Natsuki Subaru looked at Emilia encouragingly, but she could no longer put into words what state of mind she was in.
Her little hand moved beyond her control, bringing the strange "toothbrush" coated in green paste toward her mouth.
"Come on, Emilia!" Natsuki Subaru continued to cheer her on, foam still lingering at the corners of his mouth.
The half-elf girl gave him an awkward yet polite smile.
The fresh scent of the green paste gradually filled her nose, and Emilia parted her small lips slightly.
"Ah—!"
The instant her lips touched the toothpaste, Emilia finally could no longer endure the panic deep inside her. Her hand trembled, and both the toothbrush and cup fell to the floor. Panic covered her little face as she flung open the bathroom door and dashed out.
"What happened? Lady Emilia, are you all right?" Rem, who had come to check on her, supported Emilia's violently trembling body, though her gaze had sharpened considerably.
"I-I'm fine." Emilia took several deep breaths and apologized to Natsuki Subaru, who was standing dazed inside the bathroom.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... But that thing is just too terrifying!"
"Ha... haha, is that so?" Natsuki Subaru crouched down and began cleaning up the things that had fallen on the floor.
"Emilia-tan, go back and get some sleep. Sweet dreams!" Natsuki Subaru looked up and gave the silver-haired girl a broad smile.
Emilia looked deeply at Natsuki Subaru. "Sweet dreams to you too."
Rem signaled to her sister, who had just arrived, with her eyes. Ram understood at once and followed Emilia, escorting her back to her room.
"Subaru." Rem stepped into the bathroom and snatched the rag from Natsuki Subaru's hand. "Leave this to me. It's late, so you should go rest first."
"Sigh..." Natsuki Subaru dropped