Zex-san’s mention of being acquainted with Rasal-san, Isis-san’s new subordinate, seemed to intrigue not just Isis-san herself but Iris-san and the others as well. Iris-san quickly arranged a chair for him, and once seated, Zex-san began his tale.
"…Rasal Marfik. A necromancer known by the epithet 'Martyr of Death.' As far as I am aware, she is undoubtedly the top practitioner of necromancy in the Demon Realm. However, she is a bit of an eccentric, if I may say so. She possesses no interest in anything beyond her research. She sequestered herself in a cave in the deepest reaches of the Black Forest, devoted entirely to her studies. She was so immersed in her work that she would emerge from that cave perhaps only once every few thousand years."
"O-Once every few thousand years?" I stammered, taken aback.
Basically, she was a shut-in who had spent millennia doing nothing but research? If she only surfaced once in a few thousand years, then in total, she might have been working alone in that cave for tens of thousands of years.
It was, well… simply staggering.
"Since I also dabble in the art of necromancy, we became acquainted through that connection," Zex-san continued. "That being said, she likely doesn't even recall my name. She is truly indifferent to everything besides her research… However, when I met her recently, she asked me a question—a rare occurrence, or rather, a first for Rasal-dono. She asked about the Death King… about Isis-sama."
"…About me?"
"Yes. I found it curious at the time, but thinking back on it now, she likely saw the end of her long-standing research in sight and was considering her future. She had probably already decided to become Isis-sama’s subordinate by the time she approached me."
"…I see… So… as soon as her research was finished… she rushed to see me… Fufu… I’m happy."
Since Zex-san said she had inquired about Isis-san only recently, it meant Rasal-san really had headed straight for Isis-san the moment her research was complete. Still, from what I’d gathered so far, it didn't seem like they’d had any prior connection.
"Even so, it is difficult to imagine a woman like her serving anyone. Isis-sama, what sort of person is Rasal-dono?"
"…Rasal is… very smart… And she worries about me… she gives me all sorts of advice… I think she’s a very… kind girl."
"Ho, is that so? Perhaps she has a surprisingly caring side. Indeed, she is sharp-witted and the type to proceed with great caution, so I expect she will perform excellently as Isis-sama’s strategist."
"…Yes… Rasal is… very reliable."
Hmm, based on the way Isis-san spoke, she sounded like a genuinely good person. Maybe they had met somewhere in the past and Isis-san just didn't remember, or perhaps Rasal had admired her from afar for a long time.
Wanting to hear another perspective, I decided to ask Iris-san while the other two continued their conversation.
"Iris-san, what’s your impression of Rasal-san?"
"As Isis-sama said, she is quite sharp. She can be provocative with her words and frequently bickers with Sirius, but I see no other issues. In fact, as Isis-sama mentioned, she has even gone so far as to admonish her master when necessary; she seems deeply concerned with upholding Isis-sama’s dignity."
"I see. Then she really does seem like a good person, just as Isis-san said."
For a moment, I had wondered if someone who suddenly appeared to offer their service without any prior contact might have a hidden agenda, but hearing this, she sounded like a truly kind and attentive person.
"It was a bit surprising to me, but perhaps reaching a milestone in her research has given her more mental leeway than she had when we used to meet," Zex-san remarked. "Well, in any case, if you are building a good relationship, then it is a wonderful thing."
"…Yes… It’s a shame she couldn't come today… but next time… I’ll introduce her to Kaito."
"I'd like that. I’m looking forward to it."
With the talk of Rasal-san concluding, Zex-san stood up and offered Isis-san a polite bow.
"Well then, I shall be on my way. My apologies for taking up so much of your time."
"…No… don’t worry about it… If you’d like, please come see Rasal again… I think… she’ll be happy."
"Indeed. I shall pay her a visit another time."
Zex-san bowed again with perfectly refined movements before departing. Rasal-san, Isis-san's new subordinate… after hearing so much about her, I was genuinely curious. I hoped I’d have the chance to meet her soon.