A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 6 - Part 38

"I appreciate your honesty. For a healthy young man, you know how to restrain your natural impulses."

I tilted my head.

"Okay, let's put that aside. It's awkward talking about my sexual appetite with an old woman who looks like a child."

"Okay." Shima seemed to smile. "What are you doing next?"

"Apologize to the girls, talk to Garfiel when he wakes up, accompany Emilia to take the tests... I hope it doesn't take too long, because I have to leave tomorrow afternoon."

"You're going to the mansion, right?"

"Yes. I have to negotiate with my mercenary girls."

"I see. Then it's decided. I'll help you in any way I can."

"Thank you, Shima. See you later." I bowed before leaving.

I walked back to the settlement, seeing the traces of destruction caused by my battle with Garfiel. I was even surprised by what I could do with my Sloth Authority at 100%. I had subdued both Lye Batenkaitos and Garfiel, but at what cost? My brain was damaged, and my attitude grew violent every time.

Having such powerful authority was great, but in this case, it was like a double-edged sword. 100% was only useful as a last resort, and even then, it could also backfire. I couldn't rely on such a dangerous power. The right choice was to train and become stronger on my own. Perhaps I could encounter more doppelgangers, if there were any.

Supposedly, Pandora was testing me in this timeline. Assuming more than one of my doppelgangers existed, she could be sending them to kill me to make me stronger, since defeating them gives me their memories and abilities. However, she hasn't introduced herself to me even once since the beginning. It made me wonder what her goal was with all of this.

With my current memories, I couldn't formulate a good theory. I'd have to wait for her to show up to clear things up, or at worst, I'd be faced with more doppelgangers.

"Now that I think about it, the "Hunter" wasn't as strong as he should have been. When I faced him, he didn't even use all the techniques I'm starting to remember he had. Was his power suppressed to give me a chance? Or maybe...?"

I didn't want to think about the possibility that my doppelganger had retained some semblance of consciousness or emotions. If that were the case, it would make sense that she would have held back, especially upon seeing Meili. To the me from the other timeline, that girl was like a daughter or a little sister. I cared especially for her, almost as much as I did for Elsa.

Those memories stirred feelings of affection in my heart, causing much confusion in my mind. A part of me felt I should have them back, have them with me again. Perhaps that's why I arranged everything to meet them at the mansion.

"Meili is manageable, but Elsa... Uh, how did I even get to marry her in the first place?" I thought in disbelief.

Minutes later, I arrived at the village. There was no one in sight, but I noticed people watching me from inside the buildings. It was to be expected; the people of this place had plenty of reasons to be afraid. I'd be scared too if I lived in a witch's former territory, run by a crazy clown who wants to resurrect her. Besides, my fight with Garfiel certainly didn't go unnoticed.

When I arrived at Birma's house, I found my favorite merchant sitting in his carriage with Patrasche, who noticed my presence and began to squeal with joy. Otto turned his head in my direction and jumped out of the vehicle to approach me.

"Finally! I've been looking for you. I was worried when that earthquake happened, but Rem and Ram wouldn't tell me what had happened. Where were you?"

"At Shima's house. I tried to recruit Garfiel, but things got a little complicated."