Rem's soup was delicious, restoring some of the energy Subaru had sapped. As he ate, Rem sat in a nearby chair, watching him with a mixture of curiosity and the wariness characteristic of demons.
"You're looking better, Subaru-kun," Rem commented, her blue eyes fixed on him. "Miss Emilia came to see you, but she wouldn't wake you. She was very grateful that you had her badge back."
"It was the least I could do," Subaru replied, feeling a slight blush.
It was strange, but Rem's genuine kindness, even with her usually courteous tone, was something that touched him. She wasn't just an anime character; she was a real person. And in this loop, she felt even more real.
"You know," Rem continued, her gaze dropping to her hands. "What you did in the alley... risking yourself for a thief and her guardian. It's not something many would do."
"They helped me too," Subaru said, recalling Rom's resilience and Felt's cunning. "And the information I had on Elsa was key. I couldn't leave them to their fate."
Rem stared at him for a moment, as if trying to read his intentions. "It's true that your intervention was crucial. Miss Emilia is also relieved that Felt is safe. She thought something bad would happen to her if Elsa caught her."
[Charisma Obstacle Cleared: Generating Positive Impression.]
[Reward: 10 EXP, Charisma Increase: 5 -> 6.]
The system flickered, and Subaru felt another subtle twinge of improvement. Charisma was important, not just for impressing, but for building relationships. And in a world like this, with the Return by Death ability, every relationship, every ally, was vital.
"And Rom? Is he okay?" Subaru asked, feeling a pang of worry. I didn't want to leave him to his fate.
"Lord Rom is strong," Rem smiled slightly. "He received some injuries, but they're not life-threatening. Elsa is dangerous, but Rom knows how to defend himself. He's recovering in his lair, and Felt has stayed with him."
A sigh of relief escaped Subaru's lips. That was good. It meant the characters were where they should be, ready for future events if necessary.
"I'm glad to hear that," Subaru said, finishing the soup. "Rem, I have to thank you too. For looking after me. And for the soup."
Rem nodded. "It's my duty. And Miss Emilia's. She insisted you stay at the mansion until you're fully recovered."
"I understand," Subaru replied, thinking ahead to upcoming events. The mansion week. Rem and Ram's suspicions. The village's curse. He had to prepare. And for that, he needed to train.
"Rem, is there somewhere I can train here?" Subaru asked. "I need to strengthen my body. I don't want to be a burden to anyone."
Rem tilted her head in surprise. "Uhm, there's a backyard and a small dojo that Lord Roswaal sometimes uses. Why do you ask, Subaru-kun? You seem... different."
"Last night's experience was an eye-opener," Subaru said, with a seriousness that surprised Rem. "I can't remain the same. If I want to be useful here, if I want to protect Miss Emilia, I need to become stronger."
Rem's eyes shone with a peculiar light. "I understand. It's a noble motivation, Subaru-kun. I'll show you the dojo and the backyard when you're finished recovering. But for now, rest. Your body needs to heal."
"Thank you, Rem. Truly," Subaru nodded, feeling a new determination.
As Rem left, Subaru summoned the Status Window again. He had the Quick Dodge skill, and his attributes had improved. But for what was coming, it wasn't enough. He needed more Strength, more Agility, more Stamina. And perhaps an offensive skill from the shop.
[Current SP: 1]
He didn't have enough System Points to buy Basic Strike yet. He would have to earn more EXP and SP.
He lay back down, closing his eyes. He had a week to prepare. A week to get stronger. A week to avoid death, or at least, so that the next death wouldn't be in vain.