“That pretty much settled it. For his plans to take over the world, he was executed along with most of his harem of women. There wasn’t much helping it, considering the circumstances. But I can’t say I really enjoyed the public execution,” I told her. It wasn’t an especially pleasant memory, but it was important to remember what had brought it about. Planning to take over the world, starting a selfish war, and then getting defeated were more than enough to earn such a conclusion.

“I have no sympathy for them. They were the ones who took Atla, and so many others, from us,” Raphtalia responded.

“That’s right,” I agreed. If Takt hadn’t seen fit to get involved in the fight with the Phoenix, that whole situation would have turned out quite differently. It had been an ugly, cruel execution, but I had no sympathy for those who were killed.

“In any case, they have been avenged, which is the best we could ask for,” Raphtalia concluded. We had saved many more lives by defeating him. That was the attitude to hold. “I’m sure Atla would be pleased too.”

“Actually, about that,” I said. “When I was on the verge of death, I met Atla inside something like . . . I guess you’d call it the world inside the shield. She was still very much herself, anyway.” I showed Raphtalia the shield, and the gemstone glowed. Was that Atla taunting Raphtalia from inside the shield? The light did look a bit mocking, if light could be said to do that. Raphtalia seemed to have noticed the same thing, and her brow furrowed.

“I am just glad to see you in good health, Mr. Naofumi,” Raphtalia finally said.

“Atla said much the same thing. Still, I think the whole experience has made me a little more accepting than before,” I replied. I wasn’t completely uninterested in love anymore. I still had to put my duty first, but I could at least respond to the feelings from others now. “Once the waves are finished, in the time after completing my duty but before I go home, I’m thinking a little of the ‘fun and games’ that Sadeena alludes to might be acceptable.”

“That was one of Atla’s final wishes, and I can understand it, but I’m still wondering exactly why things need to be like that,” Raphtalia questioned. She made a good point. It was like me standing here telling a woman who trusted me that after I’d saved the world, I was going to screw my way through as many women as I could.

“Come now, little Raphtalia. Little Naofumi has made so much progress! This is when you need to put your best foot forward. Like I’ve done already. Take a look at this! I present to you the bundle of love created by myself and Little Naofumi!” Sadeena, really laying it on thick, grabbed the little hands of the pint-sized Shildina who was riding on her shoulders.

“What? That much time has passed in the other world?!” Raphtalia gasped. Exasperated, I was about to step in and nip this in the bud when Shildina did it for me.