章節 10: Roswaal Mansion

--[Kaoru's Pov]--

Kaoru slowly opened his eyes and stretched out on the bed, letting out a long yawn. "Ugh, what a good sleep..." he said, enjoying the softness of the mattress and the sheets. He looked around the luxuriously decorated room he couldn't ignore and couldn't help but smile.

"This bed is incredibly comfortable; not even in my other world did I have anything that came close... I guess it was a good idea to come here" he said to himself as he slowly sat up, feeling the light and soft sleeping robe the maids had given him.

After leaving Subaru with Beatrice the night before, the maids, Ram and Rem, took care of changing him and putting him in a nearby room. Kaoru, for her part, had also been treated quite generously, although this bed was still the highlight.

Standing in front of the desk, Kaoru looked at his carefully arranged belongings: his otherworldly clothes, the two long daggers he had "acquired" from the trio of thugs, and his notebook that Raigor had given him in which he wrote down magical theories.

"Hmm... I guess it's time to get dressed again," he said as he grabbed his White shirt with red tie, Black trousers, and black shoes. He quickly tucked the daggers into his two pockets and slipped the notebook into an inside back pocket. "You never know when I might need these things..."

He left the room, closing the door quietly behind him. The hallway was lit by the sunlight streaming in through the tall windows, giving it a warm and peaceful feel. As he walked, something outside caught his attention.

He stopped at a window and saw Emilia in the garden. Kaoru watched her for a moment, thinking about how to approach the day.

"I should go down and say good morning to her" he muttered. As he turned away from the window, his thoughts wandered to the lord of the manor, Roswaal.

"That fellow wasn't here when we arrived... I suppose he'll be back soon to give us a reward. But what should I ask for? Money? Education? A place to stay?" He pondered as he walked down the hall, lost in thought.

Kaoru sighed. "I need all these things. I can't even read or write in this language, which will make any magical learning I try to do through books very difficult..." A slight shiver ran through her body at the thought of the language barrier.

With that thought in mind, Kaoru set off to find Emilia, determined to start the day in the best possible way.

Kaoru walked slowly through the corridors of the second floor, enjoying the silence of the mansion. But something caught her attention. A strange feeling, as if something important was on the other side of one of the doors.

"Hmm, how curious..." he thought as he turned the knob and opened the door. In front of him was a sight that almost made him forget where he was: a huge library, crammed with books of all kinds, with bookshelves reaching to the ceiling and more corridors than he could count.

"Wow..." he murmured with a smile. "This place will do me a lot of good."

As he entered, she noticed a small figure sitting in a small chair next to a tea table, immersed in reading a thick tome. The girl looked about 11 or 12 years old, with blonde hair combed into two spiral pigtails. It was Beatrice, the same one who had healed Subaru the night before.

Kaoru smiled. "If it isn't my dear Beako! How are you? Thank you for helping with Subaru last night."

Beatrice didn't look up from her book and replied in a dry tone, "How did you get in here? How annoying, I guess. And I don't need your thanks. I did it at Emilia's request, not for you at all."

"I know, I know. But I wanted to thank you anyway". Kaoru continued to smile while he looked around. "By the way, this place is amazing. What is it exactly?"

Beatrice sighed in obvious annoyance. It's my multipurpose room and library, I guess.

"Really?" Kaoru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So there are books on magical theories in here?"

"There's knowledge accumulated over generations on subjects you probably wouldn't even understand, I suppose. But well, you said hello, so you can go. Don't bother me anymore."

Kaoru raised her hands in surrender. "Well, I was just about to leave. I didn't want to disturb you." He started for the door but paused for a moment before leaving. "Maybe I can be annoying, but really, thanks for the Subaru."

Beatrice looked up briefly but didn't answer. Kaoru took that as a sign and left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Well, I already said good morning to Beatrice," he muttered as he walked down the corridor again. "The sisters don't seem to be on this floor... I think they're downstairs. The blue-haired one was Rem, wasn't she?"

"Subaru still hasn't woken up, huh, he deserves an explanation, besides, I have to tell him about the notebook."

"That impulsive idiot will die if I don't help him become stronger and if I don't become stronger as well."

___________________________________________

Kaoru stepped out into the garden, stretching his arms as he enjoyed the fresh morning air. His attention soon turned to Emilia, who was standing in the sunshine, wearing a pink robe that combined delicacy and a touch of charming elegance. Although Kaoru couldn't help but think that on Emilia any garment looked like a work of art.

Good morning, Emilia. Kaoru approached with a mischievous smile, raising his hand in a nonchalant greeting.

Emilia turned to look at him, and her usual smile brightened at the sight of him. "Good morning, Kaoru. Did you rest well?"

"Rest? Rather, I think I've been reborn. That bed is like a divine embrace." Kaoru put a hand to his heart, feigning drama. "If Roswaal offered nights of lodging, I think I'd be willing to mortgage my soul for a daily nap."

Emilia let out a soft chuckle. "I'm glad you like it."

Kaoru gave her an appreciative look. "Although I think the real heavenly view is right here in the garden" His tone was suggestive enough for Emilia to take the hint, but she still let it pass.

"Oh, uh... really?" Emilia looked a little confused, tilting her head.

Kaoru smiled. "Yes, those bushes are impeccable. He joked before winking at her. "Well, and the lady who decorates this garden isn't bad either."

Emilia put a hand to her chest, her face reddening slightly. "You always say things like that..." she murmured, trying to change the subject quickly. "By the way, do you need anything?"

"Oh, yes, one thing." Kaoru folded his arms, leaning slightly towards her with curiosity. "What's your relationship with the owner of the mansion?"

"Mr. Roswaal is my sponsor. He is helping me with my campaign as a candidate for the throne."

Kaoru raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "I see, then. I hope you win."

"Why do you say that? You don't even know my reasons for wanting to be one."

Kaoru put a hand to his chin, pretending to think deeply. "Hmmm, you're right. Maybe it's just because I trust you.... Or because every time you smile, you completely disarm me. It's a bit unfair, really."

Emilia's blush intensified, and she averted her gaze as she played with a lock of hair. "You always say things that leave me speechless."

Kaoru took a step closer, gently taking Emilia's hand. "So, how about I help you with that? Maybe we could start with a "thank you, Kaoru, for being so kind."

Emilia looked at him in surprise, but before she could respond, a small cat spirit appeared out of nowhere and crashed directly into Kaoru's nose.

"Ouch!, what was that?" Kaoru recoiled, holding a hand to her reddened nose.

"Don't touch my Lia, you pervert! exclaimed the cat, hovering in front of Emilia with a stern expression. " Do you think you can get that close without going through me? Not a chance!"

Kaoru pointed at him in disbelief. "Hey, you! Who do you think you are, throwing yourself at me like that?"

"Lia's guardian, and my word is law." Puck looked at him with a smirk. "Besides, your face is begging for a couple of slaps."

"Oh, this is Puck." Emilia quickly interjected, still trying to hide her laughter behind her hands. "I told you about him last night in the carriage. He is my magical spirit."

Puck looked at Kaoru with narrowed eyes and a smirk. "Last night? Lia, this guy is dangerous. If you blink, he'll take more than your heart."

Kaoru sighed, resigned, as he rubbed his nose. Yeah, I definitely won't get along with this cat.

Emilia couldn't help but laugh more openly as Puck circled around her like a tireless watcher.

Kaoru sighed with a smile, still recovering from Puck's blow. "Well, threats from that possessive cat aside... I think we should check on Subaru. Hopefully he's awake by now."

Puck, hovering playfully around Emilia, made a mocking sound before returning to his crystal. "I hope you keep a better eye on your friend than you do on Lia, you pervert~."

"Sure, sure." Kaoru waved his hand in a nonchalant gesture before turning to Emilia. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah, we'd better check it out." Emilia nodded, her tone calm and with a hint of concern.

Together they walked back to the mansion. Kaoru opened the door for Emilia with a gallant gesture, though with a slightly mischievous smile. "After you, candidate for the throne."

Emilia rolled her eyes with a small smile. "Always so over the top..."

As they walked up to the second floor, the atmosphere in the mansion was quiet, with only occasional noises. Kaoru couldn't help but look around, admiring the architecture and decor.

When they arrived in front of Subaru's room, Kaoru stopped and put his hand on the doorknob.

--[General Pov]--

Subaru was sitting on the bed, in the presence of Rem and Ram, when Emilia and Kaoru entered the room. Instantly, Subaru noticed the delicate pink dress Emilia was wearing. which seemed to further enhance her angelic air.

"Whoever chose that dress is a good connoisseur," Subaru said, looking at Emilia with a blush.

Emilia looked at Subaru in confusion. "I don't know what you're talking about, Subaru, but I'm disappointed that it's silly."

Kaoru, who was next to Emilia, smiles slightly.

"Emilia-sama, Subaru was raping me in His mind just now." says Rem, pointing at Subaru.

Ram nodded with exaggerated seriousness. "Yes, Emilia-sama, it was horrible. He was undressing me with his gaze."

"What? That's not true!" exclaimed Subaru, waving his hands frantically. "I didn't say or think anything like that!"

Emilia approached Subaru. "Please don't bother him."

Rem and Ram bowed their heads simultaneously. "Of course, Emilia-sama. We apologize," they said in perfect synchronicity.

Emilia leaned closer to Subaru, her tone softer. "Are you feeling alright?"

Subaru scratched the back of his neck, clearly nervous at the closeness. "I'm just a little groggy from sleeping so much... hehe, Emilia-tan."

"'Tan'? Why are you cutting it short?" asked Emilia, cocking her head curiously.

"Oh, it's nothing! Don't worry," Subaru quickly replied, averting his gaze.

"Anyway... thank you. You saved me," Subaru added, with a sincere tone that made Emilia smile.

"You don't have to thank me, Subaru," Emilia replied kindly.

Subaru suddenly perked up and got out of bed. "Well, looks like it's time to start the day!"

--[Time Skip, Kaoru Pov]--

I and Subaru were walking through the halls of the mansion, enjoying a rare moment of quiet.

"I'm sorry for being late that time, Subaru," I said as I pulled out my notebook and opened it to go over some notes I had written.

Subaru gave me a sidelong glance and cocked his head to one side. "What do you have there?" he asked, but then shrugged his shoulders. "And don't worry about being late. At least we didn't die and didn't have to redo everything all over again. That was pure luck, though."

"Yeah, yeah, I know, but I'm sorry anyway," I replied with a smile. "I talked to a very wise old man, and he told me several interesting things. For example, this world is called Od Laguna."

Subaru arched an eyebrow. "Od Laguna? Sounds like a cheap RPG name."

"It's a real world, not a game, man," I replied with a sigh. "The old man also explained to me about Od, which is basically our soul. It's what dictates how much mana we can store, our physical and magical potential, and even much of our personality and appearance."

"Interesting," Subaru replied, though his tone was laced with irony. "While you were befriending an old sage, I was fighting for my life, remember? I don't know whether to feel jealous or disappointed."

"Hey, you already forgave me; don't come back with that!" I retorted with laughter. "The important thing is that everything went well. Besides, we need to get stronger. You saw firsthand how terrifyingly strong some people are. Elsa made it pretty clear to us that we're out of her league."

Subaru frowned at the memory of the assassin. "That's right. That woman gives nightmares. So what else did the sage tell you?"

"Something about the Flow Method," I replied as I closed the notebook and faced him. "Basically, it's the flow of mana through your body to strengthen it in combat. It's so basic that everyone uses it subconsciously."

"What?" Subaru blinked, clearly intrigued. "You mean we use it without realizing it?"

"Probably yes," I said, crossing my arms. "Remember when we fought the trio of idiots and then Elsa? We were probably channeling mana without knowing it."

"That's great! And how do you train that method?" asked Subaru, clearly excited at the idea of getting stronger.

"From what I understood, you need to develop good mana control. That involves passing your Od's mana through your magic gate and distributing it throughout your body. Oh, and let's not forget physical training, because with jelly arms you're not going anywhere."

Subaru sighed, his enthusiasm waning a bit. "Physical training? Great."

"It's either that or die the next time a knife-wielding maniac comes after us," I replied with a shrug. "Your choice, partner."

Subaru paused and then nodded with determination. "Fine, I'll train. Let's get strong, Kaoru."

"And something else. We should be on the lookout," I said, stopping short and turning to Subaru.

"Why?" asked Subaru, blinking in confusion.

"Emilia is a candidate to rule Lugunica," I replied in a casual tone.

"SHE WHAT!" shouted Subaru, but I silenced him by covering his mouth with my hand.

"Shh! Don't make so much noise. Do you want us to draw attention or something?" I scolded him.

Subaru tried to speak, but only muffled sounds came out. I released him after a couple of seconds, and he looked at me with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.

"The lord of the mansion is her sponsor," I continued, ignoring his expression. "So think of it this way: we're two weird guys who showed up out of nowhere, we can't read or write, we're wearing strange clothes, and to top it off, we're in the mansion of one of the candidates for the throne. Doesn't that sound suspicious to you?"

Subaru frowned, processing my words. After a few seconds, his expression changed to one of absolute realization.

"We're fucking suspicious!" he muttered, bringing a hand to his head as if he had discovered something catastrophic.

"Exactly," I nodded. "That's exactly why we should avoid drawing attention to ourselves. No snooping around all the rooms or going around talking nonsense. Keep a low profile."

Subaru nodded, clearly nervous, but then raised an eyebrow. "And what does this have to do with the reward thing?"

"It's all connected," I said with a theatrical tone. "Remember, we saved Emilia. She mentioned that she wanted to reward us and brought us here. Now we have to decide what we will ask Mr. Roswaal for."

Subaru folded his arms and struck a thoughtful pose. "Mmm... I think I'll choose to be a servant," he said with a triumphant smile. "That means I'll be able to stay here, learn to read and write, train in my free time, and... well, be closer to Emilia, hehe."

I looked at him silently for a few seconds before sighing deeply. "This guy is an idiot," I muttered to myself. But I didn't say anything else to him. If he wanted to get in trouble, that's up to him.

As for me, I was already clear on what I would ask for: to be a permanent guest. That would allow me to stay as long as I wanted, to receive education, and, above all, to be free to train and become stronger without being tied to the tasks of a servant.

Sometimes I wonder if Subaru thinks before he speaks... but then I remember that he is Subaru, and it all makes sense.