We got into the car, had some drinks, and took a moment to relax. "Yamada-san, you're quite strong. Are you really a beginner?" Inose-kun leaned forward and asked. "Yeah I am. But you guys are quite impressive, too." "Well, we've been at this since we were kids." "I've still got a long way to go." Kichi-san's split personality was showing. "But now, I pretty much know everyone's abilities." "Yeah, that seems about right." "That's true." There shouldn't be any problem. "Then, shall we call it a day? How about it? Should I drop you off at home?" "No, just to the association's headquarters is fine. It isn't too far." "Same for me." Eh? "It's close?" "Just one train ride away." "Me too. I live in an apartment complex." An apartment complex... "I was expecting a traditional single-family home, maybe with a dojo because he talked about an esteemed family." "My parents' place is like that, but that place is like a mansion. And it's far from school." "Yes, and it's also far from my dad's workplace." Well, that's city center living for you. "Got it. I'm heading back to the association then." With that, I start the car and set off for the association. The traffic wasn't as bad on the way back, so we got there quicker than on the way here. Upon reaching the association, I parked the car, went to the entrance, and handed the key back at the reception. "What's our next move?" Exiting the association, we walk toward the station, discussing what we'll do next. "I guess we'll have to keep an eye on the information and coordinate over the messaging app." "Right. We have school, and Yamanda-san, you have your own things to take care of, too." Yeah, there's work to do in my village in the other world. I am the village chief, after all. "Let's settle on that. It'll likely be a month-long collaboration, but I'm looking forward to it." "Likewise, I appreciate it." "Thank you in advance." It looks like they've both come to accept me.

We continued walking, said our goodbyes at the station, and each headed home. When I got home, Ruri had dinner ready, and the three of us ate together. And when it was my turn to take a bath, I told Ruri about what happened today. "Oh... so they weren't annoying people?" Both of them are a bit unique, but I think they're good kids. At least, it seems unlikely that we'll butt heads. "Yeah, for now I'll try working as a trio with them. What did you think, Miriam?" I asked Miriam, who had been with us. "I don't see any problems, meow. Plus, they were definitely using some unique magic, meow. Ichinose was hitting with palm strikes, but those were shockwave spells, meow. As for Kichi... well, she's exactly as she appears, meow." Just as she appears, huh... "I hope I'll learn a lot over this next month." "Yeah, hopefully, meow. And you should be cautious around Kichi, meow." "Kichi-san? Is something wrong?" "That girl, she noticed me, meow." Eh? "Really?" "She hasn't figured out exactly what I am, but she did sense there was something other than you, meow. It's impossible that a mage of her caliber could detect me, so it's not magic—it's more like a wild intuition, meow." Wild intuition... Well, she did have a bit of a samurai aura to her. "I'll keep that in mind." "Yeah, she's not a bad person, meow." "Is it because she likes cats?" "Exactly, meow." What a calculating cat... "Tatsuya-san, your smartphone is ringing." Ruri mentioned this, so I grabbed my smartphone and saw a message from the group chat I created today. Kyoka: *tremble tremble* Ah, it's about the cat picture. "Miriam, sorry to bother you, but could you strike a pose that cat lovers would adore?" I start the camera and, pointing it at Miriam, I ask her for a pose. "Like this, meow?" Miriam layed on her back, and I snapped a photo and attached it to the message. Kyoka: Super cute! Black cat-san! Yamada: Her name is Miriam. Kyoka: More! More! "They're asking for more, Miriam." "Can't be helped, meow..."

Miriam poses again, seemingly not entirely against the idea. With each new pose, I took another photo and sent it off. Kyoka: Too cute! Yamada: My child is adorable, after all. Kyoka: This kitty knows what's up! Yamada: My kid is really smart, you know. Kyoka: I'm so jealous! Yamada: I'm not giving her away. Kyoka: Is this kid your relative? Huh? Every time I sent a photo asking for feedback, Kichi-san reacted differently. I wondered why and checked the photo I had sent earlier; Ruri was in her pajamas with an exasperated expression next to a cunningly posing Miriam. Yamada: That's correct. Kyoka: She's pretty cute. Getting such a reply, I aimed the camera at Ruri. "Ruri!" "What is it?" Ruri asked this while flashing a peace sign. "They say you're cute." Saying that, I took a picture. "Do you think so too, Tatsuya-san?" "I do. You're cute, Ruri." "Is that so?" Ruri replied indifferently, yet her lips were curved up, looking pleased. Yamada: Ruri's her name. She's happy to be called cute. Kyouka: Super cute! Yuusei: You guys, keep it private. Don't spam the group. The notifications are driving me crazy. Ah, sorry. Kyouka: My bad. Yamada: Sorry. After that, I immediately got a direct message from Kichi-san. Kyouka: I want a set with Miriam and Ruri. Because I wanted the photos too, I asked Ruri to scoop up Miriam, snapped a shot, and sent it to Kichi-san. Yamada: My treasure! Kyouka: I'm gonna be the Pirate King! Yamada: No way I'm giving it up. She sure is a manga fan...