Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

　--How many times do I have to have my heart broken before I can be forgiven?

"This is the end... it was a very unrewarding job."

　In the dimly lit storehouse, a beautiful woman in black tilts her head as she looks at the three corpses submerged in a pool of blood.

　Despite being in a place filled with the smell of blood, he had extraordinary technique that allowed him to avoid even a drop of blood, and an extraordinary mentality that allowed him to not even budge a single drop in the face of such horrific scenes.

　It turned out that this was indeed a monster disguised as a human.

　The monster walks across the blood-stained floor, looking at each fallen corpse with interest.

　A huge old man with his arms severed at the shoulders and a huge amount of blood spilling from his neck. A black-haired boy whose stomach had been ripped straight open, spilling all his contents as he writhed about after dying.

　--And then, a diagonal slash came in from the left shoulder, bisecting the silver-haired girl up to her right waist.

　--How many times have I resisted seeing this scene?

"This is the worst possible outcome for the request, but... what should I do?"

　The monster placed a finger on its red lips and muttered in a leisurely voice that was completely out of place in the situation. Swinging aimlessly on the other hand was a curved sword, its sinister shape stained in blood - a kukri knife.

　The monster known as Elsa was sporting a sweet smile as she wielded the murder weapon that had taken the lives of three people - no, four people in this stolen goods storehouse.

"--fault"

　Suddenly, Erza tilted her head and lightly jumped back from her spot.

　Immediately afterwards, the spot where Erza had been was pierced by a blade of ice that appeared from directly below, and the chain reaction of ice blades followed Erza's lowering feet, thrusting their fangs upside down, piercing them, and closing in to bite.

"this is..."

"Well done - well done."

　As Erza dodged the ice blades, a faint light gathered in the air and took the form of a small spirit.

　The floating cat spirit - Puck's expression became grim, and his androgynous voice trembled with anger.

"I'll make you regret taking Lia's life."

"Ah, that child... is a spirit user. How wonderful, since I have never opened the stomach of a spirit yet. --But"

　With an icicle floating in the air, Puck prepares for battle. Erza smiles, her expression ecstatic as she anticipates the coming of battle. However, before she can prepare, she closes one eye.

"Why didn't you come out before the child died? A spirit user is a pair, a magician and a spirit - it's a waste if you can't enjoy it to the fullest."

"Keep talking, you murderer. -- I wouldn't be bound by a contract either."

　Puck shook his head and twisted his expression in disgust.

　He bared his fangs and pointed his small hand at Elsa.

"I have no intention of exchanging words. I will freeze you and offer you up for the peace of Lia's soul. After you, the country, the world, the dragon, the witch, everything."

"Oh, how nice - let me have some fun!"

　Elsa leapt into the air, crawling like a spider along the walls and ceiling. Icicles were shot out one after another, aimed at her slender body, piercing the walls of the stolen goods storehouse, freezing the air, and high-pitched screams rose up in the air.

　My vision turns white and smokey, and I can't see anything.

　Falling to the floor, their fingertips accidentally entwined, the corpses of Subaru and Emilia, nothing.

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　--How many times do I have to be betrayed by the world before I'm rewarded?

"Rem simply prevented the situation from worsening. When she found Subaru, there was already no hope of saving him. She would have wanted to put an end to him as soon as possible."

"Well, the result was... so terrible, Rem, is that the end? Subaru is my benefactor, and I'm sure there are many things I want to talk to you about from now on..."

　I heard the voices of two lovely girls arguing.

　The voice of his other half evoked feelings of love in Subaru, as well as sorrow.

　And how many times, whenever she found herself in a difficult situation, had she wished to hear the other voice, to cling to it, to have it gently touch her?

　The blue-haired girl and the silver-haired girl faced each other, and an uneasy atmosphere hung over the room.

　The scene was the mansion's common room, and the two of them were sitting across the table in a tense situation.

"Well well, Lady Emilia, don't get carried away. Why don't you listen carefully to what Rem has to say?"

"Roswaal... do you understand? Rem... your servant, my benefactor, and your guest, Subaru... died."

"I understand, of course. That's why… we need to have a proper discussion. So that our feelings don't misunderstand each other."

　Roswaal narrows his yellow eyes in response to Emilia's words. The clown then looks at Rem, who is sitting next to him. Rem notices his gaze and pulls her chin back,

"Late last night, there was an intruder in the east wing… on the floor where Lady Emilia's room is located. Rem learned of this through a surveillance stone and immediately headed to the scene, where she found Subaru-kun crawling around."

"By that time, Barusu was already under the influence of the curse."

"Yes, it's as you say, Nee-sama. Subaru-kun was weakened and on the verge of death. The curse had reduced his life force to the limit, so we decided that there was no way he could be saved…"

"And then you beat him to death with an iron ball. -- you hurt his body so relentlessly."

"Lady Emilia--"

　Ram, who was standing next to Rem and holding her sister's hand, directed a stern look at Emilia. However, Emilia also raised a resolute expression at Ram's sharp gaze,

"Facts are facts… Subaru's body, his torso and head, were in a terrible state. If the only goal was to execute him, surely there were easier ways to do it. So why?"

"it is..."

"..."

　Rem stammers as Emilia presses her.

　The reason she couldn't say anything further was because Rem's personality wasn't suited to lying, and Emilia's words had clearly hit upon Rem's true intentions.

　At this time, Rem had strong feelings of distrust towards Subaru.

　After their second week at the mansion――After bludgeoning Subaru to death inside the mansion and being unable to cover up his death, this meeting was likely arranged.

　At that time, Rem had been feeling increasingly hostile towards Subaru, who was treating Ram with kindness, and it could be said that she had no hesitation in putting her murderous intent into action.

　--What was he thinking when he raised the iron ball at Subaru on the upper floor of the mansion?

　Perhaps this is something even Rem herself is not clear about.

"--Maybe it was because his hand was out of alignment, or because he hesitated... That's the answer I wanted to hear."

"----!"

　Muttering sadly, Emilia closed her eyes, causing Rem to look up as if bounced.

　It is unclear how much of the truth about Rem was captured in Emilia's words. And that will never be known.

"Emilia-sama, where are you going?"

　As Emilia stands up and brushes off her skirt, Roswaal asks, his expression blank.

　Emilia responded by running her hand through her long silver hair,

"--I'm leaving. It was only for a short time, but thank you for all your help. Without your backing, I wouldn't be able to participate in the royal selection. But... I can't trust you guys anymore."

"Even if you don't believe in each other, isn't it still a useful relationship where you both use each other? Throwing a tantrum and getting up here is not a very wise decision."

"Tantrum...?"

　Emilia stops dead in her tracks, shocked and stiff with what Roswaal says. Then she walks briskly towards Roswaal,

"――――"

　No one could stop the dry sound from bursting forth.

　The white fingertips that had been swung free struck Roswaal's pale cheek forcefully.

　Emilia was left breathless after a single slap on her red, swollen cheek. Roswaal, the one who was slapped, made no move, but instead, he watched as Ram, pale-faced, tried to stand up,

"Ram"

"But, Lord Roswaal--"

"It's fine. You may remain seated. Lady Emilia, Ram will excuse me."

"You always do that to me...but you never say anything to Subaru..."

　Biting her lip, Emilia glares at the cold-hearted Roswaal. Intense rage swirls in her amethyst eyes, but Roswaal remains composed despite that.

　It was as if their attitude was saying that they were looking at things from different perspectives.

"Leave the mansion and return to the forest - what will remain of you?"

"I was wrong to be lured in by your words. There were other ways to atone… to atone. I got that wrong, and that's why Subaru died."

　Emilia closes her eyes at Roswaal's question and speaks in a quiet voice.

　Then she shook her head slightly,

"I will take his soul and let it rest in peace in the forest. —No matter how long it takes, I will dedicate my time to the repose of Subaru's soul, and the souls of the others too. And with that, the end of the matter."

　Not wanting to continue the conversation any further, Emilia distances herself from Roswaal.

　As she walks away, her silver hair swinging, Roswaal's eyes of two different colours are fixed on her. Still sitting in his chair, he reaches out his hand to her receding back - but then puts it down.

"If it's different from the description, then this is... my destination."

"Lord Roswaal..."

　As Roswaal weakly mutters, Ram calls out to him with concern and takes his hand. The Clown glances at the girl, who is looking at him with a worried look, and gives a weak smile,

"Ram, it looks like you won the bet. My goal will most likely be thwarted… which means the contract will be fulfilled."

"...Yes. Yes, Lord Roswaal."

　Emilia ignored the two of them whispering to each other and stood up to face Rem, who was opening the door. Before passing by her, she saw Rem bow solemnly,

"Take me to Subaru's place."

"Emilia-sama, that is..."

"I know it's in a terrible state. I'll try to restore it as best I can... and I'll take you to the forest with me."

　Seeing Emilia's extremely sad face, Rem's expression stiffened and she looked down, her face looking both regretful and angry.

　I'm sure he's struggling with why this happened.

　--No one knows how it came to this.

"I'm sorry, Subaru - there was nothing I could have done."

　Yes, that was the last thing Emilia muttered.

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　--How many times do I have to be confronted with my own stupidity before I can understand?

"Death, death! Death death death, death!!"

　A shrill, loud laugh rang out.

　Laughing loudly, chest arched back, mouth wide open, drool dripping from the corners of her mouth, was a young woman with long, disheveled red hair.

　As a woman of her age, her behavior made her want to look away, and above all, her bloodshot eyes and wild behavior made her look completely lacking in humanity.

"To love! Love! With love! Love itself! Returning love is everything! Ahh! Witch! Witch of Favour! This is the destination of my love!"

　On her knees, with her arms stretched to the sky, and tears streaming down her face, the woman loudly sang of her love.

　All around the woman, as she went on her crazy rampage, were countless corpses submerged in a sea of ​​blood. Corpses with limbs torn off, necks gouged, human dignity trampled upon.

　Among them was the body of a black-haired boy who had died by stabbing himself in the throat with a sword.

　Pools of blood spread all over Arlam village, and all the armed members of the extermination force lay on the ground, their lives having been completely taken from them.

　The moment the main force, the Sword Demon, fell in the surprise attack, it could be said that the outcome was decided.

　All that remained was a massacre by the ``invisible demonic hand'', and the chain of death throes came to an end within a matter of minutes.

"My diligence! The way I have defeated those lazy ones, what else can you call it but an act of love! Ahh! My devotion, my faith, my unwavering love! Accept it! Embrace it! I want you to embrace me――!!"

　A woman who cries out her love, sheds tears, and howls in a sea of ​​blood - she is Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, a monster that steals bodies and invades minds.

　The madman had rounded up Subaru and his companions who had come to rescue the village, and even though he had lost even his followers, he still loudly proclaimed his love.

　and--,

"--What happened?"

　A girl out of breath came running down the road leading to the village.

　Annoyedly brushing aside the silver hair that had stuck to her forehead, her amethyst eyes surveyed the devastation. Emilia widened her eyes at the villagers submerged in a sea of ​​blood, and then she noticed something.

"Subaru?"

　Amidst the devastation, he sees a boy he knows well lying there.

　What emotion passed through Emilia's mind in that moment? The emotions swirling in her wide-open eyes were so complex that no one, not even she, could understand them.

　However, Emilia's lips were trembling,

"Why... is Subaru sleeping there... eh?"

"Liah! This is bad, it's the Witch Cult! The Deadly Sins...at a timing like this, why!?"

　Emilia had a dazed look on her face, unable to accept the reality. In her place, Puck, overcome with frustration, stepped forward.

　As he flew around Emilia, he glared at Betelgeuse, who stood alone at the scene of the carnage, his black eyes filled with strong vigilance and hostility.

"Leah! Right now, right now! You must leave here right now! You should never have met that… Sin Archbishop! The trial will begin! Once it is imposed, it will be terrifying!"

"pack...?"

Subaru: "I remembered, just now, at last! After that… after meeting him, I finally remembered! Why did I forget something like this… there are still many things I can't remember… until this happens, I won't be able to remember… if that's the case!"

　Puck looks up at the sky, stretches his small body as far as he can, and shouts.

"That's not what we said――Echidna!!"

　A voice tinged with frustration and hatred echoed loudly, and Puck shook his head, breathing heavily. Emilia was at a loss for words at the sudden change in someone so close to her.

　Then, the madman, hearing the scream, slowly stood up.

"This is... nice to meet you!"

　Leaning his torso gently, Betelgeuse roughly tugged at his long hair, ripping it out mercilessly, blood beginning to drip from his scalp.

　Seeing the self-harming incident, disgust and fear flashed in Emilia's eyes.

"Witch Cult Archbishop of the Deadly Sin of Sloth - Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, death!"

　The madman cried out, air vibrating from his throat.

　The laughing madman continued to stare at Emilia, who was still standing there, his upper body and neck tilted to one side as if licking her,

"...wonderful, desu."

　He let out a sigh of admiration.

　A dry sound, applause. Petelgeuse clapped his hands and sent a round of applause towards Emilia.

"Wonderful! What a fitting appearance for a vessel! Her appearance is reminiscent of the witch's appearance when she was alive! If such a fresh vessel is prepared, then there is no choice! A trial! A trial to see if the witch factor will take root!"

"Shut up, madman! Take even one step closer to this child! I'll make you regret ever being born――! Absolutely!"

"In front of love, pain and fear are all offerings that should be offered... nothing can be a reason to stop, Death."

　Puck spoke out furiously in response to Petelgeuse's nonsense, but the madman had no ears to listen. The madman approached with shuffling steps, but Puck could do nothing as his body trembled.

"Why? Why, at a time like this, I... No, that's not it. I'm remembering. That's right, no, no! No! I... I."

"Puck! W-what should I do… what should I do!? I… I… Subaru, in a place like that…!"

「A trial! This is the destination for your diligent souls! If the vessel is full, it will affect the souls poured into it! I don't need the contents――Death!」

　Emilia desperately called out to Puck, who was holding his head. Petelgeuse, still not stopping his steps, approached the confused pair.

　Betelgeuse was licking his lips and moving the fingers of both his hands strangely, sending out the danger signals inside Emilia.

　Seeing his insane gaze, Emilia gasped and in a hoarse voice said――

"Oh no... I'm scared, Dad..."

　It was a pleading whisper.

　It was a tinny cry for help that no one could hear.

　Petelgeuse completely ignored her and reached out his hand towards Emilia. From there, unseen to anyone, was the ``invisible hand'', the authority of sloth.

　He captures Emilia's stiffening body and prepares to put his evil plan into action.

"--Don't you dare touch my daughter with your dirty hands!!"

　The next moment, an ice wall of incredible density and height appeared before Emilia.

　The walls divide the space between Emilia and Betelgeuse, and then one after another, they push up, cracking the ground and widening that space even further.

　Instantly, Betelgeuse, who had been reaching out his invisible hand, also jumped back,

"this is--!"

"I finally remembered what's most important.... If it's to protect this, I don't care about contracts, ties, or anything else. I just remembered that I was tied down by pointless things."

　The kitten floating in the air spoke quietly to Petelgeuse, whose voice trembled with unusual agitation.

　The spirit erased the signs of confusion it had felt earlier and glared at the madman with a relieved expression.

Subaru: "I finally remembered why I became like this. It was to protect my daughter――and if this is the restriction that must be imposed in order to do so, then damn it, that evil person."

"Puck――ah"

　Puck looked as if he was about to click his tongue, but Emilia's throat froze as she reached out her fingertips.

　On her chest was a crystal emitting a green light. It was the vessel for the spirit Puck, and an important stone that connected Emilia and Puck.

　Suddenly, without even being touched, it broke into pieces.

"No way...why...!"

"I… I broke the restrictions, and they started collecting the debt. I guess they had planned for this to happen from the beginning… even so."

　Puck turns around and positions himself in front of Emilia's face.

　Emilia's eyes wavered in confusion at Puck's actions. As Puck gazed upon her, a look of love flashed across his face.

"Leah, goodbye--"

"So..."

"I have broken the constraints, and I can no longer keep this body connected. Being by your side is no longer possible, as the price has been taken from me. --I am sorry."

"No, I don't want that, Puck... because, everyone, everyone will be gone... even Subaru, there... everyone is not there. Not even there! Now, if Puck is gone... I, I'll be alone forever... I don't want that."

　Emilia whines like a child, tears streaming down her face.

　Puck used his long tail to wipe away Emilia's streaming tears and placed his lips against the crying girl's nose.

"Don't say things you don't understand. Ram is still in the mansion. Betty is still here. If push comes to shove, rely on Betty. She'll definitely not be able to refuse a request like that. I think it's unfair to ask knowing that."

"I can't! With anyone other than Puck..."

"--Go away. You are the most precious, adorable, and dearest Emilia in my world."

"Ma--"

　Before Emilia could say anything, Puck's small body pressed hard against her forehead.

　Unable to withstand the unexpected force, Emilia's body swam backwards - and in that moment, a rift appeared in space, swallowing her slim body.

"picture--"

　In an instant, Emilia had vanished from the village.

　--After witnessing that, Puck let out a long sigh.

"Sorry for making you do this, Beatrice."

　Words of gratitude to that accomplice in my sudden disappearance.

　Then Puck turned around and looked at Petelgeuse, who was staring right at him.

"Just watching quietly... you're quite the well-behaved fanatic."

"If I lay a hand on him, it will be as if he intends to destroy me. Either way, it will be the same if I chase him into the mansion. There's no need to step on his tail."

"I see. You seem to be a freak, but surprisingly your mind is still alive. ――You scum."

　Spitting out this, Puck climbed over the ice wall and headed towards Petelgeuse.

　Betelgeuse, who is waiting for them, does not do anything so unrefined as to intercept them with the "invisible hand" along the way.

　Facing each other at a certain distance,

"We don't have much time. Let's get started quickly and finish quickly. I've left the rest to my reliable younger sister."

"Your aura seems to have changed. For a spirit, you seem more human."

"--I suppose so."

　Puck rubbed his pink nose with his small hands and laughed cynically.

"Although he looks like this now, he originally had slightly longer arms and legs and a more handsome face. With a daughter that is that cute, it's only natural, right?"

"...I have a hard time understanding what you're saying."

"Oh, it's fine. You don't have to understand... you're going to die here."

　As he spoke, Puck's body began to turn pale as he raised both hands towards Petelgeuse.

　His mana was running low, and his body was no longer able to maintain itself. This was likely due to the loss of his connection with Emilia, or perhaps due to the fact that he had broken the restrictions that Puck himself had spoken of.

　In any case, the figure, the outline became vague.

"I'll erase you before I disappear. I'm afraid the person I'm going to commit suicide with is a fanatic."

"It's unfortunate, but even if this body perishes, my life will not come to an end--"

"I'll freeze your whole soul here. --And then, what will happen?"

　Petelgeuse's expression, which had been maintaining a fearless smile up until then, froze.

　Puck laughed heartily and joyfully at the wide-eyed madman.

"Yeah--that's the side I wanted to see, idiot."

　At that moment, the spirit's outline disintegrated, and a white glow exploded.

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　--Subaru lay on the ground, shown one world after another that had ended.

　I'm not even sure where I am right now.

　Am I in reality, or in a dream? Am I having a recurring nightmare? Is it permissible to dismiss it as just that, a nightmare?

　Is it merely a world of possibility? Or is it something that really existed? Is it a convenient world created in Subaru's head? If so, what kind of world is this, into which information that Subaru clearly has no knowledge of flows?

　Was it a world born of delusion? Was reality encroaching on a different reality? Either way, the pain Subaru's heart has suffered is immense.

　It was so bad that I could hardly stand up straight or even hold my head up.

　that's why--.

"Are you unable to stand up anymore, Subaru-kun?"

　Subaru heard someone standing nearby try to gently soothe his heart.

　It felt like a lovely voice, someone's.

"――――"

　A hot tear that shouldn't have flowed ran down Subaru's cheek.