Re:Zero -Starting Life in Zero

"What! I'd like to see what he's capable of! Daring to commit crimes in our Iron Bucket Street!"

Two other middle-aged women were also about to arrive at the scene, dragging brooms and shovels.

Seeing that things were going badly, Green turned and ran, then turned back and pointed fiercely at Elsa.

"You damned woman, just you wait... this isn't over!"

"How dare you be so insolent! Take this!"

Watching the three indignant old women chase after Green, Elsa felt a strange emotion welling up inside her.

"What a lovely bunch."

……

Green ran wildly, being chased for several blocks.

As he passed a shop, he also saw Ato and Mia.

The two little hands held plump coarse grain dumplings, and they were eating them heartily with a big bowl of hot soup.

"Hey, Mia, I think I see that older brother from before!"

"No way, I only knew that hunger could cause hallucinations, I didn't expect that eating a full meal could also cause blurred vision?"

……

"Finally...finally I've shaken them off!"

Green emerged from a dark corner, panting, and cautiously looked around.

Those three older women must be manual laborers; they were incredibly energetic.

The main reason is that they are too familiar with this neighborhood, and they can always take shortcuts to get ahead of him.

After tidying up his hair, which had been messed up by the broom, Green prepared to head to Crusch's residence.

The duke's temporary residence was located in a secluded part of the royal capital's noble district. It was not grand or luxurious, but it benefited from the Karlsten family's wealth and influence.

The stone walls of the courtyard are not high, but they are carved with simple diamond patterns. There is no ostentatious clan emblem outside the gate, only a plaque with the words "Karlsten" hanging on it.

After proving his identity to the guard, Green was granted permission to pass.

Emilia must have given prior notice.

He walked to the low fence at the corner of the courtyard and looked up to see a small garden set aside at the back of the mansion.

Strangely, even though it was late at night, a warm yellow lantern was still lit inside.

The soft, dim light broke through the chill of the night, creating a tranquil corner of the world.

Drizzling.

A sound of water being poured rang out.

Beside the magic lamp stood a robust elderly gentleman, none other than Crusch's retainer—the sword demon Wilhelm.

At this moment, the old man's face showed no trace of authority. He was bending over, adding water to the plants in the garden, his eyes filled with a look of reminiscence.

Noticing someone's arrival, Wilhelm straightened up and bowed slightly to Green.

"It's been a long time, Mr. Green."

"Grandpa, aren't you asleep so late?"

Green was somewhat puzzled, glancing occasionally at the water bottle in Wilhelm's hand.

Does anyone have the kindness to water the flowers at night?

Wilhelm, understanding the gesture, stepped aside, revealing a cluster of small yellow flowers that had been hidden from view.

"This is a strange flower called 'Luminous Calyx'. It refuses to absorb water in the presence of sunlight, so I can only water it at night."

Green nodded in understanding and smiled, "I didn't expect the renowned Sword Demon to be so knowledgeable about flowers and plants."

"You flatter me. My wife loves these delicate plants, and by extension, I don't dislike these flowers either."

"She always said that the 'Liuguang' calyx is as stubborn as a little beast, insisting on growing against the sunlight, drinking its fill of dew at night, and only then will it bloom with its brightest color during the day."

The old man's Adam's apple bobbed gently. When he thought of his wife, his eyes, which had been sharpened by a century of battles, softened as if they were filled with warm water.

"In my wife's courtyard, she always loved to pull me aside late at night to tend to these flowers."

"She was a careless woman who always spilled water from the kettle on her clothes, but she would still stubbornly say that it was an extra gift for the flowers."

When the topic of his wife came up, even the usually taciturn Sword Demon became more talkative.

After belatedly realizing his lapse in decorum, Wilhelm straightened his hunched back.

The lingering sorrow around him was gradually replaced by a seasoned composure born of years of battle, and he lowered his head slightly, saying:

"Please excuse my appearance, Mr. Green. As one gets older, one tends to reminisce about old things."

Green responded with an understanding smile.

"It's alright, sir. I enjoy listening to stories."

Wilhelm shook his head gently and said, "It's getting late, and we really can't keep you from resting."

Grimm shrugged. "Alright—then, may I ask which room Rem is staying in?"

"this……"

Wilhelm hesitated for a moment and pressed on:

"Excuse me for speaking frankly, but what is your relationship with Ms. Rem? Although you are on the same side, it is quite suspicious that you would inquire about a lady's room so late at night."

"You're overthinking it, old man. Rem and I are a loving, engaged couple."

"I see. Please go up to the second floor and turn right."

Wilhelm looked as if he had just realized something; he had always held young people's love in high esteem and revered it.

Green nodded gratefully and walked straight toward his residence in the mansion.

He remembered a time when he and Theresa were like that, wanting to be with each other every moment.

Wilhelm watched Green's retreating figure, and after hesitating several times, he decided to act impulsively this time.

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Green!"

Green stopped and turned back in confusion.

"Is there anything else?"

Wilhelm walked solemnly to Green, his body ramrod straight, and then bowed deeply to Green.

He maintained a ninety-degree bow and spoke in a pleading tone:

"Lady Crusch will likely invite you for a meeting tomorrow. Please be sure to grant her request then, Mr. Grin!"

Green was somewhat surprised and quickly helped Wilhelm up.

"Please get up, sir."

"I don't know what Crusch's demands are. If they are detrimental to our side, please forgive me for not being able to agree directly."

Wilhelm's aged eyes showed some struggle, and his hands trembled slightly. He knew that his current actions were already a betrayal of Crusch.

Revealing the owner's needs before negotiations will put them at a disadvantage.

But he couldn't remain calm when it came to his beloved wife Theresa.

"Mr. Green, you are one of the few people in four hundred years who have escaped from the jaws of a beluga whale and remained sane after surviving."

"You must possess invaluable information about that demon. If you can truthfully inform us, I am willing to offer my remaining life."

When the beluga whale was mentioned, Wilhelm's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and his hands clenched so tightly they cracked.

Green supported Wilhelm's arm, his fingertips clearly feeling the old man's taut muscles.

Even his aged frame trembled slightly from the intense hatred and obsession.

Green's eyes darkened. He first raised his hand and pressed down on the old man's wrist, which was clenched so tightly it had turned white. His tone was steady and slow:

"Please calm down, sir. There's no need for that. The outcome of this matter will surely be as you wish."

"Thank you! Mr. Green! Thank you!"

Wilhelm knelt on one knee, his head slightly lowered to hide the tears welling in his eyes.

Green bent down, patted Wilhelm's shoulder reassuringly, and whispered, "After soaring through the skies for four hundred years, it's time for it to fall."

……

Upon entering the residence, Green immediately smelled a strong odor of alcohol.

This rich and mellow flavor is far superior to the red wine he drank in prison.

It's estimated that Crusch hosted a small cocktail party for Emilia and the others.

"Hey, it's Green back!"

A dizzy half-elf girl staggered down the spiral staircase.