――Fainting and sleeping, both are forms of consciousness interruption, but why are they different?

Surely, Subaru is among the world’s leading experts in fainting and losing consciousness, yet he has no clue why these two states are distinct.

What is clear is that if both fainting and sleeping serve to rest the body, fainting seems to have only about half the effect of sleep.

It might just be a matter of mindset, but that’s how it feels.

It’s likely because, unlike sleep, fainting lacks the comforting presence of others.

If there were no connections to anyone and no one to worry about, perhaps there would be no difference between fainting and sleeping.

However――,

“――Ah”

His eyelids tremble, and a weak exhale escapes his throat.

With that fragile and unreliable gesture, Natsuki Subaru slowly awakens from the darkness.

“――――”

Raising his face from the shores of reality that he has clutched, Subaru pauses, forgetting to take a breath.

What comes into view is an unfamiliar ceiling—how many times has he awoken in unknown places like this, scrambling to remember where he is?

However, what is usually a solitary endeavor is different this time.

“…Finally awake, are we? Subaru always was a sleepyhead, causing trouble.”

“Beatrice…”

As Subaru gazes at the unknown ceiling, a familiar and adorable face blocks his view.

Staring at him with furrowed brows and light-colored eyes is Beatrice, the girl who is likely to have awakened alongside Subaru the most times.

Upon recognizing Beatrice, Subaru feels the sensation of a hand gripping his while lying in bed, softening his lips.

“Wait a sec, you were holding my hand the whole time?”

“Of course. Betty is Subaru’s partner. First of all, Subaru is always wandering off too much. If you don’t like being chained, holding hands is the most effective way!”

“You really understand me, huh…”

Faced with Beatrice’s sulking expression, Subaru unable to retort, offers a wry smile.

Even if there are things he has to do, Subaru would search for a way to manage, even when bound by chains; however, unbinding their joined hands always pains him.

Subaru is weak to pain, making that the most effective way of restraining him.

“Um, so where are we? What are we doing right now…”

“Calm down, Subaru. I understand you want to know various things, but… first, look around.”

“Look around?”

Beatrice, placing a finger to her lips, tantalizingly urges Subaru.

Having his impatience and restlessness halted, Subaru blinks and shifts his gaze away from the ceiling and Beatrice.

And then, he gasps.

――Surrounding the bed where he lies are a multitude of sleeping figures.

“――――”

The room is definitely not spacious. The space occupied by the single bed swallows up half of the room. Within that room, over ten faces are crammed together.

And they are an impossible combination.

“Tanza and Garfiel? And Hiaine and Lui, even Utakata…”

“That’s not all. One hand is held by Betty, but the other is…”

As Beatrice mentions this, Subaru realizes that not only is his right hand held by her, but the left hand is being gripped too. He turns around, and there, slumped over the bed with a peaceful sleeping face, is――,

“――Petra”

With a large ribbon in her hair, the girl whose sleeping face is also adorable.

Just how much arduous effort and obstacles did she overcome to hold this hand? Petra, appearing in unfamiliar traveling attire, was dirty all over, lacking her usual stylishness.

Her state is a testament to having reached this place by any means necessary.

“But I think Petra had the hardest time seizing the opportunity to hold Subaru’s hand like this. It was a fierce competition among all of us.”

“Hey, wait, are you telling me everyone wanted to hold my hand while I was asleep? No way that’s a thing…”

“It’s no foolish matter.”

As Subaru jokes, Beatrice’s quiet voice stops him.

Looking astonished, she lifts up the hand she is holding tightly and says,

“Everyone was genuinely worried about Subaru. If holding your hand will be a source of strength for you, they’ll do anything for that.”

“――――”

“Maybe you ought to be more aware of the significant impact you have on others. Betty has been saying this to you over and over again.”

With a calm tone that seems to carry trace amounts of exasperation, Beatrice’s words carry immense affection.

When said with such eyes and voice, he can hardly brush it off.

Subaru doesn’t believe for a moment that he doesn’t affect everyone around him or that he is not cherished――,

“…It’s a bit overprotective, everyone acting this way just because I’m shrinking.”

“Is that so? From my perspective, I’d prefer to think you should reflect on yourself for shrinking, Natsuki-san.”

“――!”

Startled by the unexpectedly heard voice, Subaru jumps.

The voice that intruded in such a manner came from the doorway of the cramped room, belonging to a soft-featured nuisance who peeks through the sliding door.

“It’s Otto!”

“Yes, it’s me… but please be quiet. Try to consider Petra-chan and Garfiel’s feelings here.”

“Feelings of Petra and the others…”

“They’re the ones waiting right beside you the whole time for you to wake up, right? Naturally, they want to be the first to share words with you the moment you awaken. So if it’s known that I popped in and stole that right away, how much resentment would I face as a result?”

“Oh boy, that’s some bad timing for you.”

“Natsuki-san, it’s good to see you’re still loud even when you’ve shrunk.”

With a finger to his lips, Otto lowers his voice as he glances around the room.

Having shown his face, the room is so densely packed that there’s hardly a place to step. Despite making a troubled face, Otto somehow finds his footing and walks toward the bed.

“Thank you, Beatrice-chan, for taking care of Natsuki-san.”

“It wasn’t tiring at all… more importantly, is it okay to continue talking like this?”

“Of course. I should report to everyone that Natsuki-san has awakened, but…”

Beatrice regards him with a sidelong glance, making Otto pause with a wry smile.

Carrying on with a dramatic tone, he gazes at the bed with Subaru still lying there, saying,

“Now that I suddenly find myself facing Natsuki-san after such a bad time, I figured I ought to voice my personal complaints before things get noisy.”

“You’ve got a nice personality, don’t you…”

“Indeed, considering I’m a merchant.”

Placing a hand on his own head, not wearing a hat, Otto laughs without sarcasm.

In response to that smile, Subaru feels a chill that rivals feeling pressured by enemies or getting on Tanzer’s bad side, taking a deep breath.

To be honest, he thinks he bears almost no fault for being transported to the Volakia Empire or the ensuing troubles, but it’s certainly true he’s caused a mountain of worry.

No matter what resentment is thrown at him, he braces himself to accept it.

“Alright, bring it on. But let me just say, my mental state has been pretty toughened here. I don’t think mere words can shatter me.”

“What kind of boasting is that? Well, I won’t go on an extensive lecture. It’s not just me who wants to say something; I’ll keep it brief. —Natsuki-san.”

“Yeah.”

“—I’m glad we managed to reunite safe and sound. Please try not to cause us too much worry in the future.”

“――――”

A hand reaches out and lightly places itself on Subaru’s small shoulder.

Feeling the sturdy fingers of Otto trembling slightly on his shoulder, Subaru finds himself choking back emotions.

With a frown and a wrinkle forming on his nose, Otto utters words that reveal emotions he could barely seal.

“Ugh…”

No matter how tough his mental state, his readiness to accept, it all crumbles away.

Otto’s words hit Natsuki Subaru’s defenses with the force of a devastating blow towards the raw soul beyond.

Simply put, it was an unfair attack.

“Of course, this is the most effective for you, Natsuki-san, right?”

“You bastard…”

Before Subaru, whose body shakes with rage, Otto composes himself, tightening his expression.

Feeling completely played, all Subaru can do is flush with the sensation of defeat. –No, there are other options. This may not be a satisfying victory, but at the very least, he won’t let Otto have the last laugh.

So, it’s――,

“Ahh! I’ve been defeated, a total loss! Otto, you bastard!!”

“Geah!?”

With his face still flushed, Subaru loudly declares his defeat with a malicious grin, prompting Otto’s panicked blue face as he screams the moment he hears it.

The exchange between Subaru and Otto echoes through the room, prompting their sleeping comrades—no, sleeping lions—to start waking up one after another.

Thus, as joy, admonishment, and a mixture of overwhelming emotions bloom into chaos.

In the now noisy room, while Subaru and Otto clutch their heads, Beatrice, watching the whole scene unfold, leans on her hand and sighs.

“Goodness… everyone is acting way too childish, aren’t they?”

Thus, she alone observes with a smile, taking on the role of a bystander.

△▼△▼△▼△

――An emergency evacuation of the residents from Imperial Capital Rupugana.

That was the major event that took place while Subaru was unconscious, and he awoke within the passenger compartment of a dragon carriage designated for important figures amidst that group.

With many earth dragons pulling it, this moving bedroom is a remarkably handy item for both evacuation and healing. It seems Subaru was transported from the imperial capital in such a lofty manner.

“Brother! I’m glad you’re okay! I was really, really worried when I saw your body go limp halfway through!”

“I don’t give a damn if that rugged bastard croaks, but if you were to disappear, the battalion would be over… If you’re about to die, use me or anyone else as a shield…”

“Vaits, your words sting, but I concur. Schwarz, I’m just glad you’ve returned. Both for the battalion and personally.”

These were the reactions from the three members of the Gladiator Island, Hiaine, Vaits, and Idra, who were waiting for Subaru to wake up.

While it’s understandable that Idra, who was active throughout the combat, might have been concerned, it must have caused considerable anxiety for Hiaine and Vaits, who acted separately.

Subaru has more than just apologies owed to the three of them.

“I’m sorry. Because I fainted, everyone else’s enhancements have worn off…”

“Don’t dwell on it… Luckily, it happened when we had just started retreating…”

“Indeed! The only one on the verge of demise when it wore off was this skull-headed bastard, while trying to support a collapsing pillar. Without the governor, he would have been crushed to death…”

“Didn’t I say not to talk about that…!”

With Vaits showing concern for Subaru, Hiaine’s usual careless remark spoils it entirely. Meanwhile, Idra shrugs among the two of them.

Deprived of the ‘Col Leonis’ in the midst of the imperial capital, he would have faced dire consequences, and yet he managed to pull through.

“Vaits is correct, do not dwell on it, Schwarz. From the moment you decided to follow us, whatever happens afterward is our responsibility.”

“But…”

“That being said, I know you will still brood over this. –Let’s leave further matters to those who know you better, the girls who seem to have a long-standing relationship with you.”

As always, Idra is adept at steering conversation to find a rational conclusion.

Thanks to that, Subaru, who could only argue emotionally, falls silent, as Idra leads Hiaine and Vaits out of the room.

Then, a small figure attempts to follow behind the three.

“Tanza.”

“…I’m sorry I couldn’t be of help when it mattered most. I’m truly relieved that Schwarz-sama has returned.”

With a downcast look and a formal tone, Tanza responds.

Recalling their last parting in the imperial capital, Subaru understands Tanza’s feelings of regret regarding her lack of strength. However, that gloomy expression of hers seems to carry more than just that.

“What’s wrong? If something happened…”

“—No, this isn’t something to discuss with Schwarz-sama right now. Please take your time and rest, spending time with everyone.”

After a fleeting moment of hesitation and without further elaboration, Tanza exits the room.

Reaching out to her diminishing figure, Subaru’s hands are tied. Still, his heart protests, not wanting to leave Tanza, whose face carries that expression.

He is determined to find out the reason behind that face later.

And then――,

“――Subaru.”

Having welcomed the departing group, this moment’s beckoning sounds as if anticipated, resonating with a gentle bell-like voice.

“――――”

Pausing for a moment, it takes some time for him to react or turn towards the voice.

This hesitation is not merely because of the awkwardness from causing worry or embarrassment.

It is purely that Subaru’s being requires a mental preparation.

Because――,

“Emilia.”

Simply calling that name sends a sweet, tingling sensation rippling through Subaru’s heart.

As Subaru, filled with tension, calls out, Emilia herself smiles gently.

“Mm, I’m so glad to see you. …But, Subaru, you’ve made so many friends even from this far away. It really warms my heart.”

“Friends…”

“Yes. Everyone has been really worried about you, never leaving your side.”

At Emilia’s words, Subaru recalls the scene inside a moment ago and casts his gaze down.

For some reason, the feelings of guilt for causing concern swell much greater within him, a bad habit of his he often reflects on when reminded.

“I’m such a lucky guy.”

“I’m sure that’s true. But I want Subaru to be even happier, so this isn’t nearly enough for me.”

“Even after you’ve done so much for me?”

“Well then, are you satisfied with just this much when you do something for me?”

With her head cocked to the side, Emilia’s lovely silver hair cascades down her slender shoulders, and Subaru finds himself at a loss for words.

What she said is true. When he wants to do something for the people he loves, it is never about being satisfied with just this much; it’s always “Is there really nothing more I can do?”

Noticing Subaru’s reaction, Emilia chuckles softly.

“How is it? I’m not wrong, am I? My knight.”

“…You’re right. While being apart for so long, you’ve really grown a lot. I’m proud, but it makes me feel lonely too, Emilia.”

“Emilia?”

“N-no! I mean, Emilia-tan, right?”

When prompted to respond, Subaru pulls back the nickname he had set aside.

Yes, that call is incredibly significant, precious, and beloved to him, stirring strong emotions within.

The moment he refers to her that way, a new wave of warmth floods over him.

Just as Subaru savors that sensation,

“Emilia-nee-sama! It’s about time we want to talk to Subaru too!”

In the gentle atmosphere shared between Subaru and Emilia, suddenly interrupting is the small girl, Petra, who raises her hand to assert her presence.

Having just awoken from the earlier ruckus, Petra, whose large round eyes blaze with anticipation, is very eager for a reunion.

“We haven’t even properly talked to Subaru yet. –Except Otto who got a head start!”

“Ugh. Well, I didn’t really mean to get a head start…”

“Oh? Oh? Playing the excuse game, huh, Otto? I’m curious to hear how you plan to worm your way out of this. Even I felt slighted here, dammit…”

“Are you seriously confronting me, Garfiel!?”

Garfiel slumps his shoulders, gesturing with disappointment as he joins in on the onslaught against Otto. In surprise at Petra’s and Garfiel’s relentless attack, Otto widens his eyes.

Then, to further reinforce the attack, Beatrice chimes in, “I think I overheard this,”

“Looks like you sneaky Otto decided to secretly talk to Subaru without Petra and the others finding out.”

“Wait, is that true? Otto-san, I get how you feel, but everybody has been worried about Subaru too, so you shouldn’t be sneaky about this.”

“I’m all alone with no allies here! The pain of being unfairly treated hurts much more!”

With betrayal from Beatrice and Emilia’s innocent concern, Otto finds himself balding under the weight of retribution for his actions.

While they create a cheerful uproar that draws laughter,

“Otto’s bad habits aside, I’m just glad we’ve reunited. Emilia-sama, Beatrice-sama, and of course, Petra have all been anxious.”

Frederica speaks warmly, standing in a rare traveling outfit today, unlike her usual maid’s attire. Just as Subaru glances toward her, he is startled to see something even more unusual.

Tears well up in Frederica’s smiling eyes, nearly cascading down her cheeks.

“F-Frederica-nee-sama, you’re crying!”

“Ah? I-I’m sorry. It’s just… I’m really so relieved… to see you all again.”

“…No, it’s not ugly at all. That just shows how worried you were.”

Frederica’s tears catch Subaru by surprise, but what swells in him even more is the gratitude.

Just as she mentioned, they rushed off to find Subaru missing, and he knows how hard it must have been for them to overcome various struggles to reach him.

The national borders, which shouldn’t be crossed easily, lie in turmoil within the empire.

Overcoming obstacles that normal means couldn’t surmount, they surely arrived to find Subaru.

“I’m really grateful to all of you.”

“Sure thing! It’s only natural for us to come. If the captain’s not around, nothing can come together!”

“Yeah, just like Garf said. …Though I was surprised you shrank like that.”

As Garfiel scratches his nose, Petra smiles and nods at him, adding one last teasing comment.

Indeed, while everyone has gathered for a grand reunion, the current state of Subaru makes progress a bit lacking. He certainly doesn’t plan to return to the Lugnica Kingdom while shrunk.

Unless he returns to his original age of eighteen, he won’t feel satisfied standing next to Emilia.

“Well then, Beatrice… ahem! Is it really fine to be next to Beatrice?”

“It doesn’t feel bad that our eye level is the same. But I want to hold the big Subaru again. So, for now, a large Subaru is preferable.”

“I too! I think it’s better to have a big Subaru! I mean, the small one is cute and all, but…”

“Ah, it really is cute, isn’t it? I’m relieved I’m not alone in that thought.”

As Emilia’s side comment skirts the main topic, a light-hearted atmosphere spreads throughout the room.

Being enveloped by that indescribably relaxed ambiance, Subaru tastes the nostalgia of having been away from Emilia’s group, feeling fulfilled within his soul.

Having been transported to the Volakia Empire, spending time with the People of Shudrak, Flopp, and Medium, and later forming the Pleiades Battalion with members from Gladiator Island, none share this atmosphere like the friends here.

All of them are important, but he is reminded of the deep significance of this place, which he had long been distanced from.

“However, it seems neither Roswaal nor Ram could make it. Well, even having Emilia-tan here is already quite special, I suppose.”

Mentioning the faces that are absent from the room, Subaru chuckles wryly.

Though he’s not sure if Mei-li is here either, her position probably makes it tough for her to accompany Emilia across the borders. Most likely, both her and Ram remained at the mansion――.

“Huh? No, that’s not true. Both Ram and Roswaal are along with us. They were both extremely worried about you, Subaru!”

“—Eh?”

Subaru’s thoughts are shattered by Emilia’s baffled expression at his previous assumptions.

Wide-eyed, he reflects on Emilia’s lovely voice echoing in his head that both Ram and Roswaal have come with them.

While the thought of Roswaal being present comes with great surprise, he shoves that aside for now.

The real problem is not Roswaal, but rather,

“Is Ram also here?”

“Of course! Ram-nee-sama is also worried about Subaru… Ah! Just don’t tell her I said that, okay?”

“I won’t. I won’t say anything, but…”

Shaking his head side to side, Subaru is stunned by Petra’s words.

The fact Ram is here means――,

“H-Have you already met Rem?”

“Ah…”

The moment those words leave his lips, anyone can see the tension surged through everyone except Subaru.

That reaction is precisely what he feared.

The expressions from Emilia and the others suggest they’ve been “meaning to tell Subaru,” meaning Rem and Ram’s long-separated reunion must have taken place while he was asleep.

“Uwahhh! I should have absolutely been there for that!!”

“S-sorry, Subaru! But I wanted to make sure you met as soon as possible…!”

“I get it, but I totally get it, you damn fool――!”

Covering his face with both hands, Subaru screams over having missed the historically significant moment.

As Emilia and the others desperately try to comfort him, it doesn’t heal the wounds within his heart since no one can be to blame for this.

If one must point fingers, it would have to be Subaru himself for sleeping at such a critical moment.

Nevertheless――,

“W-What was their reaction like…?”

“W-Well, it was a bit clumsy, but… it felt really—special! I even teared up a little…”

“Oooohhh!”

“Emilia! Tread a little softer! How pitiful Subaru is feeling!”

“Eek! Sorry, sorry!”

Despite that, discontent doesn’t lessen one bit for Subaru, who is passionately expressing his dismay.

When feeling properly sullen, he finds it impossible to hold back tears, a bothersome aspect of his currently small, youthful body, which makes Subaru realize this sadness once more as he weeps.

△▼△▼△▼△

“――――”

Beyond the half-open door merely out of reach, he can hear muffled, loud cries.

With that shouting and its content stopping her movement, Rem furrows her well-defined brows in hesitation and distress.

“Uuu, Ow?”

“…I’m sorry. Lui-chan wants to meet that person.”

Just beside her, Lui clings to Rem, looking up at her in wonder.

When Subaru regained consciousness, Lui likely wished to talk with him too, yet she had held back to come rushing to Rem’s side.

Now, tugged along by her, they had arrived in front of Subaru’s bedroom――.

“――――”

The voices echoing from within belong to Subaru and his companions.

While it may sound as though it’s someone else’s business, that group appears to hold close ties to Rem as well. —Much like Subaru, though it feels oddly distant.

“I understand they are not bad people at all.”

The group comprising Emilia, who first met her, is caring and proactive, and most importantly, good-hearted, that much is clear.

From the stories she has heard, this group strove to arrive from a neighboring kingdom, barred from transit, even joining in the internal strife—just to help Subaru and Rem.

This is the same as Rem’s inability to escape the internal conflict of this empire――.

“……I can hear Balus’s miserable cries.”

Suddenly called back from her musing, Rem holds her breath lightly.

Looking at her, Lui glances at Rem. The one who spoke is a familiar presence, and hearing it makes her scrutinize, breathing out softly.

“Stop casting those scornful glares. That was just a whip of love aimed at Balus… no, there’s no love involved, just a whip. Right, a most straightforward whip.”

“…Does that mean you dislike that person?”

“I don’t dislike him. Just that I find plenty of chances to look down on him.”

With that, Rem, who was facing slight sounds, turns slowly and looks at the source of the voice approaching.

Taking a moment to steady herself to face that figure, it is one she has seen often, a familiar yet distant presence.

That figure is――,

“…Ram.”

“What an aloof way to address me. I’m all set to be addressed as sister, you know.”

“To me, everything’s been so sudden…”

Before her stands a woman, maintaining an elegant posture while resting her arms, and her name has been called Ram, the one who is known by that name, who remarkably resembles Rem.

The only differences seem to be the colors of their hair and eyes, as well as Ram holding a heavy pressure that brims with confidence.

That makes her, by all means, Ram’s elder sister.

Honestly, it is undeniable by mere observation. The name Subaru often repeated has always been “Ram.”

Above all, it’s difficult to dismiss the overwhelming sensation dominating Rem’s mind――.

“No matter how you think about it, Rem should know that Ram is her sister… The sense of synesthesia never lies.”

“Synesthesia…”

“It’s a bond reminiscent of the soul shared between blood relatives. For as long as I can remember, I have sensed your presence, Rem. …And I’m curious. Have you sensed me at all?”

“――――”

As Ram squints her thin red eyes, her straightforward query silences Rem’s lips.

When questioned if she can feel anything, Rem can hardly deny the truth. Although she might not understand the detailed workings of synesthesia, a firm overwhelming sense of something indeed resides within her.

It is an enormous comforting sensation directed towards Ram, the very being she’s witnessing for the first time.

“…But it’s terrifying.”

“Terrifying?”

“To carry this feeling towards someone I’ve exchanged so few words with.”

For Rem, whose memories have faded, the only individuals who have been there since her awakening are Subaru and Lui, distancing Subaru for a good reason and keeping Lui by her side.

Since then, she has established many relationships with the people of Shudrak, Flopp, Medium, Priscilla, and Kachua.

And yet, Ram’s presence outstrips them all, quickly rising to the top.

“That’s why… it terrifies me.”

This undefined sensation, which she describes as a feeling of safety, is what lingers within her as she believes it to be echoes from past footsteps.

While she wouldn’t deny wishing to remember lost memories, that hope feels twisted. Observing a whole new aspect of oneself comes with its own fears.

If everything changes—how she sees things, how she feels, and how she thinks.

Strongly and keenly, Rem clenches her eyes shut, pressing her hands over her chest.

In that instance――,

“That’s right. —I’m glad.”

“Huh?”

On hearing a voice she hadn’t anticipated, Rem lifts her face to meet her gaze.

She was taken aback by what was just said; Ram stands, her arms crossed, with just a hint of warmth around her eyes.

“I’m just like you, Rem. I feel afraid, just as you do.”

“You’re afraid…?”

“What if, in a situation where you easily accepted this synesthesia and jumped into my embrace, my heart would crumble? I have thought that too.”

“――――”

The brightness in Ram’s expression softens her tone with a sense of honesty, leaving Rem confounded.—No, that’s not it.

She is grappling with understanding something she could not grasp before.

“U!”

Before a confused Rem could respond further, a voice rises to speak in regard to the values of familial love.

Lui, still hugging Rem’s waist, seems to sense Rem’s internal tremors and scowls at Ram, who caused such feelings.

Receiving that look, Ram narrows her eyes slightly, continuing,

“You’re standing in the way between Ram and Rem? Surprisingly, it’s you?”

“Ah—including?”

“So you’re not going to withdraw, then. It’s intricate, yet not unpleasant.”

Clearly having come to know of their relationship, Ram regards Lui with a slight smirk before returning her gaze firmly to Rem.

When their eyes lock, it’s as though their gazes are tied, lingering.

Fighting against the strength emanating from Ram’s stare, Rem grapples with the turmoil building within her.

The fear burgeons within her, but so too does the growing attraction she has for Ram.

As those feelings swell greatly, Rem bites her lip.

“You’re surely my sister, there’s no denying that. That conviction is clear. But…”

“You’re not entirely convinced in your mind either? That’s alright.”

“…Yes.”

“That’s fine for now,” Ram reassures her.

As Rem nods weakly, Ram takes another step forward.

With her approach, Rem’s shoulders tense, yet she remains resolute, gently restraining Lui’s shoulder to reassure her, “It’s alright.”

And with her own will, she gazes directly into Ram’s eyes.

As Ram responds to that intent gaze, she uncrosses her arms and offers out her hand; it’s the offered hand of the one who Rem inherently acknowledges as her sister.

“Ram. I am your sister, born to love you.”

“――――”

“Unlike the other equally important person, however, I am an independent sister, differs in measure.”

She offers that candid remark, and Rem finds herself astonished.

Once it seeps into her brain, she involuntarily lets out a soft “ha” as laughter escapes.

That moment allows Rem to fully process Ram’s meaning.

“Indeed, you are a frightening person. When I talk to you, I feel this safety coursing through me, and I fear I might become completely captivated by you.”

“I suppose that can’t be helped. Ram becomes someone you will want to place complete trust and affection in.”

“Yes, Ram-nee-san.”

As Rem finally extends her hand to meet the outstretched one with uncertainty, she finally addresses Ram in that way.

In response, Ram narrows her brows a little bit at those words.

Taking that as a brave act on Rem’s part, she reacts unexpectedly.

“Huh?”

“…Ram, nee-sama.”

“It’s definitely annoying to be someone’s puppet, but calling me that just doesn’t sit right.”

“Eh?”

For a moment, Ram’s expression grows sour, leading Rem to blink in surprise as she repeats,

“Call me nee-sama. That’s what fits best.”

“…Ram, nee-sama?”

“No need for names.”

“……Nee-sama.”

Responding obediently to the preferred address, Ram shuts her eyes tightly, and while grasping Rem’s hand, she gently pulls her in.

As Rem inadvertently stumbles at the sudden closeness, Ram embraces her from the front, cradling her gently.

Leaning in, Ram whispers into Rem’s ear,

“I can clearly feel it now. —Ram is your nee-sama.”

“――I feel it too.”

The moment Ram wraps her arms around her, what Rem feared begins to overflow.

What she had labeled as safety is a love for Ram binding her heart, becoming an unwavering sensation, embracing even Rem, who has lost her memories.

“…Annoyingly, are you ready, Rem?”

“Ready…?”

“It’s time to step into the spotlight. As for the others, we need to show Balus our sisterly love, and it’s necessary for our peace of mind too.”

As Ram speaks those words, Rem draws her gaze.

Even now, she cannot fathom how to face Emilia and the rest, nor how she is meant to confront Subaru.

But she can harbor unwavering certainty in Ram’s feelings and her own feelings toward Ram.

“Yes, nee-sama.”

“Perhaps I’ll delay it until you call me that a hundred times more.”

“Nee-sama…”

“Just kidding.”

As reality arrives, Ram, in response to Rem’s nod, makes a remark that feels serious despite its joking tone.

Even with the urgency of their circumstances and the weight of other pressing matters, Rem’s heart fills with relief, just momentarily.

“Uwaah, aahh?”

“Yes, I’m alright. Thank you for worrying, Lui.”

“U!”

Caught between the conversation of Rem and Ram, Lui has stood beside them all along.

Rem smiles at her, easing her concerns, gently petting the head of the sweet girl.

Then, steadying her resolve, Rem strides alongside the half-turned form of her sister.

They look at each other, nodding, as both outstretch their hands to the door——

“――Excuse us. We could hear quite the ruckus coming from outside.”

“It was certainly a loud, muddled cry reminiscent of little animals from Balus, wasn’t it?”

Together, they step into the room where their comrades await, joining them both as sisters.

△▼△▼△▼△

“Haa… what a huge weight has lifted off my shoulders…”

Feeling that massive weight dissolve in his chest, Subaru mutters aloud.

That weight of responsibility he needed to carry—protecting Rem while presenting both her and Ram, along with Emilia and the others, to one another.

Honestly, upon learning that he wasn’t present for Ram and Rem’s reunion, it struck him with waves of regret so deep it felt like the end of the world.

“If only I could have seen them standing side by side like that…”

The two who came to visit Subaru’s guest room seemed to be interacting positively, and though he wasn’t sure what was exchanged, it was clear at least things didn’t turn for the worse.

Understanding that brings clarity to Subaru, dissipating his earlier frustration, allowing relief to wash over him.

Finally, he has been able to introduce Rem to Ram.

He managed to connect Rem with Emilia and Beatrice.

How much value can be placed upon Subaru’s efforts during all this is uncertain, but the burden has been lifted.

Ultimately, Subaru has merged back with Emilia and the others, and it feels like a victory—ups and downs in the grand scheme remain now.

“Still, I may be small, and Rem hasn’t regained her memory yet…”

Yet he feels hope growing clearly.

Even regarding Subaru’s size, a solution seems forthcoming in the near future, and surely he’ll figure out how to help Rem regain her memories too.

So all that’s left is――,

“…Um, are you sure it’s fine not to have Betty around?”

“No way do I think I can cope without her, but if it’s the case that Beatrice holds back, just indulge a bit, alright?”

“If anything happens, I’ll come running—swoosh!”

“Counting on you.”

Taking her hand that had refused to let go, Beatrice gently releases him, as Emilia and the others step out of the room, leaving a silence in their wake.

With all the lively elements gone from the room and with everyone absent, a torrent of questions floods back to Subaru.

To what scale is the retreat from the imperial capital taking place? What of the identity behind the legion of zombies? Is the relationship between the imperial army and the rebels improving? What’s the reason Emilia and everyone else only spoke of hopeful topics? And what of Tanza’s sorrowful look?

Then, there’s the conclusion of the events that transpired right before he lost consciousness.

“While I may not get responses about all of this, can I at least find out a portion?”

“—That will depend entirely on how much you wish to extend your hand, now won’t it?”

In the now-empty room, sitting up from the bed, Subaru’s words are met with someone who must have waited for this moment once everyone cleared out of the area.

As heavy shoes step down, they reflect a prideful bearing and a demeanor unbothered by the awareness of their presence.

Not one part about them has changed regarding their standing or sharp eyes. Yet, somehow, the person looking back towards Subaru emanates a slightly different aura――it is a strikingly beautiful, black-haired man, Vincent Volakia, confronting Natsuki Subaru.

And――,

“You will speak how much with eloquence, Natsuki Subaru? —The ‘Stargazer’ of the Parent Dragon Kingdom.”

 

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