'm praising you, and you're fooling around again!
Anyway, I know you're working hard,
but how did your hands get so torn up?
I cut this one up with a knife in the kitchen.
And this happened the evening that I went shopping in town.
A little animal some kids were playing with bit me.
It wasn't the result of your effort?
Those kids were ruthless.
They hit me, kicked me, and wiped their runny noses on me. It was seriously the worst.
I can see you being good with small children, Subaru.
I know!
Wanna come with me tomorrow to get revenge on those ki—
I mean, to watch the small animal?
I'm not really against the idea, but...
Then let's go.
It might cause you trouble if we're seen together.
Okay, got it! Let's go!
Are you listening to me?
I am! I hang on every word you say, Emilia-tan!
Jeez...
Only after you finish all your work, and I have a break from my studies, okay?
All right! Roger that!
Hey, loli girl! You're still up?
I suppose you can break through my Door Crossing like it's nothing now.
Now, now. I just wanted to say hello before I went to bed.
Can I try that too?
I suppose only Bubby is permitted to touch me.
No fair keeping all the fun to yourself.
Well, I'm in a good mood, so I can let it go—
Enough! Get out of here!
I suppose Betty doesn't have any part in that.
All right, so for our date tomorrow,
I'll have to come up with an excuse to ditch those kids at the village.
Oh, but first, I've gotta learn where all the good views and flower fields and stuff are.
Crap! I can't sleep while I'm thinking about this!
Oh, I know!
One Puck...
Two Pucks...
A hundred and one Pucks...
A new dawn has come! A dawn of hope!
Natsuki Subaru will make giant strides today...
What!? You were in here?
I'm so embarrassed!
You should have said something!
Sister, Sister.
Our guest appears to be a bit confused.
Rem, Rem.
It appears our guest has gone crazy.
Why are you calling me a guest?
You two and your jokes.
The wounds...
Mansion Family The Happy Roswaal
are gone.
"I love you"...
was translated into "The moon is beautiful"...
by a literary master from my country, Souseki Natsume.
I may not know this human called Souseki,
but I suppose it's kind of romantic.
By the way, there's also a good phrase for expressing your love in Lugunica.
"Biting an appa makes my gums bleed", I suppose.
Seriously?!
Tell me stuff like that sooner!
Next time: The Morning of Our Promise is Still Distant
Emilia-tan, is it strange that biting an appa makes my gums bleed?
Subaru, that's an illness...
What?!
It appears the morning of your promise won't come anytime soon.