After some time had passed, I headed back downstairs with Lunamaria-san and Lilia-san, just as Rei-san and Fia-san returned, both looking a bit tired.
[Miyama-kun, thank goodness you’re finally awake.]
[Yes, thank you for your concern.]
[No, no, I’m just glad you’re safe. What about Kusunoki-chan and Yuzuki-chan?]
[I think they’re still asleep.]
After exchanging some small talk, Rei-san and Fia-san sat down on the sofa in the common room, and Rei-san let out a deep sigh.
[Good gracious, the situation’s really become complicated. Well, I guess it’s not surprising, considering the wrath of Death King-sama… I’m honestly shocked, though. I didn’t know you were acquainted with Death King-sama…]
[……It would’ve been great if it was just the Death King-sama, though…]
[ [ Eh? ] ]
The reorganization meeting must have been quite a tough one. Both Rei-san and Fia-san looked exhausted, their faces showing clear signs of fatigue.
After sipping the tea Lunamaria-san brewed, she let out a sigh, then turned to me and muttered something that left the others stunned.
[Miyama-sama is also very close to Underworld King-sama.]
[[With Underworld King-sama!?]]
[On the other hand… he’s also blessed by the God of Creation-sama.]
[[Huh!?!?]]
Rei-san and Fia-san’s eyes widened at the follow-up words.
Yeah, seeing everyone react like that, I can’t deny how unusual my situation is.
I’ve had contact with two of the Six Kings—the pinnacle figures of the Demon Realm—along with the God of Creation, the pinnacle of the God Realm, and one of the Supreme Gods, just one step beneath the God of Creation.
[H-Hahaha… In the time we’ve been apart, Lilia-chan’s learned to tell some pretty unique jokes, huh.]
[T-That’s right~~ I was surprised too.]
[…I wish I were joking… These days, I even carry stomach medicine with me wherever I go.]
[[…Seriously?]]
[…Yes.]
Yeah, how should I explain this… Lilia-san has this kind of melancholic look on her face. I’m not sure what to say… It’s just, I’m sorry.
As Rei-san and Fia-san stood there, dumbfounded for a while, Lilia-san and Lunamaria-san politely explained how I ended up with such outrageous connections over the past month.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I could only stare at them…
(Kaito-san, do you like pets?)
Is this person totally unable to read the room or understand the flow of conversation?
And also, isn’t it a bit odd to ask “Do you like pets?” Wouldn’t you ask if someone likes animals first or something like that? Well, whatever. Looks like Shiro-san is asking me if I like keeping animals.
I do. When I first started living on my own, I couldn’t have a pet because the place I was staying at didn’t allow them, but my relatives had a dog, and I used to take care of it a lot…
(Then that’s great. I’ve “sent” it in front of the inn.)
…Huh? Wait a minute. What is this person talking about? Sent what? A pet?
How did we even end up on that topic? Shiro-san! Shirrrroooo-saaaaannnn!!!
(What is it?)
You don’t just say, “What is it?” I need an explanation! Please, give me some context here!!!
(The pet I sent you is in front of the inn.)
Now that’s what I’m talking about!!!
I’m asking how in the world this situation turned into you sending a pet to me out of the blue!
(There was one soul left. When I asked for its wish, it said it wanted to serve Kaito-san, so I gave it a body and sent it towards you.)
…I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.
I’m sure I wouldn’t get a decent answer if I asked again, but what’s really concerning me is… that pet you sent, the one from the God of Creation, Shiro-san—is that some kind of monster or something like that?
Feeling a headache coming on from Shiro-san’s words, I explained the situation to Lilia-san and the others, and we all decided to head to the front of the inn.
Walking outside, we reached the entrance of the inn… and there, standing with a straight back and elegant posture, was a woman.
Her black hair, about the length of a short bobcut—though, I suppose you could call it more of a shaggy cut—paired with her sharp eyes, gave off a tough, no-nonsense vibe.
She was a little shorter than me. Her outfit was entirely black, resembling a military uniform that gave the impression of someone efficient and serious, yet she wore a black fur cloak that seemed completely out of place with the rest of her attire.
But what stood out the most were the ears peeking out from her black hair. They were clearly not human, more like the circular ears of a beast… Is she a beastman?
[Good day! Master!]
[……Yes?]
When the woman saw my face, she immediately closed her legs and greeted me with a salute so sharp it almost sounded like a snap.
There were no other creatures around, and she was the only one standing in front of me… Does that mean this woman is the pet Shiro-san mentioned?
Hey, isn’t she clearly humanoid!? What the heck is going on, Shiro-san!? Heck, the only animal part about her seems to be her ears!
[E-Errr… You are?]
[Hahh! My name is Anima! I am Master’s faithful servant!!!]
The woman… Anima-san, replied to my question while still holding her salute. Or rather, her voice was so loud…
[P-Please wait, I don’t really understand what’s going on… Could you elaborate a bit?]
[Hahh! Roger that! But before I explain, I’d like to ask something a bit presumptuous!]
[You want to ask something?]
[Yes! Please stop using honorifics and titles when addressing me! I am master’s servant, and your tool—just call me Anima!]
[…Ah, o-okay. I understand. Then, Anima, can you explain… Ah, you can relax.]
[Hahh! By your command!]
I thought she only looked military-like, but it seems she really acts the part.
Anyway, when I told her to explain the situation, Anima dropped her salute as instructed, adopting a more relaxed stance with her hands clasped behind her waist.
[I am the “damned beast” who injured master the other day! Originally, I was meant to vanish like the other beasts, but I caught the attention of the God of Creation, Shallow Vernal-sama, who granted me a new body!]
[…Huh?]
[The disrespect I showed my master is unforgivable! So, with this new life and soul, I will repay my master’s kindness by dedicating myself entirely to his service! Diminutive though I may be, please allow me the honor of serving the great master!]
[……………….]
The explanation Anima gave could only be described as an outrageous bombshell that came out of nowhere.
The beast that injured me? A new body? That black fur cloak and those round beast ears… Could she really be what I think she is?
[Errr, does that mean that you’re…… Could it be that you’re the “Black Bear I fought against”?]
[Yes! That’s right!]
[ [ [ [ [ Eeehhhhhhhhh!? ] ] ] ] ]
Hearing the shocking words Anima told us, we let out a surprised shout at the same time.
Dear Mom, Dad—So many things have happened today, one after another, but it seems that the troubles haven’t ended yet. I mean, regarding this trouble—Isn’t this completely Shiro-san’s fault?
<Author’s Notes>
Wyvern-senpai, who is chilling in the after-life club: “What…… did you just say……”
T/N: 3/10