Chapter 83: An Unacceptable Feeling
As Subaru Natsuki saw the three people in front of him, they simultaneously turned their attention toward him as well.
There were no words exchanged at first.
Only after one of them—a green-haired woman—sat down did the conversation begin in earnest.
"I didn't expect it to be you receiving treatment, but on second thought, it makes sense."
"Uh…" Subaru looked at her, puzzled.
Although he had seen this woman in the royal castle hall, he had no idea what her name was.
If he had listened more carefully while hiding in the secret passage, maybe he wouldn't be at a loss now.
As he struggled awkwardly for something to say, the woman noticed and gave a small smile.
"Well then, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Crusch Karsten. I am one of the Royal Election candidates."
"Hello, hello~ I'm Felix Argyle, Knight to Lady Crusch. Even though we've met before, a formal reintroduction seems fitting for the occasion."
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Subaru-sama."
After the three had introduced themselves, Subaru let out a breath and smiled.
"My name is Subaru Natsuki. This is—"
"Rem."
Rem bowed her head as she said her name, then looked directly at Felix.
"Subaru Natsuki, is it? This might come off a little blunt, but I must ask—would you be interested in joining my camp? I overheard in the royal castle that you're merely a servant, correct?
If you'd be willing to come over to my side, I'd treat you well."
Subaru was stunned. As he was about to respond to Crusch's outstretched hand, her gaze suddenly moved away from him. Curious, Subaru turned to look at Rem.
He saw her giving Crusch and her companions a very unfriendly look.
"Ah, I appreciate your kind offer, Lady Crusch. It makes me happy that you would extend such an invitation. But while I may be working as a servant in Lord Roswaal's mansion for now, it's only temporary.
I have something I want to do—so I won't be staying in one place for too long."
"I see, that's a shame. I admire you, you know.
It's commendable, the courage it took to say what you did in front of so many people. Since you already have your own goal, I won't press the matter further.
In the days to come, just focus on receiving your treatment here. I'll make sure you're well taken care of. Of course, if you ever change your mind and want to join my camp, you're welcome anytime."
"Understood. I'll be in your care from now on."
And thus concluded Subaru's first meeting and exchange with Crusch. Guided by Felix, Subaru and Rem returned to their room.
As Subaru was still examining the guest room he'd be staying in temporarily, he heard a knock at the door behind him. Curious, he turned to open it and saw Rem standing there, deep in thought.
"Rem? Did you need something?"
"Subaru-kun… what you said earlier—was it true?"
Rem's gaze made Subaru involuntarily take a step back.
The emotions in her eyes were overwhelming, and Subaru didn't know how to face them. But some things had to be said clearly now.
"Yeah. One day, I'll have to leave. I have to go back home, after all. Sorry I didn't explain that from the start."
"I see… Subaru-kun wants to go home…"
Subaru watched as Rem lowered her head. Just as he opened his mouth to break the awkward silence, Rem looked back up. There was a look of determination in her eyes.
"Then, Subaru-kun, can I go home with you?"
"Huh? What!? I didn't mishear you, did I? Rem, did you just say you want to go home with me? That's got to be a joke…"
"It's not! I'm serious! I want to be with Subaru-kun!"
"…"
Her eyes were sincere.
She meant it—this thought struck Subaru like a hammer.
But even faced with such honest feelings, he didn't know how to respond.
Should he reject her outright? Try to let her down gently? He didn't even know if there was a way back home—how could he promise her anything?
Rem was both beautiful and adorable. Her feelings were sincere.
There was really no reason not to accept them. And if he could bring her back, his parents would be stunned beyond belief.
Subaru took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before responding.
"Rem, to be honest, I really want to accept your feelings. But I can't. I'm going to go home eventually. When that time comes, we'll have to part ways. That's why I can't accept your feelings."
"Then I'll go with you!"
"But… what about Ram? She's your sister, right? If you come with me, what'll happen to her? You two are close, aren't you? If you leave, you might never see her again."
"…That's okay! I'm sure my sister would understand. And she can live just fine on her own."
"No, Rem. You're really not in a position to say that right now.
I've been away from home long enough to understand—just what family really means. At first, being apart doesn't seem like much. But as time goes on, the longing becomes unbearable.
Not being able to see each other. Not being able to talk.
I don't want you to go through that pain with me. So talk to Ram first.
And besides, I don't even know how to get back yet. There's still time while I'm staying at the mansion. You don't need to rush.
While you and Ram talk and think it through, I'll also think about whether I should accept your feelings. So, for now, go get some rest."
"…Okay… then I'll go rest now. Subaru-kun should rest too…"
As Rem bowed slightly and walked away with a sense of loss, Subaru couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
This was probably the closest he had ever come to being in a relationship.
Too bad he wasn't from this world.
If he was, having a girlfriend like Rem would've made him incredibly happy.
He didn't know why, but his intuition told him so.
Subaru closed the door and lay down on the bed, starting to think about the future.
He thought for a long time… but of course, came up with nothing.
Sitting up and sighing, he looked around the lavish guest room in boredom.
No books to read, no work to do, not even a way to train with the sword.
Ever since arriving at Roswaal's mansion, Subaru had never had so much free time.
He was completely unused to the feeling of boredom.
"I really want something to do… Guess I'll start with a little light exercise."