In the village of Katarov, it is a custom to dress the deceased in the attire they liked during their lifetime for burial. Most often, formal wear like dresses or suits is chosen.
So, Namia, who had just been buried, was in a dress. However, to avoid drawing attention while walking outside in such attire, it was necessary to quickly bring her back home where no one could see her.
After that, Agetha went to the store to buy clothes that Namia could wear.
"Don't use me as your errand girl," she complained, but she seemed willing to comply as she headed out.
"So, Namia, how are you feeling?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
Namia nodded as she sat in a chair.
There are many things I want to ask, but where should I start…
"Hey, Kiska. Who is the girl you were with?"
It's clear that she's asking about the hero Agetha.
"Well…,"
How should I answer?
Agetha is my girlfriend, and Namia is my fiancée. Would that be considered cheating? No, Agetha is my girlfriend while Namia was deceased, so it shouldn't be considered cheating.
However, introducing Agetha as a girlfriend to Namia feels awkward.
"Agetha is someone who has helped me in various ways, and I'm still getting her assistance now."
"I see."
Honestly, it hurts inside, but for now, I have to make her understand with this explanation.
"Hey, Kiska. I was dead, and thanks to you, I came back to life, right?"
"Yeah, that's right."
I affirm while thinking.
Right after coming back to life, Namia said she was confused, and she might still be in the midst of that confusion. So, I thought I should explain properly. However, Namia's last moments were so horrific that I hesitated to explain, fearing that bringing back those memories might lead to despair when she faces the reality.
"Could it be that you're not aware that you died?"
In the end, I decided to probe by asking a question.
If Namia doesn't remember when she died, it might be the happiest scenario.
"No, I remember dying clearly. I have the memories from when I died."
It seems my expectations were off.
"Sorry, did it bring back unpleasant memories?"
"Kiska, don't apologize. Thanks to you, I can talk like this now, so I really appreciate it."
"I see. Namia, you're really strong. I've always thought that about you."
"I don't think so, though."
Namia smiled shyly.
Just being able to see Namia's expression like this makes me grateful for using the ring.
"Hey, Kiska. Tell me what happened after I died."
Namia directed a serious gaze at me.
I had been hesitant, fearing that speaking about it might make Namia recall the painful reality and lead to despair. However, talking to Namia now made me realize how strong she truly was.
So, without hesitation, I could tell Namia everything.
I explained how I was accused of a crime after her death and was teleported to the depths of the dungeon. Despite facing hardships, we managed to conquer the dungeon after meeting Agetha. The ring was obtained during that journey.
I felt like I should talk about "Save & Reset," our visits to the past world, and even the vampire Judite and the parasitic sword puppeteer, but I decided to omit those details.
I thought that springing such information all at once would be overwhelming, and revealing the concept of death loops abruptly might make it seem too unbelievable and drive her crazy.
"Sorry, Kiska. I didn't mean to make you go through such difficult memories."
After finishing the explanation, Namia apologized first.
For a moment, I was perplexed, not understanding why she was apologizing.
"If I hadn't said things like that, we wouldn't be in this situation."
By "things like that," she must be referring to when Namia suggested escaping together and confessed her feelings.
Namia quietly cried.
"I was happy. So, please don't blame yourself like that."
Instinctively, I held Namia's hand and made that assertion.
In response, Namia said, "Thank you," and smiled softly.
"Hey, Kiska. It might be cheeky of me to ask, but can I tell you my request?"
"Tell me anything. Namia, I want to fulfill any wish you have."
"Thank you."
Saying so, Namia smiled.
"So, what's your request?"
What could she possibly be asking for?
Could it be that she wants to bring up the promise we made back then?
On that day, we made a promise to leave the village and elope. In the end, that promise didn't come true. Now, I wonder if we could fulfill that promise once again.
Thinking of such optimistic things, I remembered. I have Agetha with me now.
"I want you to help me with my revenge."
"Revenge…?"
I didn't expect such words to come from Namia.
"Yeah, because of that person…"
Saying so, Namia squatted down and let out a voice full of resentment.
Well, of course.
After going through something like that, it's only natural she feels this way.
Even I still have lingering feelings of wanting revenge.
"Okay, I understand. I'll definitely help."
Saying so, I patted Namia's back. In response, she said, "Thank you," and started crying again on the spot.
◆
"By the way, we haven't introduced ourselves yet," Agetha brought up.
Namia had already changed into the clothes Agetha had bought for her.
"My name is Agetha Tsubaki. Agetha is my first name, and Tsubaki is my last name. Well, in this country, it seems they don't have the culture of using last names. As for my title, I'm the 4th generation hero, and I come from a different world than this one. I was reincarnated and came here from Japan on Earth."
Agetha confidently spoke about her title.
Looking at it again, Agetha's title was unbelievably extraordinary. I believe it because I've witnessed Agetha's superhuman strength, but if I hadn't, I might find it hard to believe.
"I met Agetha in the dungeon. Suddenly being called a hero might be hard to believe, but Agetha has shown that she can defeat any monster with one stroke of her sword. So, I can vouch for her being a hero."
"I see. That's amazing."
As I explained, Namia widened her eyes.
"Um, my name is Namia. I'm from Katarov Village, and my father is a merchant. I'm good at calculating money because I often helped out at the store. Um, unlike Hero Agetha, I'm just an ordinary person."
While Namia spoke with a lack of confidence, Agetha snorted.
"And also, I'll tell you in advance, but Kiska and I are lovers. I don't know what kind of relationship Kiska and Namia have, but don't forget that."
What's Agetha saying? I almost shouted.
Agetha, who had finished saying what she wanted, looked at me triumphantly.
Even though there's a possibility that Namia might get hurt.
Certainly, considering Agetha's personality, it was evident that she would assert herself as a lover to establish dominance. I had no right to silence her, so this was inevitable.
"Namia…"
I immediately expressed concern for Namia. I didn't want to imagine what she might be thinking right now.
"Yeah, that's how it is."
However, Namia calmly muttered these words.
"You knew…?"
"Yeah, because no matter how you look at it, you two seemed like a couple. Congratulations, Kiska, on having such a cute girlfriend. You two look great together."
"Thank you…"
I was unsure of how to react and ended up with an ambiguous response. I didn't know if Namia was just putting on a brave front or if she genuinely didn't mind. As for Agetha, she didn't seem to mind being called a good match, and her mouth had a satisfied grin.
"Uh, Hero Agetha."
"Namia, you can call me by my first name; it's okay. Kiska does the same."
"Okay. Um, Agetha-chan, I have a favor to ask, the same one I asked Kiska earlier."
"What is it?"
"I want Agetha-chan to help with my revenge too."
As Namia made this request, Agetha promptly responded.
"Yeah, sure."
Afterwards, Namia explained to Agetha why she sought revenge. However, since I had briefly shared my life story before, we decided to go over it again.
The bullying I endured in Katarov Village.
Our failed attempt to escape the village.
Namia's murder by Darga and his henchmen.
I hadn't revealed to Agetha that Namia and I had confessed our feelings for each other.
Afterward, I was framed by the village chief and other villagers, leading to my banishment to the depths of the dungeon through the teleportation array.
"That's right. Thanks to Agetha, Kiska was saved too. Let me express my gratitude as well. Thank you."
"That's right. Kiska is here now because of me."
Agetha seemed to swell with pride upon receiving praise.
"Hey, so what exactly do you plan to do for revenge?"
I suddenly became curious and voiced my question.
"Well, the specifics aren't decided yet, but there's a big festival in this town soon."
A big festival? Did such a thing exist?
"Do you perhaps not remember? The Demon Lord Subjugation Commemorative Festival is held in the village every year."
"Now that you mention it, there might have been something like that."
Due to my silver hair, I didn't participate in the festival day held for the Demon Lord Subjugation, I would be scolded by the villagers. So, I didn't have particularly fond memories of it.
"This year's ceremony is the 100th anniversary, so they're planning to make it a grand event. They're inviting many important people, and it seems even royalty will attend."
"That sounds quite elaborate."
It was unusual for royalty to attend a festival in such a remote village.
"What do you want to do with that ceremony?"
"I want to completely ruin it."
Saying that, she flashed a triumphant smile.