A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 6 - Part 42

"Damn. It smells like blood." I began to worry when I detected the metallic scent in the air. It wasn't a very strong smell; therefore, the amount of blood should be quite low.

I could only think of one explanation for that: there was a brief fight with little consequence. Considering Frederica's brutality, Elsa's bloodthirsty tendencies, and the savagery of the beasts Meili controlled, it was highly unlikely that anyone would die without significant bloodshed.

There were four scent trails. Apparently, they all converged at the same point. I headed toward the location where the trails converged and thus arrived at the dining room, where I encountered an unexpected scene.

"I never imagined you would be guests of Master Leandro. Would you like to try my special tea? It's a little bitter, but it's absolutely delicious: I've been told it's to die for."

It was the first time I'd seen that furious gleam in Frederica's eyes. Everything about her radiated murderous intent. The tension in the room was palpable, and it became clear that everyone there was holding back.

"I don't like tea!" Meili declined instantly.

"I'll have to decline the offer. The only thing I need, the only thing that makes me feel at ease, is contemplating the entrails of my prey." Elsa declared her dark passion without any shame.

"You certainly have peculiar tastes, dear guest . In my humble opinion, you should rot in prison for the rest of your miserable life." Frederica sighed, somehow managing to maintain her composure. "I don't understand what kind of business Master Leandro could possibly have with someone of your ilk."

If Frederica thought I was too good to get involved with criminals, she'd be sorely disappointed tonight.

"He's not like a murderer! He saves people! He only fights the bad guys!" Petra joined in defending my reputation. Nothing good would come of this. "And if you're all bad, then he..."

"Will he punish us?" Both Elsa and Meili gave ironic smiles in response to Petra's words.

"You're so naive, Petra!" Meili scoffed. "Didn't you hear that appearances can be deceiving?!"

I could see the change in Petra's expression when that phrase echoed in her mind. She had believed Meili was her friend, and now she was discovering that she never had been. What if I were the same?

Frederica seemed to have a similar thought, because her frown deepened after that exchange of words.

Without further ado, I entered the dining room. There was no point in hiding my presence any longer, as that would only increase the distrust my colleagues felt towards me.

"Leandro!" Petra ran towards me when she saw me, but stopped halfway and her joyful expression turned to apprehension. "When did you get here?"

"Just now." I looked at Frederica. "I should have come sooner, it seems."

"Master Leandro... What does this mean?" She demanded explanations without hesitation.

I bowed my head in apology.

"I'm so sorry. In all the rush I was in, I forgot to tell you my plan."

"Your plan...?"

"Roswaal hired these two to attack the mansion. Petra, Beatrice, and you are the targets to be eliminated."

Frederica paled and Petra's eyes widened.

"Did the Master do that...?" The blonde murmured.

"Why?" The girl was in shock.

"It's too long to explain now. The important thing is that I'm going to stop him and no one will be in danger."

Having said that, I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart. I needed to be calm to face the two women I had loved and protected as family in my past life.