Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

"These are all the fragments of the past I saw at the tomb."

　After finishing his speech, θ took a sip of the cold tea to moisten his tongue and said:

　Subaru had been sitting on his bed, listening to the story with a serious expression on his face, but as θ reached the end of his recounting of the past, he held his breath and then let out what he had been holding in deep inside him.

　Squeezing his lungs to their limits, he expelled all the air, along with the indescribable emotions that had built up in his chest -- and then, he raised his face.

"That is the true origin of the 'Sanctuary' and the memories of Lewes Meyer."

"Even Su-bo knows what became of the crown that was swallowed by the blue crystal. It is still preserved in the depths of the witch's research facility, exactly as it was back then."

「But the role of that crystal doesn't match up with the information I know. Echidna and Lewes Meyer, the one who created that crystal, said that it wasn't because of the barrier of the 『Sanctuary』, but for some other reason...」

　According to Echidna's story at the Castle of Dreams, the reason she sealed Lewes Meyer in the crystal was as a result of an experiment to make her own dream of immortality come true.

　By creating a duplicate of the girl trapped in a crystal and transferring her memories into it, she was able to establish a pseudo-immortality. But this plan never came to fruition, either due to Echidna's own death or some kind of technical flaw, and so the only thing that remained was the perpetual motion machine that was continually increasing the number of Ryuzu's duplicates over time.

　In what θ is saying now, there is not even a trace of any ambition for immortality.

　On the contrary, a number of pieces of information came out that were hard to ignore.

"The real reason Echidna created the Sanctuary… in other words, the person she was trying to eliminate, who was that person?"

"..."

"In the stories, they called her 'Melancholy', but I've never heard of or seen anything like her. This is the first time I've heard of such a person. I had absolutely no doubt that the one chasing Echidna was the 'Witch of Envy'."

　The "Witch of Envy" who in the past destroyed all six of the Witches of Deadly Sin.

　He had always assumed that the being he had met in the castle of dreams had cornered Echidna. But then, a different person appeared, someone he hadn't seen or seen up until that point.

　Subaru's confusion is probably inevitable.

　However, there was something about the term "melancholy" that resonated with me, even though I didn't want to believe it.

"The seven deadly sins are pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust. ...But I've heard that in the past there were different forms and that they were combined into other deadly sins."

　The Seven Deadly Sins are one of the most exciting keywords for people like Subaru. Naturally, Subaru has come into contact with them as part of his knowledge, and when he recalls all of his memories from that time, he can certainly see them there.

"I'm sure...'Melancholy' and 'vanity' are definitely counted as deadly sins."

　The two former deadly sins of "Melancholy" and "Vanity" were removed from the Seven Deadly Sins. If "Melancholy" exists, it would not be strange if "Vanity" also exists.

　What if there was something missing from the famous witches of the past?

"It would be helpful if you could understand why I was so careless that I couldn't speak of this memory."

"reason...?"

　When Subaru frowned at θ's words, she gave him a cunning smile that didn't suit her appearance,

"It's just as Su-bou said just now. I have never heard of a being bearing the name 'Melancholy' apart from my current memory. Everyone I ask says the same thing. Even though the names of the Witches of Sin may be forgotten, stories of their existence are passed down in this world, yet the existence of a being with such power is not even known.... How terrifying that is."

"――――"

　The explanation brings θ's concerns, as he lowers his eyes, into sharp relief.

　That was certainly unusual.

　The "Envious Witch" is known throughout the world as a byword for fear and hatred. The other witches are also treated as beings that were consumed by the "Envious Witch," but their existence certainly remains in history.

　And yet, the existence of "Melancholy" is not even known. Perhaps it was just a coincidence that the topic was not discussed within the circle of contact between Subaru and theta.

　--Is it really possible that she didn't even hint at her existence to Subaru, who had even attended the witches' tea ceremony and met all the witches?

"...Is the first Roswaal dead? If so, what about his descendant, the current Roswaal? Is he from a branch family or of that blood?"

"I heard that the first Roswaal did not die in battle. From what I remember, he was half dead, but he managed to hang on to life after that. However, it seems he was never expected to recover long enough to lead a normal life...After that, the first Roswaal, who was supposed to have mastered magic, seems to have devoted himself even more to the path of magic."

　There must have been a time when θ had also tried to find out the truth. She herself was the one who most wanted to confirm the authenticity of her memories, starting with "Melancholy."

　However, judging by the lack of a clear answer, her efforts seemed to have borne fruit.

"The original role of the 'Sanctuary' was to keep 'Melancholy' away from Echidna. Lewes Meyer went along with Echidna's plan and offered herself up to protect the place called 'Sanctuary'. …So the clones that were born from the crystal were a trick that was put into place afterwards…?"

"A mechanism that only creates a barrier doesn't need the ability to create duplicates. That's probably the case. The problem is, what was the motive behind adding the mechanism that creates duplicates?"

"If it was Echidna who did it... then her motive must have been the immortality she spoke of. However... I don't know what she was thinking the moment she came up with this idea."

　What did Echidna decide upon finding Lewes Meyer resting in the crystal?

　She should know about the existence of "Melancholy." According to θ's memories, there was no doubt about that. However, even if she did know, her behavior during her conversation with Subaru was increasingly unnatural.

　--What is the answer to the sense of discomfort that arises here?

"There aren't enough parts yet to give you an answer."

　Gritting his teeth, Subaru thought with disgust at the missing puzzle piece from his picture.

　Subaru scratched his head, pausing the process of trying to find an answer. And then, the last part of the story that followed, something Subaru couldn't miss,

"--Beatrice, in the end, has lost all her friends."

"...That's right."

　Lewes Meyer because of her fearlessness. Beatrice because of her stubbornness.

　Perhaps Luce Meyer was unable to admit this to either of them until the very end, and Beatrice even at her final moment.

　Lewes Meyer melts into the crystal. How much damage did her final, curse-like expression of love cause to Beatrice?

　Is the result of experiencing that separation the image of a girl who has continued to reject others for four hundred years?

"I lost it in a painful way, so I'm really scared to want it again... Though I can understand how you feel."

　He remembers Beatrice refusing Subaru's hand and begging him to let her die.

　Perhaps the reason she cannot expect anything from others is because the wounds from her 400 years of loneliness, and the memory of her separation from Lewes Meyer, which was the initial trigger of that loneliness, are deep and sharp.

　It felt like he finally understood why the broken-hearted Beatrice had become so dependent on "that person" Echidna had instructed her to be, and had spent so long wearing herself out.

　The wounds in Beatrice's heart, having lost her only friend, remain scabs forever. The wounds that should have healed by meeting "that person" and completing Echidna's instructions have instead filled with pus over the years that have passed so cruelly, and are now swollen to the point of bursting.

　That's why that child is already feeling like he's reached his limits.

"...Have you and Beatrice met before?"

"No, that isn't the case. By the time we were created as clones, Lady Beatrice had stopped going near the Sanctuary, and she has never visited since. The other clones don't know my current memories, but knowing them, I think it would be best if we didn't meet."

"――――"

　In extreme cases, Subaru also agrees with Lew's idea.

　Lewes Meyer rests inside the crystal. The clone θ is an exact replica of her, and has retained her exact appearance from the time. However, θ has no memories of ever having met Beatrice as Lewes Meyer.

　With her wounds still open, meeting Theta or the other clones would only bring Beatrice pain and discomfort.

　just--,

"We definitely need to let him meet Theta-san and the others."

　That is what the girl who witnessed the birth of Sanctuary and had her wish passed on to Lewes Meyer needs to get her feet moving again.

"Can we assume that this is the whole reason why Mr. θ went into hiding and hid his past?"

"...That's right. That's all. The strange demon who called himself "Melancholy" only existed in the memories of Lewes Meyer that I saw. Despite the fact that he existed, the fact that there is no record of him anywhere is just too strange and abnormal."

"I agree with that. There must be some kind of trick behind it, including Echidna's attitude."

"And... well."

　θ stopped speaking and lowered her eyes in front of Subaru, who was frowning. Then, without looking at him, she said,

"If this 'Sanctuary' was born from the wish of Lewes Meyer... our ancestor, then what meaning does it have to break the barrier that was created with the sacrifice of one's life, and liberate this place? I didn't have the courage."

"――――"

"Times change. Hundreds of years have passed since Lewes Meyer's time. During the height of the terror of the 'Jealous Witch', the treatment of half-Japanese people, who were despised and shunned, must have improved a little. ... Enough to the point that people are starting to call for the liberation of this place, and for people to turn their attention to the outside world."

"...Of course, it's still not enough. Discrimination still lingers here and there. I think there'll be plenty of unpleasant experiences to deal with even if you leave here. But."

　I remember what happened at the palace.

　In the Royal Selection Hall, Emilia put her will and thoughts into words and endured the malice directed towards her.

　In a world where her ideals are realized, the inhabitants of this "Sanctuary" are saved. Lewes Meyer's wish is fulfilled.

"When Emilia accomplishes that, the ended 'Sanctuary' will begin again. When all goes well, the whole world will be able to call itself 'Sanctuary' for everyone."

"――――"

　At the very least, Emilia will work hard to make that happen. The other candidates for the throne are also far from certain, but about half of them are likely to work hard to make it happen.

　In reality, there is no nobility or baseness between people that can be measured by race.

　The time will surely come when this way of thinking, which is so commonplace for Subaru, will become widely accepted.

"A dream story. A pleasant, sweet-sounding word."

"That's right. It really shakes your heart, doesn't it?"

"You're a bad man, Sue-boy, trying to seduce an old man like me."

　θ chuckles deep in his throat, his childlike expression exuding the dignity of an elderly man.

　Subaru shrugged his shoulders and said lightly, and θ looked somewhat pleased with himself.

"Maybe it's because I'm old that I'm so easily fooled by those sweet-sounding words."

"Maybe because she's a girl, she was dazzled by my dangerous charm."

"Hmph."

"That was the first time someone, including the other Lewes, laughed at me!"

　Subaru raised both hands to the sky and struck a pose as if he had given up. θ shook his head at Subaru's attitude and placed his empty cup on the table.

　Then he looked up at the crossed silver shields hanging on the wall,

"When the world outside this Sanctuary - everything outside it - becomes a Sanctuary."

"That time will surely come. When that time comes, it would be a shame to stay shut up in your room. It would be the most fun thing to show those people who acted like they couldn't do it that we were the first to jump on the bandwagon and give them the finger."

　There is value in overcoming the assertion that you can't do it.

　That's what a challenge is, that's what taking on a challenge is.

　Struggling to survive is wonderful because it keeps you moving forward toward a never-ending, dreamlike place.

"--Okay, Su-bo. You and Lady Emilia, do as you like."

"Mr. θ..."

"I decided it from the beginning. If it was Su-bou who found me in this place, I would tell him my past and leave it to him to make a decision. And even after hearing my story, Su-bou didn't try to stop the release of the 'Sanctuary'... and he laughed away my worries."

"I wasn't laughing it off or putting on any false cheer though."

"But that's fine. Yes, that's fine."

　As if shaking something off, θ nods repeatedly, affirming Subaru's stance.

　Subaru realized from θ's attitude that she was finally reaching out to release the prison of memories that she had been harboring for many years without confiding in anyone.

　Whether or not we could take her hand and lead her outside was up to us to decide.

"Now, there is not a single Lewes who is against the liberation of the 'Sanctuary'."

"That is true... However, that will only have meaning once the Sanctuary has been liberated and the barrier broken. Whether or not we can overcome the Trials remains entirely up to Emilia-sama."

　As Subaru sighs with relief that one pending issue has been eliminated, θ tells him to pull himself together. Hearing this, Subaru tightens his cheeks, which have begun to loosen up.

　I had certainly relaxed a little since I found θ. But that doesn't change the fact that the problems that had started up were still continuing unresolved.

　θ found out before Garfield.

　However, Emilia has still not been found.

"You believe that Emilia-sama has the ability to overcome the Trials, right?"

"We have taken measures to prevent this...or rather, we have arranged for them to take the medicine. However, the medicine worked too well, and he is currently missing. We need to deal with him quickly."

"S-missing?! S-sure it's okay?! If Emilia-sama were to screw up after revealing all about her past, all of our resolve would be ruined, you know?!"

"Your concerns are justified, and it's hard for me to say anything about it... but when I heard what you said earlier, I had a thought."

　Lewes Meyer sacrificed her own life to protect the "Sanctuary."

　Her self-sacrifice, in which she put others first until the very end, is strikingly similar to that girl who always put others first and always ended up losing out.

　Even if right now you are going through a lot of hardship, experiencing pain over and over again, and your heart may feel depressed.

　I can't imagine that he would lose sight of what is expected of him and what he should do.

"So I'm sure I have an idea where she is."

"――――"

"Even without that, we desperately searched all over this small sanctuary. Even now, my partner is probably rolling around, half crying. If you still can't find him, then there's only one place where he won't be found."

　Seeing Subaru's confident face, θ, who had been feeling a little impatient, let out a deep sigh. Without confirming whether Subaru had any idea, she continued, "In that case,"

"If we find Lady Emilia and she overcomes the Trial... then the final obstacle is Garbou."

"From what I've heard in bits and pieces about his past, Σ-san, it's that he was separated from his mother. θ-san, you dived into the tomb at the same time, do you have any idea what that might be?"

"That girl really doesn't want to talk about her family. I think it's because she's being considerate of me… and what happened with Frederica is also quite hard on her."

　I heard that Frederica and Garfiel's separation was finalized when Garfiel shook off her hand as she decided to depart for the outside world.

　The reason Garfiel remained in the Sanctuary was to protect the residents, who, unlike himself, were quarters and could not venture out into the outside world, from any beings that might threaten them.

　--This coincides with Echidna's words that Garfiel is afraid of the outside world.

"The trauma of being separated from his mother... I guess. He hates the outside world. I want him to help me with things in the outside world."

"Su-bo and Ga-bo side by side, huh... I see. Yes, that would be nice."

　When Theta thought of Garfiel and relaxed her lips, all childishness disappeared, and it was clear that she was overflowing with maternal love for her grandson.

　For the four of them, who are clones of one Ryuzu, the emotion they share despite not sharing it all may be their affection for Garfiel.

　The feelings Garfiel has towards Lewes and the others are surely the same.

"...First, I need to meet with Emilia."

　As for how to tackle Garfiel, we're preparing for the worst case scenario.

　The contract with Roswaal - since it was built into the conditions for winning the bet, a conversation with him was an indispensable obstacle.

　Furthermore, Emilia's ability to overcome the Trials was also something Roswaal had categorically declared impossible, and it was up to Emilia to overcome them on her own, without Subaru's help.

　Having lost her connection with Puck, Emilia has lost her emotional support. In exchange, she has also lost the "lid on inconvenient memories" that was preventing her from conquering the first "Trial".

　At least, that was the case if things went according to Puck's plan. When she overcame that and faced the "Trial", a completely different view would surely greet her.

　Will Emilia be able to give the same answer to that question as she does now?

　ーーAt that moment, even if he couldn't be by her side, Natsuki Subaru had decided upon his own role to do everything he could to ensure that she continued to be that way.

"I know you want to side with Garfiel, but can you stay here for a while, θ? If he's having trouble getting close to here, it would be better for Garfiel to stay undiscovered so he can relax."

"So while Gar-bou was distracted, Su-bou was up to something evil, right?"

"Everyone calls what I do evil schemes and conspiracies as if it's the natural course of things, but do I really seem like some despicable person with all those nasty thoughts?"

　Subaru tilted his head in confusion, but θ didn't reply.

　Feeling uncomfortable with the silent response, Subaru sighed and scratched his head.

"The original plan was for today, with tomorrow as the backup day. Can we keep this in mind...? If Emilia's location is as we thought, then our next concern is Garfiel and Roswaal."

　The problem is the existence of two people who could potentially prevent the victory conditions in Sanctuary.

　And so, in order to avoid that, I had been holding detailed meetings with Otto. The issues were timing, preparation time, and certainty.

　Timing is important. The more time you have to prepare, the better. The more time you have to prepare, the higher the chance of success. -- It's a natural conclusion, but that's how it should be.

"Whether we cry or laugh, we have to finish this by the day after tomorrow. We can't make a mistake when it comes to the crucial moment. Right, θ-san?"

"It's hard to say anything if you're only asked for consent. --If the boy looks resolved, then that's the time. I'll be waiting with high expectations."

　Even though he doesn't agree with Subaru's thoughts, θ affirms his intentions.

　That troubled smile was perhaps something that Lewes Meyer often wore as well. It was surely an expression that Beatrice had seen countless times.

　He persuades Garfiel, supports Emilia, and goes to pick up Beatrice.

　For my part, there are too many things to do and too many obstacles to overcome.

　The dark clouds continue to loom, and no clear answers have yet been found.

　And yet, strangely enough, Subaru's heart remained unchanged.

　Because what you have to do and what you want to do are aligned.

　No matter how difficult it may be, now that I can see the wall I need to face, it feels much clearer than the time when I was confused and didn't know what to face.

　At last, I was ready to reach out for that intangible thing called destiny.

　Subaru pumped his hands over his cheeks, letting out a dry thump, and pumped himself up.

　Smiling at the wide-eyed θ, Subaru lightly raised his hand and headed out of the building.

　Then, with his hand on the entrance door, he turned around as if he had suddenly remembered something and said.

"Now that I think about it, Lewes Meyer speaks like someone her age, so why do her clones, Mr. θ, talk like old ladies? Is it part of their character development?"

"What are you talking about? I'm acting like a kid my age too."

　θ snorted indignantly, his short hands on his hips and his flat chest puffed out.

　It would be a stretch to say that his appearance is appropriate for his age.

　With the image of the girl in the dress, who hadn't grown a bit over the years, in his mind, Subaru went outside the building and got some fresh air.

　So that we can take on this final challenge with a somewhat upbeat feeling.

　ーーTo end 『Sanctuary』, and begin the new one, Natsuki Subaru's resistance began.