A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 6 - Part 41

I made sure to summarize everything in a way that didn't reveal the true context of my 'negotiation' with Garfiel, and I also attributed the success of the agreement to the fact that Emilia promised to stay until the Sanctuary residents were freed, and that this finally convinced Garfiel.

As expected, the villagers were very happy and again encouraged Emilia to overcome the trials, knowing that she still had to strive for the local demi-humans.

Between chatting and organizing, the next few hours passed quickly. The sun had already set when we left the cathedral and headed to the witch's tomb. We were a large group, made up of Otto, Garfiel, Rem, Ram, Shima, Birma, Emilia, some villagers, and me.

"I can't believe you convinced him to do this." Otto said incredulously as he watched Garfiel walk ahead.

"Where words fail, violence speaks."

"Wasn't it 'the music'?" Otto raised an eyebrow, correcting my reinterpretation of the original phrase.

"How should I know?" I shrugged.

Garfiel stood before the entrance to the tomb. The two Ryuzus looked at him, silently supporting him. Even Ram stepped forward to be near him during this important moment.

The boy took a deep breath, straightened his back, and lifted his head.

"Here I go."

I didn't pay much attention to what happened next. My mind was wandering between the problem with Rem, the meeting with Elsa, and convincing Betty to come with me.

To everyone's relief, Garfiel passed his test and returned with a small smile that said it all: he was proud to have defeated the ghost of the past and at the same time felt a strange peace that swept away the angry frustration accumulated over the years.

I didn't realize he was approaching me until I felt the firm grip of his hand on my shoulder. When he spoke to me, I could tell he did so with respect and gratitude.

"Thank you for the sermon."

I was almost expecting something like: bangin' sermon, my man. Of course, that would have been strange, but a good reference.

"You're welcome." I nodded. "I'm glad it worked."

"I'll do my best from here. I'm leaving Frederica in your hands, Captain."

"Believe me, she'll be better off in Otto's hands." I gestured to him.

"Huh?" Garfiel frowned and looked at the merchant suspiciously. "What the hell does that mean?"

"What?!" Otto jumped in fright and ran to hide behind Ram. "Wait, it's a misunderstanding! Leandro, tell him you're joking!"

"Why would I do that? I don't think Garfiel cares about being your brother-in-law."

Fortunately for Otto, Ram and the Ryuzu took their turn congratulating Garfiel, making him forget about the matter.

Suddenly, Emilia touched my arm.

"You really enjoy teasing Otto." She said, gently shaking her head, amused and annoyed by my behavior. I noticed her anxiety.

"Friends are supposed to bully each other." I shrugged. "It's part of nature."

I wouldn't feel guilty no matter how much I messed with him. Otto was the kind of person who might throw me out of a carriage to save his life. Well, maybe he would do that to someone he just met, but now we had a closer relationship.

"Is that so?" She mused. "It seems I still have a lot to learn."

"Don't worry: I'll be here to teach you everything you need to know." I winked at her.