A Golden Trap

Chapter 2: Undimmed Embers

...Because of official business, Subaru was struggling with the pile of papers on his desk.

Subaru: [No matter how much I work at it, there's no end in sight. It's a common scene in manga and anime, but I hadn't expected to have to do this in real life...]

Ram: [Work while you mumble Barusu. Your break was long enough so get back to work. Fool.]

Subaru: [You've seen how much work I've done and you're still saying that?!]

After running through one of the piles of paperwork, he was left with only four mountains to deal with. However, a white mountain range of paperwork was mysteriously added. When Subaru noticed that the number of mountains in front of him had increased by four, he thrust out his quill and said,

Subaru: [Do you really think you can keep treating me like that? Do you have any idea how much power I have in this country right now? I think it's about time you stop treating me like I'm still a butler at the mansion.]

Ram: [You're the one who forgot that you can't even stand properly without the people around you propping you up. If Ram were to abandon Barusu here, who would help you ghostwrite these papers? You should remember your place.]

Subaru: [I'm sorry Nee-sama! Please! Please don't abandon me! Don't leave! Help me!]

He immediately went back on his words, threw his body on the desk and begged for her help, abandoning all of his pride. Seeing that, the pink haired maid snorted.

Ram: [No matter what your position is, Barusu stays the same.. It's about time we stopped this exchange. There's a better use of your time.]

Subaru: [I'm flattered by your generosity, Nee-sama. If someone else saw this scene, you'd be in big trouble. I'm bowing down to a maid! That would be a scandalous story on the front page of every newspaper. ]

Ram: [Ram is on top and Barusu at the bottom. It's an unquestionable truth. I don't see the problem.]

Subaru: [You're a real piece of work, Nee-sama!]

When she heard Subaru's voice quiver in an unmanly-like manner he usually did, Ram exhaled in disgust. She then put a spare chair next to Subaru's desk and pulled out a quill from the pen holder on the desk.

Ram: [Ram will take care of the papers that she can write for you, all that Ram needs from Barusu is confirmation, so please answer verbally when you are asked.]

Subaru: [All right, thanks for the help. This country wouldn't be able to run so well without you Nee-sama.]

Ram: [Show your gratitude by changing your attitude.]

Subaru: [What are you talking about?]

Ram: [Wouldn't it be courteous of you to address me by my name followed with -sama?]

Subaru: [That is another scene that could really get us into trouble, you know?]

In any case, unlike Subaru, who isn't able to work his hands while he talks, Ram's paperwork was advancing at an unbelievable pace. Subaru had heard that Ram had previously worked behind the scenes at the Roswaal mansion, taking care of some of the paperwork on behalf of Roswaal. He had never witnessed her work, so he was surprised at first.

Subaru: [You aren't slouching even a little bit, are you?]

Ram: [Ram feels as though she's being judged dishonorably.]

Subaru: [No no, I'm complimenting you. It's just that most people would slouch at least a bit.]

Ram: [I'm going to approve this petition from a radical political group to get even.]