A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 3 - Part 13

It was Julius, who stood between us, separating us with his hands. Although he interrupted us, the little Aldebaran said was enough to make my blood run cold.

"Does he know I'm an imposter? But how?"

"If you continue with this, both of you will be removed from this premises."

At Julius's warning, I put aside my tension with Aldebaran and bowed respectfully to the spirit knight, intending to get on his good side.

"I'm very sorry for my indiscretion." I said, straightening my suit, which was a little loose after I lost weight. "I didn't mean to cause any inconvenience."

Aldebaran said nothing, which earned him a disapproving look from Julius, who instead looked at me and nodded with satisfaction.

"That's fine, as long as you understand." He then spoke to both of us. "Just make sure you keep your animosity out of this meeting."

"Thank you for being so understanding, Sir Julius." I tried hard to be very polite and accommodating to reduce the chances of having a conflict with him and the other knights later.

He walked away to stand at the front of the line. Following him with my eyes, I found a familiar redhead. He had an awkward smile on his face, as if he couldn't find a way to greet me after the little show he'd just put on.

I decided to do the work for him.

"Hey, Reinhard!" I shook his hand cheerfully. "How's God's favorite son, the one Tappei hates the most?"

"It's been a while, Leandro. I see you've made progress on your mission." He said, eyeing my uniform with the Mathers family crest. "Who's Tappei, by the way?"

I opened my mouth to give him an evasive answer, but Felix entered the scene and cut off my dialogue.

"Leandro, I was looking forward to seeing you nya!"

"I can't say the same, tempting femboy." I gave him a hard look, determined not to sin.

"Huh? What does that mean?" His cat ears twitched as he raised his eyebrows.

Julius turned slightly, intrigued by my interactions with Reinhard and Felix. His small gesture didn't go unnoticed, as Felix called out to him.

"Julius! Have you met this guy before?"

"Ah, actually..."

Anastasia's knight wanted to explain what had happened a few moments before, but Captain Marcus's voice silenced him.

"The members of the Council of Elders and the candidates have been gathered. If I may, I, Captain Marcus of the Knights of the Royal Guard, will oversee these proceedings."

That said, the scene played out exactly as I remember it. Marcus told a bit of history, Anastasia interrupted him, asking him to get to the point, and Crusch agreed with her, only to be challenged by the elderly Miklotov.

To my amusement, Anastasia spoke with a very strong regional accent at this point. I heard everything in my own language, so it was strange to hear someone from this world speaking like that. I was also quite angry when Emilia was treated dismissively when she tried to give her opinion.

However, I refrained from commenting on this matter.

Marcus resumed his speech, discussing the prophecies of the dragon tablet and its significance. Finally, the Pact with Volcanica and the lack of a fifth candidate were mentioned. This gave Reinhard the opportunity to report his discovery.

"Esteemed members of the Council of Elders; I, Reinhard van Astrea of the Knights of the Royal Guard, am here to report that my mission is complete."

Reinhard turned around and declared the following: