"Yes, my apologies. The truth is, I was the one who summoned you to this world."

"Eh?"

She turned to face me, rubbing her cheek.

"It might be hard to believe so suddenly, but I do possess such power."

She made a face that was a mixture of exasperation and bewilderment.

For some reason, I find that expression endearing. I want to see more of it.

"Uhm... anyway, so? I can go home, right?"

"There are conditions, but it is possible to send you back to your original world."

"Conditions?"

Though, I don't want to send her back just yet.

"If you grant even one wish for me, the one who summoned you, then I can send you back."

"Then let's get it over with quickly! I'll do anything!"

"Anything?"

"Ah, well... anything within my power, that is."

"If I don't get back soon, my attendance record is going to be in deep trouble."

"Attendance? I know not what sort of meeting it is, but you are quite diligent."

"Huh? Well, I just don't want to fail and lose my credits."

Credits? I didn't quite understand what that meant, but I could at least tell that she was in some kind of trouble.

I thought that I should quickly tell her what I desired, so that she could return home soon, and then let her go for the time being.

Since that is what I desire, I should simply act on it.

What is it that I desire from her...

"This may be rude, but I wish to confirm something. You are a woman, are you not?"

"Can't you tell just by looking?! Seriously, how rude!"

She scowled.

"I see..."

A woman... I see, a woman.

I want to understand. This being called a 'woman,' which is what apparently killed me.

"Before the night is over, you will attend to me for the night."

"Huh?"

"Do that, and in the morning, I will send you back to the world you came from."

"Wait, 'attend to you for the night'? What's that?"

"Well, you see..."

This was a problem. The truth is, I didn't really know myself. I'd never had such an experience, nor had I ever even felt such a desire before.

"It's when you take a woman to the bedchamber and spend the night together... Is that not acceptable?"

"Oh, so that's what you mean... But so suddenly!? Give me a second to think!"

She held her head in her hands. Was it truly something to be so distressed about?

In the past, there were several occasions when a subordinate who had performed some great deed would bring a woman to me and ask for permission to buy her freedom. I had no interest, so I believe I always just replied, 'Do as you please.'

I wonder if similar problems arose during those exchanges, unbeknownst to me... I wouldn't know.

"Ugh... Worst-case scenario, I guess it can't be helped..."

"Ah, mister, why don't you take off your helmet for now? Let me see your face."

"'Helmet?' I've heard that word a few times now, but what is a 'helmet'?"

"Oh, right. Maybe it has a different name here? It's that thing... the one hiding your head and face."

I was troubled. I felt I shouldn't so casually expose my bare face, my skin. Ever since I became aware of my existence in this world, I had always thought this way, and I always hid my skin with clothing when in the presence of others.

In the past, I never forced this way of thinking on others, but I also never revealed my own face to anyone.

"It's fine, I'm not going to laugh or anything."

"Ah, well... Do I absolutely have to show you my face?"

"Preferably~"

Is that how it is? Then so be it. If it is necessary for her, I will not hesitate.

"Eh...?"

Her expression froze. Was something amiss?

"Wow, you have such a beautiful face. It's a waste to hide such handsome features."

"I-Is that so?"

"Oh, well. Alright, Mr. Pretty-Face, lead the way."

Drawing slightly on my past memories, I slowly took her hand and began to walk in the direction of the bedchamber.

Soft. Warm.

As I walked with her, a question suddenly came to mind.

Isn't 'mister' a term used to address only men...?

No, in the first place, what am I...?