Chapter 15

"Since then, I've been spending my time here all alone..."

When Kaede finished speaking, she wiped her tears with her sleeve. Still, she couldn't stop the tears from flowing.

Ah, I really made her talk about something painful.

Fear, loss, despair.

It must have been something she wished to forget entirely. And yet, I made her recall it vividly.

"...I'm sorry."

At least these tears were shed because I came here. First, I apologized for that.

"There's nothing for Asazuki to apologize for."

Kaede lowered her eyes, shook her head, and sniffled as she spoke.

When Kaede said she would do anything, it was probably the result of stubbornly putting her father's last words into action.

And that means, in the end, she still needs my help. It's not just gratitude for this moment's kindness; she expects more to come. There was a will to hold onto the lifeline that had accidentally appeared before her, to do whatever it takes to survive.

"...I see."

When I returned from the other world and found myself in this world, I felt relieved to meet a survivor for the first time. I handed over food with a carefree attitude, as if feeding a stray cat. But I realized that this act was the same as something I deeply despised in the other world.

The sweet hero Rindou.

He often gave out short-term charity without thinking about the future.

No, even feeding a stray cat in the original world wasn't something to be done carelessly.

I picked up my backpack, which was nearby, and stood up, spreading its contents on the table.

"...?"

When Kaede looked at me with a question mark, I answered.

"You can eat as much as you like. You can use the tools too. Be very careful when using fire. And don't make loud noises; they are very sensitive to sound."

"...Is that okay?"

Hesitantly, but with hope in her tear-swollen eyes, Kaede looked at me. Alright, I'll meet that hope.

"Don't be shy. For now, I've decided to help you."

"...Thank you...! If there's anything, please tell me!"

"That's already fine..."

I sighed, holding my head.

How long should I help her, and how should I help her?

I'll think about that later. For now, I have something to tell Kaede.

"There are two things I need to tell you."

With her red eyes, Kaede waited for me to continue.

The first might not be something that needs to be said, but I thought it was necessary to say it before the second.

"The first thing is, I killed the zombies to get here. I've taken care of most of the zombies on the first floor. Your 'father' was probably among them."

At my words, Kaede's eyes widened.

"...Yes."

She answered quietly, as if saying it couldn't be helped.

"Once someone becomes a zombie, they can't be saved. They are already dead. Destroying their brain and killing them again is, in a sense, a form of salvation."

Kaede listened to my words in silence.

Even the holy maiden Eris can't cure someone who has fully turned into a zombie. They are already dead. Even if the curse is lifted, bringing the dead back to life is impossible.

That's why.

I looked at Kaede's expression and continued.

"And the second thing is..."

Kaede's throat made a choking sound, gulping.

"I'm going to kill your 'mother' next."