"Ah, sorry." Natsuki Subaru finally came back to his senses, scratching his head in embarrassment. "Because Emilia-tan is just too cute, I got lost in looking at you without realizing."
When facing a simple girl like Emilia, a direct approach is often much more effective than beating around the bush.
"E-Even if you stare like that..." Emilia lowered her eyes slightly, her voice a few shades softer than usual, "There's nothing interesting to see, is there..."
Ultimately, Emilia still lacked confidence in her appearance.
Because of her half-elf status, coupled with her resemblance to the Witch of Envy, Emilia had always endured the disgusted and alienated gazes of others.
Even though Natsuki Subaru had praised her beauty many times, this deep-rooted sense of inferiority still clung to her like a shadow.
This feeling was like someone who had lived in darkness for many years suddenly being told that the sunlight was warm.
Even if rationally willing to believe, a part of her heart would still be filled with doubt and unease.
Thinking of this, Natsuki Subaru leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on Emilia's clear, crystal-like purple-blue eyes, his voice carrying an unprecedented seriousness:
"No, being with Emilia-tan, I never feel bored. Just looking at Emilia-tan makes me feel happy, how could I feel bored?"
"Wh-What..."
Facing Natsuki Subaru's overly direct statement, Emilia's purple-blue eyes widened abruptly, her fair cheeks instantly flushing crimson, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt.
"These are my 100% heartfelt words."
Natsuki Subaru looked at the blushing Emilia before him and said with a serious expression.
To be honest, being able to get along with such a cute and pure silver-haired girl, he was overjoyed, how could he possibly feel bored.
"Subaru, are you trying to take advantage of me when I'm not looking..." At this moment, Puck suddenly poked his head out from between Emilia's silver hairs, his small round eyes fixed on Natsuki Subaru,
"To so blatantly flirt with my daughter?"
"Hey, hey, Puck, this isn't flirting, this is clearly a sincere compliment from the bottom of my heart, and besides..." Natsuki Subaru suddenly lowered his voice, leaning in conspiratorially towards Puck,
"Haven't you always been very supportive of me?"
He had almost forgotten about Puck, this third wheel, who was always by Emilia's side.
However, he clearly remembered Puck saying before that to gain his approval, Subaru had to prove he had the strength to protect Emilia, and of course, ultimately, it depended on Emilia's own choice.
"That depends on whether your performance is up to par." Puck nimbly did a somersault in the air, his fluffy tail sticking up proudly. "However, for your remarks to Lia just now, I'll give you 82 points."
"Why only 82 points?" Natsuki Subaru pouted, somewhat unconvinced. "I think it's at least a full 100 points; this is my heartfelt and sincere praise."
"Not qualified, Subaru, the full score is 1000 points." Puck's small eyes looked at Natsuki Subaru, smiling mischievously as he spun in the air. "The remaining 918 points are deducted because you got too carried away, look how you scared my Lia."
"Hey, hey, hey, Puck, your scoring standard is too ridiculous, isn't it?!" Natsuki Subaru waved his arms in protest, "And Emilia-tan is clearly just shy, how was she scared..."
"Really, Subaru, Puck, you two, don't just discuss me as you please."
Emilia looked at the interaction between this person and spirit, and stomped her foot in embarrassment and annoyance.
"See, see~" Puck immediately flew to Emilia's cheek, pointing at her flushed face with his small paw,
"This is the reason for the deduction, Subaru~"
"Ah ah ah, I give up, I give up."
Natsuki Subaru raised his hands to Puck in surrender, then his gaze turned to Emilia's blushing face.
Such a shy Emilia is indeed the cutest.
...
...
Time flew by, and it was soon afternoon.
"It's time to buy ingredients." Rem gently pushed open the door and said to Natsuki Subaru, who was organizing items, "Today, Subaru and I will go to Arlam Village together."
"Going out to buy ingredients..."
Natsuki Subaru was slightly surprised.
Speaking of which, since coming to Roswaal Manor these past few days, he hadn't gone out at all.
"That's right." Rem stood with her hands clasped in front of her skirt, her posture as elegant and dignified as ever. "This time we need to purchase more ingredients that are easy to store."
"Hmm... Just the two of us?"
Natsuki Subaru's eyes lit up, then his brow furrowed slightly.
He suddenly remembered the plot of the original work; wasn't this the beginning of when he and Rem went to the village to buy supplies and encountered the Mabeast attack?
"What's wrong?" Rem keenly noticed the change in Natsuki Subaru's expression, a trace of concern flashing in her azure eyes. "Subaru, your face doesn't look too good, are you not feeling well?"
"Ahaha, it's nothing, nothing." Natsuki Subaru quickly waved his hand, forcing himself to show his trademark radiant smile. "I couldn't be happier to go out with Rem, but... isn't Ram coming with us?"
"Sister is in charge of cleaning the mansion today." Rem tilted her head slightly, an elusive emotion flashing in her azure eyes. "Or perhaps, Subaru would prefer to go with sister?"
"No, no... Absolutely not what I meant!" Natsuki Subaru waved his hand and said, "Being able to be alone with Rem... ah no, I mean, being able to help Rem, I'm very happy."
Wait, this subtle sense of pressure...
Why do I have the illusion that Rem is jealous?
"Don't say strange things." Rem stared at Natsuki Subaru expressionlessly for a moment, then sighed softly, "Then let's set off."
"Alright." Natsuki Subaru replied full of energy, but his heart was tense.
If he remembered correctly, in the original story, Natsuki Subaru would encounter the Mabeast user Meili during this procurement trip, and then be bitten by the Mabeasts she controlled, ultimately dying in his sleep due to a curse.
This was also Natsuki Subaru's first death loop in Roswaal Manor.
"However, since I already know the plot, I definitely won't repeat the same mistakes this time."
Thinking of this, Natsuki Subaru secretly clenched his fists.
...
And so.
Natsuki Subaru and Rem left the mansion, crossed the front courtyard, passed through the iron gate, and stepped onto the forest path leading to Arlam Village.
"Subaru is walking very slowly today."
Rem, who was walking ahead, suddenly turned her head, her blue short hair swaying gently with the movement.
"Ah, am I?" Natsuki Subaru quickened his pace to catch up. "Maybe I was just thinking about something."
He had been wondering, if he encountered the Mabeast user Meili, how could he tell Rem and the others Meili's true identity without revealing his knowledge of the future.
Then, with the strength of Emilia, Ram, and Rem, dealing with Meili or even a Mabeast pack should be more than enough.
"What are you thinking about?" Rem asked.
"It's just that..." Natsuki Subaru pulled his thoughts back from his mind, looked around at the dense forest, and made an excuse, "This forest is a bit eerily quiet, I can't even hear birdsong."
___
Director Hu Returns! 📣 New Release & Special Patreon Promotion!
Director Hu is back with an exciting new release! 🎉 To celebrate, enjoy special discounts on our Patreon tiers:
✨ 12% OFF: 'Director of Wangsheng Funeral Home' Tier
✨ 6% OFF: 'Wangsheng Funeral Home Consultant' Tier (Code: RAM)
Unlock More Bonus Chapters! 🔓 New Patreon Goals:
Help us unlock multiple bonus chapters! We currently have 40 amazing Patreon supporters (Thank you! 🙏).
🎯 Goal: 50 Patreon Members = Get 10 bonus Chapters!
➕ Community Milestones: Every 150 Powerstones OR 5 New Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter Released!
Support Walnutchan on Patreon:
👻 patreon.com/Walnutchan 👻