Subaru and Rem's decision to flee Lugnica had been a leap of faith. The quiet, bustling land of Kararagi promised an escape from the chaos and danger that had haunted their lives. But the reality of starting fresh was more challenging than they'd anticipated. Subaru struggled to secure steady work, his skills unsuited to the competitive world of Kararagi's mercantile society. Rem, determined as ever, took on the responsibility of providing for them. Her diligence led her to a position as a maid in the mansion of Julius Juukulius and his wife, Anastasia Hoshin.
The Juukulius mansion was a testament to elegance and wealth. Julius, a former knight of Lugnica, had transitioned into a role as Anastasia's partner in her business empire. Anastasia herself was a force of nature—a merchant queen whose cunning had brought her unparalleled success. Yet, beneath the surface, Anastasia's life wasn't as enviable as it appeared.
A mysterious illness had weakened her, leaving her bedridden for long stretches. Her condition had not dimmed her sharp mind but had taken its toll on her body. Though Julius remained steadfast in his love and devotion, Anastasia couldn't help but feel she was holding him back. She adored her husband, but she had grown restless. Her once fiery appetite for life and intimacy had become a quieter, more contemplative desire.
When Rem joined the household, Anastasia noticed her almost immediately. The maid's quiet beauty, graceful demeanor, and devoted work ethic captivated her. Anastasia saw the way Julius occasionally watched Rem—curious, perhaps admiring. Though Julius's love for Anastasia was unwavering, she couldn't ignore the tantalizing possibility of adding a spark to their relationship. The idea of another woman sharing her husband excited her in a way she hadn't expected.
The thought lingered in her mind, growing bolder with each passing day. Julius was still attentive to her, still deeply in love, but Anastasia's illness had dulled their once-passionate bond. She knew he would never seek comfort elsewhere—not unless he believed it was his own decision. Anastasia smiled at the thought. She didn't want to force him. She wanted to create an environment where the possibility of being with someone like Rem seemed entirely natural.
The plan was thrilling in its subtlety. Anastasia would set the stage, but neither Julius nor Rem could suspect her involvement. If they believed their own choices had led them together, the experience would be more authentic, more exhilarating—for all of them.
It began with small nudges. Anastasia suggested that Julius spend more time relaxing in the garden, framing it as a way to ease the strain of managing their household while caring for her. "Let Rem bring you tea," she said one evening, her tone light and casual. "She's quite capable, and I trust her to tend to you when I can't."
Julius, ever accommodating, agreed without much thought. When Rem appeared in the garden with a tray of tea, she approached with her usual professionalism. She served Julius with quiet precision, her soft-spoken demeanor putting him at ease. The two exchanged polite conversation, nothing more. Yet Anastasia, watching discreetly from her window, could see the potential. Julius admired Rem's dedication, and Rem, though entirely focused on her duties, seemed to respect Julius's gentle demeanor.
As the days passed, Anastasia wove her influence more intricately. She reassigned tasks in the household, ensuring that Rem and Julius had more opportunities to interact. She framed these decisions as practical changes—nothing that would arouse suspicion.
At night, Anastasia's thoughts grew bolder. She pictured Julius and Rem together, their bodies intertwined, their passion ignited by the circumstances she'd carefully arranged. The idea didn't make her jealous; it thrilled her. She loved Julius deeply and knew his heart belonged to her. But she also found herself captivated by the thought of him with someone as beautiful and devoted as Rem. It was a new kind of intimacy for Anastasia—a secret indulgence in orchestrating something forbidden.
Julius, for his part, noticed the growing familiarity between himself and Rem. He couldn't deny that she was attractive, but his love for Anastasia kept him grounded. Yet the subtle encouragement from Anastasia, combined with the moments he shared with Rem, began to stir questions he hadn't considered before.
Rem remained blissfully unaware of the larger game being played. She focused on her work and her loyalty to Subaru. But even she couldn't ignore the growing warmth in her interactions with Julius. His kindness and understanding reminded her of Subaru, and in her quieter moments, she found herself thinking about him more than she expected.
Anastasia watched it all unfold, her excitement building with every step. She had no intention of revealing her hand. She wanted Julius and Rem to believe it was their own choices that brought them closer, their own desires that unraveled the boundaries between them. For now, she would remain in the background, orchestrating and observing, savoring the thrill of what she had set in motion.
The stage was set, and the players moved as if of their own volition. Anastasia smiled to herself, anticipation tingling through her as she imagined what would come next.
Anastasia had always prided herself on her subtlety. She knew how to move pieces on the board without anyone noticing the guiding hand behind them. As the days passed, her plan to nudge Julius and Rem closer began to take shape. Neither Julius nor Rem could suspect her intentions; they needed to believe their growing familiarity was entirely organic. Anastasia reveled in this delicate dance, her excitement building with every small success.
One afternoon, she found the perfect opportunity to advance her plan. Julius was preparing for his regular sword practice in the mansion's courtyard, a habit he maintained to keep his skills sharp despite no longer being an active knight. Anastasia turned to Rem with a casual smile.
"Rem, could you be a dear and bring Julius a fresh set of clothes for after his training? He's bound to get sweaty, and I'd hate for him to feel uncomfortable before his bath."
Rem nodded without hesitation, always eager to assist. She gathered a neatly folded outfit and made her way to the courtyard. Meanwhile, Anastasia made her next move.
"Julius," she called sweetly, "why not train without your shirt today? It's such a warm afternoon, and you'll feel much more comfortable. Besides, Rem and I are planning to enjoy tea while you practice. It might be a pleasant view for us, don't you think?"
Julius gave her a bemused smile but complied. He was accustomed to Anastasia's playful comments and saw no harm in indulging her request. As he removed his shirt and began his exercises, Anastasia sipped her tea with a satisfied smirk.
When Rem arrived with his clothes, her composure faltered for only a moment. Julius's well-toned physique glistened with sweat under the sunlight, a testament to his years of disciplined training. She quickly regained her professional demeanor, setting the clothes on a nearby bench and offering a polite nod before taking her place beside Anastasia.
"Thank you, Rem," Anastasia said, her tone light as she gestured for the maid to sit. "Now, let's talk. How are things going in the mansion? Is the workload manageable?"
Rem hesitated, unsure if Anastasia was merely making conversation or fishing for feedback. "The work is not difficult, Lady Anastasia. I'm used to similar duties from my past experience. I only hope I'm meeting your expectations."
Anastasia waved her hand dismissively, a warm smile on her lips. "Oh, you're doing splendidly, my dear. Julius and I couldn't be happier with your efforts. Isn't that right, Julius?" she called over to her husband, who was in the midst of a flawless sword flourish.
Julius paused briefly, resting the tip of his blade on the ground. "Rem is exceptional," he said sincerely, his golden eyes meeting hers for a moment before returning to his practice.
Anastasia noted the faint pink tint on Rem's cheeks and filed it away for later.
As the afternoon wore on, Anastasia excused herself with an exaggerated sigh. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a mountain of paperwork to tackle. Rem, could you keep Julius company while I'm gone? I'm sure he wouldn't mind a bit of conversation to break up the monotony of training."
Before either could protest, she gracefully departed, retreating to a hidden vantage point where she could eavesdrop without being seen.
Julius wiped his brow with a towel, his shirt still absent as he turned to Rem. "Lady Anastasia can be insistent," he said with a small chuckle. "I hope she didn't inconvenience you by asking you to stay."
"Not at all, Sir Julius," Rem replied, her hands folded neatly in front of her. "It's an honor to be of service. And I imagine training alone must get lonely sometimes."
"It can," Julius admitted, his tone conversational. "But it's necessary. A knight's skills dull if not practiced regularly. Even if I no longer serve the royal guard, I believe it's important to stay disciplined." He paused, glancing at her. "How has your work been? You've been with us for two months now. Are you settling in well?"
Rem nodded. "I have. Everyone has been kind, and the tasks are familiar to me. I worked as a maid in the past, so I try my best to meet your and Lady Anastasia's expectations."
"You've exceeded them," Julius said earnestly. "Your attention to detail and dedication are remarkable. Anastasia has mentioned more than once how grateful she is to have you here."
Rem smiled softly, a rare moment of pride flickering in her expression. "Thank you, Sir Julius. That means a great deal."
From her hiding spot, Anastasia grinned to herself. The conversation was progressing as she'd hoped—respectful, amicable, but with a growing warmth that hinted at potential. She couldn't help but imagine how their interactions might evolve in the coming days, and the thought sent a shiver of excitement through her.
She retreated silently, satisfied with what she had heard. The pieces were moving, and soon, she was certain, the connections she envisioned would begin to form.
Anastasia paced through her chambers, the soft clinking of her slippers the only sound breaking the silence. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one circling back to the conversation she had overheard between Julius and Rem. It had been casual—almost polite—but there had been a subtle shift in the air, a tension that had ignited her curiosity.
Rem had always been so composed, so dutiful. But the way her gaze lingered on Julius, the way her breath had caught when he smiled or spoke with warmth, was enough to stir something deep within Anastasia. She could sense it. Rem's attraction to Julius, whether she acknowledged it or not, was becoming undeniable. It excited Anastasia more than she cared to admit.
Anastasia let her thoughts wander, indulging in fantasies she hadn't let herself entertain in years. She imagined Rem, so quietly reserved, tracing her fingers over Julius's well-toned abs as he trained, her delicate fingers skimming the smooth contours of his chest. The idea that Rem might desire him—her own husband—was a potent thrill that twisted in her stomach. Anastasia felt a strange sense of ownership over this unfolding situation, a satisfaction that came from knowing she was guiding them without their knowledge.
But, she couldn't push too fast. As eager as she was, Anastasia understood that timing was everything. She couldn't rush it—if she did, it might ruin the delicate balance she had set in motion. There was a thrill in watching from the sidelines, a deep sense of satisfaction in orchestrating the inevitable, as if her husband and Rem were pieces on a chessboard and she held all the control.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the rustling of papers on her desk. Anastasia sighed. She had been so distracted by her fantasies that she had made a mistake while working on some important paperwork. A page had become smudged, ruining several hours of work. The ink had bled through, leaving a dark, blotchy mess. She was going to need to fix it—there was no avoiding it.
"Ugh," she muttered to herself, pushing her chair back with a soft scrape. "Focus, Anastasia. If you don't stay sharp, the whole plan could fall apart."
She stood up, smoothing out her long, flowing dress. As she walked toward the desk, her eyes flitted over the ruined page. The letters were smeared, unreadable, and she cursed softly under her breath. "I suppose I'll have to redo this entire section. Just what I needed today."
Anastasia gathered the papers with a frustrated sigh and began preparing a fresh sheet. But even as she worked to fix her mistake, her mind kept drifting back to the scene from earlier. The way Julius had looked at Rem when she had served him, the way she had offered her thanks so politely. And Rem's eyes... there was something in them. A flicker of desire that Anastasia had recognized immediately.
She leaned over the desk, her fingers lightly grazing the edges of the fresh page as she tried to focus on the work at hand. But her mind kept circling back. Rem was clearly drawn to Julius—of that, Anastasia had no doubt. And Julius, despite his affection for her, was a man with needs. Needs that, Anastasia felt, she could no longer fulfill in the same way she once had.
Her mind wandered again. She imagined the intimacy of it all. Rem's delicate touch, her soft gasp as her hand brushed against Julius's skin. The tension building between them as the attraction grew stronger. Anastasia pictured herself watching from the shadows, silently cheering on the quiet passion she was carefully fostering between them. It was thrilling. The more she let herself indulge in these thoughts, the more the idea of Rem with Julius began to feel... inevitable.
"Focus," she whispered to herself again, her voice almost a hiss. She took a steadying breath, trying to push the fantasies aside. This was the reality she needed to focus on.
But even as she worked, Anastasia couldn't help but smile. Deep down, she knew this wasn't just about pleasing Julius. It was about feeling alive again. The excitement, the thrill of orchestrating something forbidden, was the spark she'd been missing. She would have to tread carefully, of course—no one could know what she was truly thinking—but the thought of Julius and Rem together, of their bodies and desires intertwining, thrilled her in a way she hadn't felt in ages.
For now, the plan was set, even if it was just beginning. Every small movement she made, every conversation, every glance, was pushing them closer. Soon, it would happen. But for now, she would focus on the paperwork—and on watching from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to set everything in motion.
Anastasia leaned back in her plush chair, a mischievous smile curling her lips. Her newest plan was her boldest yet, a masterpiece of subtle manipulation and careful orchestration. The idea had come to her late one evening as she thought about ways to create an intimate, irresistible situation for Julius and Rem. A hot spring resort would be perfect—a secluded, romantic atmosphere that could break down their carefully constructed barriers.
She had decided to purchase an entire resort outright. The flexibility it afforded her in controlling the environment was worth the expense. Anastasia had already begun planning every detail, her excitement building with every thought.
The first step was simple: convince Julius that the trip was for business. She would tell him it was an important meeting with local investors. Then, at the last moment, she would feign illness and insist that Julius go in her place—accompanied, of course, by Rem. "It would only be proper for your maid to attend," she would say, her voice laced with feigned regret.
But the genius of the plan lay in the next step. Anastasia would arrange for the resort staff to "accidentally" cancel one of the rooms. Julius would be informed at the front desk that only one room was available, forcing him to share it with Rem. To ensure no chance of improvised solutions, she'd instruct the staff to mention that all other rooms were fully booked.
Anastasia chuckled to herself, her mind already racing with additional touches to heighten the atmosphere. She imagined slipping aphrodisiacs into their meals, creating a heated, unspoken tension. Perhaps the baths could be adjusted—either a shared mixed bath or a private one for just the two of them. The idea of only allowing mixed baths was especially appealing; the thought of Julius and Rem submerged in warm water together, their bare skin inches apart, sent a thrill through her.
But her pièce de résistance was the idea of filling the surrounding rooms with handpicked couples who would spend the night indulging in loud, passionate lovemaking. The sounds would echo through the thin walls, igniting the atmosphere and making it impossible for Julius and Rem to ignore the rising tension between them.
"Absolutely brilliant," Anastasia muttered to herself, leaning forward to jot down some notes for her staff. But as her pen scratched across the page, she noticed a blot of ink spreading beneath her hand. In her excitement, she had pressed too hard, causing the ink to spill and smear across the delicate parchment.
"Not again!" she groaned, crumpling the ruined document in frustration. This was the second time today she had destroyed an important paper because her thoughts were consumed by her plans. She sighed and rested her chin in her hand, staring at the inky mess on her desk.
"This is getting out of hand," Anastasia muttered, though the grin creeping back onto her face betrayed her words. As troublesome as these distractions were, she couldn't deny how alive she felt. Plotting and scheming like this gave her a rush she hadn't experienced in years.
She leaned back again, closing her eyes as she imagined the scene unfolding at the resort. Julius and Rem, alone in their shared room, surrounded by the heat and intimacy of the hot springs, unable to escape the feelings she had so carefully stoked. The thought sent a thrill through her, one that almost made her forget about the ruined document on her desk.
"First the plan," she said to herself, pulling out a fresh sheet of paper. "Then the execution."
She dipped her pen in the ink once more, carefully writing out the instructions for her staff. This time, she would ensure every detail was perfect. After all, she was creating the ultimate stage for passion to bloom—and she wouldn't let a little spilled ink ruin her masterpiece.
Anastasia reclined on her chaise longue, her fingers lightly tapping her chin. She had already set much of her hot spring plan into motion, but her mischievous mind wasn't content to stop there. If she was going to orchestrate the perfect scenario to bring Julius and Rem closer, she needed to account for every possible detail. The thrill of it all—playing puppet master to their emotions—was too intoxicating to resist.
One idea led to another as Anastasia's thoughts spiraled deeper into her plans.
The Party
A party would be the perfect setup before the hot springs stay. Anastasia decided she would arrange for the person Julius and Rem were supposedly meeting—a fictitious investor she'd invent—to host an evening gathering. The drinks would be strong, plentiful, and deliberately spiked to lower inhibitions. A little alcohol could go a long way in breaking down walls, and she would ensure Rem and Julius drank their fill. The investor, of course, would be instructed to drop hints about how "relaxing" and "intimate" the hot springs would be, subtly planting ideas in their minds before they even arrived.
The Futon Trick
Anastasia grinned as she imagined the futon scenario. When Julius and Rem first entered their shared room, there would be two futons, neatly laid out. However, once they returned from their evening bath—possibly still tipsy—they would find only one futon remaining. She'd ensure the reception desk was closed, leaving them no choice but to share. Drunken and flustered, they would have no escape from the awkward intimacy of sleeping side by side.
The Cold Room
Adding a little discomfort would enhance the situation further. Anastasia decided to employ a fire spirit to manipulate the room's temperature, ensuring it would be just cold enough to require extra warmth. If Julius and Rem were too cold, cuddling would seem like the natural solution. Anastasia smirked, imagining the way Rem might shyly inch closer to Julius for warmth, and how Julius, driven by his lingering frustrations, might respond.
Undermining Rem's Relationship
The thought of Subaru brought a wicked gleam to Anastasia's eyes. She didn't need to destroy Rem's relationship with her husband outright—that would be too obvious—but sowing a few seeds of doubt could work wonders. Perhaps a carefully placed letter hinting at Subaru's apparent disinterest or a fabricated rumor about his lack of ambition would plant insecurities in Rem's mind. If Rem began to question Subaru's devotion, her resolve to stay loyal might waver, especially when faced with Julius's undeniable charm.
Julius's Unmet Needs
As for Julius, Anastasia knew she had to prime him as well. Though he loved her deeply, she had noticed his patience wearing thin as her illness limited their physical relationship. She resolved to subtly frustrate him before the trip, finding small excuses to avoid intimacy. At the same time, she would fan the flames of his desires by dropping suggestive compliments about Rem.
"She's such a diligent worker, isn't she?" Anastasia might muse. "And so graceful. You're lucky to have her accompanying you. It's reassuring to know you'll be in good hands."
She would also ensure Julius had opportunities to see Rem in moments of vulnerability, perhaps catching her in a flustered state or noticing how beautiful she looked while tending to her duties. Anastasia chuckled to herself, imagining how his gaze might linger on her maid without him even realizing it.
The Perfect Setup
As she pieced together these elements, Anastasia felt a surge of pride. Everything was falling into place. The party, the alcohol, the futon, the cold room, and the emotional seeds of doubt—every detail was designed to push Julius and Rem closer together, bit by bit.
But her thoughts were once again interrupted by the telltale blot of ink spreading across her latest document. "Oh, for the love of..." Anastasia muttered, tossing the ruined page aside. Her excitement had gotten the better of her again.
She let out a resigned sigh, though her smirk quickly returned. "No matter," she said to herself, reaching for a fresh sheet of paper. "A little spilled ink is a small price to pay for perfection."
With renewed focus, Anastasia began jotting down her instructions, her mind buzzing with anticipation. Soon, Julius and Rem would embark on their carefully orchestrated trip. And Anastasia would be watching from afar, reveling in every moment of the drama she had so meticulously crafted.
Anastasia slid into the soft silk sheets of her luxurious bed, her thoughts swirling with the intricate plans she had spent the day perfecting. Her heart raced as she imagined the culmination of her efforts, the slow unraveling of the barriers between Julius and Rem.
She closed her eyes, letting her fantasies take shape. She pictured the scene vividly: Julius and Rem together, the flickering glow of candlelight casting shadows on the walls. Despite Rem's protests about her marriage, her body would betray her resolve, and Julius—so calm, so persuasive—would make her feel things she hadn't allowed herself to admit.
Anastasia's smile deepened as the scene played out in her mind. She could almost hear their whispers, their soft gasps, as they gave in to the feelings she had carefully cultivated between them. Julius would tease her, perhaps even playfully mock her guilt.
"Just this once," Julius would say, his voice low and soothing as his lips brushed against hers. "No one has to know."
And Rem, trembling, torn between loyalty and desire, would finally lean into him. They'd kiss, tentative at first, but the passion would grow until it consumed them.
Anastasia's pulse quickened at the thought of it. The idea that it was her plan, her guiding hand, that had led them to this moment made it all the more exhilarating. She wasn't jealous—far from it. The notion of Julius sharing such an intimate connection with another woman, especially one as graceful and disciplined as Rem, thrilled her in a way she hadn't anticipated.
She turned onto her side, the coolness of the sheets brushing against her heated skin. What she loved most about the idea wasn't just the act itself—it was the complexity of it all. Rem, bound by her loyalty to her husband, would be wrestling with guilt, even as her body responded to Julius. And Julius, ever the gentleman, would savor the opportunity to make her feel cherished and wanted in a way that transcended their usual roles.
"It would only be once," Anastasia whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "A fleeting moment of passion, nothing more."
But deep down, she wondered if it would truly end there. Could anyone, after tasting forbidden fruit, simply walk away? The thought of them trying to navigate the aftermath, of stolen glances and lingering touches, sent a shiver down her spine.
Anastasia burrowed deeper into her pillows, her smile widening. She couldn't wait to see how it all unfolded, to witness the beauty of two people giving in to something they couldn't control. And as she drifted off to sleep, her mind was filled with images of soft kisses, whispered confessions, and the undeniable chemistry between Julius and Rem—a chemistry she had so carefully nurtured.
Her plans were set. Now, all she had to do was wait.
Anastasia's dream was vivid, almost tangible, as if she were witnessing a secret drama unfold before her eyes. In the dream, Julius and Rem tiptoed around the mansion, their movements furtive, their exchanges electric with stolen glances and whispered words. They were trying to keep their budding affair hidden from her, their guilt palpable but their desire even stronger.
She saw them meeting in shadowy corners, their lips inches apart as they fought the urge to give in to temptation. The thrill of secrecy heightened their connection, and Anastasia watched as they succumbed to each other, time and time again, their passion too powerful to resist.
Instead of anger or betrayal, Anastasia felt a deep, inexplicable satisfaction as she observed them. The way Julius looked at Rem, the way his hands caressed her, made Anastasia's chest tighten with an unfamiliar mix of emotions. She woke suddenly, her heart pounding, the dream lingering in her mind like the remnants of a tantalizing story.
She blinked, her surroundings slowly coming into focus. Morning light filtered through the curtains, and the steady rhythm of Julius's breathing filled the room. He was still asleep, his face peaceful beside her. Anastasia smiled softly, leaning closer to press a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"Good morning, my love," she whispered, though he didn't stir. She let her lips linger for a moment, savoring the intimacy, even if it wasn't returned.
The dream replayed in her mind, stirring thoughts she couldn't ignore. As much as she adored Julius, she knew her illness had created a distance between them, one she could no longer bridge the way she used to. Her body betrayed her more often than not, leaving her unable to satisfy him in ways she once could.
Still, she was determined to see him happy, even if it meant stepping aside in this one, intimate area of their lives. The dream had only solidified her belief that Rem could be a perfect substitute—someone who could fulfill Julius's desires while Anastasia remained the center of his heart.
She brushed her fingers lightly through his hair, her smile bittersweet. "I wish it could be me," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "But if not me, then I hope she'll be everything you need."
Anastasia felt no jealousy, only a strange sense of fulfillment. She had created the conditions for this possibility to unfold, and the dream felt like a glimpse into the future she was shaping. If everything went according to plan, Julius would have someone to care for him in ways she couldn't, and Anastasia could watch, knowing she had given him what he deserved.
With a sigh, she slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb him. She had slept well—better than she had in weeks—and her energy was renewed. The pieces of her plan were coming together, and soon, everything would fall into place. As she dressed for the day, Anastasia couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation.
Her heart ached, but not with regret. Instead, it was a strange mix of longing and excitement, a quiet acceptance of the role she had chosen to play. Anastasia smiled to herself, ready to set the next part of her plan into motion.