Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Hyouketsu no Kizuna

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu: Hyouketsu no Kizuna, known in English as The Frozen Bond, was originally conceived as a prequel light novel bundled with the first Blu-ray volume of the Re:Zero anime adaptation. Authored by Tappei Nagatsuki, the narrative serves as an essential exploration of Emilia's past, detailing her initial encounter with the spirit Puck within the Elior Forest and the circumstances that shaped her entry into the Royal Selection. The story provides critical context for the emotional weight Emilia carries throughout the main series.

The adaptation into a feature-length theatrical animation further solidified the work’s standing within the franchise. It was designed to maintain the dark, atmospheric tone established by illustrator Shinichirou Otsuka’s character designs, emphasizing the contrast between the desolate, ice-covered forest and the warmth of the burgeoning connection between Emilia and Puck. Upon its release, the work was well-received by fans for its focus on character development, effectively bridging gaps in the lore that were only hinted at in the main light novel volumes.