A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 4 - Part 20

After all, the first time she saw him, he had managed to get a lot of injuries, somehow.

Emilia looked to Roswaal for support, but the Margrave smiled as if he was fine with it.

"Don't worry, Lady Emilia. I'll leave our trusty Rem to look after our dear Leeeandro for as long as necessary."

"Please don't do that with my name or I'll have nightmares..."

"Oh, it can't be that bad dreaming about me."

Roswaal smiled and winked at the boy, who responded with a grimace of disgust.

Finding herself unanimously outvoted, the half-elf sighed in surrender.

"Be careful, and come back soon."

"I will. Don't miss me too much." He smiled, trying to look confident.

She nodded and waved goodbye before getting into the carriage, which started moving a few seconds later, moving away until it was out of sight.

Leandro looked up at the sky, wondering if he deserved to live a happy life after indirectly killing several innocent people.

"Maybe not me, but there are many others who do. The least I can do to make up for my mistake is to save as many people as I can."

Rem looked at him intently, wondering what had motivated Leandro to stay in the royal capital. From the boy's face, the maid guessed it was something important.

"What are those issues you are going to resolve?"

He looked down, reciprocating eye contact.

"I have to get a troop to kill the White Whale."

***

"So, how are things going with Felt?"

Reinhard shifted uncomfortably at my question, which struck a nerve.

Today we met to fulfill our promise to eat together. It seemed like an eternity since I had a casual date.

"I'm doing my best, but I don't think it's enough."

I almost burst out laughing in his face, but I held back enough to limit my reaction to a mocking smile.

"Incredible. Don't you have a Divine Protection for interpersonal relationships?"

"Ah, I don't think so, but that would certainly reflect poorly on my own ability to socialize."

He sighed, resting his head on his fist. I patted him on the arm.

"You're doing well. She's a stubborn girl, so it'll take a while."

"Lady Felt still thinks I'm some kind of jailer. I understand how she feels, but..."

I interrupted him with a gesture, finishing chewing my food before giving my argument.

"Hey, anything's better than living off stealing to eat. You pulled her out of a pit of want and resentment, and I think Felt should be grateful for that. Besides, you didn't do anything selfishly: this is all for the benefit of everyone and the kingdom itself."

"..."

Reinhard said nothing, but his expression softened a little.

I didn't like the dramatic atmosphere the conversation was taking, so I decided to liven things up a bit.

"And if you two don't start getting along better soon, you should seduce her."

"Sorry?"

He blinked, perhaps thinking he had missed something or hadn't heard correctly.