A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 5 - Part 29

"Shut up, Scrotto!"

"Don't change my name!"

"I do what I want! Did you hear me, Faggotto?!"

"My name is Otto!"

"Um, excuse me... I brought lemonade."

Suddenly, Frederica interrupted the party, softly announcing her presence. Otto and I stared at her with blank expressions.

"Oh, hi." Very slowly and subtly, I let go of my friend and straightened his outfit, which had become wrinkled from the shaking.

"G-Good morning, F-Frederica." Otto greeted her with a slight stutter.

"Good morning, Master Otto and Master Leandro. I see you're already very energetic from early on." He offered us the glasses. "Please accept these."

"Thank you." We replied simultaneously, drinking the lemonade.

The drink had notes of mint and ginger. The taste of citric acid was tempered by the sweetness of honey, creating a harmony of flavors that was quite pleasing to the palate.

"How delicious, did you make it?" Otto jumped the gun on me by a second. "Well done, my friend!"

"That's right! I'm glad you like it." She had a dazzling smile, and a very sharp one too.

"I can tell you're good at your job." He smiled and scratched the back of his neck. "I think I'd like anything you do."

Frederica let out a 'wow' and even I was surprised by Otto's audacity. Of course, the surprise immediately turned to pride.

"That's very flattering of you, Master Otto. Although we've barely met, I think you're also a competent person. If Master Leandro trusts you so much, it must be for a good reason."

Well, she didn't know me very well either, but from what she heard about me, I was something of a strategic genius and warrior, able to foresee a multitude of events and face formidable enemies.

Otto blushed and quickly waved his hands in denial.

"Actually, I don't..."

"You're right, Frederica." I interrupted my friend, putting my hand on his shoulder. "Otto is very good at what he does, but he'll never admit it: he's too modest for his own good. Modesty isn't a flaw in itself, but if you constantly deny your talents, you end up believing you don't have them."

"I agree. Master Otto shouldn't be underestimated."

Frederica looked at Otto with a kind and understanding expression. He turned even redder, causing her to giggle.

This was my cue. I stood behind Frederica and signaled to Otto, as if to say, "Keep going!" and then ran off.

"Good start, huh?"

***

That same day, Petra Leyte became an apprentice maid at Roswaal Manor. Her mentor was Rem, the most dedicated and effective of the oni twins. With patience and discipline, Rem led Petra's initial training throughout the morning, allowing her to break for lunch.

The poor girl had exerted herself greatly, and her body was begging for energy, which resulted in a voracious appetite. As she stuffed her mouth with succulent food, a familiar figure entered the room and chuckled in a deep voice.

"I see you're enjoying Rem's cooking."

"Mffff." Petra nodded enthusiastically, continuing to chew.

Looking at her tenderly, Leandro sat next to her and clasped his hands in a hesitant gesture. He wanted to say something to her, but he couldn't just do it. As an adult, he didn't want to discuss delicate matters with a child directly. So, Leandro looked for a way to disguise it and make it seem normal.