A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 682 - Part 44

"After the battle against the White Whale, many carriages returned to the royal capital. Most were filled with wounded who needed treatment; the rest were too exhausted to fight, so they took the whale's carcass to be displayed. You were in one of those carriages, along with Crush Karsten."

I shook my head, remembering those days, which now seemed so far away.

"The witch's cult ambushed them. Gluttony and Greed led the attack. There was nothing they could do. Not even the protagonist could save you, but I don't blame him."

"I understand..."

Rem took my hand and gave me another beautiful smile.

"I'm glad it's you, Leandro."

I couldn't hold back. I pulled Rem towards me and kissed her again.

"I won't let something like that happen again." I said, holding her head against my chest. "I'll keep you safe, no matter what."

"I know." She said, stroking my cheek. "I just remembered how you did everything you could to make sure no one got hurt that day. You didn't want to leave anyone behind either. You were always looking out for me, even more than I realized. I'm so lucky..."

"No, I'm the lucky one." I countered, kissing her hand.

She became a little serious.

"When you get back, I want you to tell me everything. About you, about your life, your real life."

I let out a groan. I'd rather avoid that subject if possible.

"You're going to get really bored. You might even fall asleep."

"I won't." She shook his head. "I'll listen to every word."

"Haa... Okay. When I get back, I'll tell you everything, even the most embarrassing things."

"It's a promise!" She extended her pinkie. I quickly intertwined it with mine to seal the deal.

Suddenly, Patrasche shrieked, sounding annoyed. Even without Otto's divine protection, I was able to understand the message.

I turned to Rem.

"Well, I can't delay any longer. I guess I should let you go." I said dramatically.

We didn't say anything else. Words were unnecessary when our eyes already said it all. I wanted to hold her like that all day, but I had to go to the mansion or I'd lose everything again, and I definitely didn't want to give up on this cycle.

Patrasche shot me a death glare when I jumped into the carriage and settled down next to Otto.

"Hey, you can't reproach me for anything now."

This time, I looked back as I left the Sanctuary, and I didn't stop until Rem's figure disappeared over the horizon.

Even when she disappeared from my sight, I kept seeing her in my mind, as a reminder of how precious this loop was.

"I have to win. For Rem, for Emilia, for the others... and for myself too."

***

"Very well, Otto... If you promise to behave and not interrupt me this time, I'll forget what happened, understood?"

"Yes sir..."

I patted him on the back.

"Excellent. Now, you'd better drive and try to get to the mansion as soon as possible, no matter what happens around you."

I got into the cabin to get comfortable. I would need to, considering what I was about to do.

According to the hunter's memories, there was a curse that could help me keep up with the swordsman. This was one of the many curses my other self had inscribed on his body to become stronger. It already seemed strange to me that the hunter had knocked Rem out so easily.