The business negotiations between Kuro and Alice had wound down. Since I didn't want to overstay our welcome, I was just about to suggest we head home when Alice spoke up.
"...Kaito-san, the 'thing you requested' is finished."
"Already? Wow, you're fast..."
"Hmm? What's this?"
Alice was referring to a job I’d commissioned her for a while ago. I’d given her some pretty difficult requirements, so I expected it to take much longer, but apparently she was already done.
Naturally, Kuro was curious about a conversation only the two of us understood. She approached us, tilting her head.
"Kuro, wait right there for a second!"
"Eh? Oh, okay."
"...So, Alice. Where is it?"
"Right here. It should meet every single condition you set, Kaito-san."
Stopping Kuro from getting any closer, I took a small box from Alice and checked the contents.
I had to hand it to her. The craftsmanship was magnificent. The fact that she’d met all my requirements meant the one big worry I had was gone.
"...This is perfect. So, how much?"
"Even for me, getting those materials was a struggle. How does 10,000R sound?"
"Fine by me."
It was a high price for an item like this, but considering the specific demands I’d made, it was fair. Without hesitation, I handed Alice a single Gold Coin.
After thanking her once more, I left the shop with Kuro.
"Hmph."
"...Why are you pouting?"
"Kaito-kun... excluded me..."
"Don't sulk..."
It seemed she didn't appreciate being kept in the dark while we whispered together. Kuro puffed out her cheeks cutely and turned her head away.
She wasn't actually angry, though. After a few moments, she let out a sigh and her expression softened.
"...Well, if you don't want to tell me, I won't ask."
"Oh, no, it's not that I'm trying to hide it or anything..."
"Hmm?"
Seeing Kuro tilt her head, I felt a wave of nerves wash over me. I pulled out the box I’d just bought from Alice and held it out to her.
"...Umm, Kuro. For always... for everything... thank you."
"Eh? Wait, Kaito-kun?"
"Think of it as a thank-you gift for everything you do. I'd... I'd really like you to have it."
"...Oh. Thank you... Can I open it?"
"Yeah."
The commission I’d given Alice was a present for Kuro.
Kuro had looked after me constantly ever since I arrived in this other world, and I’d wanted to do something to show my appreciation. After a lot of thought, I’d settled on this.
However, I’d been worried about something Kuro said before. I couldn't just give it to her as it was, which was why I’d asked Alice to modify it.
Kuro slowly opened the box and took the item out. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Is this...?"
"Yeah. Remember when we went on our date? You really liked that necklace. I had Alice remake it using materials with incredible elasticity... so it shouldn't break, even if you're in your Magic Beast Mode."
"...Kaito-kun."
The necklace she pulled from the box featured a series of linked silver stars. It was the same design she’d admired during our date, asking me if it suited her.
She hadn't bought it then because she was afraid it would snap if she transformed, but I’d gone back and bought it in secret later.
When I asked Alice if there was a way to make it unbreakable even for a large creature, she told me a special material would do the trick. I’d asked her to source it and rebuild the necklace for me.
Alice’s skill was incredible. At a glance, it looked like an ordinary necklace—no, with her refined craftsmanship, it actually looked more delicate and beautiful than the original. But because of the elasticity, it would fit the wearer perfectly regardless of their size.
Kuro stared at the necklace for a long time before clutching it to her chest. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes wavered with emotion as she looked at me.
"...Kaito-kun... I..."
"Yeah?"
She started to whisper something in a voice so faint it almost vanished, but she stopped herself. A look of inner conflict crossed her face, and she cast her gaze downward.
After a brief silence, she looked back up with a bright smile.
"Sorry. It's nothing. Thank you, Kaito-kun. I'm so happy... I'll treasure it."
"Oh, good."
I didn't know what she’d been about to say, but I could tell it wasn't something I should push her on.
Kuro was smiling, but there was a weight behind it that felt different from her usual cheer. I could sense an earnest plea in her expression—a silent request not to ask any further.
"I know! Kaito-kun, since we're out together anyway, let's go grab some lunch!"
"Sure. It's just about that time."
"Great! In that case, I know the perfect place!"
"A recommendation? What kind of food?"
"Let's see... they have these amazing dishes made with Stripe Frog Meat—"
"Next shop, please."
"...Eh?"
I’ve eaten a lot of strange things since coming to this world.
Dragon meat, bear meat, even the meat of those terrifying Tyrant Worms. But even so, I’m just not ready for frog meat yet.
I know edible frogs exist, but it still takes a level of courage I haven't reached. Maybe in time...
Dear Mother, Father—she is the person I have spoken with the most and the one I am closest to since coming to this world. But today, it finally hit me. I realized that I still know nothing at all about what lies deep within Kuro’s heart.
Deep within the Demon Realm, at Kuromueina's Castle, Zecks arrived to visit his master in her private chambers.
"Chrome-sama, regarding tomorrow's visit... Oh?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"My, you seem to be in an exceptionally fine mood. You look quite happy."
"Ahaha. Well, maybe a little. I’m feeling pretty good."
Kuromueina didn't deny it. She wore a smile that looked like that of a young girl.
"Is that... a necklace? It is rare to see you wearing accessories, Chrome-sama."
"Yeah. I just really liked this one. How does it look? Does it suit me?"
"Yes, it suits you beautifully. However, it seems you have placed a very powerful Status Preservation Magic on it."
"...Yeah. I'd hate for it to get dirty."
A silver star necklace sparkled against Kuromueina’s chest. For her to wear an accessory when she normally avoided them meant she truly cherished it.
Watching her stroke the necklace as if it were a priceless treasure, Zecks gave a gentle smile.
"I see... Ah, forgive me. I came to discuss tomorrow’s schedule."
"Right. Like I said in the letter, 10:00 should be fine."
"I shall send a Hummingbird to confirm, then."
"Thanks. Oh, and just in case, make sure to prepare several samples with different shapes."
"As you wish."
After a brief talk about the plan to visit Lilia's Mansion, Zecks bowed politely and took his leave. Once he was gone, Kuromueina looked back down at the necklace.
Her cheeks were slightly pink as she smiled. She looked like a maiden in love, appearing much younger than her usual self.
"...It’s not fair. Something like this... of course it would make me happy."
Talking to no one in particular, she stroked the necklace once more, then pressed a light kiss to one of the stars.
"...Kaito-kun. You really are... aren't you? Maybe... you'll... be the one... for me...?"
She whispered the words in a voice so quiet they were barely audible, then looked up into the empty air.
Her expression was a complicated mix of joy and loneliness, reflecting the depths of her hidden heart. And at her chest, the first gift from the person she loved continued to sparkle.