A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 6 - Part 37

Just as Rem was sinking into a powerless, self-destructive depression, Leandro reprimanded her and emphasized the importance of her actions, how significant her participation was. Immediately afterward, he affirmed that he would believe in her and support her with all his might. This lit a spark of hope in Rem's heart: it made her believe in herself.

"Maybe it's true, maybe I'm not completely lost."

Even then, she only saw Leandro as a good friend. Then came the trip to the royal capital for the royal candidates' conference. It was a short time, but it was eventful. Like a troublemaker, Leandro found himself in one conflict after another, first being chased by thieves, then running into an old giant who held a grudge against him, and finally, getting involved in an assassination attempt on Russell Fellow and Anastasia Hoshin, saving their lives.

In the midst of this, Leandro and Rem had several close encounters, which she turned into awkward moments to ease the tension that was building, as she wasn't sure she wanted to have that kind of relationship with him. This was because her heart wasn't ready for those kinds of feelings. However, that didn't diminish the admiration, gratitude, and affection she felt for her friend. Rem wanted to follow him because he needed a faithful companion, and she needed to feel that her existence wasn't entirely in vain.

So Rem officially proposed that she become his partner. Although she said "partner," that wasn't really her intention, as she trusted Leandro's judgment much more than her own, so she would do whatever he said, as long as it made her feel useful.

"I'll use everything I have to help you. I won't disappoint your expectations."

However, Leandro preferred to avoid risks by solving everything on his own, leaving Rem out of the loop. He gave her a practically harmless role in the mission to catch Gilbert Von Falkenhayn, using her as an informant to curry favor with Russell Fellow while he went after the criminal. Later, during the subjugation of the White Whale, Leandro put his life at risk by serving as a decoy against the great mabeast, leaving her in a safe place as a mere spectator. The same thing happened when he slipped away to fight two archbishops.

Each feat was greater than the last, and Rem knew she was witnessing the rise of a hero. Her admiration grew, but so did her frustration. She wanted to support him with all her might, but Leandro apparently trusted her enough to involve her in his plans, but not enough to give her a major role. Rem felt he was overprotective of her.

"Is this all? How can I feel useful like this? How can I help you if you won't let me?"

That changed when they arrived at the Sanctuary. Once there, Leandro made a shocking revelation about Lord Roswaal, turning poor Rem's mind upside down. Furthermore, he finally included her in the plan, putting his faith in her. Rem rejoiced in that vote of confidence and felt that everything was starting to go well (except for the Lord Roswaal thing, and the fact that lately she was annoyed to see her partner so affectionate with Lady Emilia).

Because of this, Rem realized she was losing ground. She couldn't stand idly by while the half-elf monopolized Leandro's affections. Today, she finally mustered the courage to make her move, and even though she was interrupted, Rem was content. She could wait a little longer to confess; it reassured her to know that Leandro felt for her the same way she felt for him. Happiness was closer than ever.

"Just a little more... I have to try hard and do well. I can do it!"

But it was all a lie.

"I know your type. They like a lot of attention and will do everything to get it. They manipulate you, make you believe they like you, but all they want is for you to look at them, think about them, adore them."