It has been a few hours after that, and once again I find myself alone in this manor.
Everyone here is busy and this place is huge. Roswaal actually leaves for the capital every morning to take care of his duties and tends to come back only at night. He is a busy man after all. It can't be helped seeing his position, not like I care though.
The showdown between him and I would be somewhere around Arc Three. Right now I have nothing for him. He needs me as much as I need him. He wants me to stay, so right now he won't do anything. Right now, in Arc Two, I'm mostly supposed to get to know the others.
I better focus on getting a high score with…
...
...
...
…
What the actual fuck?
For a moment I found myself paused, actually paused as if in a game. But only for a second before my palm firmly met my forehead.
I feel like my life has become an Eroge or RPG game. Seriously, I mean, not counting the cat spirit and creepy clown magic guy, all the people inside this mansion are girls right? And here I am, thinking about scoring 'Points' with them to improve my relationship and standing with them…
... Has my life turned into a Visual Novel now? Do I get a Route in here? Which route is easiest? Where is the True Ending?
…
You know what? Fuck that! I don't think I have time to think about that for now. It'll be better if I focus on my current "Quest" if you want to get into game terminology.
Originally I planned to spend more time on training. However I decided otherwise and went for another "Quest", one related to a certain old little girl.
"Let's see..." I muttered while looking down the hall, the walls littered with doors as far as I could see "If I was a tsundere drill-loli with an ego to move Gilgamesh to tears, which door would I live in?" I asked aloud while walking to the door nearest to me "How about this one?"
Much to my delight, the moment I open the door I am greeted with the imposing library.
Sitting in the middle of the aisle, ever surrounded by books, is just the artificial spirit I have been looking for. She graces me with a brief look and an irritated greeting.
"How'd you get in?" She asked, surprised.
"Hello to you too Beatrice-san." I greeted her
"As for how I got in... well, I opened the door?"
"That's not what Betty means, I suppose."
Beatrice replied with irritation "The barrier I erected should stop anyone from entering the room.
The residents are an exception only because Betty allows it, I suppose. You are not on the list, right now Betty doesn't want to be disturbed, so how?" Her eyes narrowed "Is it your Magic Resistance again?"
"... No, I don't think so." I answered after a moment of silence. I don't think my Magic Resistance works that way. I mean, if I enter some kind of Boundary Field I'm sure I will feel a tingling sensation around my skin. Yesterday I felt a slight tickle when Beatrice tried to take my mana, that's how I realized it.
Though If I had to guess why I got accepted easily by this place it must be because of my 'Curse'. Return by Death -Blessing and Curse of Satella and the Witch of Envy- has got to be somehow connected to the ease I have finding this library. I don't know the details but it worked the same way for Subaru after all.
"Hmph." Beatrice grunted and returned her gaze to her book "What do you want? Betty is busy, I suppose."
"Is that so? I'm sorry then, I just came here to ask if you are going to need mana for today? I would be glad to supply it for you if that's the case."
Beatrice's eyes returned, meeting my own. For a moment I found myself captivated by those eyes. Since the first time I clearly saw her face, they are what caught my attention the most.
These sea blue orbs with butterfly shaped pupils. Something that truly reminds me of now I'm living in an anime. Dream of most watchers.
They are…
"Beautiful..." I breathed out.
And I truly meant it, I do find her eyes to be beautiful. Despite their abnormality, I mean, butterfly shaped pupils! But…
God damn, those sure as hell were some of the most enchanting eyes I have ever seen.
"What are you babbling about?" Beatrice asked with a small sneer "Are you trying to flatter Betty? Sorry but Betty is not interested, I suppose."
Instant rejection!
I shake my head, clearing my mind and letting out a small chuckle "No, no it's just... Sorry Beatrice-san I didn't mean it like that, I just was just lost in your eyes for a moment."
Her normally blank face is adorned by a small smirk, I can practically see their glint in those beautiful eyes "Of course. Betty has the prettiest eyes. You really have good taste, I suppose." She replied in a smug voice "And to answer your question, Betty doesn't need mana. The amount you gave her yesterday is enough to cover for the next few days, I suppose."
"Really?" I asked, blinking in slight surprise. If I recall Beatrice needed a lot of mana since she is an artificial spirit. As matter of fact she rarely leaves the library because it's practically bound to her and gives her mana. And even so, it's often still not enough. She still has to drain mana from the other residents from time to time.
"Yes, the mana you transferred to me was not just an unusually high amount, but is also very right in power." Beatrice answered "You didn't know about that, did you?" She asked, practically glaring at me for my ignorance.
"Uhh, no?"
"Hmph! It surprises me how someone who looks so competent can be so idiotic at the same time. Perhaps the maid was correct, maybe you do indeed have a split personality, I suppose."
Damn you Ram, look what you did to my reputation. Then again I'm also at fault here. Haah, you win this round woman. I'm not going to give her a point though, she's not here to gloat after all.
"It would be very helpful if you could please explain it to me further, Beatrice-san."
She only grunted and pointedly looked away from me.
I inwardly sighed at seeing this. Great, just great. This is clearly going to be harder than I thought. How did Subaru manage to win her over? I mean... Beatrice is a true loner. The only thing that seems to consistently distract her from her books seems to be Puck.
"Are you staying here alone Beatrice-san?" I asked "I mean, I know you're a spirit contracted to protect this library but..." I tilt my head a bit
"Aren't you lonely?"
"No." She answered flatly
Had I not known the truth about her I would have bought that. She answered my question so nonchalantly, almost like she really found being with other people annoying.
But she did not…
I know the truth about her... what she has actually gone through for four hundred years... I can't even imagine how she managed to stay sane for all this time. After all, I am from a time in which a month of loneliness is enough to get a permanent bed in a mental hospital. 400 years beyond my comprehension.
"Then, is it okay if I spend some time here?" I asked
Beatrice eyes narrowed slightly "The books in here are forbidden. It's the name of the library for a reason, I suppose."
"Really? What a shame." I found myself frowning. I was thinking about reading some of the books here at some point. Granted I can't read the language of this world yet, but still.
"But it's alright to just stay here?"
Beatrice lowered her book, she shot me an unkind, suspicious gaze "And why would you want to do that, I suppose?"
I decided to be a bit more honest and shrugged, "You look like you could use some company and this is a nice place to do some mind-mana-training." I said with a small smile
"Don't worry, I will be quiet." I added, noticing her glare.
Beatrice stared at me for a few more seconds before snorting and going back to her book, but she made no more attempts to refuse my offer. I smiled at her and sat down in a corner, a few feet from her.
There was no further conversation between us that day. Beatrice kept silently reading her book, making no attempt to talk while I also made no attempt to talk to her. We both sat in silence, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The only sounds came from Beatrice regularly turning a page.
I stayed there for more than an hour, promising to come back tomorrow for another visit.
"Hmph, if you want to sit around doing nothing do it in your own room, I suppose." She mocked me.
I only smiled at her "If I want some peace I still think I prefer the library, the atmosphere here is very calming."
Beatrice just snorted, her eyes locked to her book, she did not bother looking up as I left.
I can already tell this will be pain in ass
Well, it's not like I expected this to be easy after all. There are still a few hours before dinner, I guess I'll go back to training. The stronger I am for the coming troubles, the better.
If I recall Subaru got cursed by that puppy on the fourth day while working and died and succumbed to the curse on the fifth. I already spent two days at the mansion, which means... three more... no no, two more days... only two more days…
Even more of a reason to not let up on training.
---
"Good evening Rem." Alex greeted Rem who entered his room "Your sister is not with you?"
"Good evening Alex-sama. Rem is sorry to say that Nee-sama can't join our lesson tonight.
Nee-sama has been called by Roswaal-sama to do something important." Rem answered in a smooth voice.
She then raised an elegant blue coat in the blonde direction "Nee-sama also told Rem to say 'Alex-sama, if Alex-sama can't contain his desire for something blue please smell this coat and think of this smile'." Rem's stoic face morphed into a cute smile, she even winked at him with an 'aha' before returning to normal. It was a highly surreal situation. "'Ram is sure it will calm Alex-sama'."
The pseudo Saber felt his right eye twitch at the jab. He can imagine Ram in front of him, going through the whole spiel all too well, it only served to annoy him further.
"This does not count toward her total points." Alex murmured darkly "In fact I'm tempted to remove a point for using people to deliver her jab, honorless woman." He already began to formulate a suitable rebuttal for their next banter. He would show her! This offense will not be ignored!
Though he can't help but wonder why Roswaal would assist him like this. Why would he pull Ram from the session? It was clear the blue haired maid was still not comfortable in his presence, he did not miss the way the maid stiffened yesterday during their conversation.
'I have a guess why, but I don't think it is that important.' He thought in a dismissive manner
"Well then, shall we begin?"
"Yes." Rem nodded as she entered the room, pushing the board in front of the sitting Alex. She was silent for a moment before asking "Where were we yesterday?"
"There was no lesson yesterday." Alex deadpanned "More like gossiping and hanging out rather than studying."
"Alex-sama didn't understand? Nee-sama has explained many things."
"If you mean throwing insults and commenting about my sharp tongue by explaining things then we seriously have a different view of the term 'explanation'." Alex said while sighing
"Anyway, I guess let's start with the currency of this kingdom." He asked "I know there is copper, silver and gold. But what about the holy coin? How much is their worth? And how much is the other currency valued?"
"Well... Rem usually bought one apple for 2 copper in the city." Rem answered "9 copper will be worth 1 silver coin, and 15 silver will be worth 1 gold. 1 holy coin meanwhile is worth 2 gold. Alex-sama can buy food for about roughly one hundred people with one holy coin."
Alex's mind immediately began calculating the value, compared it to his own nation's currency. It didn't take long for him to come to conclusion
'Well, this means I have around 2700 SGD (Singapore Dollars, roughly 2000 American dollars) with me now.' The food price in an inexpensive restaurant is usually around 8 SGD, including a drink.
This is actually not that much, however it seems the food prices in Lugnica are higher then Singapore's, quite surprising since the land was bigger and more fertile. More proof of this kingdom's crisis, haaah…
Though with his current funds he could still be considered pretty rich here "Then what about-"
As the duo spent their time together, Alex realized that the language of this World is Greek. He recognized a few words Rem wrote on the board and their pattern -thanks to Medea, he tried learning some of the alphabet visible during her High-Speed Aria. He found it very fitting that this World used the language of gone olden gods, seeing Greek itself also contained many tragedies.
He also confirmed that Lugnica's condition is as bad as he explained to Emilia. Right now the country has to solely depend on their own resources. The prices for their export have plummeted and imports have become unreasonably expensive following Lugnica's inactivity in the global market. All of this happened without even taking the continued presence of the local demonic beasts into account.
Especially the White Whale, who has already claimed the life of the previous Sword Saint, is a huge threat to both the population, as well as the economy. Trade caravans will not often visit nations where they are under constant potential threat.
Thankfully the military still stands strong. Sword Saint Reinhard is one of the most famous knights among the Royal Guard. He's called a knight among knights not only for fame alone, apparently until now no one has ever managed to defeat him in a duel. His power, proven in combat with the surrounding nations' knights, is enough to deter many other nations from invading Lugnica.
Even Lugnicas southern neighbor, the highly militant Vollachian Empire, has not yet dared to invade.
Not to mention Roswaal as well, he was plenty famous. Few dared to cross his path. Like old Merlin in Britain, Roswaal is the most well known and feared magician in the country. With his four hundred years of age he has had plenty of time to gather experience. Alex still knows that Dick magician Merlin would have been more powerful, though.
But this does not mean Lugnica is safe from danger, far from it. The other kingdoms recognize Lugnicas plight as well as he does. Both time and the roaming demon beasts are slowly chipping away at Lugnicas ability to feed itself.
The absence of their leader has weakened the Dragon Kingdom, tough it still stands mighty, for now. Time alone will be enough to bring the leaderless dragon to its knees, and when it falls, the now mostly peaceful neighboring countries will strike.
That was Alex's conclusion after their tutoring session. He ran the concept by Rem, to confirm his observations.
"That's... actually correct." Rem spoke in slight hesitation "Alex-sama is really smart, to conclude this in such a short time."
"Not really." He shrugged nonchalantly "I was already thinking along similar lines the moment I saw the slum and walked around the capital." Not to mention that, according to the source material, Lugnica was indeed in a bad position. It was easy for him to make the assumption after some small observations.
"Rem sees..."
Alex glanced at Rem's unreadable face. His eyes roamed over her figure, noticing how she seems to tense, when she notices him looking at her. He shakes his head before ruffling his hair in slight annoyance.
Okay... it was easy to say he was going to make Rem trust him but... What should he do? He clearly has to do something to make Rem less wary of him! However, at the same time he also needed to stay on topic, he can't just change the conversation! It would only make him more suspicious and-
'Well... If she's curious about me but doesn't want to make a move, then let's try this.' He thought "Things are really complicated here. Then again, we also have many problems in my home." He muttered aloud while inwardly waiting for her reaction.
"Lugnica has been without a king for a while so it just makes sense." Rem commented before she tilted her head a bit "Is Alex-sama's country similar to Lugnica?"
Gotcha!
"You can say so... Britain had similar problems." Alex said, recalling the condition of Britain after Uther died.
"Britain?" Rem blinked "Rem never heard of the kingdom of Britain."
"Of course you wouldn't, I would be surprised if you did." Alex shook his head "My kingdom... let's just say it's quite isolated, and small, smaller than Lugnica. It's more like one or two islands rather than a whole continent like Lugnica."
He spoke in a slightly nostalgic tone, his eyes glinting with an unknown light for a moment "But it's a good kingdom, granted we rarely have moments of peace because of the raging civil war. However the majority of people do not live in fear despite that."
Rem silently listened to the blond who glanced at the moon through the window.
"Let me show you a bit." Alex stood, walking over to his bag on his bed.
Rem watched seemed to be further tense, her eyes glued to him, never to leave as if the man was going to pull out a weapon and attack her at a moment's notice.
Alex was oblivious to this as he picked out his cellphone, turning it on, he walked back over to Rem, with a small smile.
The light that emitted from the foreign device perked Rem's interest, as she warily watched on "What is that Alex-sama?"
"This? Hmm, in your land I guess you call this device a Metia." An object that allows people to cast magic without opening their Gate, if he recalls correctly "This is an example of what this thing can do." He lifted the phone up, setting the camera to focus on himself and Rem "Smile Rem!"
"Eh?"
CLICK!
Alex opened the phone's picture menu and chuckled when seeing the result. While he was smiling charmingly, Rem looked childlike and totally lost. He showed the result to Rem who had her eyes widened when sees it.
"This is..."
"Impressive isn't it?" He asked with a small smirk
Rem tentatively raised her hand, her finger touching the surface of the phone in an uncertain manner, rubbing the picture of her face "Alex-sama, what is this? How can there be another Rem and Alex-sama in here?"
Alex was tempted to say because he captured their souls, if only for a moment. However he remembered just how shaky his relationship with her already is. Rem also was a bit gullible at times, she did after all fill the bathtub with mayonnaise once because she misunderstood Subaru.
Needless to say, he wisely chose a more truthful approach.
"You know how our eyes are seeing people?" Alex asked Rem rhetorically, who nodded "Well, this metia also has an eye. Right here." He pointed to the front camera "It can capture what it sees and save it inside itself." He then raised the phone and turned it towards them "Smile Rem."
"Ah?"
CLICK!
Maybe it was only a reflex or coincidental, however in the picture Rem was smiling, not too wide, only a small one. It's still visible to see and in Alex's opinion, she is cute, like reaaallly cute.
'Fu, fu, fu the fans at home are gonna go crazy when they see this.' He thought with a smug smile as he imagined his friend's reaction if they saw this "See? You look good when smiling." He said as he showed the picture to Rem.
"This... this is certainly an interesting metia Alex-sama." Rem murmured with awe at seeing herself in there.
"It can do more things, but I will show you later. Here, this is what I wanted you to see." Alex entered the image gallery, swiping the screen and found what he was looking for, an image of Camelot from the Merlin series "Here." He extended the device towards her.
Rem still looked uncertain, however she took it nonetheless and her eyes widened when saw the castle. Judging by the trees and forests close by it had to be huge! Bigger than maybe even the Capital.
"The Castle of Camelot." He said, his voice carrying a hint of pride for an unknown reason
"Castle of the most beautiful city in Britain."
"It's... marvelous." Rem commented in awe as her eyes roamed over the castle. Her fingers brushed the picture, accidentally sweeping it, changing the picture. She let out a small gasp before and blinked when seeing the new picture.
It was... him... Alex... however he looked... different in her opinion. For one his blond hair seemed a bit paler, his armor also looked more dull. For a moment Rem thought it was a different person, however the outfit and the smiling face still looked like Alex, albeit the real one is more better-looking in the cute oni's opinion.
This is not what caught Rem's attention though.
It was a girl. A cute girl, barely reaching his stomach -she appeared to be at most twelve years old- standing in front of him while Alex rested his hands on her shoulders. Her hair looked a bit unusual to Rem -long and black- and her face was also foreign to her.
She is clad in a beautiful yellow dress that could be considered for nobility. It suits her pretty well.
Alex, noticing Rem's gasp, wanted to see what she was looking at. He blinked at seeing the of picture of himself in his costume with his little sister in Belle's dress from "Beauty and the Beast"
"Big brother, can I borrow your phone?"
"Hmm, what for?"
"I want to play Angry Birds!"
"Later, I'm using it right now."
He smiled in nostalgia as the memory of his sister crossed in his mind. He has just been here for two days and yet... he already misses her so much... This picture was taken just before he went to the cosplay show. Seeing him all dressed up his sister decided to dress up herself and take a picture with him.
She became a fan of the Saber Prototype the moment he showed himself to her…
"That is my sister." He spoke in soft voice
Rem blinked and turned to him "Alex-sama's little sister?"
"Yes... she is a pretty little girl isn't she?"
The way he spoke, and the way he smiled... somehow it made Rem's heart, filled with skepticism and suspicion soften and she found herself smiling too "Yes, Rem agrees, she is a pretty girl."
"Of course she is. She is my sister!" Alex declared with pride, taking his phone back from Rem. His finger brushed over his sister's face, the affection visible on his own. "She will be very beautiful when she grows up."
The pseudo Saber saying that aloud while kept staring at his little sister's face in his cellphone, lost in his memories of the times spent with her. He still remembered how she was born. He was six years old at that time, and he picked her up for the first time from his mother's arms.
"What is her name?" Rem asked
"Angelica." Alex answered fondly
Rem nodded as she repeated the name in her mind "Rem thinks it is a good name."
"Of course it is." Alex said with a small grin "It came from me!" The name did actually come from him, he got it from a movie called 'Carita de Angel'. Angelica is the name of the protagonist's mother who became guardian spirit for her. His parents agreed with his choice and decided to name her after it.
"Rem thinks Alex-sama has a good taste then." Rem said kindly "Where is she now?"