By Tappei Nagatsuki and Makoto Fugetsu. Released in Japan as “Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Tanpenshuu” by MF Bunko J. Released in North America by Yen On. Translated by Sarah Moon.

I started to notice the trend online over the last few months in various corners of the Re: Zero fandom. The “Subaru is trans” discussion. Now, I’m not sure how much of that if any is deliberate on the part of Tappei Nagatsuki. I will say, however, that this book does not at all discourage any of that talk. There is an event which requires a solution, and Subaru’s solution, which he arrives at by himself with no other suggestion, is “dress as Natsumi Schwartz, my female alter ego”. Natsumi also contrasts nicely with Garfiel and Otto, who due to various reasons are also dressed as women to go to this event. Sometimes this works like you’d expect (Garfiel), sometimes it works well until you’re told at the end folks weren’t fooled (Otto), but Natsumi puts in effort. Not breaking character even when circumstances would welcome it. Practicing the voice after previous embarrassment and getting it just right. It doesn’t feel like a performance. Just saying.

We get two large short stories and one small one. 1) Ram wants to thrown a surprise party for Rem, but Subaru and Emilia can’t figure out what the event is actually celebrating. It turns out Ram should ALSO have a party, and the two sisters proceed to fall over themselves deflecting back to the other one. (Set after Arc 2, published at the same time as Book 11.) 2) Ram is sick, so cannot go to an important event where Roswaal is a guest. And it’s an event that requires a woman to accompany him. For various reasons, Garfield, Otto, and Subaru all end up dressing up and going to the event. Unfortunately for them, the event becomes a locked-room mystery. (This takes place after Arc 4, and was published around the time of Book 19.) 3) A young girl who lives alone in a shack outside a village rescues a woman who calls herself Omega from a freezing river. As Omega warms up, she discovers that there’s something very strange going on with this village and the Beast that menaces it. (Takes place sometimes after Arc 4, published around Book 22.)

First of all, the third story may require the loyal reader to reread the 4th arc to remind themself who Omega actually is… though, erm, the cover may also help. The bulk of the book is the 2nd story, which not only has lots of dressing as women but is also a giant mystery parody, with Otto as the detective. It will likely remind most folks of Ace Attorney, complete with over the top characters, over the top schemes, and contradictory statements that are then revised which Otto has to then go through again. The story also reminds us once more how high a bar Emilia has to clear to get anyone, not only to support her candidacy, but to like her at all. The answer we get here is simply “meet Emilia and have her talk to you”, which is nice. As for the first story, it’s heartwarming and also a nice callback to the start of the series, where Subaru was screwing up a lot and Emilia’s airheadedness was sky high.

A nice solid collection. Fans should enjoy it. And folks who support Subaru’s eggness will definitely enjoy it.