It seems that Isis-san has read a lot of books, and we had a great time discussing them.
I mostly asked the questions while she answered, but she really seemed to enjoy it, responding to every single one.
Apparently, in this world, they not only have history books and adventure stories, but also grimoires and other types of books that don’t exist on Earth. But what really caught my interest more than anything were the books that seemed like fantasy novels.
Because of the existence of Hero Summoning in this world, people are very familiar with the existence of other worlds. As a result, many writers here fantasize about isekai—stories about being transported to another world, like ours.
For me to come across novels talking about being transferred to another world right after we were transferred in this world is kind of……
[The more I hear about it, the more interesting the books in this world sound. I’d love to read more of them.]
[……Then, I’ll bring… a variety of books… next time.]
[Really? I’m looking forward to it.]
After hearing that, my interest in the books of this world grew even more. Isis-san mentioned that she would lend me her books, and I responded eagerly, my tone full of enthusiasm.
We continued chatting about books for a while, and when the conversation eventually faded, I began to leisurely sip my now-cooled tea—then I noticed it.
There was a faint glint in Isis-san’s eyes as she looked at me—tears welled up, and a single drop ran down her cheek, falling onto the table.
[I-Isis-san!? What’s wrong?]
[……Ahh… I’m sorry… It’s just that… It’s been a long time… since I’ve had so much fun.]
[……………….]
When I called out to her, concerned that something was wrong, Isis-san replied with a soft mutter.
Her words seemed to carry emotions too complex to easily express, making me hesitate to offer a cheap reply.
After a brief pause, Isis-san began to open up about herself, sharing one piece of information after another.
It seems that from the moment she was born, Isis-san has carried a potent amount of magic power of death within her… And until now, she has been despised by many creatures.
In the beginning, she couldn’t control her magic power of death very well. Whenever Isis-san experienced negative emotions, her magic power of death would unintentionally reap the lives of those around her.
Most living things in this world, including plants and animals, couldn’t resist Isis-san’s magic power of death. Back then, she was like a walking disaster, spreading death wherever she went.
Everyone experiences negative emotions in their daily lives—frustration from trivial conversations, worry when things don’t go right, loneliness when alone…
No matter how much Isis-san wished to get along with others, all creatures would be frightened by her approach and die.
After spending a long time like this, Isis-san slowly learned to control her magic power of death… but in the end, she could never fully stop it from escaping her body.
However, during those times, she had the Six Kings to converse with—beings whose power rivaled, or even surpassed, her own. Knowing there were people who could talk to her made her genuinely happy.
However, the existence of the other members of the Six Kings… these beings with monstrous power equal to hers, ironically, only pushed Isis-san further into a corner.
Her equals… The other members of the Six Kings, whom she felt were similar to herself, had seen their families and subordinates grow over time. As months and years passed, they became central figures in the Demon Realm. With the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between the three realms, not only Demons, but even Gods began to gather around the other members of the Six Kings… and thus, Isis-san was left behind.
While Isis-san could only interact with beings whose power was nearly equal to hers, the other members of the Six Kings were on friendly terms with the less powerful Humans.
Isis-san couldn’t help but feel envious. It was painful just watching the others interact with Humans.
Though she cherished every conversation she had with the other members of the Six Kings, every time they spoke of the Human Realm, an inexplicable loneliness welled up inside her, making her shed tears countless times in solitude.
To Isis-san, I was her first human friend, and she was truly happy about that.
After listening to Isis-san, I stood up from my seat and moved to her side.
I gently touched her slightly trembling hands and, as carefully as I could, wrapped them between mine.
[……Kaito?]
[To be honest, I can’t fully understand the pain you’ve carried for thousands of years… I can’t even say that I fully understand what you’re feeling.]
[…………….]
[I don’t think I could act cool and somehow ease your loneliness… And unfortunately, that’s not something I can promise, nor something I think I can do.]
It might be unfortunate in some ways, but it could also be a blessing in others—either way, I think it’s important to clearly state that I’m just an ordinary person.
If I can’t do something beyond my ability, the only thing I can offer to the trembling Isis-san… is simply to be myself and face her, looking her directly in the eye.
[The reason I’m able to talk to Isis-san normally is because of my Sympathy Magic, a rather unique ability of mine… You could even say it’s just a coincidence that I happen to have this power. But, I’m sure this is one of those things that might be destined to happen… So, whenever you feel lonely, you can come to me anytime. There’s not much I can do, but if it’s just talking with you, I’ll always be here.]
[……………]
[Don’t worry. I’ll say it now, I will never fear or reject you in the future. That much, I can promise you.]
[…………!?!?]
I’m not sure if I managed to convey it well, but I think I was able to express my feelings somehow.
I was able to overcome Isis-san’s magic power of death thanks to my Sympathy Magic, and although it could be seen as mere coincidence that I have this ability, in a sense, it’s truly my own.
It would be pointless to keep thinking about what might have happened if I didn’t have Sympathy Magic, so I’ll just focus on using it for Isis-san’s benefit.
Receiving my words, Isis-san looked down, her body slightly trembling. After a brief moment, as if something had snapped within her, she leaped toward me.
[I-Isis-san!?]
I could feel her cool body temperature and the softness of her body, along with the delicate floral scent wafting from her hair.
[……Kaito… I love you… I love you… I really love you.]
[………………..]
I was stunned when she suddenly hugged me, but when I saw Isis-san bury her face in my chest, her shoulders trembling as she spoke, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything.
Isis-san is one of the Six Kings—powerful beings far beyond human understanding, and one of the strongest in the world… but even she isn’t an invincible being who will never feel hurt.
The proof of this was the way she clung to me, tears streaming down her face. Her trembling shoulders appeared so fragile, so small, as if they might break with the slightest touch.
I held Isis-san’s body as gently as I could, as if she were a delicate snow sculpture, while she continued to cry, as though releasing the overwhelming sadness that had built up over a thousand years.
Dear Mom, Dad—I won’t reduce Isis-san’s situation to simple words like “Isis-san is pitiable,” and I know there’s not much I can do for her. But for now—Isn’t it alright if I can show her my cool side for a bit?
<Author’s Notes>
………….They’re flirting. I guess she could already be considered as a heroine now, right?