Roswaal's proposal left Subaru with a mixture of excitement and caution. Training with the archmage was an unparalleled opportunity, but Roswaal's gaze, those disparate eyes that seemed to see right through him, set off an alarm bell.
Roswaal was a figure with ulterior motives, and Subaru knew nothing came for free with him. Still, the prospect of acquiring new skills and true strength was too tempting to refuse.
With Ram watching from the doorway with her unwavering smile, Subaru nodded, his mind made up. "I gladly accept, Lord Roswaal. I will do my best."
Roswaal's laughter filled the dojo, a peculiar and dissonant sound. "Excellent! It's always good to have a new student with... untapped potential. Tomorrow morning, right after breakfast, we'll meet here. Don't worry, I won't be too harsh, at least not at first. And perhaps, I'll learn something from you too, young Subaru!"
With a theatrical bow, Roswaal took his leave, leaving Subaru alone with his thoughts and Ram's silent, though no less intense, gaze.
"Hmph. Barusu, don't flatter yourself," Ram commented, her voice as sharp as ever. "Lord Roswaal has his reasons for everything. And I highly doubt your pathetic moves will impress someone like him."
Subaru decided not to argue. He had already made some small progress with Ram by asking her for advice. Now it was time to demonstrate, not convince her with words. He continued his training, his blows ringing louder and his dodges more fluid. Ram's presence, though critical, pushed him to push himself further.
Later that day, while Subaru was recovering in his room after an intense training session, there was a soft knock at the door.
"Subaru?" Emilia's melodious voice came from the other side.
"Emilia-tan! Come in!" Subaru exclaimed, his tiredness instantly dissipating.
Emilia entered, her long silver hair cascading down her back. Her amethyst eyes, usually serious, showed genuine concern. She was wearing her white and lilac outfit, which gave her an air of purity.
"I'm glad you look so well," Emilia said, approaching the bed where Subaru was sitting. "Rem told me you were recovering quickly. And also... that you've been training."
Subaru smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yes, I wanted to get in shape. I don't want to be a hindrance to anyone, Emilia-tan."
Emilia sat down in a nearby chair, her hands clasped in her lap. "You're not a hindrance, Subaru. You never were. In fact... I wanted to thank you again for the badge and for saving Felt and Rom."
[Charisma Obstacle Overcome: Strengthening Emotional Bond.]
[Reward: 15 EXP, Charisma Increase: 8 -> 9.]
Subaru felt a warm sense of satisfaction. Every interaction with Emilia was vital. Her trust, her support, were fundamental pillars in this world.
"You don't have to thank me, Emilia-tan. I only did what was right," Subaru replied, noticing how her voice sounded more confident. The increase in Charisma was really helping him express himself better.
Emilia looked at him with those sharp eyes. "What worries me is... why you did it. Why you took such a risk. Rem told me you were seriously injured."
Subaru felt a pang of nervousness. It was the moment of truth. He couldn't reveal his Return by Death ability or the system.
"When I saw you in the alley, and learned about the badge... I felt I had to help you," Subaru explained, searching for the right words. "And when I realized how dangerous Elsa was, and that Felt and Rom were at risk because of me... I couldn't leave them."
Emilia watched him silently, a look of thoughtful confusion on her face. "I understand you wanting to help, Subaru. And I appreciate it. But don't put yourself in danger for others. It's too dangerous."
"I can't help it," Subaru said, a sincerity that surprised even himself. "I feel I have to do everything I can to protect the people I care about. Especially you, Emilia-tan."
A faint blush appeared on Emilia's cheeks. She looked away for a moment, then looked back at him with a softer expression. "Subaru... you don't have to do that. You're not my knight. Although... I'm happy you're here."
Emilia's phrase, so simple, yet so meaningful, touched Subaru to the core. This time, things were different. The original Subaru had taken much longer to gain her trust, and he had done so through more impulsive and less strategic actions. The system was giving him the advantage he needed.
"And I'm also glad to be here, Emilia-tan," Subaru said with a sincere smile. "And I promise I'll try not to get into unnecessary trouble. I just... want to be ready for anything."
Emilia nodded, her worry seeming to ease a little. "All right, Subaru. But promise me you'll take care of yourself, too."
"Promised," Subaru smiled, feeling he had secured a valuable alliance.
After a while, Emilia said goodbye, leaving him alone again. Subaru lay down, staring at the ceiling. The road wouldn't be easy. Roswaal was a risk, and the dangers of the Re:Zero world were immense. But now, he had tools. He had Hiroto's knowledge, the game system, and a budding connection with Emilia and Rem.
The game had changed.