Shichen actually knew quite a bit about this world already, but he lacked many of the details.
Although Ram was a maid, she knew a great deal; thanks to her explanations, he gained a much clearer understanding—of how things were organized, the various factions, and even Emilia's rivals.
That said, Shichen didn't care much. If he wanted to, he could simply use force to make Emilia queen. Even if Reinhard was this world's "chosen son," Shichen didn't think he could beat him. After all—Reinhard was only this world's favored child.
But brute force was meaningless. As the saying goes, "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the realm." You don't get people's support because you're king—you become king because you've won their support. Besides, Emilia would never allow him to do such a thing. Given her excellence and kindness, she would win people's hearts naturally; all Shichen needed to do was stay by her side and quietly lend support.
Ram talked until nearly noon and finished her overview. Then she and Rem went to prepare lunch.
Shichen digested the information, looked at the two little lolis lying on the bed, and flopped down between them. Holding one on each side, he took a short nap with them until Rem had lunch ready.
Lunch was much quieter than breakfast—there wasn't much left to discuss. Rem's cooking was indeed excellent, and with more variety than breakfast, lunch tasted even better. Shichen could hardly resist wanting to steal her away. As for what the mansion would do without her, well—that wasn't his problem to solve.
After lunch, Roswaal went out. He didn't say for what, and Shichen didn't need to ask. With that guy, it was always the same sort of business; if Shichen didn't find it beneath notice, he would have exposed the fact that Roswaal had hired the Bowel Hunter. Yes—she had been hired by Roswaal, for the purpose of making Emilia and Shichen meet.
Roswaal's Gospel could foresee certain things. Since he didn't ask about Subaru, it seemed his book's "Emilia-related" foresight actually pointed to Shichen. Shichen wondered how Subaru was doing now—with modern knowledge, he should do quite well.
In the afternoon, Shichen, with a hand on each little loli, continued touring the mansion. At this rate, they'd finish today—and then he'd have nothing to do. Unlike Subaru, he didn't need to study the written language of this world; aside from formal identity, he was practically a local already.
He needed to find something to occupy himself.
They toured until dusk, when Shichen and Beatrice arrived at the kitchen—Rem and Ram were there cooking dinner. Of course, Rem was the one actually cooking, while Ram hovered beside her looking a little idle.
"Shichen," Ram noticed him first.
"Shichen," Rem looked over and greeted as well.
"Mm. Making dinner?" Shichen asked, though he already knew.
"Yes," Rem nodded.
"And why are you just standing there watching? Do you really know nothing?" he said to Ram.
"You don't understand. I'm appreciating Rem's form while she cooks—simply perfect," Ram said proudly, utterly shameless.
"Sister, I'll work even harder!" Rem replied, taking it at face value.
"…Rem, don't let your sister trick you."
"Trick me? Why?"
"She's just making excuses for not being able to cook."
"W-what! You saw through me?!" Ram blanched in surprise.
"…Anyone normal would," Shichen sighed.
"'Normal'… then I'm not normal?" Rem frowned, deep in thought.
"No—you're very normal. It's your sister who isn't."
"Is that so? But Sister is so perfect—my role model."
"…Being that blind isn't great."
"Blind? Not at all," Rem said firmly.
"You should be proud of yourself."
"Why would I be proud of myself?"
"People will like you more."
"No need. As long as Sister likes me, that's enough."
"Don't worry, Rem—I like you the most."
"Sister…"
"Rem…"
They looked at each other, suddenly moved, the mood turning a bit syrupy.
Shichen didn't hesitate—karate-chopped both their heads.
"Ow!"
"Shichen, why did you hit us?" Rem protested.
"Simple—I'm the master here. Why are you ignoring me?"
"Master?"
"Roswaal said it, didn't he? My status here is the same as his. You're the maids of this house—of course that makes me your master."
"…"
They looked at one another; Ram spoke first. "Rem, what do we do? He might do something bad to you."
"No, he'll do something bad to you," Rem countered.
"Impossible—your figure's better than mine. He must have more designs on you."
"No—Sister is more capable. He must prefer you."
"No… Ow—"
"Why hit us again?"
Expressionless, Shichen withdrew his hands. "Fine—I have designs on both of you, satisfied?"
"What? What do we do, Rem?"
"Sister, this is scary…"
They clung together, fingers intertwined, looking pitiful. If an outsider saw, they'd absolutely think Shichen was about to do something indecent to the twin maids.
"Sigh, enough fooling around. I actually came to ask you something."
"Ask?" Ram returned to normal and looked at him curiously.
"I want to know—can either of you make clothes?"
"Make clothes?"
"Yes. As you can see, my clothes don't match this world. If possible, I'd like you to make something local."
"In that case, Rem can sew."
"You really can't do anything, can you… Then Rem, may I trouble you?" Shichen turned to her.
"No problem. What kind of outfit do you want?" Rem asked.
"Hmm… If possible, a matching set with Emilia's outfit?"
"Matching with Emilia-sama?"
"Yes—ideally a complementary knight's attire."
"I understand—leave it to me. But I'll need to take your measurements."
"No problem—whenever."
"Then after dinner, I'll come to your room."
"Oh? Not afraid of me?"
"I'll bring Sister with me."
"…Fine."
Shichen sighed and, looking at Rem's poker face, reached out to pat her blue bob.
"What are you doing?" Rem asked, looking up.
"Do your best. I'm really looking forward to what you make," he said, gently ruffling her hair.
"Looking forward… I don't have much expectations," she murmured.
"No—I have high expectations for you."
"Is that so…" Rem's expression grew distant.
"Do your best, Rem—make something Shichen-sama can't find a single fault in!" Ram cheered.
"No problem. Leave it to me!"
At dinner, with Roswaal out, Shichen and Emilia sat together a little more casually. He'd wanted Rem and Ram to dine with them too, but they insisted on their duty as maids—he couldn't even make it an order and had to give up.
Eating with Emilia, Shichen noticed she didn't like the local equivalent of green peppers. He quietly pulled them onto his own plate. As expected, the girl grew flustered again—kept her head down through dinner and hurried off when they finished.
Shichen returned to his room first; Rem and Ram had dishes to clear and would come later.
He'd eaten well, so as soon as he, Betty, and Est got back, they flopped onto the bed.
"Hehe~ I get to sleep with Shichen tonight~" Betty said excitedly.
"Too late, Betty. I've already been sleeping with Shichen-nii," Est said evenly, with a faintly mocking tone.
"Ugh! That's only because you met him first!" Betty ground her teeth.
"Is that so? Shichen-nii does all sorts of things with me—but nothing with you," Est added.
"Grr! Shichen, do something not-for-children with me too~"
"…," Shichen lay between them with his eyes closed, feigning sleep. With Est, he only felt a little guilty; but with Betty, he simply couldn't bring himself to cross that line.
"Shichen, say something!" Betty said, pushing him.
"Give it up—Shichen-nii will never do that to you," Est chuckled faintly.
"Mmrrf~" Betty grumbled, sulky and indistinct.
Shichen kept up the act until someone knocked on the door.
He got up casually and opened it. "Hmm? It's just you? Where's Ram?" he asked, arching a brow.
Outside stood Rem—alone.
~~~
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