Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 9: The Peaceful Lake and The Warring Heart

In the week that followed, Beatrice swapped out books with Adella several times as her injuries healed. She found herself enthralled by the romance novels and would try to finish one every night. This led to her trying to sleep in and being harassed by Niki who, as promised, showed up to visit Beatrice everyday. Subaru kept busy watching over Beatrice or by foraging for items that he could trade with the villagers. Niki had been visiting so frequently that Kobe set up a cart to go between the village and the castle. Subaru felt bad about abusing Kobe's kindness so he had started to scavenge for things he could trade to make it worthwhile. Adella even contributed baked goods to the endeavor. Before long, the awaited day arrived for the camping trip and Beatrice was in Adella's room speaking with her.

Beatrice: "Here is your book back, I suppose."

Adella: "Thank you, Lady Beatrice. Did you find all the books useful?"

Beatrice: "I think so, in fact... I still have no idea what I should say to him, I suppose."

Adella: "Don't worry about that! You just need the opportunity to talk one on one. That's where Niki and I come in."

Beatrice: "W-what are you going to do, in fact?"

Adella: "Now that would spoil the surprise! Look at the time! Go wake Master Subaru up and get dressed. Miss Niki should be here soon."

Adella practically shoved Beatrice out of her room. Beatrice walked back to the bedroom and approached Subaru. She took a moment to look at his sleeping face that she had seen many times but something about today was different. She had been reading romance novels and her gaze was drawn to his lips. They were slightly parted and seemed to have a glisten to them.

Beatrice: "I don't see what is so interesting, I suppose."

Beatrice reached out her hand to gently touch Subaru's lips, but he began to stir and she pulled her hand back.

Subaru: "Beako? Watching me sleep again, huh?"

Beatrice: "N-no...Y-yes...Idiot!"

Subaru: "Good morning to you too."

Beatrice: "Nevermind that, I suppose. Just get dressed and go downstairs. Betty needs to get ready too, in fact."

Subaru: "Gotcha, I'll be quick."

Beatrice stepped out of the room as Subaru selected an outfit from the wardrobe. He decided on a dark navy tracksuit and black tennis shoes. As he left the bedroom, he grabbed his backpack that he had packed earlier in the week. Beatrice ran in as he left and shut the door while Subaru made his way to the foyer. Adella was waiting for him in her normal maid attire with a very large trunk.

Adella: "Hello, Master Subaru. Are you ready for our journey?"

Subaru: "Yeah...uhh...how are you going to carry that trunk?"

Adella: "A head maid has many tricks. Carrying this will be easy."

As a show of strength, Adella lifted the trunk by a handle on top with one hand.

Adella: "See?"

Subaru: "That's incredible! How-"

Adella: "Now, now, a maiden has her secrets. I assure you that every article contained within is of utmost importance."

???: "I used mana to make it lighter, in fact!"

Adella: "You see- Erk!? L-lady Beatrice?"

Beatrice: "I see I've caught you off guard for once, I suppose!"

Subaru turned to seek out Beatrice, who had entered the foyer behind him. While it was unusual for Adella to become flustered, the reason became apparent when he laid eyes on Beatrice. She wore a smug smile from having rendered Adella speechless, but her attire was the more notable feature. Instead of her normal outfit of ornate dresses, she was now wearing a tan button up shirt with a matching short skirt and large dark brown boots. Her hair was tied into slim pigtails and she wore a pith hat on her head. Subaru couldn't help but think she looked like a cartoon explorer with her small backpack in tow. Adella caught her breath before speaking.