What Is Re Zero − Starting Life in Another World?
Re Zero − Starting Life in Another World is a dark fantasy isekai anime based on the light novel series by Tappei Nagatsuki. It follows the story of Subaru Natsuki, an ordinary young man who is suddenly transported to a magical world. However, unlike typical isekai protagonists blessed with immense power or status, Subaru receives a unique, tragic ability, Return by Death. Whenever he dies, time resets to a previous “save point,” allowing him to relive events and change outcomes. But each death comes with emotional trauma and the haunting memory of lives lost.
Subaru becomes entangled in the affairs of the Kingdom of Lugunica, a sprawling monarchy facing not just external threats from monstrous beings like the Witch Cult, but also severe internal political tension. Subaru’s alliances with key figures like Emilia, a candidate to become the next ruler of Lugunica, thrust him directly into the nation’s volatile political battlefield.
The Kingdom of Lugunica: An Overview
The Kingdom of Lugunica is the central setting of much of Re Zero. It’s a powerful monarchy located in the fantasy world’s western region. Historically prosperous and politically stable, the kingdom now faces uncertainty and unrest due to the sudden death of its king and the absence of a clear successor.
Key Features of the Kingdom:
- Ruled by Royalty (until the king’s death)
- Multi-racial society including humans, demi-humans, beastmen, and elves
- Magic-infused society with royal knights and magic users
- Heavily religious undercurrents involving cults like the Witch Cult
The Catalyst for Political Crisis: The Death of the King
King Lugnica ruled the Kingdom of Lugunica, but his sudden and mysterious death created a power vacuum. He had no direct heir, which violated the typical lines of succession. This destabilised the kingdom and set the stage for a Royal Selection a politically fraught contest to determine the next ruler.
This selection process is meant to find a worthy individual who holds the Divine Dragon’s blessing, a symbol of legitimacy and right to rule. But while intended to restore order, the selection opens the floodgates to manipulation, factionalism, and class warfare.
The Royal Selection: Five Candidates, Five Paths
The Royal Selection is the centrepiece of the Kingdom of Lugunica political turmoil. Five women, each representing drastically different ideologies and power bases, are chosen to compete for the throne. Here are the candidates:
1. Emilia
A half-elf and lookalike for the Witch of Envy. Assisted by Roswaal L. Mathers and aided by Puck. Firm in her conviction on equality for demi-humans and elves as a race. Subaru gives her the status of a knight (officially not first) and believes in her ideals. Disciplined due to her looks, race, and appearance, thus a divisive personality. Despite hardship, she is resolved to fight for acceptance and justice in a world that seeks to shun her. Her firm belief in something she is fighting for makes others want to join her and defy authority. Her sense of justice and compassion for others make her a natural-born leader at an early age. Emilia’s journey to becoming the queen of Lugnica is not easy, but she faces all the challenges with bravery and determination.
2. Crusch Karsten
A noblewoman and head of House Karsten. Extremely intelligent, well-disciplined, and militarily capable. Backed by Ferris and a large knight order. She wants to transform the Kingdom of Lugunica into a meritocratic republic. She has gained popularity due to her charm and capability. Her vision for the kingdom has sparked hope in the commoners, who consider her a change and progress. But her revolutionary ideas have also lost her a few enemies among the former nobility who do not wish to relinquish their influence and privilege. Despite their resistance, Lady Karsten remains steadfast in following her vision for a more balanced and fair society. She would risk everything to initiate changes she believes are required for the kingdom’s future.
3. Anastasia Hoshin
A wealthy merchant from Kararagi. Head of the Hoshin Company and backed by the demihuman Julius Juukulius. Focused on economic reforms and commercial expansion Kingdom of Lugunica. Represents corporate interests and foreign influence. She is known for her shrewd business acumen and strategic partnerships, making her a formidable force in the economic landscape of Kararagi. His connections with powerful figures both domestically and abroad have solidified his position as a key player in shaping the region’s financial future. With his vast resources and influential network, She has successfully navigated through the complex web of politics and commerce to further his business ventures. Her reputation for being a savvy negotiator and forward-thinker has earned her respect and admiration among her peers in the business world.
4. Priscilla Barielle
Priscilla Barielle is an elitist noblewoman. Believes the world revolves around her and that power naturally belongs to the powerful. Believes in aristocratic rule and conservatism. Stormy and manipulative. Priscilla is known to have a lavish lifestyle and throw extravagant parties, often using her power to attain what she desires. Her charm and wit make her a force to be reckoned with in the circles of high society. Priscilla’s sharp wit and cunning nature have made her recognised as a force to be reckoned with by socialites. Her ability to manipulate situations for her own ends has solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the circles of elite society.
5. Felt
An old slum burglar from the capital. A member of the Dragon’s Insignia was recruited by a chance meeting. Assisted by Reinhard van Astrea, the Sword Saint. Has ambitions to topple the nobility and remake the kingdom in a new way. At first resistant, but finally willing to consider the potential for change through violent means. Under the tutelage and promotion of Reinhard, she learns that change is within their grasp within the Kingdom of Lugunica. While grappling with the politics of intrigue and power, she must also grapple with her own past and make difficult decisions for the future of the kingdom. While gaining more friends and enemies on her journey of revolution, she must also embrace the sacrifices that must be made for the greater good. Will she succeed in her endeavour to create a more just society, or will her past transgressions hold her back?
These five factions represent different classes, ideologies, and visions for the future of the Kingdom of Lugunica, turning the Royal Selection into a battleground of not only politics but also social justice, nationalism, and revolution
Subaru’s Role in the Political Struggles
Subaru starts as an outsider with no political knowledge. However, his devotion to Emilia places him directly at the heart of Lugunica’s power struggles. Over time, Subaru becomes:
- A strategist who manipulates events using Return by Death
- An informal diplomat, forging fragile alliances
- A military leader, helping defend against the Witch Cult
- A symbol of trust and hope in Emilia’s camp
Subaru’s actions influence battles, political relations, and public perceptions of Emilia. He gains the trust of key allies like Crusch, Julius, and Anastasia, despite their differing goals.
Deep Dive: Political Problems in the Kingdom of Lugunica
Let’s explore the core issues that plague Lugunica’s political landscape.
1. Succession Crisis
With no heir to the throne, the kingdom relies on a magical artefact, the Dragon’s Insignia to determine eligibility for the throne. This breaks tradition, inciting discontent among noble houses that expect hereditary succession.
- Nobles lose power to outsiders (like Emilia and Felt)
- Royalists become aggressive in defending old systems
- Public uncertainty leads to unrest
2. Racial Discrimination and Social Inequality
Lugunica is racially diverse, but racism is deeply embedded, especially against demi-humans, beastmen, and elves.
- Emilia faces discrimination due to her resemblance to the Witch of Envy.
- Felt exposes the poverty and oppression of the slums.
- Social unrest brews in marginalised communities.
- Emilia and Felt’s candidacies challenge the racial and class hierarchy.
3. Noble Factionalism and Aristocratic Corruption
The noble class, divided by personal ambition and old alliances, becomes a source of instability.
- House Karsten vs. House Mathers rivalry
- Some nobles attempt to sabotage the selection
- Many nobles see candidates like Anastasia and Felt as unworthy commoners
The Royal Selection exposes cracks within the aristocracy and forces hidden agendas to the surface.
4. Economic Instability
The kingdom’s economy faces threats from:
- War preparation costs
- Refugee influx due to Witch Cult attacks
- Internal strife among merchant guilds and nobles
Anastasia’s commercial expansion plans offer hope but also risk foreign control.
5. Witch Cult Influence
The Witch Cult, especially under the Sin Archbishops, destabilises Lugunica through:
- Terrorist attacks (like the White Whale and Petelgeuse incidents)
- Psychological warfare against royal candidates
- Targeted assassinations of key figures
Subaru’s battle against the Witch Cult helps strengthen Emilia’s camp, but also shows the failure of the kingdom’s intelligence and defence systems
6. Military Divisions and the Knight Orders
Lugunica’s knight orders are torn between loyalty to:
- Individual candidates (Reinhard with Felt, Julius with Anastasia)
- The old monarchy
- Self-preservation and power retention
This weakens national unity, leaving Lugunica vulnerable to outside threats.
What Lies Ahead? The Future of Lugunica
The outcome of the Royal Selection will reshape Lugunica forever. Key scenarios include:
- If Emilia wins: A new era of inclusivity and peace, but she must overcome her lack of experience and deep-rooted public prejudice.
- If Crusch wins: Efficient governance and military strength, but possibly at the cost of reform speed and equality.
- If Anastasia wins, Economic prosperity but a potential loss of independence.
- If Felt wins: A complete revolution and collapse of the old nobility.
- If Priscilla wins: Tyranny under an egoistic regime.
Each path is fraught with both opportunity and disaster. Subaru, meanwhile, continues to influence events from the shadows, enduring unthinkable pain to secure a better future.
Final Thoughts
The Kingdom of Lugunica is more than just a fantasy backdrop—it’s a living, breathing nation caught in the grip of transformation. Its political chaos mirrors real-world issues of succession, social justice, racism, class warfare, and institutional corruption. Through the eyes of Subaru and the diverse royal candidates, Re Zero crafts a mature, suspenseful political narrative layered beneath its action and supernatural horrors.
As the Royal Selection marches forward and the Witch Cult’s shadows loom ever larger, Lugunica stands at a crossroads between order and chaos, tradition and reform, tyranny and freedom. And in the middle of it all stands a single ordinary boy with the power to change everything Subaru Natsuki.