Chapter 27: There is Something to Live For

The days are getting shorter and brightness is getting dimmer. Autumn has come around, grey clouds spread across the skies. A small glare attempts to shine through but it is never strong enough. Otto and Subaru are thus day by day, less and less. The banks reinforced and a bee wax varnished, curved wooden bridge spans across the water. It took some time but it was finally completed. They had finally started work on Kayo's house. It was planned out to have a kitchen with a living room, master bedroom with two other bedrooms, a bathroom and closet. Otto and Subaru ate, slept and worker. They were determined to finish by winter and tuck it in till spring as the winters in Kararagi can get extremely rough. Then went spring arrives begin work on Otto and Ram's house. Rem had entered third month of pregnancy, she was still very capable to do many things but Kayo was very willing to take over mush her work around the house. Crona had remained very modest, continually working and Kayo and her often worked together like sisters and helping each other out. Ram as an experienced maid spent her time teaching Kayo and Crona. Ram had also taken a very keen interest in gardening. She had coated the entirety of the front garden so that even looked like it glowed a rainbow in the darkness of night

Rem had spoken to Subaru about Ram had said about Roswaal's spell.

"Subaru, Ram is worried about how long left she will live" Rem told Subaru.

Subaru was concerned, as he gave his commitment to protecting and looking after Ram after they left the capital and Roswaal's care of Ram.

"I will protect her, I promise" Subaru vouched.

"I think it's about time we told Otto. Crona should know too." Rem suggested.

"It's hard to say 'Oh yeh. Forgot to tell you, your wife is going to die soon" Subaru pointed out.

"We can't leave him the dark" Rem followed up.

"I will speak to her" Subaru said determined to help Ram.

"Thank you, Subaru." Rem thanked him.

Subaru had yet still to talk to Ram. As Rem had left it him and he couldn't tell Otto yet, Subaru had no one to divulge in. He had been waiting as to think what to say. Subaru was unsure as he knew he could do to save her. He felt as if he just had to make her last few days enjoyable. Subaru thought it would be best to ask Ram what she wanted to for enjoyment. But he felt obliged under Rem to do something to help Ram. Maybe since Ram had come to face with the consequences that Rem needed more talking to then Ram.

"Hey, Subaru. Help me here!" Otto called over.

Otto had a large wooden beam on his shoulder for the roof of Kayo's house. Subaru went over to support him carrying it. They were hoping to start on the roof tomorrow. The sky showed signs of rain, and they wanted to cover the wood. The Sun was setting and the tall fir trees in the distance strained the red light.

"Otto" Subaru beckoned.

Otto walked over to Subaru. Subaru had a worried face, he was nervous. Otto could see that Subaru was unsettled, he was concerned.

"I have to tell you something, but I can not" Subaru revelled.

"What? Why can't you tell me?" Otto questioned.

"It's not up to me. It's about Ram back when we were in Lugunica. It's up to her to tell you, but please don't pressure her into telling you. It's very important she tells you when she ready to. I need to talk to her myself. Just trust me." Subaru explained.

"If you say so. I trust you Subaru" Otto complied.

"Let us go inside." Subaru invited him back inside.

Inside there was a very strong noticeable difference in heat. Otto and Subaru had slowly adapted to the cold that hadn't noticed how cold it had gotten. They had timed themselves well has food had just been placed on the table. Everyone arrived in the kitchen to Crona's call. Rem was very noticeably pregnant now as she attentively sat down. They all began eating together and there was light chatter between everyone except Otto, whom sat quietly thinking about what Subaru had said. Subaru noticed Otto's expression.

"Ram can I talk to you later?." Subaru asked.

She didn't verbally respond but gently nodded her head. Ram had easily guessed what it was about as so did Rem.

Later after eating their meal, Ram met Subaru outside, over the river on the decking of Kayo's deck. The air was chilling and a wet breeze blew through. It hadn't started raining yet but it will soon. Ram sat down beside Subaru without saying a word. They both just took in the air and the view of the fields of into the dark horizon. They casted long shady shadows from the Sun behind them.

"Subaru-" Ram said before being interrupted.

"Ram." Subaru cut in.

Ram remained quiet.

"I promised Rem, I'd talk to you. But I do not know to say. This was your decision, and it's time is coming." Subaru continued.

"I- I have come to terms with it. Foolish decision or not this what it has come to. There is nothing that can be done about it now" Ram announced.

"Well, it is important you tell everyone. Especially Otto and Crona. It is not right for me to know and him not to." Subaru explained.

"I have had such a good time living with everyone in Kararagi. Getting to know Otto. Having my own daughter Crona. Subaru" she cried. "Subaru".

"Subaru. I don't want to die" she cried aloud.

Subaru grabbed Ram into his embrace. Subaru knew Ram can all she that she was fine. But noone is ever fine when they have to leave their family. Ram continued to sob into Subaru shoulder. Subaru pushed her up straight and looked at her.

"Ram, please forgive me. I was a useless butler. Thank you for everything since I arrived in your company. If you have a last wish I would be honour to fulfill it." Subaru asked of her.

Ram gathered herself. Wiped her eyes and looked back at Subaru who was still holding her by her upper arm.
"Please Subaru, look after my sister. Rem" she Ram wished of him.

"You wouldn't to have asked." Subaru told her standing up.

"I will tell them." Ram replied.

The sliding door rattled as Subaru slid it open. Ram invited herself in ahead of Subaru. Subaru gently closed the door behind him. Ram kneeled down at the table. Subaru soon followed suit. They sat silently for a minute or so before Ram took a deep breath and sat up straight. Subaru knew she was ready.

"Everyone, please gather in the kitchen" Subaru called out.

One by one everyone filtered into the kitchen sitting at the table. Crona avoided the table and began to make tea before Subaru stopped her.

"Kayo, can you make the tea this time please." Subaru requested.

"If you say so" Kayo obliged.

Crona sat down at the table alongside Otto who was across from Subaru whom was next to Rem and on the top of the table sat Ram.

"I have something important to say" Ram announced.

Rem had figured what she was going to say. Subaru put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

"Back in Lugunica. Which Crona you know is where I am from. I was born alongside my twin Rem. One night my Oni village was attacked, only us two survived. In the attack I lost my only horn. Roswaal took me in who was essential for my continued survival as a demon cannot live without their horn. So as for me to leave to go with Rem and Subaru I had to receive one last final treatment which Roswaal gave to me. Unfortunately it is a one time spell. That lasts only one year" Ram explained.

"So- So what you are saying is that you only have seven more months to live" Otto exclaimed.

"It may last longer, maybe shorter. That is why when you met her Otto she was unconscious. She had just received the spell." Subaru continued.

"I'm sorry I should have told you all sooner" Ram apologized.

"Do not worry about that. Of course it would be hard to announce." Otto rejected her apology.

Kayo who was too shocked to say anything lay the tea on the table and poured it for whoever wanted it peacefully.

"And are you sure there is nothing you do?" Otto inquired.

"Roswaal doesn't think so." Subaru answered.

"Mama. You have to teach me everything you know. So we can all remember you" Crona cried out.
"I teach you" Ram replied happily.

Ram began to cry from happiness. She knew now that it was not a foolish decision to follow Rem and Subaru. Her life was completely changed and she loved it.

Speeding up the time that time passes now. - L