A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 6 - Part 32

Moving a little further, we meet Ram, Otto, Patrasche and Emilia.

"Leandro, you didn't tell me Rem's sister was so terrifying!"

I gave Otto a wry smile.

"That's true, I just mentioned that she's bitter because she has a flat chest."

Ram glared at me with murderous eyes, but her attention shifted to Rem, who went to greet her with Garfiel. Emilia quickly approached me.

"Roswaal wants to see us. He asked me to wait for you."

"Come on, I'll tell her Otto spoke ill of her favorite servant. Although I did too."

Hearing this, Otto turned pale and panicked.

"WAIT, THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT! PLEASE DON'T DO THAT!"

I laughed out loud, and Garfiel joined me, finding Otto's desperation amusing as he began to cry and beg for his life. I let him be a little longer, but then I made it clear to him it was a joke.

"Idiot, do you really think I'm going to betray you after you kept Emilia safe all the way here? Right now, I'm the one who owes you."

I patted him on the back (the foolproof male therapy technique) and headed to Ryuzu's house, where Roswaal was currently staying.

"Oh, Lady Emilia and Leeeeandro. It's been a whiiiiiiile."

The Marquis greeted us with a new look: his entire body was covered in bandages.

"Hey, how many times are you going to change costumes? First a clown, and now you're a mummy?"

"Don't mock Master Roswaal, Leandoor."

The pink-haired maid bared her teeth at me, like an aggressive pet protecting its owner.

"It's okay, Ram. It's his way of expressing affection and concern."

"Ugh, no." I gag.

As the atmosphere became a little strange, Emilia took the initiative.

"Roswaal, what's going on here? I've been feeling nervous ever since I crossed the barrier. People call it Sanctuary, but it feels more like..."

"Like a witch's graveyard?"

Emilia was speechless at Roswaal's suggestion, who proceeded to explain the origin of the Sanctuary, although obviously without giving many details.

When he mentioned Echidna, I felt a slight shiver run through my body as I remembered our kiss. It was my first kiss in years, and I'd never had such a grown-up kiss before.

Unconsciously, I brought my hand to my lips and smiled. Roswaal didn't miss my gesture, raising an eyebrow at me reacting that way after the allusion to his beloved.

"Do you have anything to contribute, Leandro?"

"Ah... Well, actually, yes. I assume you're already aware of the things I did in your absence, especially regarding dealing with a problem that was your responsibility to solve. I'd like to hear an explanation as to why the hell you didn't come and stand up when the witch's cult was about to commit a massacre. Were you involved or something?"

"Nothing could be further from the truth. I'm afraid I'm not without my flaws. Even today, I make mistakes from time to time."

"That's a fancy way of saying you're a fucking idiot." I mocked scathingly.

"Enough, I won't tolerate any more disrespect!" Ram shot me a small wind slash, an action that took Emilia by surprise and brought an amused smile to Roswaal's face.

"What's wrong? Does it bother you when someone points out your master's incompetence?" I sneered as blood oozed from the gash on my cheek. "Why won't you let him talk? Do you think he can't defend himself against my accusations?"

"You...!"

Roswaal stopped her with a gesture. His smile hadn't faded, quite the opposite.

"Enough, Ram. It's true that I've been negligent, Leandro. That's why I'm happy to have found you. You can do everything I can't accomplish on my own. That's why I feel confident in putting everything in your hands when mine are tied."

"Whatever that means, how are you so sure I'm going to do what you want, or the way you expect?"

Ram growled. Emilia looked at us in anguish. I just sighed.

"You don't need to know. As for the explanation you demand, it's a simple one to answer. Ram, the villagers, and I... We're all prisoners in the Sanctuary. In fact, now that they've come, Lady Emilia and you will also be involved in this matter."

"What? What's this all about, Roswaal?" Emilia also wanted to understand what was going on.

As if waiting for the right moment, Garfiel opened the door and entered the room.

"It's about liberating the Sanctuary."

"Garfiel? What are you talking about?" Emilia was dismayed.

"People of mixed blood who have crossed the barrier to come here can never leave. But for the rest of us, the barrier is of no consequence. Don't you think it's unfair, Lady Emilia?" He asked pointedly. "There's only one way to break the barrier, and that's by going through the cemetery trial, but if someone of pure blood tries it..."

He looked at Roswaal, implying that the bandages on his body reflected the consequences of attempting the tests without being qualified.

"How are the villagers?" My voice sounded a little harsher than I intended.

The demi-human smiled and crossed his arms.

"They're fine. We haven't hurt them, and they're getting three meals a day. Of course, that's as long as you don't try to be too clever."

"What do you want from us?" I finally asked.

Garfiel pointed at Emilia.

"Let her break the barrier. If she can't do it, we won't let anyone go, and she won't be able to leave either, of course."