The interior of the dragon carriage was lined with simple cushions. Otto's oil supplies, purchased by Carlisle, had been stored at the mansion, making the entire compartment exceptionally spacious. Although it was still a bit crowded, there was enough room for three people to lie down and rest. The returning convoy consisted of only two dragon carriages. Julius drove the other one, which carried a tightly bound Geuse.
Carlisle sat inside the carriage, watching Subaru and Rem arrange the blankets beside him. His heart rate quickened unconsciously. Why were they both acting so natural about this?
His thoughts began to grow muddled. There was no denying that he had developed feelings for the blue-haired maid who was so attentive, passionate, and devoted to him. But how was he supposed to explain his feelings for Rem to Subaru?
Though it felt a bit narcissistic, Carlisle could not help but worry. What if Subaru and Rem's relationship was damaged because of him?
Rem could be considered the second closest person to Subaru in this other world. The bond between them seemed even deeper than he had originally imagined.
Subaru had agreed to Rem's involvement in this relationship because she hoped Rem could also find happiness.
Of course, Carlisle was still completely unaware of this agreement.
The atmosphere inside the carriage was warm and subtle. After Subaru and Rem finished arranging the blankets, they both turned to look at Carlisle at the same time, their eyes filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness.
"All right, please lie down next to Rem," Rem said softly, gently patting the prepared blanket beside her. "Carlisle must be exhausted. Does he need Rem to sing a lullaby?"
Carlisle felt his heart skip a beat, the tips of his ears turning hot uncontrollably. He inwardly cursed himself for being so useless. He had faced countless life and death situations, yet now he was flustered by such a simple invitation.
Subaru had already placed a pillow on the other side of the carriage, creating an ambiguous arrangement for the three of them. She and Rem occupied the two sides, leaving the space in the middle for Carlisle. She tried to suppress the heat rising in her cheeks. As someone from the modern world, this situation naturally made her feel shy, but her rational mind, understanding Carlisle's personality, told her she had to take the initiative.
The carriage swayed gently as it traveled along the road back. Subaru noticed Carlisle's stiff posture and hesitant expression, but she misunderstood the reason for his hesitation.
Carlisle's current indecision was not due to resistance, but because he did not know how to confess to Subaru about his equally growing feelings for Rem.
Subaru whispered, "All right, hurry and lie down to rest. It will probably be dawn by the time we reach the capital." Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of fatigue.
Carlisle was gently pulled by both of them and lay down stiffly, immediately surrounded by two distinct yet equally comforting scents. This close proximity made his heart race uncontrollably.
But something felt strange. Carlisle recalled his time at the Roswaal mansion. In the afternoon garden, whenever Rem showed affection toward him, Subaru would always bristle like a possessive kitten, finding ways to send Rem away. Although Rem would always resolve it gently but firmly, the jealousy had been obvious.
In the slightly cramped carriage, Subaru finally sensed Carlisle's tense body. Seeing his confused and flushed expression, she suddenly realized something.
"...Rem and I have already come to an agreement..."
Subaru's muffled voice reached him. Carlisle turned his head and saw Subaru burying her face against him, with only her flushed ear tips visible. An indescribable feeling, a mixture of warmth and bitterness, spread through his chest.
Just as Subaru took a deep breath, preparing to suppress her modern sense of embarrassment and explain everything,
"Rem... is truly grateful to Subaru..." Rem's soft voice sounded at the perfect moment. "Because of Subaru, Rem can boldly stay by Carlisle's side..."
Carlisle felt his heart skip a beat before it began pounding even faster. Rem continued speaking.
"Subaru... has already agreed to let Rem become the second wife, you know."
Although her tone carried a hint of playfulness, Rem's slightly reddened ear tips and the way her fingers gently twisted Carlisle's clothes revealed her inner nervousness.
Carlisle's mind went completely blank. He had never expected Subaru to accept such a relationship. A sense of relief washed over him, only to be immediately drowned by intense guilt. The moral values of modern society clashed fiercely within his mind, striking against his conscience.
"I..." Carlisle's voice came out dry. "Am I really worth this from both of you...?"
Subaru lifted her head, her golden eyes shimmering softly in the dim light. "Honestly, why are you losing confidence in yourself now?" She gently squeezed Carlisle's hand. "If you abandoned Rem... she would be too pitiful..." Her voice gradually trailed off before she forced herself to add, "But at most, there can only be one more Rem."
Carlisle fell silent for a moment. He did not know what to say. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "I... I will definitely become someone worthy of this affection."
Subaru buried her face back into Carlisle's chest, her voice muffled. "Of course. I have already staked my entire life on you, you know." Her finger gently poked his shoulder. "You have to treat me well from now on."
Rem's gentle voice came from the other side. "Since Subaru has said so..." Her fingers carefully reached out to touch Carlisle's hand. "Carlisle must treat Subaru well." She paused before adding shyly, "Of course... do not neglect Rem either."
A comfortable silence settled inside the carriage. The understanding between the three of them was already clear. Carlisle felt a special kind of warmth. Though they were not related by blood, they had formed a bond as close as family. With only the steady rolling sound of the dragon carriage wheels echoing in his ears, Carlisle pondered how he could repay their feelings when...
"Um..." Subaru suddenly spoke softly, her voice tinged with shyness. "If you cannot fall asleep... I can be your body pillow, you know."
...
Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
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