Subaru declares his love for Emilia in a field on flowers, renewing his dedication to win her the throne. Emilia, with tears of gratitude, accepts his aid and companionship. Although far from certain, Re:ZERO’s provided the cathartic ending we were hoping for while optimistically looking toward its next season. Emilia and Subaru’s reforged bond seems stronger than ever and, together, they seem capable to taking on the witch’s cult and winning the throne.
The sun is just another spotlight for Subaru's greatest moments
Just as planned...
One of the most fascinating elements of Re:ZERO’s narrative has been a growing awareness that it wasn’t random magical happenstance, but calculated purpose that placed Subaru in this world. Along with that awareness came the dawning certainty that the agent behind both his transportation and ability to return by death is none other than the witch Satella herself. Knowing this, we are forced to doubt Subaru’s every action and accomplishment as potentially furthering the cause of the most notoriously evil being in the world. Subaru’s ability to return by death and his inability to share that fact with others makes him the perfect sleeper agent, himself unaware of his participation in her schemes, so long as his desires are aligned with Satella’s plan. Currently, his greatest desire is to make Emilia queen.
"Don't call my girlfriend unworthy!"
In the second to last episode, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place when Betelgeuse, believing Subaru to be a fellow worshipper of Satella, revealed to him that Emilia was meant to act as a host for the return of the witch to this world. Emilia’s race and physical similarity certainly make her an ideal host for possession, but the true advantage of using her body is uniquely political, and may also act as the catalyst for Satella’s return. It has been previously stated that Lugunicia is protected by “the dragon” with the implication that this is the same dragon that played a part in the binding of Satella. Becoming queen would put Emilia closer to the dragon than anyone else. It just so happens that Emilia’s benefactor seems to have the hidden motive of slaying this same dragon. The repercussions of the dragon's death are clear and, if that is the key to freeing Satella, then not only must Emilia live, but she also must win.
What did the dragon ever do to you?
Enter Subaru. Although love at first sight is not unheard of in this world, it’s quite a bit more than convenient that the boy cursed by Satella and thrown into this strange world should not only quickly meet Satella’s desired host, but also fall in love with her. Fans upset with his romantic decision in episode 18 may have to wrestle with the idea that Rem never stood a chance. Whether Subaru was chosen because of a particular disposition that would find Emilia immediately endearing, or his fanatical infatuation is simply another part of his curse, Subaru only has eyes for Emilia. As a self-described idiot, it may not have occurred to Subaru that his role has been set out for him from the start. As a stubborn idealist bent on becoming a hero, even having that information may not cause him to change course. A convenient personality to be led around by the nose.
Like an unkillable mosquito
Emilia reciprocating Subaru’s feelings would only smooth the wheels of the plan. Each invested in the other’s well being, the future queen, destined to play host to Satella herself, and her knight, the perfect candidate for the vacant seat as the Archbishop of Pride. Emilia lonesome life would leave her all the more susceptible to Subaru’s earnest approach, revealed by her own claim that she never believed she would ever be loved. Meanwhile, untainted by the prejudice of the people who have grown their entire lives with warnings of a the silver-haired, half-elf witch, Subaru can pursue Emilia without reservations. Satella’s limited appearances have indicated that a romance between the two may simply pave the way for her possession of Emilia’s body. Her soft caresses of Subaru’s heart and the whispers into his ear are a not-so-subtle indication that something about him may have earned the Witch’s affection. If her host already loves Subaru, then he might never notice the difference when she is replaced.
Meaning Subaru is "the one"
With the two together, the greatest difficulty becomes winning the throne, but the last arc has already shown that having Subaru as your personal watchdog provides the next best thing to invulnerability. Faced with the impossible scenario of bypassing a legendary mabeast and a faction of the witches cult led by the Archbishop of Sloth, an extremely limited amount of time, and an infamous reputation among those with the ability to provide help, Subaru’s power allowed him to eventually find a path to victory. What better defense against assassination and loss than a lieutenant who can replay through the same scenario, using the information from each previous attempt, an infinite number of times? Especially one who is so hopelessly in love with his mistress that he will eagerly kill himself to facilitate each new opportunity.
Turning enemies into friends is an equally frightening power
Knowing what we know, can we consider any of Subaru’s achievements an actual accomplishment toward the greater good? Even Subaru’s victories over Satella’s own forces have to potential to be part of the scheme. Subaru’s unique ability to see Betelgeuse’s hands and Satella’s dismissal of Betelgeuse in Subaru’s gate indicate that the Archbishop may have been nothing more than a pawn, meant to be sacrificed. The accolades of Emilia’s knight leading the defeat of the remnants of Satella’s forces will doubtless do wonders for her candidacy. As the perspective character, we can at least be secure in Subaru’s intention to do good, but that has become the vehicle upon which he imperils the entire kingdom. It’s difficult to think of a more effective method of villainy than fooling the hero into becoming the champion of your cause. For the time being we can draw satisfaction from Subaru and Emilia’s happiness, but when thinking forward to the next season, we should remember how things ended for the last couple who met in a field of flowers.
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Peter Fobian is an Associate Features Editor for Crunchyroll, author of Monthly Mangaka Spotlight, and streams on Crunchyroll's official Twitch channel. You can follow him on Twitter at @PeterFobian.
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