(Rem x Reader) Re:Reader - Starting YOUR New Life in Another World

Chapter 8: One Appa, Two Appa, Red Appa, Green Appa

After completing his late-morning stroll around the garden with Rem, the two went their separate ways once inside. Rem had a few things to attend to before leaving and YN was on his way to Subaru's room to make good on his word. As promised, YN delivered the solar bank to his room. YN had agreed to allow Subaru to use it in exchange for doing most of Rem's early morning tasks. With Subaru away currently working on his own tasks, YN took his phone from the drawer and set up the panel in the window to catch the afternoon sun.

Making his way back down to the main foyer to where Rem would be waiting for him to depart, he found Ram in conversation with her.

Ram: I'm terribly sorry to burden you with the responsibility of watching him, but I'm afraid if he gets anymore blood on anything It'll be quicker for Ram to just do the task herself.

Rem put a hand to her chin in thought, thinking of a solution. Interjecting himself into the conversation that was clearly about Subaru, YN asked his question.

YN: What's this about blood getting over everything?

Ram: If it isn't the more reliable of the two new helpers, NY.

YN: I think maybe being the 'more reliable of the two' ought to at least earn me not having my name twisted into a curse.

Turning to address him further, Ram continued.

Ram: *sigh* The blood has to do with Barasu I'm afraid. In some wild idea of his, he decided to take on Rem's morning tasks for her and managed to cut his finger on at least each one, sometimes making quite the mess.

Almost as if on cue, Subaru made his way from the hallway, his finger on each hand covered in white bandages.

Walking up to the group, Subaru said his hellos to Rem and YN.

Ram: And as you can see—

Subaru: Ow! Hey that's still sore—

Ram: Oh please, what if Emilia-sama saw you?

Grabbing Subaru's hand, Ram pulled it toward Rem to show her the extend of his actions.

Ram: Now, as you can see, Barasu is going to be rather useless at anything else we make him do today, so he can at least make himself useful by carrying some of the goods back on your errand.

Rem: I will have him do so, Nee-sama.

Well, there goes more alone time with Rem it seems. YN could only think.

Rem: That reminds Rem, there's need to check one last time before we depart so we don't neglect to buy anything the pantry is low on.

Ram: And I must attend to Roswaal-sama's afternoon tea.

Leaving both of the boys in the foyer, YN took this chance to strategize.

YN: Hey, Subaru.

Subaru: I can already tell where this is going and the answer is 'no.'

YN: Oh come-on! You haven't heard me out yet. It involves me doing your work for a change.

At YN's proclamation, Subaru gave an expression that he was deciding to hear him out.

YN: I'll do your share of outside and bathroom cleaning duties if just stay at least twenty paces off and not be a third wheel.

Subaru: 'Third wheel?' Are you treating this like its some kind of date with her somethin— hmm! Hmm!

YN quickly placed his hand over Subaru's mouth to stop him from speaking anymore.

YN: Not so loud! I don't want her to overhear you. *sigh* Listen, you don't even have to carry anything. Just stay far behind and once we get to the village just kinda wander off, I'll take care of things.

Subaru could only nod in agreement, his mouth still covered.

YN: Good.

Releasing him, YN gave Subaru his voice back, which he used to complain about the tasks he had done until Rem arrived back. A few minutes later, the three departed, Subaru remaining far enough out to not be involved in Rem and YN's walking conversation.

***

Upon entering the village, Subaru slipped away while Rem and YN shopped for the goods they needed.
YN: Hey Rem, it might sound odd but, can you show me how money here works?

Rem tilted her head at YN's question.

Rem: YN-kun, what do you mean exactly?

YN: It's just I have no clue what the going rate for anything normally is here. Or—

YN took another quick look around him at all the stalls in the market square around him, and the goods they had on their counters.

YN: Or, and if I'm being honest here, I don't even recognize any of these fruits or vegetables.