"The Abyssal King....

Rico listens to the story and thinks about it.

'So this engraving had that kind of meaning. Because in my case, when I found out, it was engraved on my right hand.'

Hmm?　You haven't met that Black Knight?

Yeah, it was like I passed out and woke up and it was there.

What happened to fainting?

'Oh, it's no big deal. I'm alive and well now.

That's okay, though.

I don't know if there's any crisis that will occur when this mark is engraved. Hmmm, I haven't seen anything like that happen so far. It's been peace itself for a while.

Okay, but you have to be careful.

'Yes. Thank you for telling me.

Rico smiled and thanked her.

She's a pretty girl with a medium smile.

''Well, that's all I'm going to tell you...''

'Oh, I see. Well, it's totally fine if you can't do this, but I'd like to ask you how you spent your time in the other world, Tetsuya-san.

Me?

Yes, I'm interested.

'I don't mind telling you, but...'

'Really?　Please do!

He seems quite happy to see me.

Is she interested in me?

Or is she interested in otherworldly tales of adventure?

I'm sure it's the latter. You said you like books, and I'm sure you'd like to hear about your adventures in other worlds.

I exaggerated slightly and told her about my own adventures in the other world.

Riko listened to me, her eyes shining.

I guess she likes this kind of adventure story, after all.

''It was tough, wasn't it? Tetsuya-san, too.''

Does that mean that Rico had a lot going on too?

That's true. How she came to be called a saint is unclear, but it's not every day you get to live without any hardship.

''But Meku-san is an elven queen? I'd like to see that.''

I was back to normal this morning, so you won't be for a while.

'Well, that's too bad. Also, Lenya-san started out as a black kitten, didn't she?

I know. We were in a tight spot at the time, but thanks to Tetsuya, we were able to save the day.

I'm a cat person, so will you let me pet you as a cat for once?

Meow!　It's not that I can't go back, but I don't want to!　I don't like the way he looks, he's so small and weak!

Oh, yeah. She was cute that way too. I'd like to pet him again.

If I'm going to have Tetsuya stroke me I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't be that person.

She really doesn't like the sight of the kitten, but she stubbornly refuses to do so. It's a little disappointing because I really want to pet Lenya in her kitten form one more time.

'Yes, I do. Now that we've talked about me, why don't you tell me about Rico?

'What?　Wow, is that mine?

Yeah, I'm just curious as to why they call her a saint.

I have too. What was Tetsuya's compatriot doing in this world?

I'd love to hear it.

'Er, yeah. I like to listen, but I'm not very good at talking.... So it might be hard to understand, right?

That's not a problem.

When I say that, Rico thinks for a moment.

Okay. Let's talk about it.