A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 6 - Part 33

"Lady Emilia... We are all counting on you."

The cathedral filled with voices excited by the prospect of soon-to-be freedom. I moved away from the crowd, feeling my social battery was rapidly running out. Then I saw Ram, leaning against a wall at the entrance.

"Did you come to confess your sins or what?"

She snorted.

"I wanted to make sure you weren't leading a revolt."

"You overestimate me." I sat down next to her. "I'm not charismatic enough to act like a leader."

"Maybe not, but you're very cunning and manipulative. That's more than enough to pull the strings."

When I heard that, I couldn't help but laugh ironically.

"Roswaal said that, didn't he? You would never come to that conclusion, since you despise me."

"After what you've done these past few days, even I have to admit you're competent."

Ram turned her head to look away as she said this, as if she didn't want to see my reaction to her sincere praise. Anyway, I didn't have the heart to respond to that, not after what happened earlier. My cheek still stung from the cut she gave me.

There was a silence that lasted almost a minute until Ram spoke again.

"Don't think I felt good doing that to you."

"Really? I always thought you had a sadistic side."

"I mean it. You made me very angry by insulting Master Roswaal, even if he didn't care. However, your attitude isn't entirely unjustified. I understand that he can be a bit enigmatic."

"A bit?"

"But I assure you, he wouldn't let his people die. If he trusted you, it's because he was sure you would do a good job."

This time I burst out laughing.

"You have to see the cynicism people in this world have..."

Ram looked at me curiously, waiting for a punchline that never came. Considering this matter over, she opted to change the topic of the conversation.

"With this push from Lady Emilia, things are looking good for the liberation of the Sanctuary, although it is too early to draw conclusions."

"Why do you mention it, then?"

"There's a conservative group of residents who see this place as a refuge, a haven where they're safe from the outside world. They're people who oppose the idea of removing the barrier, as that would allow anyone to enter."

"An anti-liberation faction, huh? That would explain some of the strange things that have happened since our arrival."

Ram nodded, looking at me seriously.

"If they're planning to prevent the liberation of Sanctuary, the best possible move is to hurt Lady Emilia. Keep your eyes open, Leandoor."

"Thanks for the advice, babe."

"Don't call me that again or you'll lose your tongue and other soft parts."

"Noted... on the list of things I don't give a shit about."

I stood up and returned to the cathedral. I wanted to be near Emilia to encourage her. There was a slim chance she'd be able to pass the test on her first try, and I decided to take that chance. She jumped when she felt my arm around her shoulders.

"You see? You have everyone's support."

"I hope everything goes well..."

"Even if there are problems, I promise we'll overcome them together, because you and I are a great team." I made an eloquent gesture, illustrating the idea. "Like Goku and Vegeta, like isekai and harems, like Wattpad and fanfics, like peanuts and beer, like soccer and Brazilians..."