Julius Juukulius and the Tangled Web of Subaru's Arrival
The question of why Julius Juukulius, the esteemed knight and member of the Royal Knights, harbors such apparent disdain for the protagonist, Natsuki Subaru, is a recurring one for fans of the Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World series. It’s a sentiment that isn't rooted in a single, dramatic event, but rather a complex interplay of Subaru's actions, Julius's personality, and the differing societal expectations placed upon them.
Initial Encounters: Pride and Perceived Arrogance
The very first impressions Subaru makes on Julius are, to put it mildly, less than stellar. Subaru, thrust into a world completely alien to him and often resorting to desperate, unconventional methods to survive, comes across as erratic and unfocused. Julius, a knight of impeccable lineage, training, and a strong sense of duty and honor, views Subaru’s behavior through a lens of privilege and disrespect. Subaru’s tendency to blurt out information he shouldn't know, his seemingly reckless disregard for proper etiquette, and his often crude demeanor clash violently with Julius’s refined sensibilities.
Key points of friction early on include:
- Subaru's lack of formal training and apparent lack of respect for established hierarchies.
- His tendency to speak out of turn and make bold, often unfounded claims.
- The sheer strangeness of his knowledge and abilities, which Julius, as a man of order, finds unsettling.
The Royal Selection and Subaru's Interference
A significant turning point in their relationship, and a primary driver of Julius's animosity, occurs during the Royal Selection arc. Subaru, despite not being a candidate himself, becomes deeply entangled in the affairs of Emilia, one of the primary contenders. His persistent involvement, coupled with his often-unorthodox strategies that sometimes appear to disregard the established rules of the selection process, irks Julius immensely.
Julius, as a staunch supporter of stability and order, sees Subaru as a disruptive force. He believes Subaru is undermining the integrity of the Royal Selection, a critical event for the future of Lugunica. He views Subaru’s interventions as a display of arrogance and a lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation. Subaru’s “return by death” ability, while a source of his survival, is completely unknown to Julius, leaving him to interpret Subaru’s seemingly miraculous successes and failures as sheer luck or, worse, manipulation.
Julius's Perspective: A Knight's Duty and Honor
It's crucial to understand Julius's character. He is a paragon of knighthood, dedicated to his oaths and to the well-being of the kingdom. He has trained his entire life for his position and carries the weight of his responsibilities with immense seriousness. When he encounters Subaru, he sees someone who seems to operate outside of any discernible code of conduct, someone who appears to stumble into situations and emerge victorious through sheer, inexplicable force or by bafflingly unconventional means. From Julius's perspective, this is not admirable; it’s chaotic and potentially dangerous.
He also embodies a certain societal pride. The knights and nobility of Lugunica are accustomed to a certain way of doing things. Subaru, a commoner from another world with no discernible noble background or magical prowess in the traditional sense, is an anomaly. His very existence challenges the established order, and Julius, as a pillar of that order, finds it difficult to reconcile.
The Duel: A Test of Will and a Breaking Point
The duel between Julius and Subaru is a pivotal moment where their animosity boils over. While Subaru is attempting to protect Emilia and prove himself, Julius sees it as an opportunity to put Subaru in his place, to demonstrate the clear gap in their capabilities and to perhaps force Subaru to understand the seriousness of his actions. Julius doesn't inherently "hate" Subaru in the same way one might hate a villain. Instead, his actions stem from a profound sense of disapproval, a frustration with Subaru’s seemingly reckless nature, and a perceived lack of respect for the traditions and responsibilities Julius holds dear.
Following the duel, while Subaru is defeated, Julius is still left with a deep-seated wariness and continued disapproval of Subaru’s methods. He doesn't suddenly become Subaru's friend. The "hate" is more accurately described as a strong, persistent dislike and a lack of trust, born from their initial interactions and Subaru's continued, albeit often unintentional, disruptions.
Subaru's "Return by Death" and Julius's Ignorance
A key element that fuels Julius's negative perception of Subaru is his complete ignorance of Subaru's "Return by Death" ability. Julius witnesses Subaru’s apparent failures, his sudden insights, and his ability to survive seemingly impossible situations. Without understanding the true mechanism behind it—Subaru repeatedly dying and restarting from a save point—Julius can only interpret these events through the lens of luck, trickery, or a cavalier disregard for consequences. This lack of understanding is a fundamental barrier to any genuine reconciliation or empathy from Julius's side.
In essence, Julius's "hate" for Subaru is a complex reaction to Subaru's perceived arrogance, his disruptive influence on established order, his unorthodox methods, and his seemingly inexplicable resilience, all compounded by Julius's rigid adherence to his knightly code and societal expectations. It’s a narrative device that highlights the stark contrast between the two characters and the challenges of understanding and acceptance in a world where hidden truths abound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does Julius initially dislike Subaru so much?
Julius's initial dislike stems from Subaru's erratic behavior, lack of formal training, and perceived disrespect for established norms and etiquette. Julius, a knight of high standing, views Subaru as an undisciplined and potentially dangerous anomaly.
How does Subaru's involvement in the Royal Selection affect Julius's opinion?
Subaru's persistent interference and unconventional tactics during the Royal Selection are seen by Julius as a disruption to the established order and a lack of respect for the gravity of the event. This further solidifies Julius's negative perception of Subaru.
Is Julius's animosity truly "hate"?
While often described as hate, Julius's sentiment is more accurately a strong dislike, deep disapproval, and lack of trust. It's rooted in his knightly code, his sense of duty, and his inability to comprehend Subaru's unique abilities.
