Why...
Why did I go back?
Sir, oh, sir, you look unwell.
Are you all right?
Sir, oh, sir, you look like you have a stomachache.
You didn't soil yourself, did you?
You don't remember me?
So we're all back to square one again?
Sir?
Sir, you shouldn't try to move so suddenly.
Goddamn it! What the hell happened!?
Everything reset again!
Even my promise with Emilia!
Barging in without even knocking?
You are quite a rude man.
Sorry.
Just let me stay here for a bit, okay?
First earlier, and now here you are again.
I suppose I'd like to know how you're breaching my Door Crossing.
Beatrice!
I suppose respect is unknown to you.
You just said that I breached your Door Crossing earlier, right?
I just teased you about it, three or four hours ago, for being so insensitive.
So if this is the second time I've woken up in the mansion, that means...
You remember me, right?
I suppose I'd erase you from my memory given the chance, though.
So my conditions are different from last time.
My save point's been moved from near the appa guy
to the twin angels donning maid uniforms.
But how did I die?
Everything was normal before I fell asleep.
And I don't think I put myself in a fatal situation after I fell asleep.
I was curious what you were muttering about, and I find you going on about life and death.
I suppose you humans usually write off such matters as boring and trifling.
You're basically asking to be lied to and ridiculed.
Thanks, you were a big help.
I didn't do anything.
Somehow, seeing your never-changing attitude calmed me down a bit.
I suppose only peerless degenerates would be soothed by verbal abuse.
I suppose you're leaving now?
Yeah, I want to double check something.
I'll wait until afterward to get depressed.
Yeah, I knew it.
Subaru!
You put the sun to shame.
I was worried about you!
Ram and Rem were in a frenzy,
saying you disappeared right after you woke up!
Sorry about that. I got held up by Beatrice for a bit.
Again? I heard she played a trick on you sometime before you woke up this morning.
What is it?
Is there something on my face?
Yeah, your adorable eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
Uh, I mean...
I'm glad you're okay.
Yeah, I'm fine.
You protected me, after all.
What about you? How are you feeling?
I've never been better!
I'm a little low on blood,
all my mana was stolen,
the shock I felt when I woke up sapped my strength,
and I feel like my mind's been pummeled to death by a bat.
But I'm fantastic!
I see, that's goo—
Huh?
Wouldn't that mean you're hurting all over?
Hi, Subaru. Great morning, isn't it?
I can never thank you enough for yesterday.
I have to repay you somehow.
Okay, then let me pet your fur whenever I want!
That's all?
All right, let's get moving!
Our time is limited, but our possibilities unlimited!
The story of Emilia-tan and Subaru has only just begun!
That's true.
Wait, what did you just say?
Where did the "tan" come from?
I don't know whose nasty prank this is,
but I'll make them regret all of it.
They don't know how far I'll go to reclaim the smile that charmed me that night.
Nothing can get in the way of my promise with Emilia!
I'll get past that night!
You may have anything your heart desires!
In that case, I have but one request.
Hire me to work in this mansion!
Hic.
Looping plots all promise one thing.
Follow the same path, and you'll end up in the same place.
That's too large for you, Balse.
It would seem that you only fit in women's clothing.
Rem, alter that one for him.
Yes, Sister.
Take my measurements, then.
A man can take all kinds of tickling!
We'll measure you later.
Huh?
Follow me, Balse.
Are you going to show me around?
That can wait until later too.
First, let's have you help me with my work.
Hey, wait!
Retrace the same path I took before...
That's what I meant to do, but...
This is totally different from last time.
It's like making a cheat sheet,
then realizing it's for the wrong subject when you see the answers.
A total waste of effort.
Why, hello there! May I join—
No, you may not.
This facility is part of my mansion,
so it is my property.
I shall do with it as I please.
Why bother asking, then?
Just do exactly that.
My, how harsh!
And you seem to not quite understand.
It is indeed true that this bath is my property.
But as part of my staff,
are you not my property as well?
Chomp.
Not a moment's hesitation, I see.
This isn't turning out how I expected either.
I do not know what is bothering you,
but life is full of things that fail to go your way.
By the way,
do you think you will be able to get along with Ram and Rem?
I haven't spoken to Rem much yet,
but I get along fine with Ram.
In fact, I think she might be getting a little too friendly.
It's amazing she can function as a maid like that.
Well, Rem covers what Ram cannot.
As sisters, they must be there for each other.
In that sense, I think they get by quite well.
Ram is just the inferior version of her sister,
and all Rem does is make up for her shortcomings.
And yet they insist Ram's superior just because she's older.
Their nerve is almost scary.
Speaking of nerve, yours appears to be quite impressive as well!
Damn, I'm all dizzy now.
Stupid Roswaal...
Cover up that sorry thing.
Why are you here?
I was simply waiting to assist Roswaal-sama in putting on fresh clothes.
I'm sorry to inform you that I've finished my bath,
so I won't be changing.
The thought didn't even pass my mind!
Also, you spoil him too much! Let him dress himself!
I will not condone disrespect toward Roswaal-sama.
Next time, I will use force.
Any more and I'll stir up a hornet's nest.
By the way, Balse, do you have plans after this?
No, just going to sleep.
Please wait in your room, then. I'll come by later.
Huh?
Don't think about it. She didn't mean anything by it.
Clear your mind, Subaru. Clear it! Emilia-tan is the only one for you.
Calm down, calm down!
One Emilia-tan, two Emilia-tans, three Emilia-tans...
Am I in Heaven!?
You're too noisy, Balse.
It's already nighttime. Be quiet.
Eep!
Balse, come over here.
No, wait! My heart's already set on someone named "Emilia-tan"!
What are you talking about?
I told you to sit here, so I can teach you to read and write.
That's news to me!
But where's this coming from?
I could tell by watching you that you can't read or write.
If you can't read or write, I can't send you shopping,
and you can't write down orders.
We'll start with this collection of children's fairy tales.
Starting tonight, I'll help you study every evening.
Why are you being so nice to me?
Why else? It's so that I...
No, it's so I can take it easy.
That wasn't correcting yourself!
You're never out of character, are you?
Well, isn't it obvious?
The more you can do,
the less I have to do.
And the less I have to do,
the less Rem has to do.
It's a win-win.
But that leaves me with piles of work!
We'll start with the basic i-glyphs.
After you master them, we'll move to ro-glyphs and ha-glyphs.
There are three different types?
Just hearing that is depressing.
Natsuki Subaru On the scene!!
You don't have time to waste on doodles.
Tomorrow's an early start, so time's short.
I'm sleepy too.
I can't say I dislike how you insert your own feelings at the end, Ms. Tutor.
I do believe honesty is my most charming feature.
Now, let's begin.
It's so monotonous, I feel a Gestaltzerfall phenomenon coming on.
But still, even if it's to make your life easier, it makes me happy.
Honestly, I had the feeling you didn't like me very much.
And I doubt this is the last time I'll trouble you.
But I'll try to become useful as soon as I can.
Wow, I hate to admit it, but it's perfect.
Guess there's no need for my sewing skills this time.
Sewing skills?
Do you like sewing?
Kinda.
By the way, it looks like Roscchi and Emilia-tan have lots of outfits,
but I don't see any for you and your sister.
Want me to sew some for you? I'll take your measurements.
That is unnecessary.
These uniforms are all my sister and I need.
How can you have nothing but those uniforms?
Are all your clothes maid outfits?
They cause no problems when we accompany Roswaal-sama on business
or when we work in the mansion.
They also eliminate the need to explain our place in the hierarchy,
which makes them very logical.
Logic isn't the problem here.
I'm trying to say that cute girls
kinda have a duty to make themselves look pretty for others.
My sister is one thing,
but no one would be happy to see me dress up.
Well, I would.
Would any good come of making you happy?
I might take more pride in my work here,
which could boost my productivity.
I have no idea what makes you say that.
I'd also look forward to seeing the differences
in your choice of clothes.
That is none of your concern.
Does my resemblance to my sister somehow inconvenience you?
You love your sister way too much.
Ow!
You do not know how to handle a knife, Balse.
I do know!
You hold the knife still and turn the vegetable, right?
It's embarrassing when you stare at me so intently.
Your unsightly appearance stands out.
Especially your hair. It's very unrefined.
I thought I did a pretty good job of cutting it by myself.
By the way, in this mansion, Rem sees to everyone's hair.
She styles my hair and dresses me every morning, too. Isn't it nice?
Try contributing something, big sis!
Rem.
If you'd like, you can tidy up Balse's hair a bit.
Sister?
Whoa, whoa...
Having a girl mess with my hair will get me all worked up—
You keep looking at Balse because his hair bothers you, right?
Yes, that is correct.
I think combing it and evening out the ends
would make him more presentable.
You heard her.
You should take her up on her offer.
Her hands will take you to paradise.
You make it sound so dirty.
If you don't want to, you should let her know.
Not that I'm against it, but...
No, that isn't it.
Truth be told, it does bother me a little,
but only a little, very much extremely a little.
Well, anyway, that proves the point that it bothers you.
What's the matter, Betty?
Nothing, Bubby.
More importantly, I suppose I have some delicious sweets today.
Eat them with me!
Yum!
What's up? Here to help me?
No, this is about what we discussed this afternoon.
This afternoon? Oh, about my hair?
You'll really style it for me?
No, I felt that I said some things that were uncalled for.
I am very sorry.
We may be colleagues, but as Emilia-sama's savior,
your rank surpasses mine.
That's how you feel?
Sorry to put you through that.
No, I should apologize for saying something so pointless.
Please forget it.
I guess it's never that easy.
That's what makes being human so hard.
I know! How about I set a condition?
If you agree to it, I'll forget everything you just said.
A condition?
Very well, I shall hear you out.
If you comb my hair a bit and even out the ends, I'll let it slide!
You know, the silence hurts a lot more than you'd think.
It is just as Emilia-sama said.
You completely lack ambition.
That's strange.
I'd figure that'd make you fall for me all over again, not disgust you.
My sister said your eyes take on an obscene look when she's alone with you.
So to be honest, I was prepared for you to suggest something along those lines.
Way to tarnish my good name!
I accept your condition.
I shall do as you wish.
Sounds good. Let's do it sometime after my promise with Emilia-tan.
Promise?
Well, I haven't made the promise yet.
It'd probably be smart to scope out our date's destination before we make the promise.
Researched the best views in the area? Check.
All that's left is...
this.
Subaru!
He's back!
And his face still looks weird!
I gotta make sure these kids don't find us.
What? You don't want us to find you?
Did you pee your pants?
Are we playing hide-and-seek?
Chill, brats! I played with you earlier!
Let's play more!
Play! Play!
Change your pants!
All right, listen up.
I'll be on a date the next time I'm here.
Try to take a hint, okay?
I'll allow this little critter to play with Emilia-tan, though.
Ow! Again!?
Subaru-kun, so this is where you were.
Are you all right?
It's no big deal. I'll live.
All done shopping, Rem-rin?
Yes, it went quite smoothly.
Aw, you're leaving?
Don't go!
You have somewhere to go home to?
You were quite the hit with them.
Kids have always liked me for some reason.
Like animals, children observe a hierarchy.
They know when it's acceptable to belittle someone.
Those brats...
They have no respect.
Did you show them anything worth respecting?
That's a sound argument.
Still, it doesn't seem right to belittle me from the start.
Ram seems like she'd handle that kind of thing well.
My sister is wonderful, isn't she?
Honestly, I'd think her personality
would cause conflict more often than not.
Her self-assured nature is what makes her so charming.
I cannot be that way at all.
By the way, how are your studies progressing?
Let's just say I'm plugging along.
Ram is a surprisingly good teacher too.
Though I wish she wouldn't fall asleep on my bed mid-lesson.
It kinda kills my motivation.
She only acts that way to stimulate your motivation.
Why do you have such absolute faith in your sister?
It's beyond unusual.
It's like you're demoniacally possessed.
Demoniacally possessed?
It's the demon version of divine possession.
Sounds kinda cool, right?
Do you like demons?
Well, gods generally don't do anything,
but demons will laugh along when you talk about future plans.
Especially plans for the next year. Those make them explode into laughter.
That smile is a million volts!
I'm going to tell Emilia-sama.
I wasn't trying to hit on you!
Both Ram and Rem said they wouldn't be able to come see you tonight,
so I agreed to help with your studies.
I'm afraid I can't do much, though.
Right now, I'm writing the basic i-glyphs until I memorize them...
Wow. You're studying a lot harder than I imagined.
S-Since these fairy tales are aimed at kids,
it's mostly i-glyphs, or so they said.
So my goal for now is... to be able... to read... this.
Anyway, um...
Th-The moon sure is pretty.
Huh?
No! I mean, um, I have a favor to ask you.
Will you hear me out?
Starting tomorrow, I'll work hard, and I'll study too, so...
Go on a date with me.
What does a "date" entail?
When a guy and a girl go out alone together, that's a date!
Only the goddess of love knows what will happen during that time.
Then that means you went on a date with Rem today, right?
Gah! I didn't expect that response!
That didn't count! Please don't count that!
I understand that you want us to go out together, but where?
Actually, there's this cute little fleabag in the village nearby.
There's a flower field too.
I want to see you surrounded by flowers.
And then save that scene for all eternity with my metia!
Oh, um... The village, huh?
The little fleabag is super cute! Let's go!
But it might cause trouble for not only you, but the villagers too.
The kids are so pure and innocent! They're basically little angels! Let's go!
Oh, all right. You make it hard to decline.
I'll go with you.
And the flower field is super colorful and wonderfu—Wait, really?
If that will motivate you to work hard from tomorrow on, then I will.
Hell yeah!
I bet the weather will be lovely tomorrow.
Yeah, and I'm sure it'll be a day I'll never forget.
There you go again with—
Just now, you were...
Never mind.
You know, it makes a guy really anxious when you leave him hanging like that.
Okay, Subaru-kun the butler,
remember to work hard.
Only those who work hard are rewarded,
so think of this as a reward!
All right, let's settle this, Fate, my cruel mistress.
I won't sleep tonight, no matter what.
I'll stay awake and greet the morning of my promise.
Man, what am I? A grade schooler who can't sleep the night before a field trip?
Reminds me of when I overslept on the day of our class trip.
I wasn't able to retrace my steps from last time exactly,
but I hit it off with Ram and Rem pretty well.
Honestly, I think I did better this time.
If there's anything I feel I missed,
it's not saying goodnight to Beatrice.
All we do is insult each other every time we meet,
but maybe I should've... at least... thanked her.
What is this?
I'm so cold.
Huh? No way, am I...
Someone...
Someone... help.
What just...
The Morning of Our Promise is Still Distant
By the way, Subaru-kun, address me with 'tan' like you do with Emilia-sama.
H-Huh?
Like I said, I want to be addressed with 'tan'.
Roswaal-tan...
Yes, yes, like that!
Say it again without being embarrassed!
Roswaal-tan.
Good, good! Once more!
Roswaal-tan!
Louder, Subaru-tan!
Roswaal-tan!
Subaru-tan!
Roswaal-tan!
Subaru-tan!
Ros-tan!
Suba-tan!
Ros-tan!
Suba-tan!
Ros-tan!
Suba-tan!
Ros-t... Someone stop us!
Next time: The Sound of Chains
The identity of the assailant who attacked Subaru-tan will finally be revealed!