A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 5 - Part 22

I twisted my upper body, bending my posture about thirty degrees forward as I placed one arm behind my back and held the other across my chest, aligned diagonally with my shoulder.

This bow was my favorite above all the ones I'd ever been taught in this world. I don't remember where I learned it, but I'd bet it was from an anime.

"Thank you for having me in your home, Lady Crusch."

"I was expecting your visit, but I must admit your letter caught me off guard. I want to hear the details about that proposal you mentioned."

I nodded and looked at Rem, smiling confidently at her. Her worried expression relaxed at my determined expression. I then turned my attention back to Crusch.

"May I speak to you casually?" I asked the duchess. "I think I'd feel more comfortable that way."

"Alright."

"Okay." I let out the air that was building in my chest. "I realized you and I have some common interests. So I thought I'd form an alliance to benefit us mutually."

"Oh?" The girl clasped her hands together, her fingers interlaced as she fixed her orange irises on me. "You sound pretty sure of yourself."

"I am, because I don't think you're going to reject me."

I snapped my fingers and Rem immediately moved in response, going over to Crusch's desk to place a rectangular wooden box on it.

I noticed that Felix and Wilhelm had tensed slightly when I gave the signal to Rem; they had probably prepared to defend their mistress from a possible attack.

Yeah, I'm not stupid enough to try something like that. Wilhelm could cut me to pieces in the blink of an eye, even Felix should be able to take me down without much trouble.

"What's this?" Crusch pointed at the box curiously, not daring to dig inside to see what was inside.

"A sample of the power I'm willing to share, to help you achieve your goal and for you to help me achieve mine."

"Your words are too vague. I demand a concrete explanation."

"Of course." I gestured toward the box. "Rem."

She took the lid and removed it, exposing the gleaming metal pieces underneath: a revolver and a rifle respectively.

Without waiting for the imminent questions, I cleared my throat and resumed my dialogue.

"The smallest is a revolver. It works like a sort of portable cannon, firing metal projectiles designed to pierce bodies much more effectively and quickly than arrows. You must be aware of the merchant who killed several knights with the weapon he stole from Nadir Ashveil."

Now everyone's attention was on me, which made me shake a little, but I managed to control my anxiety and continued speaking without stumbling.

"But that's not all. Considering my next goal, I decided it was necessary to produce something even more powerful than a revolver. I present to you the rifle."

I let Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm fill their eyes with the sight of the weapons, pausing briefly before continuing.

"This weapon serves a similar purpose to a revolver, capable of firing much farther and with greater power, but with a considerably slower rate of fire and handling. Still, it's perfect for hunting, especially if you're hunting big game."

I couldn't help but smile at the rather obvious reference, so much so that the old swordsman clenched his fists with a sudden burst of bloodlust at the thought of the White Whale.