A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 6 - Part 38

"I have to apologize..."

"Don't rush it." Shima said sharply. "I'd like you to answer a few questions."

I remained silent for a moment. As an apostle of greed, I could refuse and order her to release me, but that would be inhumane, or rude to say the least. Besides, I wanted to show my goodwill.

"Sure, go ahead."

"How did you suddenly release a large amount of miasma and become stronger?"

"I have a technique for conjuring the miasma. I did it to stress my brain enough to deactivate the limit of my authority. If you want more details, you'll have to sit down and take notes."

"Hmm, I don't think that's necessary. But tell me one more thing." Shima was being cautious. "Are you susceptible to losing control of yourself like that?"

"Not unless I use that technique, and I only did that because Garfiel was about to kill Rem and Ram. I wouldn't have used it either if I hadn't known my brain couldn't handle the full power of authority for more than a minute. You see how that ended."

"So I shouldn't worry about you going crazy again, right?"

"You mean me going crazier, but no. The miasma that normally surrounds me isn't enough to affect my mind: that requires a much larger amount."

She didn't say anything, but her relief was evident. After that, she removed the blindfold and restraints. As she did so, I looked at her with a flirtatious smile.

"Okay, now let's reverse roles. Give me that so I can tie you up."

It was a joke, but she froze completely and looked at me with a dismayed expression. I raised an eyebrow, but then I understood what was going on when she handed me the rope and meekly extended her wrists.

"Oh, that's right, the apostle's mandate."

Shima had a pink line running down the middle of her pretty face. Her small, soft hands were trembling slightly. I was very tempted to play with her, but I knew it was a one-way street. I forced myself to dismiss the idea for the sake of my own safety.

"Forget it, I'm not that screwed yet."

"For a moment, I thought you might actually do it. Don't scare an old woman like that."

She was able to breathe, and I just grimaced.

"You're lucky I'm not a lolicon anymore."

"So, you're really confident your plan will work?"

Shima's question brought me back down to earth, remembering the whole mess that had given rise to this situation.

"Yes. I don't want to sound arrogant, but I'm 100% confident. After all, I'd have to try again if something went wrong. I'm bound to succeed, at least for the final loop of this arc."

"If you don't want to sound arrogant, saying it like that doesn't help at all." She sighed. "But it doesn't sound like you're bragging. That confidence in your eyes must have a good reason."

"I know. I wish I could have that level of persuasion when it comes to seducing women."

Shima looked at me in a way I can only describe as contemptuous.

"Mmm, I said that out loud, didn't I?"

She nodded. Then I realized something and raised my eyebrows.

"If you're asking me this, does that mean you're going to help me with the plan?"

"Technically, I have no choice, since you defeated Garfiel. Besides, you could just order me to obey you and that would be it."

"Don't remind me that I have that power. I'm trying to be a decent person."