A Random in Re:Zero

Loop 683 - Part 48

Gradually, Ram brought her trembling hands to Roswaal's neck, wrapping them around it.

"I fulfilled my part of the deal. Now it's your turn."

Just as Ram said, she had helped Roswaal with his plans. Now that those plans were ruined, he would have to relinquish his body and leave it in Ram's hands, as stipulated in their contract.

That is why Roswaal did not resist when Ram began to strangle him: his will to persist was crushed by the certainty that fate had abandoned him.

Betty did nothing to help him. In this version of the story, she didn't know he was the original Roswaal, who had been Echidna's apprentice. No, even if she had known, she still wouldn't have intervened.

Even Emilia, kind as she was, decided that the sorcerer was reaping what he had sown. Besides, she greatly respected contracts and promises in general, so even if she wanted to stop Ram, her principles would prevent her.

"..."

In his final moments, Roswaal felt immense frustration. Four centuries of waiting for such an abrupt end, without even having been able to see his beloved master one last time... A single pair of tears escaped his expressionless eyes.

Finally, Roswaal's organs failed from lack of oxygen, and his heart stopped beating, confirming his death. Realizing this, Ram sighed and collapsed to the side: the depletion of her mana had pushed her to her limit.

"I'm sorry, Rem. I've been a terrible sister."

***

"That was a very passionate ending, don't you think?"

Seated on an edge of the ice wall, Pandora commented on the scene with a hooded figure standing beside her.

"It wasn't so bad. In the end, that traitor got what she deserved."

"The maid? Ah, I see... It bothers you that she fell in love with him."

The hooded figure grunted under his breath, feeling provoked by the witch's mocking tone.

"I was just disappointed in her." He shrugged. "Now I know she wasn't worth it. I should never have saved her back then."

"Hmm." Pandora swung her legs playfully. "And what do you think about your beloved half-elf? Can you say the same about her?"

Pandora's question struck another nerve with her companion, who clenched his fists tightly, containing the anger that those words aroused.

"Don't you dare drag her into this. She's too innocent to understand what's going on. Even if... even if she falls for that bastard, I'll forgive her. Besides, I'm sure she'll come running back to me when the time comes."

"Wow, are you suggesting you can reclaim your place? That's quite a show of confidence, considering your rival's exploits."

"Oh, come on." He chuckled ironically. "It's just a cheap knock-off, and I'm the original. There's no way I can lose to him."

Pandora smiled with delight and applauded the arrogance shown by the man.

"Those words perfectly suit the sin you represent. Yes, you are definitely worthy of this role, Archbishop of Pride. I can't wait to see how this duel between Sage candidates will end."

At that moment, a strong gust of wind blew back, blowing the Archbishop of Pride's hood back. His face was revealed, showing disheveled black hair and sharp eyes that gleamed with malice.

He quickly retrieved the hood and pulled it back over his head. Before leaving, he glanced down one last time, specifically at the unconscious dark-haired man.