A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 3 - Part 13

"We have finally found the fifth candidate to become Dragon Priestess and Queen of Lugunica."

As he made his announcement, his eyes looked in my direction for a few seconds, as if he were saying something nonverbally.

The doors to the hall opened and Felt walked in. I gulped as I watched her approach with the tiny bridesmaids holding the train of her long dress.

Despite my obvious nervousness, she walked past me without noticing my presence. She stopped in front of Reinhard and looked at him silently.

"Reinhard..."

"Yes?"

Aaand there is the head kick. Reinhard easily blocks, as expected.

"I hate you! I hate your house, I hate this dress, and I hate this damn place full of classist assholes! I don't want to be here! What kind of knight are you, forcing yourself on an innocent girl like this?!"

Felt's rant hit me like a truck. She shouldn't have been so spiteful toward Reinhard... Not if I'd kept the story's original development.

In this version of events, Reinhard had to fight Rom and knock him down to win Felt over. Since Elsa never appeared, there was no gratitude from Felt to Reinhard for saving her life.

"Oh shit."

Reinhard looked dismayed. He bowed respectfully to her, trying to calm her down.

"I deeply regret that this situation is so unpleasant for you, Lady Felt. However, you must understand that this is a necessary procedure to ensure the prosperity of Lugunica."

"I don't give a shit about Lugunica! Everyone here is scum who only cares about their own asses!"

"Lady Felt, that is not-"

"Fuck the royal selection! Fuck all of you!"

Needless to say, Felt's exclamations caused the indignation of the officials, the contempt of the knights, and the disappointment of the elders.

Suddenly, someone clicked their tongue in displeasure.

"What a nuisance! I will not tolerate this insolent display in my presence."

Priscilla swung her fan at her, but Reinhard stepped in and the power of the attack faded like a candle flame being blown out.

"My apologies, Lady Priscilla."

"Someone ought to be in charge of silencing that infuriating child." Priscilla said, avoiding direct interaction with Reinhard.

Several men raised their voices with derogatory comments about the choice for the fifth candidate, verbally attacking Reinhard and Felt.

She insulted everyone she could, glancing furiously for the nearest ones to strike (something Reinhard wouldn't allow). Unfortunately for me, her eyes flicked over to my position and she recognized me.

"You! You're the one who got me into all this!"

Felt moved at superhuman speed by the standards of my world. Her figure blurred as she ran toward me, launching a kick that sliced through the air, aiming for my face.

For a split second, I felt like the world was moving slower, but it wasn't really that. I had an incredible ability to react and dodge Felt's leg.

Saved by the brilliant reflexes of my doppelganger, the hunter.

"That's not a nice way to greet an old acquaintance."

"Let me go, and fuck off!"

"I'm glad to see you too, you know." I let go of her leg.