"No problem. While you're talking to the spirits in the garden, Emilia-tan, I'll walk around, stretch, and get some running in to wake up my body."
Subaru nodded. This was the perfect opportunity to complete his system's daily quest.
"Okay, as long as you aren't too loud... Wait, what did you just call me?"
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Re:Zero :I, Subaru, the Shadow Monarch? (32 Chapters, Ongoing)
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"What?"
"Subaru, what was that 'tan' thing? Where does that word come from?" Emilia's violet eyes were filled with confusion at the nickname.
"Uh..." Subaru realized he had slipped into his old habits from his previous life. He quickly recovered and smiled. "Ah, that... 'tan' is just a slang term from my hometown. It's a very common way to address someone. Don't worry about it."
"I see." Though still a bit puzzled, Emilia didn't press further and simply nodded.
The two walked side by side toward the mansion's gardens. As they walked, Subaru stole a glance at Emilia's profile. Emilia isn't just beautiful; she's so kind-hearted. Meeting her is the best stroke of luck I've had.
Emilia was the first person to show him kindness in this world. Even though he was clearly suspicious and she was in a desperate rush to recover her Royal Selection insignia, she had still stopped to help him.
The loss of that insignia was a crisis. It was the equivalent of working your life away to buy a house, only for a thief to not only rob you but also tear down half your walls. Losing gold coins wouldn't have mattered, but the insignia was her entire future.
Helping others when her own life is in shambles... Emilia really is an angel, Subaru thought.
Sensing his gaze, Emilia turned to him. "Is something wrong, Subaru? Is there something on my face?"
"Well..." Subaru rubbed his nose, meeting her clear violet eyes. He spoke quite frankly. "I just thought you looked exceptionally beautiful today. I got a bit mesmerized without realizing it."
With a girl as innocent as Emilia, directness was usually the best policy. Besides, looking at her, it was impossible not to be moved.
Emilia froze, a look of shock crossing her face. "Beautiful?" She repeated the word softly, as if it were foreign to her. Then, a strained smile appeared. "Subaru, you really are strange. Being able to interact with spirits so naturally, and saying such things to someone like me... a half-elf. Even for a joke, it's surprising."
In truth, Emilia didn't realize how she looked. Because her silver hair and violet eyes were identical to the Witch of Envy, Satella, she had been hated and shunned by everyone her entire life. She genuinely believed she was ugly and rarely even looked in mirrors. She assumed Subaru was just teasing her.
Subaru's heart tightened. He remembered now—Emilia suffered from deep-seated self-loathing because of the discrimination she faced. Silver hair and violet eyes were stunning, yet the world loathed her for it.
He wasn't exaggerating when he thought her beauty was top-tier in this world. Even if she looked like the Witch, she'd be a super cute one.
If beauty had a color, it would definitely be silver!
Subaru looked directly into her jewel-like eyes with total sincerity. "I'm not joking, Emilia. I'm dead serious. Let me say it again: you are truly beautiful."
"Subaru... why... why would you..." Emilia's voice wavered. She wanted to say something but didn't know how to express the surge of emotions she was feeling.
She was used to loneliness and cold stares. She had become numb to it. But Subaru's gaze was different. There wasn't a hint of disgust—only admiration and affection. It left her bewildered, happy, and utterly lost.
Why is Subaru different from everyone else? Why doesn't he have any prejudice... She didn't understand.
"Because we're friends!" Subaru replied with a warm, honest smile. Emilia didn't need polite platitudes; she needed genuine validation.
"Friends?" Emilia's eyes clouded with confusion. She had never had a friend; her only confidant was the Great Spirit, Puck.
"That's right, friends. We went through so much together yesterday. I've already decided that you're my best friend. You aren't going to reject me, are you?" Subaru put a hand to his forehead, feigning a heartbroken look.
"No, I..." Emilia hesitated, but a warm current flowed through her heart. She had never imagined someone would treat her so sincerely.
"Since it's mutual, we're friends from now on!" Subaru cut her off with a grin. "Besides, it would be a crime against nature if no one praised a girl as pretty as you. I'm just stating facts, don't think I'm just trying to flatter you!"
"Subaru, you always say the strangest things." Emilia's pale cheeks flushed a soft pink.
"I'm super serious!" Subaru flashed a bright, white-toothed grin. "Emilia-tan, in my old world, you'd be a super-idol! Fans would be lining up from the capital to the border, and people would start fan clubs just for you."
"...Idol? Fans? What are those?" Emilia tilted her head, her silver hair swaying. Though she didn't know the words, she could feel his sincerity.