SOME LIKE IT COLD
1
It was a terribly modest and gradual omen of transition.
“Good morning, Subaru.”
“Ahh, morning,” Subaru yawned. “Hey, Rem…is it just me, or is it cold?”
“Yes, I do think it is a tad chilly this morning. Your perceptiveness never ceases to impress me, Subaru.”
“Uh, anybody would notice the cold, but okay?”
It was early morning at Roswaal Manor. When Rem offered Subaru a morning greeting in the hallway, Subaru innocently brought up the temperature. Even though it was still early, it was especially chilly. It was so balmy the day before that they had sweat during work, but the temperature had dropped drastically overnight.
It was so cold that Subaru closed his uniform jacket. He even buttoned his shirt up all the way.
“I’m fine, but that uniform can’t be helping you stay warm, Rem. Don’t maids have cold-weather uniforms here? That doesn’t look comfortable.”
“Once ice season comes, we do change uniforms. The fabric is thicker and lined, so it’s quite cozy,” Rem said with a smile.
She was dressed in her usual maid’s uniform. Since the design dramatically exposed her shoulders and legs, what was normally a feast for the eyes now only made Subaru shiver.
Incidentally, ice season was another word for winter in this world. Conversely, summer was referred to as fire season. This world seemed to have four distinct seasons, just like Subaru’s.
“But as cold as it is today, shouldn’t you be wearing your ice season uniform? If it’s a touchy subject, I can always go ask Rozchi directly for you.”
“I appreciate your concern, Subaru, but my sister and I are used to it, so we’re perfectly comfortable. It’s nothing to trouble Master Roswaal over.”
Rem courageously shook her head at Subaru’s offer. Subaru didn’t seem to accept the excuse, but he still withdrew the offer.
“If you say so, Rem… By the way, where is your sister? Is she not with you today?”
“That’s right. She didn’t wish to leave her bed today due to the cold, so I let her sleep in.”
“Rem—didn’t you just say you’re both perfectly comfortable?!”
Picturing Ram cozy and warm in her bed that very minute, Subaru sighed, wishing divine retribution upon Ram for taking advantage of her little sister’s kindness.
“Well, I can’t let this stand. Whether it’s hot or cold, live-in servants never have a day off—I’m gonna pound that lesson into Big Sis. Let’s go, Rem.”
“But she’s tired from her daily work. I don’t see the problem with letting her sleep in on a cold day—”
“Let’s go, Rem!”
“All right, Subaru!”
The scales of Rem’s heart tipped in a breath, and she cheerfully followed Subaru as he lumbered down the hall.
In the end, after dragging the elder twin from her bed, Subaru had to work under both the chilling breeze and the resentful wrath of Ram.
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