Re:Zero: Who Does Ram Love? An In-Depth Analysis of Big Sister's Emotional World: More Than Just a Sharp-Tongued Maid

Introduction: More than just Rem's sister

In "Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World," a work with a vast world and complex character relationships, each character captivates the audience with their unique charm. Among them, the older twin maid of the Roswaal mansion—Ram—with her striking pink short hair, sharp tongue, and seemingly lazy attitude, leaves a deep impression. However, beneath her calm and even somewhat harsh exterior lies a complex and profound emotional world. Many fans wonder: who is the true object of affection for this sharp-tongued maid who always calls the protagonist Natsuki Subaru "Barusu"? This article will delve into Ram's emotional attachments, analyzing the bonds she shares with the most important people in her life.

Towards Roswaal: A complex love beyond master and servant

To discuss who Ram likes, one absolutely cannot bypass her master—Roswaal L. Mathers. Their relationship is far more complex than a simple master-servant bond.

When Ram and her sister Rem's Oni village was destroyed by the Witch Cult, it was Roswaal who appeared and saved them. However, Roswaal was not entirely unaware of the village's destruction; he simply did nothing to save it. Even though Ram knows all this, her feelings towards Roswaal gradually transformed from initial hatred and desire for revenge into deep affection.

This emotional transformation is not simply Stockholm syndrome. Ram holds complex feelings about her Oni identity and past; she even dislikes the horn she once had, believing it constrained her sister Rem. Roswaal not only took in the sisters who had lost everything but, more importantly, regularly replenished Ram's mana after she lost her horn, sustaining her life. This long-term affection, coupled with Roswaal's indulgence and kindness towards her to some extent, gradually tipped the scales of Ram's emotions.

In the second season of the anime, in order to free Roswaal from his 400-year obsession with the Witch Echidna, Ram bravely confesses to him, stating that she does not hate him but deeply loves him. This scene not only reveals Ram's long-hidden love but also shows her strong determination to save the one she loves, even if it means opposing him. Although Roswaal, immersed in the past, cannot understand Ram's feelings and even panics, Ram's love undoubtedly becomes the only force capable of challenging his obsession.

Towards Rem: An irreplaceable sisterly bond

If her love for Roswaal is a complex emotion formed later, then her love for her twin sister Rem is an innate, purest bond for Ram. Among the Oni tribe, twins are considered unlucky, but Ram, who possessed god-like talent, protected her less capable sister from childhood.

Even after losing her horn and forgetting many things, Ram's regard for Rem never changed. Some believe that in Ram's heart, the person she loves most has always been Rem, with her affection for Roswaal coming second. When Rem's name and existence were erased by the Archbishop of Gluttony, Ram was still subconsciously influenced by her. And after her memories were restored, she showed immense determination to save her sister. It can be said that Rem is the softest yet most unbreakable part of Ram's emotional world.

Towards Natsuki Subaru: From "Barusu" to an acknowledged partner

The relationship between Ram and the protagonist Natsuki Subaru is probably one of the most interesting interactions in the series. From the beginning, Ram treats Subaru with the unique nickname "Barusu" and merciless sharp-tongued remarks. Unlike her sister Rem, who quickly opens her heart to Subaru, Ram always observes coldly and sharply points out Subaru's various shortcomings.

However, as the story progresses, especially after Subaru repeatedly risks his life not only to save Rem but also to help the mansion overcome crises multiple times, Ram's view of him gradually changes. Although she still doesn't hold back with her words, she chooses to help Subaru at critical moments, even going against her master's orders. Her feelings towards Subaru are closer to that of an acknowledged partner, perhaps with a touch of familial care, but still quite far from romantic love.

Conclusion: Love is devotion and redemption

In summary, the answer to the question "Who does Ram like?" is clearly not singular. The most important place in her heart undoubtedly belongs to her younger sister Rem—this familial bond is the root of all her actions. Her deepest and most complex romantic love is directed towards her master, Roswaal. What she desires is not possession, but to "save" Roswaal from the shackles of his past. As for Natsuki Subaru, he is a special partner whom she went from looking down upon to gradually acknowledging, and ultimately someone she could entrust with her trust.

Ram's emotional world, much like her character, is multi-layered and full of contradictions. She is both a gentle older sister and a loyal servant, as well as a strong woman who bravely pursues her love, even if it means opposing the world. Her love is a form of devotion and also a form of redemption.

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