Eventually, our conversation shifted toward other people who had come from Earth.
"Oh? So there's another transplant living in the Friendly City? I don't get out that way very often, so I hadn't heard," Akane-san remarked.
"Her name is Kaori Mizuhara-san. Also, according to her, there’s a man named Shigenobu Okura-san living in the Hydra Kingdom."
"Hmm, hmm. We really don't cross paths as often as you'd think, do we? I mean, you’re actually the first fellow countryman I’ve met since I got here, Kaito."
Technically, Noin-san was also here, but since her true identity wasn't something I could discuss casually, I left her out of the count. Excluding her, that meant there were a total of nine people from our world currently living here: me, my mother, my father, Aoi-chan, Hina-chan, Mitsunaga-kun, Kaori-san, Akane-san, and Okura-san.
"It sounds like it would be fun if we could all gather together sometime, if the opportunity arises..."
"Yeah. When that happens, I'll make takoyaki, so let’s have a party."
"Wait, isn't that just because you want to have one, Chairman?"
Apparently, Akane-san had asked Eden-san for a takoyaki plate and actually received one. I quite liked takoyaki myself, so a party sounded like it would be a lot of fun.
"By the way, Kaito."
"Yes?"
"You know, there are some pretty tall tales circulating about you. Even I'd heard of you through the grapevine."
"Oh... Is that so? I mean, I know strange rumors tend to follow me around from time to time."
That was certainly true. During the Six Kings Festival and other events, people spoke of me as if I were some kind of legendary monster. The novels being written in Rigforresia were probably the most extreme example of that. Since almost all my acquaintances were famous figures, I figured it was somewhat unavoidable, but it was still embarrassing to realize that even people from my own world had heard the stories.
"Well, just being Chrome-sama's lover is a huge deal, so in a way, it's inevitable that all sorts of baseless rumors would fly around... Like, for example, the one about you being the lover of the Death King-sama."
"Ah, that one is actually true."
"...Eh? I-Is that so? Wait, can you even have a conversation with the Death King-sama in the first place?"
"I can use a type of magic called Sympathy Magic. It’s mostly thanks to that."
"I see... Good grief, I’m shocked. I never thought that would actually be true."
While wearing an expression of genuine disbelief, Akane-san seemed to accept the explanation for the moment, nodding repeatedly.
"Then there's the one about you receiving the blessing of the Creator God-sama."
"That's also true."
"Why?! How on earth did things end up like that?! Okay, what else... like you winning against the War King-sama?"
"I've won twice, I think."
"...What are you, some kind of absolute monster?"
"No, it's not like I won in actual combat."
One was a drinking contest, and the other was a best-of-three match. To be honest, I felt like I would have lost the best-of-three match if it weren't for that bizarre win in the art category... but since that statue apparently became a literal object of worship for the Gunrock Dragons, I had forced myself to accept that I won by creating a masterpiece.
"...Is it true that you're personally acquainted with all of the Six Kings-sama and the Supreme Gods-sama?"
"Yes, that’s also true."
"How do you even meet them?! And what about being called the Hero of the Elf Race?"
"There are many misunderstandings regarding that title, but it's true that people call me that."
"...You've gotta be kidding me..."
Akane-san's complexion grew paler with every response I gave. She eventually pressed a hand to her temple as if nursing a sudden migraine.
"Wait, every single one is true? This is bad... my head is starting to throb. To be honest, I thought I was doing pretty well for an immigrant. I mean, think about it—I might not lead a giant corporation, but I’m the chairman of a mid-level trading company. I have more money than your average noble... but we’re on completely different levels. Kaito, how long have you been in this world again?"
"Including the year of the Hero Festival, it's been just under two years."
"How?! You've gotta be on your second or third life, right? Like a New Game Plus! This is insane... you’re way too far outside the realm of common sense. The more I think about it, the more my brain hurts. Just hearing the list is giving me an ulcer."
When she put it that way, I didn't have much of a defense. I agreed that way too many things had happened in a very short span of time. According to Alice, I apparently had quite the trouble-prone or caught-up constitution. Then again, I was caught up in things and summoned here in the first place.
"Ugh, forget it! It's best not to overthink this. Let's change the subject. I’ve been doing all the asking, so is there anything you want to ask me?"
"Hmm... I heard your company is a mobile merchant association, but what kind of goods do you handle?"
"A bit of everything, but mostly trendy items. Goods with high price volatility are difficult to handle, but if you play it right, they bring in a great profit. For example, lately..."
True to the name "Mobile Merchant Association," Akane-san's company seemingly conducted business all over the world. She shared humorous stories about rare items and the various regions she had visited. Before I knew it, I had lost track of time, completely absorbed in her tales.
Serious-senpai: "I guess that wraps things up for now? That's a good place to pause for the encounter with Akane..."
???: "I kind of want to eat something sweet, boss."
Serious-senpai: "Hey, you idiot, stop that!"