COTE X Re: Zero: A Demon's Isekai

Fun at the capital.

Ryuuen POV, a few hours later: 

"God damn you're one tough son of a bitch." 

I coughed up some blood, as I leaned back against the wall. Ayanokouji was simply relaxing, not even sweating from the intense training we had been doing till now. 

"You did well." He simply responded, as he looked at his phone, showing 50% battery left. "You've managed to emulate a few moves from the video, which is impressive for a first time."

"Elsa's a beast." I said, recalling the moves in the video. "But, I have a question. The loli said you have perfect memory. So, why the video?" Ayanokouji raised an eyebrow, as if not having expected me to ask the question. 

"To train soldiers, of course." He replied. "You are the first, but soon there will be many others. Then, this will come in handy. Beyond that, the moves shown by Elsa here are comparatively different from what she used to face me when I first encountered her."

"She adapted to a different opponent, seems natural to me." I told him. He nodded, as he passed me a glass of water, which I gladly accepted. 

"My initial idea with this video was to tally Elsa's style of combat against other combat styles that this world might have. And from the video as well as my own encounter, I realized that she used different combat styles as per the scenario." He explained. "I wanted to delve deeper and learn that versatility." 

"Which it seems like you have." I noted, considering how many times he had beaten me up at this point. "But did you really have to kick my ass so much, dumbass?"

"I was going easy." Ayanokouji responded, almost as if the monster was actually concerned for me. We both know he doesn't give two shits about what happens to me, as long as it goes as per his plans. As much as it sucks, I guess I'll just have to show him I'm useful, until I can get more strength and go off on my own thing. 

"It's practically night time." I observed, looking out. "We're not returning to the others?" 

"I would rather not get involved in their lover's quarrel right about now." Ayanokouji said, looking into the distance. I tilted my head, confused. 

"Can you fucking hear them from here?" I asked him. He shook his head. 

"No, but I can see them through the windows." He answered. "My hearing is only slightly enhanced from before, unlike my other senses. But, we have more items on the agenda."

"And what are those?" I asked him. 

"Tomorrow we'll be able to meet the other candidates for the succession of Lugunica." Ayanokouji said. "While Emilia may not take us to the castle directly, we'll have to sneak in."

"You act like it's going to be easy." I muttered. "But, I guess you have a plan. Now all we can do, is see that tomorrow."

The next day, Ayanokouji POV: 

Priscilla Barielle, one of the other candidates. I wonder, just how are things going to move forward from here. I looked down at the emblem the old man had provided to me. This had granted us passage into the castle, apparently being a mark given by royalty, and from here, I had to keep a close eye on Subaru. That was for three reasons. 

1. He has great luck to be able to interact with all people of importance at random moments. 

2. I need to observe his killer should he die. 

3. My phone is low on battery. If no one kills him, I will. 

"Oh, looks like he's about to get killed." Ryuuen observed, as we sat on one of the rafters in the corner of the roof. I looked down, to see him entering with Priscilla, as Emilia and him made contact. "Well, this sure is awkward. How much you want to bet she's going to think he was spying on her?"