The sound of the train echoes.
　Like that memory, it creaked with the same regularity as a clattering cradle.
　The train was headed in the opposite direction from the city.

　The shopping malls I found by searching on my cell phone (smart phone) are located near the coast in the suburbs. Maybe it was to meet the demand unique to rural areas, or maybe it was a combination of the price of land: ......, but whatever it was, the location was convenient for us.

　After eating at the family restaurant, we walked to the station and got on the train, which came in just in time. The reason why we took the train instead of a taxi is because we wanted to share our memories of Yotaki with Kounel.

　Just like the boys of my memory, Kounel stuck to the window to look at the beautiful scenery outside and let out an exclamation.



　Kounel watched the city by the sea and the blue sky flowing by at high speed, like a child.

　Although we had a cold 'discussion' just a few minutes ago, in the end neither of us stepped on any landmines, so we were back to our normal routine.
　In fact, thanks to that "discussion", we were able to understand each other's true intentions, and the course of action in the "original world" was neatly decided upon. After all, it's important to clash with each other with all one's might as soon as possible, I reaffirm with a single "yes".

　-- still the reward that Kounel wanted, 'shopping for two', continues.

　And I was eager to use this time to somehow reassure her, but ...... honestly, there's not much I can do.
　Kounel is not simply a head turner, but also has experience and intuition due to the best real age of the 'other world'. If you try to play tricks and schemes and claim "I'm not dangerous", it's likely to backfire.

　So the only thing that's important now would be to take it one step at a time, without rushing - on schedule (・・・・・), until the time limit - and just welcome Kounell back to his 'original world'.

'This is the train ......!　Electric power makes the wheels turn, so the train ......?

　Above all, Kounel's rich reaction to the otherworldly culture is so much fun to watch and worth the hospitality.
　However, at this rate, when I reach the mall, I might get swallowed up by that too-fresh culture and hustle and bustle and become rigid for a long time.
　I thought that would be a waste of time, so I'd like to preemptively explain how to control the culture gap between "Japan" and "the Allied Nations" as well as the world gap between the two "worlds".

'Kounel. I think you can do a train over there too, if you want to. I mean, not too long ago, Eid was spreading the wheel technology about a step ahead of this one. This box that runs on the tracks is the next version of that one.
'What?　...... Is that thing in the Confederacy going to be this one of them?　Really?
The 'magic formula' and 'mechanical circuitry' are not so different. It's a good thing that we are the same people and very similar civilizations ...... naturally, the destination of our technology is the same and the place we end up is the same. After all, I believe that the difference between the environment of a world rich in magical stones and a world rich in iron makes a difference in materials and power.
When people say, "It's just making a difference - ....... Is it really just a different soil that makes such a difference?
It's not just because of the soil, but the effect is huge. As a result of that influence, the world of Kounel chose 'magic' as its power source, and this world has chosen 'power' as its power source.
Ha, ha. ......

　Quunel seemed to have no choice but to give a distracted reply to that overly general explanation.

　However, he couldn't make it any easier to understand in order to avoid making the same mistake.
　If Kounel understood too much and was applied in many ways, it would be like when he fought Serdra. Because those scientific weapons that were magically recreated were truly evil.

'More importantly, we're here. ...... Or rather, when you get to the station, the mall is already right around the corner, isn't it? It's really convenient.

　As we reach our destination, we hurry to get off the train.
　Kounel, whose hand is being held to prevent us from getting lost, mutters right next to me.

''Convenient, even though the Chairman can use 《Connection》 and 《Default》, ....... That super foul dimensional magic is ......!''
'It's important that it's available to everyone. It would be helpful to have something like this for the future development of the Confederacy. I feel like I've always liked building roads, so maybe we can continue to silently build the tracks ....... If I'm allowed to, maybe, forever.

　As I've discovered in the past two months, some of my favorite things to build include civil engineering. It's exciting to imagine the city being connected by roads.

'Oh, I'm not kidding, the chairman will always be doing ....... It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a sewing needle in a dark room with no light. And with a smirk on his face.
...... Sure, I might have done that. In my case it wasn't a sewing needle, it was a book or a game controller.
But to be honest with you, I can only hope that... you won't be building tracks in the Allies. With trains, the transportation of goods and the speed at which information is transmitted are developing too rapidly. The direction of the continent is not yet aligned, and I don't think we have anything to do first.
''Surely ......, there's no need to be so hasty. We don't want to take in only our ideas and destroy the inventions and discoveries that are unique to your 'World of Abundant Magic Stones'.
Mr. Chairman!　It's so nice of you to say that to me while giving me a lot of insight from Ate's iridescent response: ...... It's that kindness of the chairman that I love.

　However, when Kounel throws up her hands in great approval, it immediately makes me feel that her choice is wrong. At any rate, what she says about "organizing the direction of the continent" is, in essence, conducting ideological guidance (propaganda) on an immature continent where information transmission is still in its infancy, to create a culture and atmosphere that is convenient for the Kounell Chronicle, Shulus, Legia and Ingrid.

　So she's willing to do instead what the "Saint Tiara" and "Senate" did in the past.
　But if I warned her here, the only thing that would come after that would be Ms. DiPlakra and Feydert, so I nodded in my mind and said, "Well, it's okay if it's Kounel," and then gave Kounel another "Well, it's okay if it's Kounel face! And I'll be on the lookout.

　--While we are doing the farce, we come to the front of a large shopping mall.

　It is a collective building with a variety of shops.
　It specializes in attracting customers by catering to all kinds of needs.
　Taking advantage of the cheapness of land in the suburbs, you can see a covered walkway leading to the edge of your vision.
　I'm sure this place would perfectly cater to the needs of otherworldly travelers.

　However, in front of the huge building, Kounel was stunned by the sightseeing.
　The conversation on the train so far had taught her that the two types of worlds were not very different.
　The electric lights can be replaced with magic stones, and the amount of energy can be reversed if we find a way to divert the 'magic poison'. If one focused only on the 'size' of the buildings, even the Great Sacred City of the Fuzzy Yards 'mainland' was not to be outdone.
　Even so, a building of this scale and of unknown material seemed to be a threat to Kounel.

''The Chairman chose the countryside for an allowance, right?　So, is this it: ......?　This means that the city-level stuff in Ateora is scattered across the countryside. ...... Does the difference in environment make this much of a difference?
''It's partly because the world was born on a different day, but that one tends to stagnate a lot of things because of the 'Demon Poison'. ...... This one too has recently stagnated for a thousand years because of the Yangtaki ice.

　In terms of simple population and productivity, the 'original world' is more stable and advantageous in terms of quicksilver.
　However, I think the 'other world' has a better quality of individuals instead: .......
　Kounel, who envisioned a 'war between worlds', didn't seem to feel safe at all.

　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

' -- Let's go in. Probably my favorite part of Kounell is right there.

　As one of those 'Stealing the Reason' people, I hurriedly continued her hospitality in order to prove that Kounel's feared future would never come.

　As I entered the building, the light interior background music and warm air conditioning enveloped my entire body, just as it did in the family restaurant.
　And just a short distance away from the doorway, you can quickly find the place you're looking for.
　The moment it came into view, Kounel, who had been as alert as he had been during the labyrinthine search, loosened his mouth sloppily with a glint in his eye. He raised his hands as if in further surrender and rushed out.

'Oh, if that's ......!　Even if you don't!　Clothing store!　So many stylish clothing stores!　Whoo-hoo!

　Running at a trot, Kounel entered a ladies fashion shop and replied "I'm sorry to bother you" as the employee said "Welcome!".
　It's quintessential to be able to read the atmosphere of this world just because you've experienced a family restaurant once.

　Moreover, he or she moves with great agility, rummaging through the clothes on display at an alarming rate and begins to mutter to himself or herself.

It's not that I don't like the design, but the material is amazing. The design is not lacking, but the material is amazing. The texture is amazing, or rather, what is this?　The return stitch is beautiful ......, not the example 'machine', or this one. Maybe even a pattern (pattern)?　From the lavish lining, the weaving business was--to begin with--

　I'm more satisfied than I ever imagined - beyond that, the empty eyes of a drug addict were a bit scary.
　If it wasn't for the deception by the 'dark power' of Tida's mask, he looks like he'd be mended or arrested in a heartbeat.

　However, that infatuation is the proof that he is serious.
　I'm relieved to find out that I wasn't lying about my self-proclaimed motivation for living in clothing.
　There are many clothing stores in this mall. The number of tenants is lightly over double digits, and it would ruin my day if I tried to go through them all.

　With gentle eyes, I stand a little behind Kounell as a guardian and watch him.
　A shopkeeper nearby was looking at Kounell a little uneasily (I mean, he was suspicious enough to penetrate the 'power of darkness'), but he saw me and decided that I was 'an older brother or uncle giving a new outfit to his sister or niece,' so he wouldn't report me.

'Huh?　However, I can't find the kimono that the chairman recommended. I heard that it is very popular in Japan, the home of kimono, but our customers don't seem to be able to find one right now. ......
What?
'What?　No, that's why I don't have a kimono like Atei is wearing. Where is the corner where you keep them all together?
Is that what I told you about the craze?
You said it.　So I was happy to be on the cutting edge of technology and made a bunch of kimonos myself. I'm still wearing it today at .......　Could it be, Mr. Chairman--

　I looked away as Kounell gave me a skeptical look.

　--I like Japanese clothes.
　I'm not sure that's the only hobby I have, although my primary preference is for formal, simple-colored keynote clothing. Japanese clothing is also within the realm of my tastes.
　I love Japanese history, and I am attached to Japanese traditions, but I think the most important factor is that I feel a vivid sense of specialness and unusualness in the presence of Japanese ceremonial dress.
　As a result, the Japanese flavored characters that frequently appear in games and manga are very much in my favor.
　So, when I was a kid, I used to think that male characters who wore clothes were cool, and female characters in kimono were not only beautiful, but also cute. And with that extended thought, when I had plenty of time to spare a thousand years ago, the founder Kanami said, "Dare to dare to be a Western-style vampire girl in kimono, it's so game-like! It's very likely that you were thinking. Very likely. Or rather, I can usually remember.
　When I was trying to do business in the clothing industry, I was plotting to reflect my interests in another world. I had an ambition to see with my own eyes and feel the fantastical scenes of real, kimono-clad beastmen coming and going. That influence is the current outfit of Kounell.

'............'

　Please forgive me for doing this, as it's something all Japanese boys do when they wander into another world.
　In the other world, it seems to have been popular and sold pretty well, so I hope it doesn't cancel out a lot of things (even). In fact, since Kounel also liked it and is wearing it as an everyday outfit, the result is probably fine. Yeah, it's overdue, it's overdue.

'Mr. Chairman, your face!　It's like, "Yeah, it's overdue, it's overdue" face!
'No, I wasn't lying to you. ...... Kounel, please believe me. Ho, ho, ho. Look at this screen, screen.

　I used my cell phone (smart phone) to argue how important kimono has been historically in Japan. I show yukata from festivals around the country, kimono characters that appear in many of my creations, and various photographs to demonstrate that my statement of "fad" was not a lie.

'Hmmm?　...... Yikes, if it's on there, but not reflected in your life, it's hardly a fad!　Mr. Chairman!

　However, the subsequent attachments didn't work for Kounel.
　As I groaned, Quunel puffed out her cheeks and demanded more rewards.

''Ah, I think we need an extra reward for this already!　I won't worry about your wallet anymore, Mr. Chairman!　I'll have you here for a drink and some souvenir clothes!
...... Yeah. You can buy as much as you want if that will allow you to.

　The money is there.
　Because when I came before with Serdra, I had to stop (・・・・・) and I fell foul of a lot of things - I'll keep the information out of my face so that Kounell doesn't realize it. Maybe there will be no end in sight.

'Just don't buy anything at random: ....... There's a try-on section over there, so just buy something you really like.
'Mmmm!　A fitting corner!　That's great!

　Apparently, Kounel continued to rummage through the clothes while talking to me, and had already kept the ones he wanted to look at. As soon as he heard that, he grabbed a few clothes and rushed towards the place I pointed out to him.

　With a shuffle, the curtains are drawn, and then I hear the sounds of undressing inside as I wriggle around.
　Only, in the middle of it all, Kounel, who has emerged from between the curtains, asks me, a little shyly.

'Um, Mr. Chairman - ....... Sorry. How do I put this on?
No, it's not like Quuner can't see it.

　There are some cute appeals to coax me into doing so, and some I can go along with and some I can't.
　I can see that Kounell is excited, but when I accuse her of not lying, she gives a joking tongue-lashing, "Cheek," and then retreats into the fitting room.

　And this time I hear the sound of a change of clothes without hesitation, and a few minutes later, the curtains are opened again with a shuffle.

　There was a modern child, Quunel, in a modern garment - a modern boy in a hoodie and skirt, striking a determined pose. He understands his appearance and is dressed for a slightly younger age. The pose is not bewitching like a gravure shoot, but very childlike. Kounell asks me from below to look up while pacing with both hands.

'Hehehe. Kaichou, how is it?
Yeah, I think it's a good idea.
There it is!　The fastest "I don't give a shit" this chairman has ever had is "I think it's fine"!　It's been a really long time, and I'm a little bit thrilled. ......

　Sullenly, Kounell chews on my assessment.
　I was a little out of my mind, so I look at Kounell again, sullenly, at him.

'No, I think it's really good. I'm not lying, I'm not lying.

　Kounel is adorable in modern clothing.
　The gap between the two is exciting because we're used to seeing the usual otherworldly, special Japanese clothing. Most of all, the fact that that typical fantasy vampire is wearing a hoodie and doing a piece in a shopping mall. This is going to be a personal hobby of mine, but I don't think there's any entity in the world that looks better in this hoodie than Kounel. That's how much value there is in a gentile's first try-on. Of course, even without that added value, Kounell is still really pretty. Everything about her appearance, her calculated gestures, everything about her is refined. As expected of an immortal princess. In general, she is so cute that it makes me want to pat her on the head - and after 'writing' my impressions so that Kounel, who can read my expression, could understand them, I reiterated my praise.

'So, that's right ....... Nah, that's fine, though.
'I mean, on the contrary, what do you think of Kounell?　That 'otherworldly' outfit.
Hmmm, how exotic is that?　It's so fresh and nice.

　Whether she was aiming for it or not, I had the same impression as Rustyala.
　Come to think of it, she said the same thing about the 'Clothes of the Otherworld' I'm wearing right now, and was about to take it away.
　As I soaked up the memories, Kounel busily retreated into the fitting room.

'So, I'm buying this one!　Well then, I'm going to go to my next outfit!

　You can hear the sounds of rustling and undressing and dressing from behind the curtains.

　One by one, Kounell turns herself into a dress-up doll and begins to push the limits of what fashion is possible in this shop.
　She asks for feedback on each of them, and I say "fine" to each one, and it's a flowing process.
　Only, in the middle of it all, when she puts on a yukata, Kounel, who looks like a girl wearing a mask at a festival, groans.

''--Hmmm. I knew it, I'm in the way.

　As a fashionista, he doesn't like the fact that his head has been dominated by Tida's mask the whole time.
　Indeed, no matter how much Kounell cares about fashion, there are times when a single mask is out of balance.

'Are you okay now ......?　If I had colored contacts, I could safely remove the 'power of darkness'.

　Fortunately, Kounell's hair is black, so it's not that noticeable in Japan.
　Its eyesight would only be seen as half or quarter.
　However, its bloodsucking breed's distinctive red eyes are noticeable.
　Thinking that far, I change my mind.

''No. Is it only seen as a girl wearing colored contacts?　Maybe we shouldn't get too nervous and rely too much on Tida.
You don't look like you could take that face off. Well, feel free to disguise your face and I'll take it off with a pop.　Thank you, Tida Lands!

　In response to my soliloquy, Kounel took off Tida's mask and tossed it to me.
　In an instant, the atmosphere that Kounel wears changes dramatically. The "power of darkness" is lifted and she becomes the original girl of another world - the air (aura) of an exotic princess overflows.

　The eyes of those around me were instantly attracted, and the gasp of the female clerk who was watching from a distance reached my ears.
　I'm still wary of the bad taste, I thought.
　However, from the clerk's point of view--.

Excuse me. Do you need help with anything?　I have some recommendations for you!

　He seemed to be only aware that he had found an interesting child.
　Very happily, and without any suspicion or harm, he tries to mix in with the good material quuner clothing selection. He seemed to be used to dealing with halves and gaijin, and seemed to be just trying to have fun with his work.

'Yes!　I'm not in trouble, but I'd love to hear your recommendations!

　Kounel welcomed the shopkeeper and began to research the trends here independently.

　Thanks to the translation magic 《New Reading》 that I applied beforehand, communication with the shopkeepers seems to be fine. It's also clear that he has a good grasp of the trends of the shopkeepers in this world from his experience in the family restaurant just now.

　I took a step back, along with a beat, and stepped back.
　I watch from afar as Kounel happily ransacks various clothes with the shopkeeper.

　--this is how Kounel's otherworldly shopping time passes.

　Continuing to visit multiple brands of stores, while being asked for his opinions and impressions at times -- for several hours.
　Finally, Kounel seems to have enjoyed the otherworldly clothing and takes a breath.

''--Haah!　Ah, the otherworldly clothing store, that was fun!　Hehehe!

　She gives me a big smile as we walk down the mall's promenade.
　He is accompanied by me next to him, holding three large shopping bags in each hand.

'I'm glad it looks like I'm getting paid properly ....... I mean, you really bought a whole bunch of stuff.

　I was prepared for this from the beginning, but I'm in a state of complete baggage carrying.
　Seeing my appearance, Kounell nods apologetically.

''Oh, before I knew it, so many ....... Hey, I got a little too carried away, didn't I ....... I'm sorry.''
'No, I bought some of them, so don't worry about that. I've got gifts in here for Dear and Maria and all the people who've helped me out and stuff.
"--Hey!　I-I was having so much fun, I forgot about it!　Like, you dated the chairman and didn't follow up on anything!　You were the one who got stabbed: ....... But thanks to our professional stabbing chairman, I think I've managed to avoid being stabbed.
'Hmmm, I know you're thanking me, but it sounds like you're being agitated: ....... It's not just Reiner, Kounell is misrepresenting everyone.
'Oh no, I don't think it's a misunderstanding, do you?

　Looking away and looking very difficult to say, Kounell counters.
　She seems to instantly decide that this question and answer is going to be parallel, and she changes the subject.

'But it's a bit of a strange sight to see that chairman in trouble with his luggage. Are you okay?　Would you like me to take half of your guess?
'Yeah, this is a heavy swing, so you'll be fine. Quicksilver, you won't have any more trouble with your muscles.
'However, I'm pretty sure my hands are occupied and ....... You could move to the shadows, though, and then slowly put them in your 'possessions'.
'No 'possessions'. That's just another form of magic.

　I stubbornly refused to allow the use of magic in the 'original world'.
　I thought I was being unnaturally overly cautious, but Kounel said, "Yes, that's right. I'm not going to be able to get the best out of it," he nodded with a satisfied look.

　Thus, we walked side by side along the promenade in a date-like form (a pair) of 'a man being treated as a luggage carrier' and 'a woman who is happy to have a drink bought for her'.
　We passed through an area specializing in clothing, and the next shop we saw was--.

What's that?　Library?

　Kounell paused, not looking past the brightly coloured and diverse books spread out in front of him.

'No, this is a bookstore. It's not a library, it's selling books.'
I see. So it's an 'otherworldly' bookstore... ...... So, does the other side of the bookstore sell 'machines'?　From the outside, it's very different from a shop in the world of guesswork.

　Kounel accepted the fact that it was a bookstore with the profound lesson I taught him: "Put 'otherworldly' stuff on your head". Furthermore, when he saw the machinery store next to it, he kept his composure by repeating, "Otherworldly store, otherworldly store -

　Next to the bookstore was the electronics department.
　Next, a mobile phone shop and a computer shop.
　It would be a great choice for Kounell to enjoy and learn about other worlds. But I dare to put off that visit to the store.

'No, Kounel. Is it a bit early to see the shop there?　It's not efficient to look at something so advanced all of a sudden. If you're worried about the 'machine', this way is better. Come, come, come, come.
'What ......?　Oh, yes.

　I take the lead in walking and I lead Kounel down the street.
　I pass bookstores, electronics stores, cell phone shops and many other shops that are unique to the other world, and at the end of it all, I arrive at the end.
　My longed-for home video game store--

Hehehe. ......
That's the way you laugh at it!　Pucked!

　I was so happy to be the first game store in a thousand years that I couldn't help but let out a lowly laugh.
　I tighten my face and spit out the words of hospitality.

'I've always wanted to show Kounell around here ....... All the time. ......
Is this 'mechanical' playground equipment?　In a metaphorical world, it would be like applying a magic tool for entertainment ....... Heee, it's an extravagant store ......
Yeah, yeah, that's about it. Come on, come on, come on, come on.

　Kounel, who had become accustomed to the otherworldly store, intuitively guessed the purpose of the store.
　However, it doesn't matter to me, I quickly move to the game experience area, put my bags on the floor amidst the store's increasingly intense background music, and quickly get Kounel ready to play.

　Since it's not a holiday or public holiday, there are few other customers in the store.
　It was going to be almost exclusive and we were going to be able to play the latest games.

　First, I want Kounell to experience an action game aimed at younger players.
　He let her pick up the controller of the stationary hardware and encouraged her to play.

''-- What, huh?　Yes?　Oh, so this is like a magic stone to boot?
That's right. That's right, it's a machine for kids. It's a great way to get an intuitive understanding of how the machine works.
'It sounds kind of false and fraudulent: ....... Well, okay. We can play with this, right?
Oh, I want you to play: ......!

　Kounel looked a little dumbfounded, but he accepted my recommendation.

　He tried out the buttons, the buttons on the controller he held, by pressing them at random. Then he saw exactly how the buttons on the controller and the characters on the display worked together, and gradually responded.
　Thanks to the fact that the action game of a major company was so good that even a gentile could understand it intuitively, Kounel's expression, which had been austere and distorted at first, gradually brightened.

　By the time he was completely smiling, he started nodding repeatedly, "Hohoho," and during the difficult parts of the game, "Noo, noooooo! He shouted and began to buzz around the controller.
　After a few minutes of play, the screen 'shows' game over.

'Hah, hah, hah ....... I see ......, I understand the purpose of the chairman. And I've also grasped the purpose of this 'machine', although I don't know the details of how it works yet .......
There aren't many people over here who know how it works. It's just as well that people over there don't know the details of how the magic tools work. ...... Okay. Well then, let's move on!
'Oh, you're next?　You know, the usual considerations of world difference and all that!

　Before Kounell's fever dies down and he comes to himself, he hits the next recommendation.
　Put a head-mounted display on her, then an augmented reality or virtual reality game to control her sight and hearing.
　I finish putting it on and setting it up (setting it up) in a fluid motion, let her hold the special controller, and let her play it again.
　The reaction to this first VR game by a gentile was--

"Ho-ho-ho: ......

　It was quieter than what I was expecting.
　Or rather, calmer than the first time I did it when I was little.
　The reason for this spilled out of Kounell's mouth before I could ask him a question.

'The one from earlier is better. The view you can see with this helmet is closer to the world of Aetachi and ....... The one on the edge of my vision also resembles the 'display' that can be seen with sacred magic.
'Yes, you're right: ....... Maybe it's similar: .......

　It seemed that someone somewhere was making it less fresh.
　However, he didn't lose interest in it, and he moved the controller around and tried out the various functions. Within minutes of the thing, he began to get enthusiastic and started moving adorably "yes, yes" in front of me with the dance software.

　--as I said, fast.

　Kounel, like Serdra, is quick to 'adapt'.
　And she reacts well. Kounel also seems to be suited for it.
　Some say that she uses magic 《New Reading》 to select words and guide her fate beforehand, but ...... without a doubt, she's the type to play endless games indoors.
　Like me, I'm going to assume that she's a gifted reclusive gamer, and I'd like to introduce her to my favorite RPG.

'Okay, Kounell. Next up--
'Wait a minute, Mr. Chairman!　I've already got a pretty good idea of what we're playing in this world (game)!　Haha, haha ......!

　I think I finally came to myself, and Kounell took the game set off his head.
　For me, I wanted him to keep playing the game until the time limit, but it doesn't seem to work out that way.

　Kounel, who was playing a physical game, was completely breathing on my shoulder.
　Unlike me, Kounel has little or no benefit of status physical strength.
　What's more, he keeps experiencing only the first time in a foreign land. That tension is probably robbing him of his energy as well as his stamina.

'...... Sorry. Let's take a break.

　I regret running too far into the hobby.
　I look at the large windows I can see from the boardwalk and before I know it, the dusk has passed and the sky has completely darkened.

　As closing time approached, I felt that the air in the mall had changed a bit.
　The flow of customers had changed in the opposite direction, and the shoppers were beginning to prepare for the end of the day.
　I was too absorbed in the missionary work of the game, and my time limit was near.

　I moved to the restaurant area (food court) with a sweat-drenched Kounel.
　Then I sat down at one of the seats and took a break while quenching my thirst with a drink.

''--Hmmm. Well, it was fun, but I'm a bit tired...''
'No, I'm really sorry. That last one was totally my thing.
That's okay. Ate and the chairman are very similar in taste. It was that game that was your outfit, wasn't it?　...... rather a bit of a relief.

　Kounel didn't seem to mind at all.
　On the contrary, he was relieved to know that I had something to be obsessed with as well.

　I sipped my coffee for the first time in a long time and laughed.
　I rejoice that I've finally achieved my goal for a little while.

　It's just bitter .......
　It's very bitter and mildly sweet ...... and it's delicious .......
　The taste of coffee soaking into my brain was a fitting end to the day.

'Phew!'

　I exhaled loudly, as did Kounell.
　Then I ruminated on the day.

　It was fun.
　Kounel wasn't the only one for whom shopping in the 'original world' was a reward.
　Thanks to her care, it was definitely a reward for me as well.
　However, unfortunately, that fun time was--

'Oh no, we really did play! Chairman, what's next for you?
I'm glad you enjoyed it. ...... It's just, it's about time.
Are you ready?　Oh, could it be that the chairman is already planning to leave?　No, no, no, no, no! I'd like to visit various shops that are only available at night. I thought the reward of the 'contract' would continue until morning--

　After taking a break from the food court, Kounell regained his energy and insisted that he wasn't out of time yet.
　Furthermore, he was in the middle of his words - trying to suggest his next shopping destination.
　Zsiri, a weight of gaze filled the space, as if the spacious building was going to be crushed in an instant.

''--Heh?''

　Kounel and I were subjected to that gaze (...).

　It was an intimidating feeling that was clearly not in keeping with the 'original world'.
　I turn my eyes towards its source.
　On the ceiling was carved something that should only exist in the 'other world'.

''--Heh, what?　Here, this: ....... Ka, Mr. Chairman!

　There was an example of a 'break' in the empty air of the food court.
　Kounel seemed to have noticed that gaze, and was about to start building magic while floating on his hips.

'Kounel, calm down. This is just like a notice.
'Oh, calm down, it's not supposed to be over here anymore ......!　And yet, so clearly--
I'm the only one being watched. Take a good look.

　I replied and locked eyes with the 'break' in the ceiling.

　The magical shaking (...) that makes my skin tremble is felt only by me.
　It is a 'flinching' by the world.
　At the same time, it is also the pulsation of this world.
　The will, which had disappeared for a time due to Yangtaki's [Still Ice], had been fully awakened after the melting of the [Original World] snow.

　Like me, Kounel also looked up at the ceiling and stared at the 'break'.
　However, our gazes never meet with Kounel.

''The only person whose eyes meet with the Chairman ......?　So is your current allowance collateral damage?
Yeah, collateral damage. Kounel hasn't done anything untoward in a thousand years, so it sounds like he's safe. Congratulations.
'Yeah!　Yeah, Mr. Chairman, I mean, collateral damage!　Let's stop doing that kind of thing. ....... Let's really stop doing that. ......

　Kounel blushed and was angry at my indiscretion and comments.
　However, I can tell that he is relieved inside.
　It's because the current state of the 'slice' proves that my life is not condemned by the 'world'.

'Kounel. The fun, otherworldly tour is over. ...... Just one thing I want you to know before you return to the other side. About what lies behind this 'slice'.
Oh, um, isn't that a bad system to know about: ......?
'It's not tasteless. It's just a relief to know, and it's okay.

　I'm not lying.
　There is no danger at all anymore.
　It's just that every time I said "it's okay," the anxiety on Quuner's face seemed to grow.

　I knew that, but I still didn't believe it.
　But I didn't falter and repeated, "It's okay, you can rest assured.
　I'm going to say it again and again until Kounell believes me.

'If you don't want to, you can refuse. However, Kounel Chronicle Shulus Regia Ingrid, who succeeded that 'Saint Tiara' and became the representative and defender of the 'Other World', has the right to know. I have the right to know everything first, and I have the right to feel safe--
Knowing first ...... and reassurance ......--?

　You're on the clock to stay in the Underworld.
　I'll be talking to Kounel.
　It's a sweet 'truth' that is a fitting end to a fun tour.

　And with that story, my second return to the "original world" comes to an end.
　At the same time, Kounel's first tour of the "other world" is also over.

　-- as planned, I failed to return home.

　But I was able to give Kounel his reward.
　Another debt from a thousand years ago was indeed paid back.

　On this day, Kounel received a 'real reward' worthy of a thousand years of fighting, along with a new (...) 'contract (...)' (・・・・).