Inside the mansion, within Rem's room.
Under Shendu's direction, wolf fangs, rhinoceros horn, mandrake root, octopus tentacles, butterfly wings, and more than a dozen other seemingly unrelated materials were ground into powder by Roswaal using magic.
One by one, they were placed before Shendu. Using magic herself, she fashioned a glass tube-like container and poured each of the strange ingredients into it.
She had no idea whether Roswaal had some kind of collecting hobby, but he had actually managed to retrieve all sorts of bizarre items from his treasury. It genuinely surprised her.
Some of them had even been decorative pieces hanging on his walls. It had taken dozens of minutes to gather everything before they were swiftly crushed into powder.
After pouring the materials together, Shendu slowly stirred them. The mixture gradually transformed into a green solution, radiating a glow unique to magic.
Emilia and the others watched in astonishment. These completely unrelated materials had somehow been combined into a magic potion.
The sight shattered their common sense. After all, this world had never seen anything like it.
"If Rem drinks that, she'll be saved?"
Ram stared at the faintly glowing magic potion in Shendu's hand and asked uncertainly.
She had never seen anything like this before either. No one had ever used a magic potion to treat a curse. She felt both doubtful and hopeful.
"Yes. I will prove it with results. I'll return your sister to you safe and sound."
A trace of confidence shone in Shendu's crimson eyes.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Faced with Shendu's assurance, Ram no longer harbored doubts. At this point, Shendu was the only one she could rely on.
Under everyone's expectant gaze, Shendu lifted Rem's chin and poured the magic potion directly into her mouth.
The instant Rem swallowed it, the green potion collided with the curse within her. Her entire body began to emit a green glow.
The curse struggled, trying to wreak havoc again, but it was quickly crushed into countless black particles that drifted into the air, stirring a faint breeze.
The potion carried both curse-removal and healing properties. Within just a few seconds, Rem's pale complexion gradually regained color, and her heartbeat grew steady and strong.
Shendu was not surprised in the slightest. According to the memories in her mind, she had studied Uncle Chan's grimoire and learned some potion-making knowledge. She had not expected it to prove useful today.
Beatrice stepped forward and used magic to examine Rem's condition. She let out a long breath of relief, joy appearing on her face.
"Phew! Rem's curse has been lifted, and her body is steadily recovering. Big Sister, you're incredible."
Betty looked at Shendu with admiration, feeling as though there was nothing the silver-haired girl could not accomplish.
"It's nothing. Just a small effort. She should wake up soon."
Shendu looked down at Rem, then at Ram, her expression utterly calm.
With the treatment complete, she would naturally gain the favor of the twin maids. She did not particularly dislike them, so keeping them close would not be a bad arrangement.
"Sister Shendu, I want to thank you as well. If you hadn't been here, Rem might not have survived."
Emilia felt even more grateful toward Shendu. Ever since inviting this silver-haired girl, it seemed she had been helping her at every turn. The thought moved her deeply.
"I did it for your sake. Other people's opinions mean nothing to me."
Shendu spoke unhurriedly. A faint blush appeared on Emilia's face, though what she was thinking was anyone's guess.
...
While they were speaking, Rem slowly opened her eyes. She looked exhausted, a sight that tugged painfully at the heart.
"Rem, you're finally awake. How do you feel?"
Ram hurried forward, examining her sister closely. Discovering that she was merely weak, she finally let out a reluctant sigh of relief.
"I'm fine. I don't feel cold anymore. Thank you for worrying about me, Sister."
After speaking, Rem leaned weakly against the headboard. Then, in a faint but sincere voice, she addressed Shendu.
"Lady Shendu, thank you for saving me. Rem will remember this kindness in her heart."
"Ram as well. We will never forget Lady Shendu's great kindness."
At that moment, the twin maids' favor toward Shendu rose sharply. In her mind, the system's indifferent voice echoed.
[Ding~ Rem's favorability increased by 177. Current favorability: 97.]
[Ding~ Ram's favorability increased by 188. Current favorability: 98.]
As expected, by healing Rem, Shendu had also gained Ram's favor. The outcome did not surprise her in the least and left her thoroughly satisfied.
"Oh my! Miss Shendu, to earn Rem and Ram's recognition so completely—you're truly remarkable. From now on, how about they serve you exclusively?"
Roswaal seized the opportunity smoothly. Seeing the light in the maids' eyes, he did not find it strange at all and encouraged the idea.
Understanding Roswaal's intention, Rem and Ram both looked longingly at the serene silver-haired girl.
Realizing that the clown wanted to push the two maids toward her, Shendu remained expressionless. She waved her hand dismissively.
"No need. I am merely a guest here. Helping the master of this mansion resolve troubles is only proper. The patient still needs rest. Let us leave."
After glancing at Rem, who was still weak, Shendu spoke coolly and turned to leave.
"Tch. Don't think Sister Shendu will forgive you so easily. That's impossible."
Felt muttered unhappily, her tone venting her dissatisfaction.
After all, Ram's earlier attitude had been terrible. Felt was still furious about it and almost wished the two maids would disappear from sight.
What should I do? Lady Shendu dislikes me. How can I make her acknowledge me?
Remembering that she had launched a killing strike at Shendu earlier, Ram's eyes dimmed. She felt like an utter fool.
Treating her savior that way—it was only natural to be disliked.
"Ram, Sister Shendu isn't petty. She probably won't hold it against you."
Emilia looked at Ram and tried to comfort her.
"Hehe, Ram, you could always try winning Miss Shendu over with sincerity. Perhaps you'll earn her forgiveness."
Roswaal chuckled softly from the side, offering what was clearly a rather dubious suggestion.