Chapter 160: The Author Returns
Subaru Natsuki had no idea how long he had spent in the library. With Beatrice's company, however, his emotions had gradually calmed.
Once he had regained his composure, neither he nor Beatrice brought up what had happened earlier.
They sat together in the library for a while longer before Subaru bid her farewell and left.
Closing the door to the library behind him gently, Subaru took a deep breath and slapped both sides of his face lightly.
There were still many things he needed to do—gathering information about the Sanctuary, finding out why Ram and the others hadn't returned, and what exactly had happened that night with Puck that led him to say such words.
He also had to find a way to save Rem and Crusch.
These weren't things he was obligated to do, but they were the things he most wanted to do.
The weakness he had shown in the library was already behind him. Subaru absolutely refused to shut himself off again, to stop moving forward.
What he needed now was information about the Sanctuary, then he'd head there to bring the villagers out. After that, he could deal with Puck and Rem's issues.
With a plan forming in his mind, Subaru headed toward the living room. He wasn't sure whether the blonde maid named Frederica was still with Emilia.
At this point, neither he, Emilia, nor Otto knew anything concrete about the Sanctuary.
The villagers would certainly know even less. So the only logical move was to seek out Frederica, who might have that information.
When Subaru arrived in the living room, he didn't see Emilia or Frederica. As he was about to search for her, he heard footsteps from behind.
"Subaru Natsuki, is it?"
He turned around to see Frederica holding a broom. Subaru nodded and spoke calmly,
"Sorry about earlier. I wasn't in the best mood, and I may have been a bit rude. I hope I didn't upset you. Could we talk, just the two of us?"
Frederica frowned slightly and looked him over carefully.
Then the corners of her lips slowly curled upward—it seemed like she was pleased.
"Of course we can talk. But the day is getting late, and I still need to prepare dinner for the mansion."
She pointed out the window, and Subaru looked out. The fading light told him evening was approaching, and another day was about to end.
"I see," Subaru said with a smile, turning his gaze back to Frederica. "In that case, let's get started on dinner. After all, I am a servant of this mansion. Cleaning and cooking are part of my job."
"Then I'll leave it to you."
The two of them headed into the kitchen to prepare dinner. But Subaru couldn't really cook—rather, he couldn't cook anything good, and certainly nothing like those glowing dishes of fantasy.
So, as usual, Subaru took on the role of an assistant. Since Frederica hadn't lived in the mansion for a while, time had made many familiar things unfamiliar again.
Subaru helped by fetching cookware and ingredients that she couldn't immediately find. Once the ingredients were all prepared, Subaru had nothing left to do, so he stood by her side and watched how she cooked.
After a while, just as Subaru was about to speak, Frederica spoke first.
"It really is surprising. When we first met, I couldn't imagine you were the same Natsuki Subaru that Lady Emilia had spoken about."
"And now?"
"Hmm—now, I think Lady Emilia wasn't wrong. You really are someone worth trusting. Even though we haven't known each other for long, and we haven't talked much, I can still understand your character through the things she's told me."
"Is that so…? Though I don't know exactly how Emilia described me, I'm not really as good as she says."
Frederica turned to glance at Subaru's calm face and paused for a moment before responding.
"I see… Well, that's not strange at all. Everyone has things they keep hidden inside. But I still believe you're someone trustworthy.
You don't have to look at me like that. Yes, part of it is because of Lady Emilia's evaluation of you—but more than that, it's because of the impression I've gotten myself."
As she said this, Frederica lifted the pot and began plating the food.
"Lady Emilia is kind and gentle to everyone, but not everyone can truly earn her trust. I can tell she has deep trust in you.
When she first arrived at the mansion, she was gentle and kind to everyone, but she didn't fully trust anyone here. Over time, she got used to us and came to understand us.
But unlike us, you managed to earn everyone's trust in less than a month. You became accepted by all the people in the mansion, and they hold you in very high regard.
I also visited the village earlier—after hearing the villagers' opinions of you, I was certain. And spending time with you just now has made me even more confident in my impression."
As Frederica turned off the stove and faced Subaru with a smile, she covered her mouth with one hand and said,
"Then allow me to formally introduce myself again. My name is Frederica Baumann. I am Lord Roswaal's maid."
"My name is Subaru Natsuki. I'm just a slightly unusual shut-in."
"Well then, since dinner is ready—Subaru, what is it you wanted to ask me? As long as I know the answers, I'll tell you everything I can."
Looking at Frederica's serious expression, Subaru realized he could finally get answers to many of his questions. But he didn't ask right away. Instead, he reached out and picked up the plated dinner.
"That kind of stuff… let's save it until after we've eaten."
"But Subaru, don't you really want to know the answers?"
"I do. I really do. But… I don't want to talk about heavy things when we've just started getting to know each other.
At least let me fill my stomach and enjoy your cooking first."
Frederica looked at Subaru's back as he walked off carrying dinner. After a brief pause, she picked up the rest of the food and followed after him.
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