ARC Three: The Other Days

Chapter Seventeen: The Diamond Lake

Several days had once again passed as the residents of the Roswaal Mansion continued to further their lives. Batman continued his nightly visits with Beatrice in her library, never giving up on finding a way back home. He was still not allowed to peer at many of the books that were there, but was able to learn more about his new home.

While it was not her specialty, Beatrice had over time taught him how to better control his gate and mana control.

"Why does Betty have to teach you something so trivial, I suppose? It's annoying!"

"Think of it as a favor, some way to have someone indebted to you."

"Hmph. As if I need that! What arrogance you have, I suppose!"

"...You act more and more like Subaru everyday you know?"

"SAY THAT AGAIN AND I'LL TREAT YOU LIKE HOW I TREAT THAT ANNOYANCE EVERYDAY, I SUPPOSE!"

Batman gave a quick smirk and went back to reading, leaving Beatrice to her own book.

Several of the days came and went, but it was almost as if though, Subaru and Batman being there had made them much more special.

When Puck built up too much mana in his body, Subaru decided to make a snow festival using his pent magic. It was a fun experience for everyone and even Earlham village was able to enjoy themselves.

There was the time Batman requested two days of vacation to visit the capital. In reality, he actually went to fight crime and single handedly lowered crime by 45%, a feat even the knights were shocked by. Unfortunately, Emilia found out about it and gave him a severe scolding on the meaning of what a "Vacation" was.

The entire residents of the mansion were able to witness Subaru and Batman train. Ram enjoyed his failings exponentially. Though even she was annoyed, when she had to admit his gliding skills had been getting better. Rem was also proud that he was greatly improved on his throwing skills, now being able to throw three batarangs at a time. With this, Batman forged some throwing stars for Subaru to use in self defense. Subaru felt an unexpected aura of self improvement.

Another day, Subaru found some alcohol in Roswaal's extra housing and decided to plan a party. He decided on a Star-Gazing party, so Beatrice could join as she seemed unwilling to do anything outside of the mansion. Rem and Emilia got drunk very easily, much to the dismay of Subaru, who seemed to handle his liquor well. Batman and Beatrice were the only ones who neglected to drink anything. Beatrice because Subaru wouldn't let her, due to how old she looked and Batman because he alway refrained from smoking or drinking. Eventually everyone either passed out or simply returned to their rooms. Except…

"Ahaaa! Batman-san, you didn't drink anything at all? Whyyyyy your commitment to your training iiiis commendable."

"It's something that I need commending on Roswaal."

"Ouch, how haaaarsh!"

The two were at the hallway, Batman was carrying Subaru to his room but was stopped by Roswaal who seemed to want a friendly chat. That is, what he hoped for.

"Soooo tell me. Have you told Subaru anything yet?"

"...No not yet at least."

"And whyyyy is that? You don't seem to trust me aaaaat all, so wouldn't it make sense to warn him about someone you don't trust?"

"Alright, listen up."

Batman narrowed his dagger like eyes at the painted man.

"I don't know how that book of yours works, nor do I have any way of knowing what it tells you. So if I did tell him, even in secret, how would I know that the book had already told you about it?"

"..."

"Also, I don't intend to cause a rift between the rest of them. You and me, it's already there, but the others are doing just fine without knowing."

Batman began to turn around as he continued to speak.

"But if you do anything that harms Subaru or the others, I'm going to ruin you."

"There it iiiis. The malicious threats that energizes my soul."

"...Goodnight."

Batman walked away with Subaru in tow, unable to see the vicious look Roswaal was aiming at him. Unseen to him as well, was Ram who stood a few feet away from Roswaal, with a worried look in her eyes.

A wandering chef and a cross-dressing Subaru, much to the dismay of Batman.

Magic training with Puck and Emilia over tea.

A laughable quest to contact ghosts.

A game of hide and seek in the mansion with Petra and the other children.

Batman's birthday celebration that led to yet another mayonnaise filled spectacle.

Then, there was an outrageous day when the entirety of the mansion played the King's Game.

They were days filled with joy and love for some.

Tension and mistrust for a few others.

But these days were utterly peaceful and fun.

Then, Roswaal gathered everyone to his private study.

"Listen upppp everyone! We have received a very important message today!"

Everyone seemed to be confused by this sudden announcement, Subaru even being a little worried when he noticed Batman narrowing his eyes at the man, as if he was ready for conflict of some kind.

"Emilia-sama. We have received aaaaan invitation to the town of Dunharrow, from the village leader himself. It seems he is interested in meeting with you."

"Huh? With me?"

"Yessss. He seems to be a man with very little prejudice in his heart and wishes to build ties with someone who iiiiis running for the throne. If things go well, weeeee will have much more support for you during the elections."

"Yeah, that does sound like something that could help us out!"

Subaru being confused about a certain something raised his palm to Roswaal, catching Rem's attention.

"So where's this Dunharrow?"

"Subaru-kun, you never heard of Dunharrow?"

"Not really, I don't know many of the cities or towns other than the capital and Earlham."

"Ah Rem sees, well Subaru-kun, Dunharrow is a town a few miles north of here. They are popular tourist site with a special lake there."

"A lake?"

"Yes, Rem understands that they refer to is as The Diamond Lake. It's said that the lake shines beautifully in light, shining like diamonds during the sunlight and even moonlight."

"Wow, I would definitely want to see that! Totally a fantasy setting right there!"

"Yes, Rem would also like to see it too. It seems romantic…"

Rem did her best to hide her blushing face away from the confused Subaru.

Batman continued the conversation.

"So then, if we're heading out there, how long would it take?"

"Oh, iiiiit isn't too far from here. It would only take us two hours on a dragon carriage, one from the village should beeeee on it's way right now to pick us all up."

"Wait. All of us?"

"Yesssss, everyone minus Beatrice will be traveling there as well, Batman-san."

"I understand Emilia, you and myself heading there. But what about the others?"

"Ohoooo! You would deny them a chance to witness the marvelous splendor ooooof this town? How heartbreaking…"

Batman turned around to see the eyes of his fellow allies, Natsuki Subaru and Rem, both with slight tears forming in the corner of their eyes with a pout.

"You two really want to go?"

"Yes!" "Yes!"

"Huhhhh. Alright, I guess a little sightseeing never hurt anyone."

The two wiped away their small tears and had big goofy smiles on their faces as they gave each other a thumbs up. This was something Rem had learned from Subaru and she would often do it with him, to the absolute disgust of Ram.

"Barusu. Stop trying corrupt my darling sister with your nasty gestures. It makes me want to weep openly."

"It isn't a nasty gesture! It's a positive one!"

"A gesture by the Mayonnaise Menace is something I'd consider nasty."

"I ASKED YOU TO STOP CALLING ME THAT!"

"Hmph!"

Ram slightly snickered at Subaru's loud scream, with Rem only smiling at her sister fooling around with him. Emilia laughed at their playful banter and got up.

"Alright everyone, let's get a move on! I'll do best on my end, so that we can all get something out of this trip!"

Everyone raised their hand in a playful manner as they prepared to leave for the village.

Subaru had promised to Beatrice that he would bring a souvenir for her, even though she said countless times not to.

"Alright Beako! I'll get you some gifts. Maybe like one of those keychains that has your name on it."

"Why would Betty want something so useless, I suppose?! Don't even bother if you get me something like that!"

"Hmmm, no good huh? How about a carved wooden statue, people like those right?"

"Are you listening?!"

"Oh! Too much time wasted. Got to run Beako! I'll get you a commemorative t-shirt or something!"

"Hey! Listen to what Betty has to say! Why are being so forceful about getting Betty a gift?!"

"Because we're friends duh!"

"See you later drill loli!"

Beatrice let him go without saying another word, she just sat there and stared at the door.

"...Friends?"

She looked at the floor and made a pained smile as she began to shake.

"Betty doesn't need them…"

She had a single tear fall from her eye, she clutched on her dress as she shook further.

"...Mother, when will this end?"

The dragon carriage had picked up the group and made it's way to the town. Subaru did his best to entertain everyone, only to notice that Batman was sleeping.

"Subaru?"

Subaru turned to see Emilia sitting across from him.

"Nah, it's just something's been on mind."

"Really? Nothing odd right?"

"Geez, does everything I think of or come up with seem odd to you?"

"After that whole King's Game ended in disaster and Kokkuri-san scared me half to death, pretty much!"

"Geez, I guess that's true. But in reality, I feel kind of guilty."

"Guilty?"

Subaru glanced over at Batman who was sitting with his legs crossed and his eyes closed. Almost as if he was meditating.

"He's helped us so much and yet we have barely done anything for him."

"...I suppose you're right."

Emilia placed a hand on her chest as she made a determined look.

"We'll pay him back for everything he's done for us, no matter how long it takes."

"Yup. That's my my E.M.T."

"Stop calling me weird names, geez! Got worried for nothing!"

"It's a term of endearment!"

Rem and Subaru later played rock, paper, scissors and spoke of more ghost stories that easily frightened Emilia.

As Batman awoke he looked out the window and saw the village in view. They had made it.

The road led into a brilliant looking town that seemed to shine with its white marble buildings and vibrant people. Ahead of their sight they could see the lake, it shined beautifully as though it indeed housed various diamonds all over it. Everyone could only gasp at the sheer beauty of it, Rem, Subaru and Emilia seemed the most taken by it. Batman gave a simple smile at the sight of the three being excited.

The group exited as they were able to meet the village leader, the old man with a large white beard and top hat shook hands with Roswaal and Emilia. Though he did give a courteous bow with the others, he saw something that caught his attention.

"Oh my word, and who is this strange fellow?"

He looked up at Batman with eyes full of wonderment. Roswaal saw this and introduced him.

"Ah yessss. This is our bodyguard who weeee recently hired, his refers to himself as Batman."

"Oh my word, I see! You seem to be an interesting man. Such a strange armor and even stranger name."

The old man smiled as he rubbed his beard, humbling himself as he continued to chat with Batman.

"Oh my word! We must get a move on then. Roswaal and Emilia-sama, please come this way."

The old man led the two to a fairly large building with two twin gates. Subaru and the others were given permission to explore the town at their own leisure.

"Subaru, this may take a while so let's agree to meet up at the cafe over by the entrance of the town. Alright?"

"Sure Emilia-tan. Maybe later we can have a love-filled journey to see the lake. Maybe our hearts will unite at the sight of the gleaming lake!"

"Quit it with the odd words and be good."

"Ouch that stung!"

Emilia gave a slight smile as she followed Roswaal into the building. Ram decided to wait by the cafe and enjoy some tea. Batman decided to join her.

"Subaru, why don't you take Rem and explore the city?"

"Take Rem?"

He looked over Rem who timidly put a brave smile to him. He scratched the back of his neck and muttered to himself. In reality, he wanted to take Emilia on a date to the lake, but he had to remember that she had important things to do. So he decided to pass the time and hang out with Rem instead. He walked over and patted her head, making Rem blush and relax.

"How's that sound Rem? Want to go on a short little date of sorts?"

"...Yes, that sounds like fun!"

The two smiled as they made their way to explore Dunharrow.

Batman sat across from Ram while the two sipped on tea. Ram and Batman were utterly quiet not saying anything for several minutes…

"Batman."

"Yes?"

"What…"

She placed her tea cup down as she stared at him.

"...What are planning to do?"

"This means...?"

"You know about Roswaal-sama's book and his intentions do you not?"

"Of course, I know quite a lot now."

"Are you planning to blackmail him? Is that your whole goal in this?"

"No. I have no intention of doing tha-"

"-THEN WHAT?!"

The other patrons of the cafe flinched as they were scared by Ram's scream. She calmed down as she peered over at Batman.

"What is it you're trying to do?"

"Protect you."

"What are saying?"

"You and Subaru, Rem, Emilia, Beatrice...all of them. Even if I find a way back home, I am still indebted to all of you. You guys are like a family to me now and I can never let Roswaal use you up like a puppet."

"What do you know about-"

"I know he sees you as a tool and it's the same with Rem and Subaru."

"You…"

"Are you willing to sacrifice your sister for that man?"

"...I-I don't want to hear this right now!"

"You should! Once the Royal Selection starts we'll only have three years to stop Roswaal! He'll sacrifice you and everyone else to get his way!"

"Roswaal-sama, won't...he wouldn't do-"

"Wake up Ram! Look at this situation and get it through your thick head. He doesn't love you, he's using you! He's-!"

A loud cracking sound was heard.

It was Ram's hand that collided with Batman's face. Though by the looks of it, Ram was more hurt than him, her entire hand red.

She had a furious face. But it then calmed down as she looked over at him, a look no one could get a good read on.

"Why do you even care?"

"Because I see you as family."

"Rem is the only family I have."

"Wrong."

He stepped forward towards her and she backed away out of pure anxiety.

"Subaru and Rem are like the siblings I always wanted growing up. Emilia and Beatrice are like the daughters I had always wanted and you…"

He leaned over his face close to hers….

"Maybe we could have been something more."

"..."

Batman shut his eyes and turned away, he left some money on the table as he reached the exit. He turned back to Ram.

"If it wasn't Roswaal...could we have..?"

"...Maybe."

Ram gave him a smile, a single tear fell from her eye.

"But it's too late, I'm afraid."

Batman turned around making a pained expression.

"I'll be back when the others are done. See you then."

"Yes."

Batman exited the cafe and disappeared into the crowd outside. A waiter asked if Ram was alright, she nearly nodded and excused herself to the restroom.

She stared at her reflection and breathed heavily, she turned on the water faucet and let out a groan.

She then began to cry.

Subaru and Rem continued down the street laughing at some jokes they were telling each other.

"Alright Rem, let's have an awesome time!"

"Yes, Rem will have the best date yet!"

Rem giggled as Subaru rubbed his head, realizing he technically was on a date with Rem.

A real one.

Complex feelings of love, happiness, despair and worry were all shed in this town, by those who needed it most.