A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 2 - Part 1

"If it's within my power, I'll help you."

"It's very simple." I took out my smartphone and put the camera in selfie mode. "Stand next to me and smile while you look at this lens here."

A little confused, Reinhard did as I asked and I showed him the result: a photograph of the two of us.

"What was that?"

"Photography. It's a function of my Smart- I mean 'Metia', or at least that's how you call it in this part of the world."

"Can you capture a moment as a still image and save it to that device?"

"Yes, you understood it perfectly, you are very perceptive."

Reinhard scratched his cheek and asked me timidly.

"Why keep an image with me?"

"You never know when you might need a picture with a handsome, powerful guy." I grimaced. "Sorry, it's not like I'm trying to take advantage of your kindness, but I'm not very strong, so I'm trying to defend myself the best I can. Those thieves recognized you, so you must be popular around here." I clasped my hands and exclaimed solemnly. "I promise not to use this picture for any evil or selfish purposes! At most, I could boast that I'm friends with Reinhard."

"Friends?"

"I guess it's too soon for that, but maybe it will happen. How about I treat you to lunch later? We can meet at the loot house in the slum, since I have a business there."

"I... I guess I can accept that, I'm not on duty today."

I nodded as I thought of something, finally hitting my hand with a fist as if I had remembered something.

"That's right! You're a knight, aren't you? I think you have something important to know."

The sword saint's eyebrows arched.

"What's this about?" His expression turned serious and analytical.

"I saw the Bowel Hunter, Elsa Granhiert. She's wandering around the slums. I think she's planning something."

Reinhard became completely serious and his posture became firm.

"That's no good. I need to deal with that threat immediately." He prepared to move, but before doing so, he gave me a nod of approval. "Thanks for the information, Leandro. I'll see you later."

With a burst of speed, Reinhard zoomed away and disappeared from my sight.

"That concludes the first part of my plan." I murmured. "Now the negotiation begins."

I already knew how to get to the loot house, so I had no major problems finding my way. Before entering, I reviewed the details of my plan to minimize the chances of failure.

Once satisfied, I braced myself and knocked on the door. A young girl's voice sounded from inside the building, and I soon heard footsteps approaching.

The door opened, revealing a familiar figure. Short blond hair, red eyes, a black bun, and a scarf stood out from her overall appearance.

"Who are you? Did you lose something?"

"Hi Felt, I'm here to do business. May I come in?"

***

"Wow! This food is really good!"

Rom was enjoying my bag of chips, while I drank a glass filled to the brim with liquor. I needed to relax a little after being chased and then frozen to death.

"So, you want me to steal something for you?" Felt sounded impatient, her legs swinging in the air and her fingers tapping on the wood of the bar. She was eager to hand the insignia to Elsa and get her payment of ten holy coins. However, that wasn't going to happen in any way.