Re: Starting from Zero Rem IF Route: If They Chose to Elope That Day, Is the Happy Ending for Subaru and Rem Real or Fake?

In the work 'Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World', the protagonist Natsuki Subaru experiences despair and pain through countless 'Returns by Death'. The gentleness and sacrifice of the maid Rem are undoubtedly a light illuminating his darkest moments. It is this profound emotion that makes many fans hold a strong hope that they could spend the rest of their lives together. Author Tappei Nagatsuki, responding to this wave of sentiment, created the official IF route—the 'Sloth Route', depicting a heartwarming story completely different from the main storyline.

Escape from Despair: The Starting Point of the Rem IF Route

The Rem IF route, officially named 'Re: Life in a Different World from IF', is also called the 'Sloth Route' by fans. The divergence point of the story occurs in Episode 18 of the anime's first season. At that time, Natsuki Subaru, exhausted physically and mentally by successive failures in the Royal Selection arc, developed extreme self-loathing and distrust, and thus proposed to Rem the request to 'run away together'. In the main story, Rem encouraged Subaru to regain his spirits with a sincere confession and refused the elopement proposal. However, in the IF route, Rem agrees to Subaru's request, and the two abandon everything and run far away.

This choice meant they would abandon everything in the Kingdom of Lugunica, including Emilia, Ram, and everyone at the Roswaal Mansion. The two then changed their names and went to the city-state of Kararagi, starting a brand new life of their own.

Ordinary Happiness: The Daily Life of Building a Family Together

Life after their escape was without the curse of Return by Death or the life-and-death struggles with the Witch Cult. Subaru and Rem lived an ordinary yet happy life. Subaru cut his original short hair and grew it long, tying it into a braid, making him look more mature and steady; Rem also grew her hair long, becoming a gentle wife and mother.

In this storyline, they start a family and have two children. The son is named 'Rigel', with blue hair like Rem's but eyes that inherited Subaru's sharpness. The daughter is named 'Spica', inheriting Subaru's black hair. Although the official IF short stories mainly describe them having one son and one daughter, in the first episode of the anime's second season, a scene appeared showing them as a family of five (including three children), sparking heated discussions among fans.

Their daily life is filled with family warmth. Subaru finds a job, Rem manages the household, and together they raise their children, enjoying peaceful years unattainable in the main story. Although this ending is ordinary, it is the most perfect归宿 in the hearts of many 'Rem Church' fans.

The Price and Meaning Behind the IF Route

Although the Rem IF route depicts a sweet ending, it also carries a heavy price behind it. Subaru and Rem's elopement is equivalent to abandoning the responsibility of saving Emilia and the other companions. Tragedies might still be happening in places they cannot see. This 'what if' story is more like a beautiful dream, a gentle comfort for Subaru amidst his endless suffering.

Besides the 'Sloth Route', author Tappei Nagatsuki has also created various IF storylines corresponding to the Seven Deadly Sins, such as the 'Pride Route', 'Greed Route', and 'Wrath Route', each showcasing the possibilities and vastly different destinies of the protagonist under different choices. These IF stories not only enrich the worldview of 'Re:Zero' but also allow fans to understand the characters' inner thoughts and choices from more perspectives.

In summary, the Rem IF route provides an emotional outlet and a beautiful fantasy for all fans who love Rem. It proves that in that cruel alternate world, happiness is not out of reach, even if it only exists within the possibility of an 'if'.

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