Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 20: The Festival Begins!

The morning of the festival had arrived as Subaru stirred from under the blankets. Staring at the ceiling, he noticed that the sun was creeping in from behind the curtains as it cascaded across the stone canvas of the bedroom. The quaint view was part of his daily awakening, but an unusual sound caught his attention. Tuning his head to determine the source, Subaru was shocked to see Beatrice still very much asleep next to him. As of late, the spirit had been waking up before him as if to keep watch. With the turn of events yesterday, Subaru surmised that Beatrice must have truly been exhausted to allow him the treat of viewing her sleeping visage. With her hair flattened across her pillow, she gently drew breaths that slightly jostled the blankets at regular intervals. Her lips were slightly jar with a modest luster that further accentuated her youthful and delicate appearance. Subaru found himself once again entranced with the girl, a feeling that he televised with a quiet smile. Not wanting to overindulge in an otherwise intimate moment, he carefully placed his hand over Beatrice's and offered a tender squeeze.

Subaru: "Beako..."

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "Beako, it's morning."

Beatrice: "Uhh..."

A peculiar groan escaped from her as Beatrice slowly nodded her head. Realizing the situation, a mischievous grin spread across Subaru's face. He playfully added in a choice word to see if he could get a reaction out of his dazed partner.

Subaru: "Erhem... Darling... Time to wake up..."

Beatrice: "Huuh? Good morning, darling... I suppose..."

Subaru: "Uh... don't you want to get ready for the festival, darling?"

Beatrice: "...zzz... Can Betty have... five more minutes please, in fact?"

Subaru: "Erk! Umm... I mean, of course you can."

Beatrice: "Thanks... darling... zzz..."

Stopped in his tracks by the sweetness displayed by an unknowing Beatrice, Subaru quickly decided to abort his prank and allowed the innocent girl to rest for a while longer. After what he thought was five minutes, he once again tried to squeeze her hand. Groggily, Beatrice sat up and stretched her arms before looking at her hand that was intertwined with Subaru's. Not yet convinced that he would escape unscathed, Subaru avoided eye contact. However, he was greeted with a tepid smile as Beatrice cheerfully acknowledged him.

Beatrice: "Good morning, I suppose."

Subaru: "Err... good morning, Beako... uhh... we should get ready! Niki will be here with the cart soon... so I'm going to grab my clothes and get dressed in the bathroom. I'll see you downstairs!"

And so, the nervously blushing boy quickly released her hand before grabbing his tunic and dashing from the room. Beatrice kept a calm stare until she heard his footsteps retreat down the hallway. With Subaru out of earshot, she let out a small chuckle before placing her hands on her cheeks and quietly whispering to herself.

Beatrice: "Hehe... Darling..."

Feeling particularly rejuvenated from the exchange, Beatrice emerged from the bed and headed towards her wardrobe. After deliberating, she donned a short sleeve aquamarine dress complete with frilly white lace and matching striped stockings. With a snap of her fingers, mana gathered to tie cerulean bows in her twin tails before giving them a swirl to complete the drill effect. Hopping down from her changing area, Beatrice knelt to close the clasps on her glossy azure shoes before looking over her appearance in the mirror. Convinced she was beyond reproach, the prim girl made her way downstairs and joined the others for breakfast. After an unusually hasty meal, the group convened in the foyer before preparing the cart for the trip. Subaru assisted Adella in loading a chest with the girls' costumes while Niki and Beatrice gave snacks to the land dragon. Upon finishing their tasks, Subaru took a seat across from Adella in the cart while they waited for Niki and Beatrice.