It was a bad idea to play along with Meili.
"LEAVE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ALONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
It was impossible to get rid of the Ulgarms: no matter how many kicks I gave them or how many stones I threw at them, they kept coming.
My body was covered in bites and tears, but I didn't stop running. The monsters galloped behind me, snorting rhythmically.
I knew I wouldn't be able to run away for long because of my chubby body. I also wouldn't be able to fight the mawbeasts, since not even Subaru was able to deal with them on his own.
Luckily, I found some high ground and strategically positioned myself to provide some cover from the Ulgarm's furious attacks. Still, my strength drained pathetically quickly.
One of the hounds leaped at me and knocked me down, destroying my defense and allowing everyone to surround me. I silently cursed my lack of physical condition and prepared to be brutally gnawed.
—El Huma!
I heard Rem's voice, and a second later, several ice projectiles appeared and struck the Ulgarm pack. I got up with some difficulty and ran to the maid.
"You saved me, thank you."
"The village children said you disappeared with a little girl." Rem had a hostile expression. "Can you explain that?"
The situation suggested I was a possible pedophile for taking a little girl into the woods under the guise of playing hide-and-seek. Ironically, telling the truth could make things worse.
"She went into hiding during the game, and I think she crossed the barrier. The mabeasts must have captured her."
"I don't understand how they put you in such a bind. You're supposed to want to eliminate the Witch Cult, but you can't fight Ulgarm? What was your plan then?"
There was disappointment in Rem's tone. Nothing new, I'm very good at making bad impressions.
"Can we talk about this later?! Maybe when that poor little girl's life isn't in danger?!"
That's it, let's use manipulation tactics to evade the reality that I'm ridiculously weak.
"..."
Rem hesitated, her resolve torn between duty and morality. I felt she'd refuse if I let her think, so I feigned bravery and started walking deeper into the forest without waiting for her.
"Wait! What do you think you're doing?!"
"Try not to waste time!"
"Lord Roswaal didn't order you to do that! This isn't part of your duties!"
"We represent the Margrave of these lands! What message will it send to the rest of the world if a girl dies here, when we could save her?! If you don't want to risk it, leave."
Manipulation will raise the nation. Rem had to take the bait, or I'd probably die and have to repeat almost a week of my life. In a way, that would be convenient, and I could think of a better plan to persuade Meili now that I know how she'll react.
"No, those thoughts are very dangerous. If I decide to die every time things get difficult or aren't exactly the way I want, I'll end up like the Subaru who accepted the contract with Echidna."
"Why do you care so much? You barely know those children."
Rem was still not convinced.
"Does that matter? I don't want to let bad things happen if I can avoid it."
YOU ARE READING
A Random in Re:Zero
FanfictionWhat would happen if someone else took Subaru's place in the story? What would his path, his decisions, and his relationship with the characters be like? Would he have more power or intelligence than Subaru? Would he choose the same route, take an a...
