CH 9 Settling Down

That... actually went better than I originally expected...

As I accompanied Ram around the manor, she gave me a tour of the mansion. While recalling my conversation with Roswaal or "Rose," as I call him.

I do know it's kind of a girly name, but I don't care about the gender of that clown.

As I recalled my conversation with Roswaal, or "Rose," it honestly caught me off guard when he accused me of being the one who stole Emilia's Royal Badge. He didn't do that to Subaru. Even if he was suspicious, he did not make blatant moves like that. But at the same time, it made me realize that I'm a different person from Subaru. Thus, I needed a different approach to dance according to his tune. To look like I'm dancing the way he wants, or that the gospel wants.

Which also raises a thought: am I a part of the gospel I think I would be? But I can't be too sure, as that clown is a master of poker face. But hey, it would come naturally to anyone who has been doing this for four hundred years.

It's obvious that whatever was written in Echidna's Gospel Book was related to me. If I recall correctly, the book was different. It acted like a prototype of a book that could show a few alternate timelines, similar to a Kaleidoscope. Granted, it was not perfect and would never reach the potential of the Second Magic. Even though it only showed a limited number of possibilities, it was still considered to be more effective than any of the other Archbishops' gospels.

He needed me to stay, and I'm sure his gospel book showed timelines where I chose to go off on my own. I would not be surprised if it did. I was considering it, after all. I would live in some village and start a new life after asking him for quite a considerable amount of money. A part of me was still screaming at me, demanding to leave, to get away from this place. To start a new life, just like in the "What If" route, where Subaru chooses to escape with Rem.

I still think about that option. Seeing what I was going to face... even the bravest person would think twice about accepting such a fate. Even though I had the body of a Heroic Spirit, I did not grow up during the age of gods. I was brave, but I still had doubts if it was enough. People who grew up in the modern world had a different way of thinking.

Reading about this, Roswaal decided to manipulate the coming events himself. He made me look like the bad guy, and then Emilia came to my defense. I'm actually still surprised she did, and even more so that Puck decided to join her. It was going to make me feel grateful towards her. Then in return, since I don't have anywhere else to go, becoming a free guest and being treated as nobility would, of course, be very appealing. Not to mention the favor I now owe to Emilia. Thus leading to my wish of staying here.

I was able to read his intentions clearly enough. However, I feel there is still something more he is hiding. He was still withholding many things. My newly acquired instincts told me so, and since they come from Saber... I just couldn't be wrong.

Then again, he is not the only one withholding things.

"Do you understand everything so far, Alex-sama?" Ram asked.

It has been an hour since we finished breakfast. Emilia excused herself and went her own way, saying she needed to keep up with her studies. Since she pretty much lived in the forest, she lost touch with the world for quite some time. She needed to know more about what was happening in Lugnica so she could become a good King.

"Yep." I nodded to her. "The east wing has suites for welcoming visiting nobles, with rooms for entertaining guests and other facilities. The west wing contains the servants' quarters, spare furniture, and books not meant for the archive."

"The main wing is used for general residence, the first floor consists of the dining room, bathrooms for relaxation, and things like that. The second floor consists of Emilia-san's and Rose's offices and rooms related to their work. The third floor is the sleeping rooms for guests and the main residence.

"Breakfast is usually served around nine in the morning; today was ten because Rose had business to take care of. Lunch is served around two lunartime, and dinner is at seven."

I did not manage to memorize everything, but at least I know where I should go so I don't get lost. This place is huge, almost like the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore, covering nearly 200 thousand square meters of ground.

Ram stared at me for a moment, observing me. "Ram is surprised, Alex-sama really was listening. He doesn't look like he's paying attention."

"I'm a man of many talents, I suppose." I chuckled. "However, you are right. I did have something on my mind, but at the same time, I can't just ignore you, right? That would be rude of me."

"... Alex-sama is very courteous." Ram nodded in approval. "Actually listening while not looking like it. Very handy for spying."

I let out a small chuckle at her blunt way of speaking. "I will take that as a compliment, thank you. You are also very watchful and keen for a maid," I said nonchalantly. I gave her a small grin and quirk of an eyebrow when I saw her body tense a bit. "What? You did not expect me to bite back, did you?" I asked in amusement.

Alex: 1, Ram: 0

As expected, Ram's face was void of any emotion, but the slight glint I saw in her eyes suggested otherwise. Though I could not understand the intentions behind it. "I see... Alex-sama really does have a sharp tongue," she nodded in understanding.

It was left unsaid, but I could tell what was on the tip of her tongue. Unlike Rem, Ram was clearly the more rational and sharp twin. She could control herself better. Even losing her power did not change the fact she was still a prodigy in the past. She may be weaker, but her mind was still as sharp as ever.

.No wonder she's the one that Roswaal trusts to make judgments about Subaru...

"Since Alex-sama is going to stay here, we're going to need to pick out an outfit for you," Ram commented, changing the topic. "Alex-sama's outfit is clean and appropriate, but obviously you can't live with only a single set of clothes." She gestured to what I was wearing. "We will make clothes for Alex-sama, and for that, we need to take your measurements."

Handmade clothes? Now that is surprising. I never thought I would wear something like that... Well, technically all clothes are handmade. What I meant is clothes that are knitted together by hand, not factory-made.

"Sure."

"Then, let's go back to the servant quarters," Ram told me as we began to make our way. "Ah, I almost forgot, there is one more resident that lives here."

One more resident? Ah, right. It was... Beatrice...

That's right!

During breakfast, I felt like something was missing! It was Beatrice's presence! She wasn't with us when I talked with Roswaal! If I recall correctly, Beatrice was supposed to attend breakfast with Subaru! So why was she... Ah.

I see... so that's why... if I recall correctly, Beatrice attended breakfast because she had met Subaru when he was wandering around after waking up from being treated by Emilia. She probably felt intrigued by him because he could enter her library without her permission and observed him further.

But now? She didn't have breakfast because I never entered her place. We never met, so she probably did not have any reason to leave her library. Hmm, I don't know whether this is good or bad. I'll have to see how things play out.

"One more resident?" I asked, pretending not to know what she was talking about.

"She is the librarian under Roswaal-sama's contract," Ram answered. "This way." She opened the nearest door and then...

... Books...

That's what crossed my mind the moment I laid eyes on this room. No matter how far my vision spans take me, I can only see shelves filled to the brim with books in any direction. They are all stored neatly and in a reserved manner. Not a single one looks out of place.

I have seen libraries before, big ones at that. But... wow... I must say, this is clearly something else.

"Impressive," I breathed out as I stared at the sea of books. "Really impressive. I must say I've only seen two other libraries at this level." And I'll be honest, I may not be a fan of books, but this? This is still quite a spectacular view.

"You have good taste, not surprising seeing you look like someone who knows what they are doing, I suppose."

A high-pitched, feminine voice that sounds like a child broke my attention away from the library. I shifted my gaze to the front, to a girl, a petite, young-looking girl. She was probably only a few years older than my little sister and...

While I do admit she's cute, really cute, but the way she is dressed, and her hairstyle... I mean... What the hell is that hairstyle called anyway?! Twin-drill?! Okay, I should expect this since this is a fantasy world but... really? She's almost as eccentric as Roswaal! Granted, they share about the same age and come from the same time period, but still...

"Ah, sorry for staring like that," I apologized as I bowed to her.

"This is Beatrice-sama," Ram introduced her. "She is the one who is managing this place. This library is filled with Roswaal-sama's books. Both private and forbidden."

"Hn," Beatrice grunted while flipping a page of the book she was holding.

"I'm Alex Pendragon. It is nice to meet you, Beatrice-san." I introduced myself politely to her.

Beatrice looked at me as if I were some kind of foreign object before turning to Ram with an inquiring look.

"Beatrice-sama, Alex-sama will live here as a guest from now on. He has helped Emilia-sama, and thus Roswaal-sama decided to pay him back by allowing him to live in this place for free."

I don't mind you explaining things, but did you have to add the "for free" part? I find it a bit offensive. Especially since you were the one who left Emilia alone in the city!

"Is that so? Hmm, at least you don't look like an idiot, I suppose," Beatrice commented while looking me up and down, giving me an appraising gaze.

"Thank you, Beatrice-san," I replied, narrowing my eyes and focusing further, trying to look thoughtful. "Pardon me, but you're not human, are you?"

.Beatrice's eyes narrowed as well, her blank voice marred by an interested look. "You're sharp, not surprising, I suppose."

"Indeed, Alex-sama is famous for having two faces," Ram commented absently. "He has a very sharp tongue despite his chivalrous appearance."

"Hello, pot, my name is kettle," I dryly chimed, and I could see her right eye twitch at my comment. "Nice to meet you," I added with a wry grin.

Alex: 2, Ram: 0

"Hmph. As long as you don't bother Betty, then Betty has no problem, I suppose," Beatrice said with another grunt before she slowly approached me. "Don't move," she warned as she raised her hand at me.

I narrowed my eyes at the warning, then I remembered what was about to happen. Just like in Canon, Beatrice will take mana from me as she did to Subaru. So I backed down a few steps as I said, "I wouldn't recommend doing that," I told her, but she didn't listen to me and moved toward me, putting her hand on my stomach, and this time I didn't stop her.

And just as expected...

BWOOSH! CRASH!

"KYA!"

"Beatrice-sama!"

And then she flew.

The blonde twintailed petite girl was repulsed from me by an unexpected force when her hand made contact with my body. And by repulsed, I mean she got flung away, two or three feet away from my position, as if she had just been struck by a boulder her own size!

Why did Beatrice get blasted away like that? It's simple to answer. Through my analysis of my new body, I understood what happened.

Next, I noted that Ram's body became tense; her usually uncaring eyes were now filled with wariness, and she took one or two steps back from me. Her hands twitched, probably ready to cast a spell if things turned sour.

"I warned you, didn't I? You were trying to take my mana, weren't you?" I asked with a slight frown.

Beatrice meanwhile sat up on the ground, her appearance a bit messy but overall fine. For once, her blank and impassive face was filled with shock. "What was that?" She demanded.

"My Magic Resistance," I answered honestly. "You were trying to take my mana without my permission; I think it did not approve." Trying to drain mana from someone who has high Magic Resistance forcefully and without permission can be quite dangerous. The Nasuverse Magic Resistance system is strong compared to other anime, especially considering this Saber's dragon blood.

"M-Magic Resistance?" Beatrice showed a flabbergasted look for a moment. "Magic Resistance is not supposed to work that way, I suppose!"

"I don't know how your Magic Resistance works, but mine is like this," I said in a dry tone. "If you want to take my mana, all you need to do is ask, Beatrice-san." It's not like I have a problem with it; I have an A+ rank mana capacity. I don't think I will even notice any drain that Subaru couldn't survive or that would cause his gate to collapse.

"I'm sorry for causing a mess in your library," I added when I noticed the shelf Beatrice crashed into a moment ago, scattering the books on the ground. I approached her with an apologetic look. "Are you okay?" I asked as I offered her a hand.

"Betty is fine, I suppose. Just a bit shocked," Beatrice said as she slowly stood without taking my hand, and inwardly I grimaced.

Which means... I have to do it another way.

"Here," I continued offering my hand to her. "You want to take some of my mana, right? I'll allow it, so you won't get blasted again."

As far as I recall, that's how Magic Resistance is supposed to work. That's why Saber was able to be healed by Irisviel when she was in the Fourth Holy Grail War. In the Nasuverse, Magic Resistance depends on the owner's intention. If they allow it, then it will flow through. However, if not, well, the results were demonstrated effectively just now.

Beatrice stared at my extended hand. Despite her face showing no emotion, her wariness was tangible. Nonetheless, she extended her hand and took mine.

The moment our hands grasped each other, I called mana forth from inside me. When I used Mana Burst for the first time against Elsa, I barely felt anything. It was almost like I was just running in place for a short time. Now I feel the same sensation; however, this time I decided to increase the strength of my pull and let it flow through my hand holding Beatrice's.

Electrical turquoise-colored energy sparked to life around us, illuminating the room with its color. I did not feel anything from it despite the ominous look and it blowing away everything around Beatrice and me. I heard Ram gasp and saw Beatrice's face once again morph to shock while at the same time also gasping. I ignored them as I slowly closed my eyes to start focusing on controlling my now blazing magical energy and let it flow to Beatrice.

I don't know how long it took, but it was definitely more than twenty seconds for the magical energy that crackled around us to slowly begin to weaken. Its brightness dimmed, and the wind it caused also began to calm down.

After making sure that the mana flow around my arm became more controllable, I let my grasp on her hand slip, releasing her. That... was not tiring at all, actually. But I definitely felt it. Actually controlling my mana was more trying than the drain my reserves took. Mana Burst practically causes my mana to create a repulsing force like a jet boost. If I'm not careful, I can make Beatrice bloat like a balloon and explode.

Yikes, clearly not a very good mental image.

"Whew, how about that, Beatrice-san? Does the amount of..." I trailed off as I opened my eyes and saw the spirit, now no longer standing but once again sitting on the floor, clutching her chest, her breathing ragged. It looked like a scene from some hentai.

"Beatrice-san?"

"Oh dear." Ram spoke aloud, her voice blank of any emotion. "Beatrice-sama has been molested by Alex-sama." She said that as if it were a common occurrence, her face not even twitching. "Ram shall report this to Roswaal-sama." She finished while giving me a dirty look.

I shot her an unamused look and opened my mouth to retort. However, I closed it when I realized that I also didn't know what actually happened. And her current condition does look like one she described. For all I know, I just overcharged her with mana, sending her into a state that was almost like…..

God damn it... this woman...

Alex : 2, Ram : 1

"G-Giving Betty such a high amount of mana without any warning," Beatrice seemed to finally regain her breath and stood shakily, her face flushed a bit. "You're lucky to have such a handsome face; people won't think of you as an idiot at first glance, I suppose."

I grimaced openly at the insult and put on another apologetic face. "I'm sorry, Beatrice-san. I was just trying to pay you back for hurting you before and..."

"Hmph!" Beatrice puffed her cheeks and brushed the dirt on her skirt. "Well, with the amount of mana you gave me, I can forgive you, I suppose. At least you look very regretful."

I was, I truly was. I tried my best to control the flow, but it still seems like it was too much! Ugh, I didn't do what I think I did, right? I'm not a child molester! Granted, Beatrice is actually four hundred years old, but her appearance! Her appearance! Gaahh! I am definitely not a loli lover, and the only attraction I feel towards women is a big set of oppai and a fine, thick set of ass. I am a boobs and ass type of guy, not a flat-chested one. I shook my head to get rid of my dirty thoughts and focused on the current situation.

"If there is nothing else, then please leave," Beatrice told us in a blank and slightly irritated voice. "Betty needs to clean this mess," she gestured to the books at her feet from her crash and my mana burst, making me grimace further.

"Sorry, Beatrice-san."

"Hmph!"

"Forgive him, Beatrice-sama. Ram will make sure what happened to Beatrice-sama gets known to Roswaal-sama so Alex-sama can take proper responsibility."

"I don't want to hear that from someone who failed to do her duty and almost got Emilia-san's insignia stolen or worse, got her killed by Elsa Granhiert."

I held back the smug grin that threatened to appear on my face and only looked on nonchalantly under her irritated look. Do not expect me to go down without dragging you with me, you pink oni!

Alex: 3, Ram: 1

"You two certainly get along pretty well, I suppose," Beatrice commented dully while observing us.

Ram's eyes widened a small fraction, and she took two steps away from me while shaking her head. "No, no, no. Alex-sama is just trying to get to know Ram, since Ram is very attractive and beautiful. Unfortunately for him, Ram's loyalty belongs to Roswaal-sama, so he has no chance to win Ram over."

She is not a very modest person, is she? Shouldn't she have said "No, no, master and maid relationships are forbidden," "No, no, as a maid it wouldn't be prudent for me to harbor feelings for my master," or something like that?

And to add another insult, she finished with a bow as if to apologize for 'regretfully rejecting' me. I must admit that was a very good move, a solid blow to the solar plexus!

Still, I refused to lose that easily.

"Actually, I prefer Rem-san or Emilia-san over Ram-san," I said with a small smile.

"Rem?" Ram seemed surprised by my reply.

"I love blue more than pink. And white can match up with anyone. As a matter of fact, I like the color blue; my armor's fabric is blue, remember?"

"I see... so Alex-sama has an obsession with blue and white things, unexpected. I shall warn my sister and Emilia-sama to avoid being alone with you then."

Geh! Okay, that was a good comeback! Tsk, not bad. She clearly is a very difficult opponent to beat, but make no mistake, I will not go down because of-

"Betty doesn't care about that, Betty wants you two to get out of here now!"

… 

**POV Switch**

Beatrice watched as the duo exited her library with an irritated look. Really, don't they know libraries are supposed to be quiet places? She could still hear the pink one arguing her point with the blonde.

Her irritated expression slowly turned tired and uncertain; she slowly fell into her seat and took a few deep breaths, as if she had just gone through a marathon.

That boy...

"See? I told you he is the most unique one."

The artificial spirit of the library turned around to see Puck emerge from the corner of the bookshelves. The cat spirit's face showed a smug and intrigued expression, his eyes closed and relaxed.

"Bubby..." Beatrice called; her lips felt very dry at the moment. "That boy. What is he?"

Puck, hovering lazily in the air, paused, one of his eyes opening to give Beatrice a look. "I don't know. He is no demihuman; he doesn't show any traits of being one, after all."

"But there is no way he is a human." Beatrice's face curled into a small scowl. "That boy's mana is too much! Way too much, way way too much for anyone, I suppose. And incredibly dense too..."

There was no need for Beatrice to finish her words; Puck knew what she was trying to say. He held the same opinion about that boy, after all.

"I know, it doesn't feel like Satella, but more akin to the other Witches of Sin than Here's the improved version of the text:

"A normal human. Still, if his power would have such a raw feel to it, I would call him the reincarnation of one of the Witches. Or at least one of their vassals. Not even comparing him to those, he still seems to be a league above them."

To Puck, Alex's mana was way too strong and potent, even surpassing him in his beast form. That was something no human should have. For a moment, Puck considered the possibility that Alex was perhaps something akin to a spirit. However, the blond knight is not; he is clearly alive and solid, living like normal people do. So that theory was dismissed. In Puck's mind, it would be safe to say that he was more like the Witches, someone who has transcended into something else—a higher being, a being that surpasses everyone.

"He could be, I suppose. Betty can sense the Witch's miasma around him," Beatrice said with a scowl as she recalled the boy's aura.

"But that Witch miasma pales compared to the raw power we can sense from him," Puck replied, flicking his tail lazily. "The Witch aura we feel from him also is not active; rather, it is stagnant." The cat spirit explained, "If he is the reincarnation of one of the Witches that managed to escape from their seals, the Witch miasma wouldn't be like that. It would be flowing freely from his body. It feels more like a Curse, if you ask me."

Beatrice pursed her lips upon hearing that. Bubby had a point there. She herself barely smelled the Witch miasma around him, as if it was mostly covered by another scent—a scent she did not recognize, and seeing that she was born in the era when Witches were still lurking around, it's not them, whatever it may be.

But one thing is sure: that smell—whatever that thing is—it is powerful enough to be considered one of the strongest and most dangerous existences in the world.

And that thing was standing in front of them only moments ago, in the form of a man, walking around as if there was nothing wrong with its existence!

"And Bubby thinks having him around his daughter would be good? Betty doesn't think so."

"I agree with you on that, but that boy is really being sincere when it comes to Lia. He really wants to protect her and keep her safe," Puck responded with a heavy sigh.

"... He looks dependable enough, I suppose," Beatrice commented with uncertainty. "Betty can tell he is someone who can handle himself pretty well. But Betty still thinks it's too risky."

"That was what I was thinking too," Puck agreed again, seeming more annoyed as he began to paw his furry head. "But Lia seems to be enjoying his presence very much!"

"... Does she fancy him?" Betty blinked in slight surprise.

"No!" Puck denied instantly, the idea of his daughter fancying a boy horrified him. "I doubt Lia even knows what 'Love' is and how it feels. No, it's more like she is... both intrigued and happy to have someone else to talk to." He sighed in an exasperated manner, truthfully confused about why Lia seemed to enjoy Alex's company. They had only met a day ago, for God's sake!

Was it love? No, she is not. Puck was sure of that. Whatever it is, it's not love. He knows that! It makes no sense. Lia is clearly not in love with him, so why?

Perhaps Lia is only happy that someone doesn't care about her being a half-elf. Someone who talks to her as if it doesn't matter. Puck understands that Lia's kind is almost universally hated. Half-elves are seen as demons because of Satella's deeds as the Witch of Envy.

"And Bubby doesn't want to separate his daughter from her only friend, I suppose." Beatrice nodded in understanding. "Betty understands completely."

"You can say so," Puck reluctantly admitted with another sigh. Emilia needed someone to talk to other than him. It wasn't healthy for his daughter to close herself in. And besides, Alex at least cares for Lia's safety. "Anyway, what is your opinion about him, Betty?"

Beatrice pursed her lips into a thin line and stared where the boy had gone. What did she think about him? Truthfully, she didn't know. The boy seemed not that bad in her opinion. He did not hold any ill intent towards her and was sincere when apologizing for causing her harm, aside from the fact that he did warn her before.

And the mana he gave her was more than enough to sustain herself without a recharge for a few weeks. Even right now, she could feel the magical energy flowing inside her very clearly. This was the largest portion of mana she had received in years!

In a way, the power and energy he radiated... it actually reminded her of...

The image of a beautiful white-haired woman smiling and drinking tea crossed her mind. The artificial spirit felt a pang in her heart for a moment before she banished it away.

No... It was nothing, only a coincidence...

"As long as he doesn't bother Bubby's and Betty's place, Betty doesn't care," she said while puffing her cheeks.

She knew that was a lie. And she was aware that Puck also knew it. Neither said anything about it, because right now she herself was still unsure about him.

More observation was needed so she could give her opinion about the boy.

...

"Hmm... Alex-sama's outfit is really knitted very well," Rem commented as she held the coat Alex wore, leaving him in only a T-shirt and pants. "The material and the silk too."

'Of course they are! That is from Hugo Boss!' Alex thought as he observed the blue-haired maid handling his coat.

"We don't have silk and material like yours, Alex-sama. Will it satisfy you if we use our own?"

"I don't mind at all. You need not trouble yourself with expensive material," Alex answered with a shrug.

He was currently with Rem in the servants' quarters. Ram had already left since she had her own duties to attend to.

"Then, Rem will take your measurements." Rem said as she picked up the tools and approached the blond. "Spread your arms, Alex-sama."

"Sure."

Alex did as the maid ordered, spreading his arms to allow Rem to take his measurements. The proto Saber felt his cheeks warm at the closeness. Usually, it was a man who took another man's size, but now it wasn't just any girl; it was a really cute one, and her soft spots were touching all over his body. And she was so close he could practically smell her! He could clearly feel her breasts touching his chest and abs.

"Your face is red; are you feeling ill, Alex-sama?" Rem asked as she noticed Alex's flushed face.

"No." Alex let out a small cough and shook his head. "It's just... having a girl this close to me, I'm worried that I smell bad."