Who did Subaru love? Exploring the Complex Romantic Life of Subaru Natsuki

For fans of the popular anime and light novel series Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, the question "Who did Subaru love?" is a central and often debated topic. Subaru Natsuki, the protagonist, finds himself transported to a fantasy world with no powers other than the ability to "Return by Death," allowing him to rewind time after dying. This harrowing ability shapes his relationships and his understanding of love. While his affections are primarily directed towards one person, his journey is filled with numerous complex emotional entanglements and moments of deep care for others.

The Undeniable Core of Subaru's Affection: Emilia

Without a shadow of a doubt, the primary object of Subaru's love throughout the series is Emilia. From the very first moment he encounters her, Subaru is captivated by her kindness, her beauty, and her unwavering belief in doing good. He is instantly drawn to her, seeing her as a beacon of hope and goodness in a harsh world.

First Encounter: Subaru's initial meeting with Emilia is the catalyst for his entire journey. He is lost and vulnerable, and she offers him a helping hand without question. This act of selfless kindness deeply impresses him.
Unwavering Devotion: Despite facing immense suffering, repeated deaths, and the constant threat of failure, Subaru's resolve to protect Emilia and help her achieve her goals never wavers. His love for her fuels his determination to overcome any obstacle.
Sacrifice and Selflessness: Subaru frequently puts himself in mortal danger, endures unimaginable pain, and even sacrifices his own well-being for Emilia's sake. His actions are a testament to the depth of his love, often prioritizing her safety and happiness above his own.
Challenging Circumstances: Their relationship is far from simple. Emilia is often unaware of the true extent of Subaru's sacrifices and the trauma he endures due to his "Return by Death." This creates significant emotional distance at times, but Subaru perseveres, driven by his love.
The "Witch's Cult" and the Witch of Envy: A significant complication in Subaru's relationship with Emilia is her connection to the Witch of Envy, Satella. Subaru also possesses a connection to Satella, who is revealed to be the one who gifted him his "Return by Death" ability and also harbors a deep, possessive love for him. This creates a complex web of love and fear, as Emilia is often associated with the entity that terrorizes the world, and Subaru's own feelings are sometimes intertwined with Satella's overwhelming affection for him.

Other Significant Relationships and Feelings

While Emilia is his ultimate love, Subaru develops profound bonds with other characters. These relationships, while not romantic in the same way as his feelings for Emilia, are characterized by deep care, protectiveness, and genuine affection. These interactions are crucial to his growth and understanding of love and companionship.

Rem: The Unrequited Love and Steadfast Support

The character of Rem, one of the twin oni maids serving Roswaal L. Mathers, plays an incredibly significant role in Subaru's life. Initially, Rem harbors deep distrust and even hostility towards Subaru. However, through a series of events, including Subaru's unwavering kindness and his willingness to help her overcome her past trauma, Rem falls deeply in love with him.

Unconditional Devotion: Rem's love for Subaru is absolute and unconditional. She is willing to do anything for him, and her belief in him often surpasses his own.
The Iconic Confession: Rem famously confesses her love to Subaru, offering him a life of peace and happiness away from the dangers he faces. This scene is iconic and has resonated with many fans.
Subaru's Rejection and Acceptance: While Subaru deeply cares for Rem and acknowledges her love, he ultimately cannot reciprocate her romantic feelings, as his heart belongs to Emilia. However, he never dismisses her feelings and cherishes her as a vital friend and companion. He emphasizes that even though he cannot love her back romantically, he still values her deeply.
Symbol of Support: Rem becomes a crucial pillar of support for Subaru, particularly during his darkest moments. Her presence and encouragement are often what allow him to continue fighting.

Beatrice: A Found Family and Protective Bond

Beatrice, a powerful spirit residing in the Forbidden Library, also becomes a central figure in Subaru's life. Their relationship evolves from one of reluctant alliance to a strong, familial bond built on mutual respect and protectiveness.

Initial Antagonism: Beatrice is initially quite hostile and territorial, viewing Subaru as an intruder.
Growing Trust: Through shared experiences and Subaru's persistent efforts to understand and assist her, Beatrice begins to trust him.
Partnership and Protection: Subaru eventually becomes Beatrice's contracted spirit, a significant step in their relationship. He is fiercely protective of her, and she, in turn, relies on him and expresses her affection in her own unique ways.
A Sense of Belonging: For both Subaru and Beatrice, their connection provides a sense of belonging and purpose, forming a crucial part of their "found family."

Other Notable Connections

Subaru's interactions extend to many other characters, where he demonstrates genuine care and a desire to protect. While not romantic, these relationships are vital to his development and the narrative.

Ram: Rem's twin sister, Ram, is initially aloof and critical of Subaru. However, as he proves his worth and courage, Ram develops a grudging respect and even a protective sentiment towards him, though her interactions are often sharp and sarcastic.
Felt, Reinhard, Crusch, Anastasia, Priscilla: Subaru interacts with various other individuals and factions in Lugnica, often forming alliances or rivalries. In many of these encounters, he exhibits a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect the innocent, showcasing a broader capacity for empathy and care.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Subaru's Love Life

How does Subaru's "Return by Death" affect his understanding of love?

Subaru's ability to "Return by Death" profoundly impacts his perception of love. The constant trauma of dying and reliving events forces him to confront the fragility of life and the importance of protecting those he cares about. It also leads to moments of emotional detachment and despair, making his genuine affections for others even more precious and hard-won. He learns that love isn't just about grand gestures but also about enduring hardship and making sacrifices for the well-being of his loved ones.

Why is Subaru's love for Emilia so central to the story?

Subaru's love for Emilia is the primary driving force behind his actions in Re:Zero. Her pursuit of the royal selection and her compassionate nature inspire him to become a stronger, more capable individual. His devotion to her provides a clear goal and motivation, even when faced with overwhelming odds. The narrative consistently returns to this core relationship, emphasizing its importance in Subaru's personal journey and the overarching plot.

Why does Subaru continue to pursue Emilia even when he knows about Satella's feelings?

Subaru's pursuit of Emilia is driven by genuine affection and a desire to protect her, not by any obligation to Satella. While Satella's obsessive love and the power of "Return by Death" are intertwined with his existence, Subaru actively seeks to separate his feelings for Emilia from the influence of the Witch of Envy. He wishes to be loved and to love for who he is, not as a pawn in a supernatural entanglement. His love for Emilia is his own, independent of Satella's influence.