――When Rem returned to the Roswaal Mansion, she felt no sense of 'returning home' at all.

"Rem, can you see? That's the mansion where Ram and the others work, Lord Roswaal's residence."

"Our workplace..."

At Ram's words, pointing to the picturesque scenery bathed in bright sunlight visible from the window of the dragon carriage, Rem blinked her pale blue eyes and fluttered her eyelashes. After taking a shared dragon carriage to the Industrial City Costuul, they boarded a shuttle dragon carriage prepared for them. What came into view was an unfamiliar 'home.' A grand gate and beyond it, an impressive mansion. More splendid than Berstetz's residence, where she spent time with Katya in the Imperial Capital Vollachia, the Roswaal Mansion was an elegant building that one could never forget after seeing it once. And yet――,

"How is it?"

"...I'm sorry, sister."

Rem slowly shook her head, apologizing for not being able to meet her sister's expectations. On the journey so far, having parted ways with Subaru, Emilia, and the others due to various objectives, Rem traveled back to the mansion with just Ram. Throughout, she had hoped that seeing various things would stimulate her memory, but not once did that hope come to fruition. It seemed that even the mansion, important to Rem and the others, was no exception.

"I see. But it can't be helped. After all, the mansion where Ram and the others worked was a long time ago, and the mansion that left a strong impression on Rem isn't here."

"What!?"

"By the way, the previous mansion was burned down by Otto in a fit of pique, so it's nowhere to be found now. If it hadn't burned down, I considered making a detour there."

"Otto-san... he didn't seem like that kind of person."

Rem was bewildered by the additional information, further confused by the details Ram shared about Otto. Otto, said to be the internal affairs officer of the camp, had a gentle demeanor, was a friend and indispensable companion of Subaru, and according to Petra and Frederica, was someone who hardly ever slept. Now, with the added information of setting a mansion on fire in frustration, his character seemed lost. It might be a case of not judging a book by its cover, but is that really a fair summary?

"Is Emilia-san's group made up of people like that? Garfiel and Roswaal-san too..."

"Lord Roswaal, you know."

"...Lord Roswaal too."

"Good girl. But it's naughty to lump those three with Lord Roswaal, Rem. Lord Roswaal is wise and capable, the most outstanding magician in this world. Compared to him, those three together barely make one competent person... no, half a person at best."

"Three of them make half a person..."

Imagining Otto, Garfiel, and Subaru stacked on top of each other in her mind, Rem placed the flying-with-magic Roswaal beside them. Even though Rem couldn't gauge the difference between them, she trusted Ram's words without doubt. For Rem, who still had no prospect of regaining her memory, the trust and affection stemming from the sense of closeness to her twin sister Ram was undeniably genuine. ――A definite bond connecting the past and present Rem.

"...This way of thinking would anger Priscilla-san."

In her heart, Rem recalled the gaze of the woman with fiery crimson eyes. In a short time, this woman had greatly influenced Rem's way of thinking and walking, and she never approved of clinging to the past. Similarly, she likely wouldn't favor Rem, who indulged in the sweetness of trust and relied on Ram. Rem didn't want to be disliked by Priscilla, nor did she want to live a shameful life. So, she scolded her heart that was about to become negative, slapped her cheeks, and lifted her face.

"But, Sister, from what you just said, doesn't it mean that even if we return to that mansion, there aren't many clues to regain my memory?"

"Hehe, you're quick to catch on. Ram is proud to have such a smart sister."

"No, it's not like that... I'm not worthy of such praise from you, Sister..."

"Just who do you think Ram here is the sister of? Do you think Ram, who is Rem's sister, would make such a blunder?"

Ram placed a hand on her chest and declared confidently. Hearing Ram's bold words, Rem felt genuinely ashamed of her misplaced worries. Even without Rem pointing it out, Ram had already seen through it all. That being the case, what piqued her interest was Ram's plan—

"If returning to the mansion isn't the goal... is the goal a person?"

"Who knows? You'll find out soon enough."

As Ram smiled at Rem's guess, the dragon carriage came to a stop almost simultaneously. Feeling the sway that had been kept at bay by the 'Blessing of Wind Protection' for the first time in a while, Rem was startled, and Ram, who stood up briskly, extended her hand.

"Well, we've arrived. Let's go."

"—Yes, Sister."

Taking Ram's hand, Rem suppressed the slight excitement in her chest and got off the dragon carriage. While Ram spoke to the driver who had brought them this far, Rem stepped in front of the dragon carriage and took in the view of the mansion and its beautiful front garden through the bars of the closed iron gate right in front of her.

"This is..."

Rem narrowed her light blue eyes, but she still didn't recognize the mansion she saw. Even so, she could tell that every corner of the building, flowerbeds, hedges, and the mansion itself was meticulously maintained, which naturally made her straighten her back. Regardless of her memory, if Rem were to spend her days in this mansion from now on, her position would likely be the same as Ram and Frederica, as a servant.

'No, as long as Rem is healthy and living freely every day, that's enough.'

For a moment, an image of Subaru saying such things appeared in her mind, but Rem forcibly dismissed the illusion that tried to spoil her excessively. Certainly, it was something Subaru might say, but he was currently in no position to do so. He was now—comforting someone who was far more wounded in heart by the loss of Priscilla than Rem could compare to.

"—Oh? Oh, oh, oh, oh!"

Suddenly startled by the growling voice she heard, Rem took a step back with a "kyah." Looking, she saw that the voice came from beyond the bars, within the mansion's grounds. There, a small girl with a lovely face and long, flowing pink hair, appearing to be around eleven or twelve years old, was gripping the bars with her small hands, her round eyes wide open as she stared at Rem. Rem recognized the girl. —From amidst the devastation of the Empire.

"Ah, you are... the 'Witch' who caused the 'Great Calamity'!"

"Oh, Lady Ryuzu, thank you for coming to meet us."

The bearer of the 'Great Calamity' trembled and pointed at herself. As Rem was shocked by the sudden and unthinkable reunion with this calamity, Ram casually popped her head out and spoke to her. At Ram's natural demeanor, Rem turned back to her with a "huh," while the 'Witch' also glared at her sister as if startled.

"Ram! Welcome back. I'm glad you're back, but... you're too nonchalant!"

"...Do you expect Ram to lift Lady Ryuzu like Garfiel or Frederica?"

"I'm not saying that! More importantly, that girl is..."

"Sister, this person is..."

The 'Witch' who plotted the downfall of the empire, her name is Sphinx. However, Ram called the girl in front of them by another name—Ryuzu. As Ryuzu's gaze turned back to her, Rem looked at Ram in confusion. In response to the two's reactions, Ram gently placed her hand on Rem's shoulder.

"Introduce yourself."

"――――"

Even without any minimal explanation, Ram's calm voice strangely soothed Rem's agitated heart. Naturally, her confusion was eased, and Rem turned to Ryuzu. Taking a deep breath and looking directly into her eyes,

"――I'm Rem. Is it alright to call you Ryuzu-san?"

"...I see. Yes, that's right. I am Ryuzu, Rem."

As Rem introduced herself and asked for her name, Ryuzu momentarily looked distant and nodded softly. From that reaction, Ram's demeanor, and the fact they were on the grounds of the Roswaal Mansion, Rem finally became certain that the girl before her and the empire's 'Witch' were different people.

"Even so, isn't the resemblance too much...?"

"Indeed. There's a saying that there are at least three people in the world who look like you, but in Lady Ryuzu's case, it's nearly ten times that. Meaning, her commonness is tenfold."

"To say such things in a moment of an elder's emotion..."

Ryuzu scolded Ram, who responded to Rem's comment about the confusing resemblance. From their exchange, it was clear that their relationship was quite familiar. Judging by Ryuzu's demeanor, she was likely someone who had a deep connection with the previous Rem as well.

"I'm sorry. But I don't remember anything."

"No need to apologize. I am――"

"――My sister. She has the same hair color as Ram, doesn't she?"

"Indeed...! But if she's sister's sister, then..."

The shocking truth revealed by Ram interrupted Ryuzu. Stunned, Rem compared Ram and Ryuzu, finding the hair color to be a convincing argument. However, since Ram and Rem were supposed to be twins, logically, the relationship between Rem and Ryuzu would be—

"My sister too...?"

"Stop it, Ram! You're being influenced by Roz-bo and Su-bo!"

"To compare those two? Even Lady Ryuzu should know there are things you can and cannot do."

"Which mouth is saying that!"

Ryuzu raised her voice with her cute face frowning, while Ram furrowed her brows. Seeing their argument, Rem finally realized it was a joke from Ram.

"Now that you mention it, if Ryuzu-san were my or sister's sister, it would be strange for sister to address her with 'san.'"

"In that case, there's the possibility of being half-sisters with different fathers or mothers, inheriting noble blood, so it's not a perfect refutation."

"That's true... So, does that mean my or sister's...?"

"It's not. It's undoubtedly one of Ram's pranks. Honestly, it's quite troublesome," Ryuzu sighed deeply, while Ram stuck out her tongue slightly. Although they had been led astray, Rem realized that throughout their journey, Ram's mischievous nature had often been a source of both trouble and salvation for her. For Rem, who tended to become easily disheartened over trivial matters, Ram's confidence and humor were like the warmth of the sun.

"I think my sister is a wonderful person, including her playful side."

"From what was conveyed through the bird message, it hasn't been long since your reunion, yet you've already been tamed like this..."

"Being 'tamed' sounds terrible. I've just shown sincerity and love."

"Even so, you're unusually excited, Ram. I understand you're happy that your sister, who had been bedridden, is awake and you can spend time together like this."

"—. You're quite cheeky for someone like you, Ryuzu-sama."

"Your way of hiding embarrassment is aggressive, so I'd appreciate it if you could be gentler with Garfiel, at least. Now then..."

Ram slightly furrowed her brows. As Rem admired the rare sight of her sister being outwitted, Ryuzu, who had been leaning against the iron gate, stepped away from the fence.

"It's strange to keep talking over the gate forever. I also want to hug my granddaughters who have returned safely."

"Granddaughters...?"

"It's Ryuzu-sama's heartfelt joke. You should laugh."

"It means she cares that much!"

Seeing Ryuzu pout her lips, Rem found herself smiling despite her confusion. It wasn't because Ram told her to laugh, but because Ryuzu's kindness naturally softened her expression. However, being treated as granddaughters by Ryuzu, who looked younger than Rem and the others, was a bit perplexing, even considering her kindness.

"Beatrice-chan was like that too, but do small children tend to want to act grown-up...?"

"Yes. When she's on Barusu's lap, that's Beatrice-sama's true self."

"With that cuteness, it's understandable."

Like Spica, it's best for children to laugh innocently and cheerfully. Not just Beatrice, but Ryuzu too would be so much more adorable if she laughed according to her age without trying to act older. As Rem was lost in such thoughts, the subsequent event momentarily halted her thinking.

"Now, everyone, open the gate."

As soon as Ryuzu said that, the iron gate of the mansion began to open slowly. That in itself was fine. There was no problem. The problem was the way the gate was being opened.

"――――"

The latch of the gate was removed, and the doors opened inward. The ones moving them were several individuals responding to Ryuzu's call, each with different hairstyles and accessories, but all of them had the same face as Ryuzu. In other words, they were girls with the same face as the 'Witch' Sphinx—

"—!!"

Exceeding her capacity, Rem let out a loud scream.

△▼△▼△▼△

"I wondered what that scream was about, but now I understand. Certainly, anyone seeing Ryuzu-sama and her sisters, the Pico-samas, for the first time would be surprised."

"Hearing that is a bit of a relief..."

With those understanding words from the blonde maid, Rem bowed her head in embarrassment. The greeting with Ryuzu at the gate and the subsequent shocking event—seeing over ten girls with the same face as Ryuzu had left her flustered and embarrassed.

"Even though my sister properly told me that there are thirty times as many people with the same face as Ryuzu-sama, I thought it was just a joke..."

"With the way Ram said it, it's no wonder Rem thought so too. To not think it was a joke would be blindly naive, and I would find that concerning."

"You're speaking so nonchalantly, but perhaps Ryuzu-sama should reflect on herself as well? If you cause problems at a frequency that can't be overlooked by your cuteness, I might soon lose my patience."

"Th-that's a scary thing to say..."

Ryuzu shrank back and reflected, being glared at quietly by the maid. Seeing this, Rem finally relaxed her lips and straightened her previously hunched back. She hadn't expected such a commotion before even entering the mansion's grounds, but now that they had been properly let inside, she couldn't afford to dwell on it any longer. Nevertheless—

"I apologize for causing trouble with my noise. Um..."

"—Sylphy Elmart. I was previously Corneas, but I have been divorced. I was entrusted with managing the mansion while everyone was away."

"The mansion's. So, Sylphy-san, were you also a colleague of mine and my sister?"

The maid, Sylphy, who had bowed gracefully, was asked this by Rem. Naturally, the women working at Roswaal Mansion were likely all acquaintances of Rem. Surely, her long sleep had caused them inconvenience. However, to Rem's concern, Sylphy shook her head and said, "No,"

"I am still new here, so I haven't worked with you or your sister. Also, I wasn't hired by the Margrave, but by Miload-sama. Furthermore,"

"Furthermore?"

"My master is only me. And my heart's master is none other than Emilia-sama."

Overwhelmed by the strong determination in Sylphy's gaze, Rem instinctively leaned back. Sylphy's words conveyed an extraordinary loyalty to Emilia. This was evident from the impeccable maintenance of the mansion's interior, from the entrance hall to the corridors and the reception room they were currently in. The impression from outside the mansion was consistent with the excellent work inside. Truly, it was a testament to the devotion Sylphy had for Emilia, whom she considered her heart's master.

"Sylphy-san, have you known Emilia-san for a long time?"

"No, it's only been a few months since we met. And even then, the time we spent directly together was very short."

"Yet, you have such strong feelings?"

"Isn't how much a person occupies your heart determined more by what they've done for you than by the length of time spent together?"

"That is..."

Surprised by the unexpected answer, Rem looked down as Sylphy continued. At that moment, the images of important people like Spica and Katya flashed through Rem's mind. However, considering that the time Rem spent with them was a relationship built from scratch without memories, it wasn't a particularly long period. Still, Rem considered them irreplaceable. Sylphy's words were indeed true. —As she tried to convince herself of this, Subaru's face vividly appeared in her mind, and Rem pursed her lips tightly.

"Rem-sama?"

"She's probably confused. Sylphy, I believe I explained Rem's situation to you."

"That's right. I apologize. I lacked consideration."

"No, it's not something you need to apologize for. —It's just my own situation."

Upon hearing Rem's answer, Ryuzu and Sylphy exchanged glances. Although she felt guilty towards the two who were genuinely concerned for her, Rem had no intention of discussing her current inner conflict. As she had said, this was purely Rem's own dilemma and problem.

"—You look troubled, Rem. Did Sylphy bully you?"

"――――"

At the unexpected voice calling her, Rem looked up towards the entrance of the reception room. Standing there was Ram, who had parted ways with them earlier, saying she had some business to attend to before guiding them to the reception room. Seeing Ram join them late, Rem's eyes widened in surprise, and she gasped. —Ram had appeared in an unfamiliar maid outfit, standing there.

"Sister, that outfit..."

"I've told you many times, haven't I? Ram is the maid of the mansion, serving Lord Roswaal."

With a swift motion, Ram smoothed her pink hair as she replied, leaving Rem momentarily captivated. Watching Ram just like Rem, Ryuzu let out a breath of admiration.

"It's been a while since I've seen Ram in that outfit."

"Indeed. Ram has been in travel attire for quite some time, so it's refreshing."

"It's so refreshing that the way you're wearing the uniform seems a bit off. May I adjust it for you?"

"Oh? Then please do."

While Rem stared in amazement, Ryuzu looked on with deep emotion, and Sylphy silently began helping Ram with her attire. As Sylphy adjusted her uniform, Ram winked at Rem, who was watching her intently.

"This is the maid outfit that Ram and Rem wear when working at the mansion."

"...I think it's lovely. But..."

"But?"

"Compared to Sylphy's uniform, isn't there a bit too much skin exposed? What exactly is the difference... Could it be that person is involved?"

Comparing Ram and Sylphy's maid outfits, Rem hugged her shoulders, harboring such suspicions. The outfit was indeed cute, but the difference was too obvious to understand the intention. Reflecting on it, Subaru had often commented on Rem's attire even in the empire, suggesting that doing this or that would make her cuter or more attractive, leaving her with complex feelings. Those memories resurfaced with the uniform before her eyes.

"I thought he had an unusual obsession with others' clothing, but even here..."

"...It seems there's some misunderstanding, Ram-sama?"

"Indeed. As Ram, I don't mind if Barusu's reputation plummets in Rem's eyes, but I don't like having my credit stolen."

"Credit?"

"Yes. This maid outfit was something Ram personally proposed and modified. It was all because... Ram wanted a more mobile uniform? That was the reason, I think?"

"Why did you suddenly lose confidence?"

At the end of her explanation, Ram's confidence unexpectedly waned, prompting Ryuzu to tilt her head. At Ryuzu's remark, Ram muttered, "I can't understand it."

"It's unpleasant not to be convinced by my own opinion. Probably, the reason Ram proposed the uniform modification wasn't something as offhand as that."

"Y-your own opinion, and yet such a thing!?"

"I sense an imposed intention... It's vexing to think like Barusu, but the idea of wanting Rem to wear a cute uniform is much more convincing."

"I see, indeed. That makes sense."

With a finger pressed to her lips, Ram made her deduction, and for some reason, Sylphy agreed with her. Given the flow of the conversation, it seemed Sylphy also had an impulse to dress someone in cute clothes.

In reality, in a world where memories of Rem had vanished from many people's minds, the true nature of Ram's sense of unease and the correct answer to it were likely never to be known.

"In that case, Ram will just believe in what she wants to believe. Without worrying about anyone else."

"...Sister, I'm sure you would have gotten along with Priscilla."

Rem's circle of friends was small and limited, but in terms of being noble and strong women, Priscilla and Ram shared a dazzling quality that was admirable. Surely, if Priscilla were still around, there might have been a future where the two became friends through Rem. Or perhaps they would have clashed like arch-enemies.

In any case, it seemed that suspecting Subaru over the maid outfit issue was misguided.

"But it's all because that person is always doing confusing things."

"If it's about Su-bo, then it's a pity he's being criticized so harshly."

"Ryuzu-san, you can say that because you haven't seen him say incomprehensible things and cross-dress."

"What! Su-bo cross-dressed even in the Empire! What a persistent child."

"Cross-dressing? Despite having Lady Emilia? What is he thinking? Depending on his answer..."

From Ryuzu's reaction, it was confirmed that Subaru was indeed a habitual offender. Hearing this, Sylphy showed a rather stern displeasure, and Rem resolved to confront him again.

Meanwhile, Sylphy finished tidying up Ram. Ram spun around on the spot, flipping the hem of her skirt and briskly brushing her hair aside.

"No discomfort. You've done a good job, Sylphy."

"...I am honored to receive your praise."

"Since it's praise from Ram, you should accept it graciously. It's not just that. I took a quick look around, and the mansion was well managed."

"Under an incorrigible master, we've spent our days in subjugation. If even a speck of dust were to fall on the floor, all the wives would suffer. Just thinking about it makes me angry. Recently, he got his comeuppance, though."

Sylphy, who had neatly adjusted Ram's uniform, seemed to have come from a terrible previous workplace—or rather, environment. Her words hinted at her past, and Rem felt very sympathetic.

Then, in front of Rem, Ram, now a perfect maid, quietly placed a cup of tea.

"Now, after being bombarded with questions by Lady Ryuzu and Sylphy, you must be thirsty."

"Even just serving a cup of tea, you make us out to be the villains."

"Ha."

Ram laughed through her nose at Ryuzu's pout and prepared tea for her and Sylphy as well. Ram, who had apparently brought a serving cart into the hallway, skillfully brewed tea for the two while signaling with her eyes for Rem to drink first. Following her cue, Rem barely took in the aroma of the tea before bringing the cup to her lips—and was taken aback.

"It's delicious..."

"Isn't it? Brewing tea is Ram's only skill as a maid."

"What a refreshingly bold admission. ...In reality, there's no opportunity to drink tea of this quality, so I have no complaints."

"Even Frederica always says she can't compete with this, and she seems to enjoy it."

Sylphy and Ryuzu conceded defeat to the triumphant Ram and sipped their tea. Rem, savoring the aroma that filled her nose and the taste on her tongue, nodded at their words and suddenly noticed Ram's gentle gaze, filled with affection and a faint expectation, directed at her.

"――Ah."

Ram didn't say it outright. But surely, there was an expectation placed on the taste of this tea as well. With such a flavor, a tea that only Ram could brew, it wasn't hard to imagine that Rem, before losing her memory, had also enjoyed it. In fact, the masterful way the tea was brewed, enough to bring tears to one's eyes, seemed to permeate Rem's entire being with tenderness. However, it did not stimulate Rem's memory or bring about the desired result.

"It was very, truly delicious. But――"

Placing the empty cup on the table, Rem averted her eyes and hesitated with her words. But seeing Rem like this, Ram smiled and said, "Silly girl."

"I just made tea. There's no reason for my dear Rem to apologize."

"Perhaps it was because Ram-sama's gaze was so sharp that it made me apologize. My previous husband was quite moody, but he was always in a good mood if I apologized."

"……Rem, could you make a second cup of tea for Sylphy and Ram? I feel so sorry for this girl."

"Why do you think so? Far from being pitiable, she's enjoying unprecedented freedom."

With a slight furrow of her brow, Sylphy told Ryuzu, who looked at her sadly, that she was mistaken. Responding to Ryuzu's request, Ram began preparing a second cup for Sylphy. Watching Ram's back, Rem once again made a strong, firm resolution.

"……I want to respond to the people who are kind to me."

△▼△▼△▼△

After leaving the reception room, Rem wandered around the mansion at her leisure. Every time she stopped, Ram, who accompanied her, would share memories of the place, saying things like, "That's the flowerbed where Barusu got covered in fertilizer," "This pillar has bite marks from Garf. I'll scold him later," and "Oh, the portrait of the Great Spirit drawn by Emilia-sama and Beatrice-sama on the ground is still there." Thanks to Ram's stories, Rem didn't have time to feel lonely.

However, despite Ram's companionship and thoughtfulness, Rem couldn't quite find the feeling of being pushed forward from behind.

"Oh, there are more children like Ryuzu-sama..."

"They're the Picos. They've been brought out of the 'Sanctuary' and are learning everything from scratch."

"……I'm in a similar situation to those children and Sylphy-san."

Unlike the unusually mature Ryuzu, the girls, who appeared as innocent as they looked—led by the one called Pico—could be seen throughout the vast Roswaal Mansion, busily helping the maids in the same uniforms as Sylphy. These girls, who appeared so earnest, seemed to have been born with a fate different from humans, and now they were in the midst of living a different life, free from that fate. On the other hand, the maids, whose beauty and grace were striking, were reportedly women who had been in the same dire circumstances as Sylphy and had been able to escape thanks to Emilia.

Both Ryuzu's sisters and the maids seemed to share the same fate as Rem, being toyed with and tossed about by destiny. However, after Rem shared her thoughts, Ram continued, "That's right," and then...

"Regardless of whether you have memories or not, if you've decided to start walking a new path, in most cases, you have no choice but to start building from scratch again. Rem is nothing special."

"Sister..."

"No, I was wrong. Rem is special. To Ram, she's something incredibly dear."

Upon being corrected, Rem turned her face away, embarrassed by the magnitude of the affection she was receiving. Of course, Rem also felt a strong kinship and overflowing affection for Ram, but while Rem's feelings were one, it felt as though she was receiving ten or even a hundred from Ram, leaving her feeling unsettled. Carrying that frustration, Rem and Ram's tour of the Roswaal Mansion continued for a while. And eventually—

"This is your room, Rem."

With the door opened by Ram's hand, Rem stepped into the room she indicated. Compared to the reception room, dining room, large bath, secret training ground, lounge, garden, and balcony they had seen in the mansion, there was little to note in this room, which was no different from a guest room. Given the size of the mansion, the room assigned to Rem, who was merely a servant, was quite decent, but that was about it.

A large bed, a bookshelf filled with poetry collections and picture books. The writing desk was neatly organized, with a vase of fresh flowers placed on it.

"There was a time I unknowingly put away your personal belongings, but Barusu pulled everything out and said, 'Rem had it like this,' and put it all back."

"That person..."

Standing in front of the bookshelf, Ram conveyed Subaru's efforts to Rem. Although Ram often made harsh remarks about Subaru, with which Rem could often agree, the words she added now were nothing but sincere, touching Rem's heart. She took out a poetry collection and flipped through the pages. None of the poems were familiar, but they were likely the ones the previous Rem liked and favored. Somehow, many seemed to be about love and romance, making her feel amused and embarrassed about her past preferences.

"I was asleep for over a year, wasn't I?"

After returning the poetry collection to the shelf, Rem gently stroked the bed she sat on, narrowing her eyes. In place of Rem, who had fallen into an unawakening sleep and could no longer fulfill her maid duties, Ram, Frederica, and Petra must have taken care of the mansion and looked after the bedridden Rem daily. Even now, the pillow and sheets on the bed were kept clean, reflecting their diligent work. Next to the bed, faint sunburn marks on the floor were evidence that a chair had been placed there for a long time. The image of someone visiting the sleeping Rem and speaking to her there came to mind. It was surely Ram, Emilia, and—

Ram silently sat down next to Rem, who was seated on the bed. As her gentle pink gaze looked at Rem's profile, Rem closed her eyes and shook her head. She wasn't asked, but she was surely expected to want to know. In this entire mansion, in this entire room, there was nothing to stimulate Rem's memory. What was there was a lot of affection, things that made her feel it, and they only served to remind the memoryless Rem of how fortunate she had been.

It made her feel it so deeply, her eyes welled up with tears. That's why—

"...Sister, I'm really curious about that. What is it?"

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a gentle glow in the room filled with a soft atmosphere and kindness. In one corner, a mysterious object drew attention—a chained, spiked iron ball with an air of peculiarity.

In response to Rem's inquiry, Ram exhaled as if realizing something and said, "That's a Morning Star."

"…Morning Star?"

"Yes. Barusu started calling it that, and it somehow stuck... It seems that was something Rem cherished."

"That was mine!?"

Hearing something so different from the usual reminiscences, Rem repeatedly glanced between Ram and the spiked iron ball—the Morning Star. She was about to conclude it was another of Ram's playful jokes.

"I understand your doubt, Rem. But seeing Barusu prepare a special cloth and oil to polish it every day, it seems too elaborate for a mere joke," Ram explained.

"But, but, isn't that just the kind of silly thing he would do?"

"True. I won't deny it."

It seemed like a discussion they had exhausted before, as Ram's response to Rem's objection was tinged with resignation. Observing Ram's demeanor, Rem stood up from the bed and approached the Morning Star.

"I don't understand..."

Upon closer inspection, a handmade stand was provided to prevent the iron ball's spikes from scratching the floor, showing careful consideration. The cloth and oil container placed nearby corroborated Ram's words about Subaru polishing it daily. However, that was as far as the explanation went.

"This must be another one of his pranks—"

Just like the time he dressed up, it seemed like a serious act, merely reflecting Subaru's peculiar tastes in a malicious way. With that thought, Rem crouched down and touched the iron ball with her finger. It happened in an instant.

"—Eh?"

Suddenly, Rem's vision warped, and she fell back onto the floor, landing on her rear. It was an undignified position, but at that moment, Rem had no time to feel embarrassed or concerned.

"Ugh..."

Even after falling, the dizziness didn't cease, and her vision spun wildly. Despite being present, she couldn't distinguish between the floor and ceiling; the world inverted its black and white, and her senses became confused. She could see the air, hear scents, touch smells, taste colors, and hear them.

"—Ah, ugh."

Everything she felt mixed, swirling together, blending Rem's past, present, and future. The mountain village, the flag of a wolf pierced by a sword, the creaking sound of a wheelchair's wheels, the swarm of flying dragons covering the sky, the terrifying white whale flying in the night sky, the broken horn soaring in the twilight lit by flames, and the earnest expressions of a boy pleading, angry, crying, laughing—

"——"

Eventually, the shock that seemed to remake the entire world burst suddenly, like a bubble popping.

"——"

Sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—all returned to their correct forms, teaching the proper way of life. Feeling the intense stimulus imprinted on her and the heartbeat circulating blood throughout her body, Rem blinked once, twice, three times.

She couldn't understand what had just happened. But—

"Wa... Rem is..."

Sitting on the ground, Rem touched her cheek with trembling hands, confirming its existence. The sensation on her fingertips wouldn't disappear. Fragile and unreliable, she was afraid it would crumble like a castle made of sand, so Rem couldn't put any more strength into her fingers. If she became greedy and wanted more, she felt as if everything would vanish――.

"――――"

Covered by an undeniable anxiety and fear, Rem was enveloped from behind by a warm sensation. She gasped, unable to turn around, frozen in place. Held by the arms wrapped around her from behind, Rem found a reason to direct her overwhelmed mind and heart elsewhere. And the first direction she turned to was the presence embracing her from behind――,

"Sister――"

"――Wait."

"――――"

"Don't turn around yet. Right now, for the first time in her life, Ram is disappointed in herself."

As she was about to speak and turn around, Rem was stopped completely by the other person, making her body tense. Ram, whose face she couldn't see, had trembling arms wrapped around her, and her voice was shaking. It was so far removed from the image of Ram that Rem knew.

Ram had always shown Rem nothing but a gallant and majestic demeanor. That was true when they reunited in the empire, during their journey alone back to the Roswaal Mansion, at the beginning of working at the mansion when the burden was great with her horn just broken, and even when she fought fiercely against the Witch Cultists in the burning village to protect foolish Rem. Whenever she appeared in Rem's eyes, Ram was always so cool――.

"I'm sorry, Rem. I'm so pathetic."

"Sister... what are you..."

"To think that I could live until today having forgotten about such a beloved and precious Rem, how heartless a sister Ram must have been."

At the voice of Ram, who regretted due to her overwhelming love, Rem widened her eyes. Then, defying all restraints, Rem turned around to face Ram, who was embracing her.

"――"

With slightly widened moist pink eyes, Ram looked at her in surprise. ――The face she had looked at the most and for the longest time in her life made Rem's chest warm. She was certain. Of how fortunate she was and how surrounded by love she was.

"Sister, you're not heartless. I'm the one who should apologize. I've always, always made you worry, being an ungrateful sister."

"Rem."

"I understand everything. How much you've worried for me, how much you've sacrificed to be with me until today. And..."

"Rem..."

"What this weak and pathetic Rem, who has only been receiving, must do from now on."

"――"

Looking directly at Ram's face, Rem scooped up the tears running down her sister's cheek with her fingers and smiled. Then she extended her hand, pulling her sister's head close, and embraced her to her chest. Sitting together on the floor, the sisters gently leaned against each other, cherishing one another. ――No, Ram had always been doing that. It was Rem who hadn't been able to.

"Sister, I love you."

Bringing her lips close to her sister's ear, Rem conveyed her overflowing feelings to Ram. Feeling the warm tears gradually wetting her chest, Rem continued to hold the silently crying Ram. While wholeheartedly accepting the reunion that was finally fulfilled in its true sense, Rem conveyed her love with all she had, both her past and present self.

I want to spend time with Ram like this, until I'm satisfied, until my heart is content. And once I've truly reclaimed the time lost with my sister, there are things I must do for Rem—there are too many people to whom I must express my gratitude and love. Especially, the first person who comes to mind is the dark-haired boy with the sharp eyes—

"—Subaru-kun."

I must stand up to express my love. How fortunate I am to be alive for such a happy reason. —That's what Rem thought.

△▼△▼△▼△

"——"

In front of the maid-dressed girl who raised her head after a deep bow, Petra gasped. Her eyes widened in astonishment, and her body froze. It wasn't just Petra who was struck speechless by the girl's appearance; Meili and Emilia were the same. In that enforced silence, the first to speak was—

"—Rem."

The imaginary Subaru, without a physical form, stood frozen, looking at the same person as Petra. His voice, filled with bewilderment, reached no one but Petra, and sadly, the girl receiving all the attention couldn't meet the gaze of the translucent Subaru. Petra, too, had no room to help the unnoticed 'Subaru.' However, she could guarantee the correctness of 'Subaru's' call. —Standing there was undoubtedly the beloved and precious girl, Rem.

"—Ah."

In that instant, a spark ran through Petra's mind, clearing the foggy areas of her consciousness one by one. The gravitational pull, with its cause right before her, began to unveil the memories that had been unconsciously pushed to the corner of her mind and covered with a veil of forgetfulness, displaying them once more in the corridors of her awareness. The vibrant pictures displayed there struck her with a spark-like shock.

—Petra didn't have much time interacting with her as Petra. The maid girl who frequently came from Roswaal Mansion to shop in the village. They had almost no contact and had never exchanged words, but after Subaru started visiting the village, she became more expressive, and above all, she was the savior of Petra and the others. —Though it was Meili who endangered their lives by controlling the beasts, which was an ironic story. In fact, Meili and her sister often targeted the lives of those connected to them.

In any case, Petra's connection with her was that thin. Afterward, at the start of the Royal Selection, she fell victim to the Sin Archbishop of 'Gluttony,' and Petra, hired to fill that gap, joined the Emilia camp as a maid. In other words, without her tragedy, Petra's current position wouldn't exist, which was a deeply complex feeling in itself, but—

"Rem... is it really Rem?"

Like turning over a card to check its picture and written content, Petra's misunderstandings about her were replaced with understanding one after another. Beside her, it was Emilia, blinking her eyes, who called out to her in a halting voice. Emilia, stepping forward, repeatedly opened and closed her lips as if struggling to find the right words,

"No, I'm sorry, that was a strange way to put it. I knew from the beginning that Rem is Rem... But that's not what I wanted to say."

"It's okay, Emilia-sama. Take your time and calm down. Rem understands it's sudden."

"—. Yes, thank you. There are many things I want to say, but still."

"But?"

"......That outfit looks really great on you. It feels so much like Rem."

Emilia, with her hand gently placed on her chest and her violet eyes glistening, smiled at Rem. At Emilia's words, Rem raised her eyebrows slightly and then nodded. Proudly, she puffed out her chest in her maid uniform and said,

"It's a uniform that my sister tailored to suit me."

In response to Rem's answer, Ram, with her arms crossed, nodded in satisfaction.

"......What is this all of a sudden?"

Beside Emilia and Rem's exchange, Meili, with a frown on her face, muttered. A small crimson scorpion peeked out from her hair, clicking its pincers as if worried about its master's reaction. Meili, winking one eye, placed a hand on her forehead,

"The moment I saw Ram's little sister, I remembered how that person crushed my Urgalm with their whole pack. It's the reason I failed my job..."

"In that case, you should be grateful to Rem. Thanks to Rem causing the job to fail, there were no other victims besides Barusu, so you can be here now."

"It's a complicated feeling, hard to be thankful for..."

At Ram's pointed remark, Meili made a face of dislike and stuck out her tongue. Indeed, the way it was said was harsh, but Ram's point was also true. In fact, the reason Meili, who was once an enemy, was accepted into Emilia's camp was undoubtedly because the damage caused by her actions was minimized. --Ironically, Ram's point that there were no other victims besides Subaru is also correct from the perspective of 'Return by Death.'

"As you can see, the moment they saw Rem, those who knew her before had their memories revived. Rebirth. Both I and Lady Ryuzu couldn't contain our agitation. As a result, our reunion was delayed to the utmost. Confession."

"Krind's reaction was dull and uninteresting, but Lady Ryuzu's panic was exaggerated and quite a sight. It's a privilege of those who were present."

"I see, quite a sight indeed. Certainly, it was a rare spectacle. Agreed."

"--. Ha."

The revival of 'memory' among those surrounding Rem. --No, considering the conditions of the 'Authority of Gluttony' so far, it should be called the revival of 'name.' When Krind touched on that fact with a meaningful look at Ram, she clearly looked displeased, turned her gaze away, and snorted. Upon closer inspection, Ram's eyes were slightly red, which might be related to Krind's comment about it being a spectacle. However, Petra did not mention it. --Not out of samurai compassion, but because she couldn't bring it up.

"--Petra-san?"

Suddenly, Rem, who had been the center of everyone's attention, looked at the silent Petra with wide eyes. Emilia and the others turned back at her reaction, startled by Petra's state. Their reaction was natural. Petra, who hadn't uttered a word until now, was desperately trying to hold back her sobs, tears streaming down her round eyes.

"Petra-chan!? Oh no, you're crying so much--"

"--"

The moment her tears were noticed, Petra kicked off the floor and started running. Surprised by Petra's tears and trying to embrace her, Emilia's hand was dodged, Meili's attempt to touch her sleeve was evaded, and Petra swiftly maneuvered past Old Man Rom, who was left behind by the situation, and leaped into the chest of the wide-eyed Rem. And then--

"Rem--!"

"Kyaa!"

Held in the embrace of Rem, who did not shy away, Petra clung tightly to her slender frame. As Petra clung to her, unwilling to let go, Rem blinked her eyes in surprise.

"Rem... Rem, Rem..."

In response to Rem's reaction, Petra, unable to stop her flowing tears, engaged in the act of sniffing in public, something she had decided she must never do. Yet, she still couldn't pull away.

Supporting the tearful Petra, Rem looked around as if seeking help and said,

"Um, Rem and Petra-san, is it that we were so close that you'd cry this much, and it's just that I can't remember...?"

With an expression that couldn't hide her confusion, she continued to gently stroke Petra's head.