Chapter 2: From the Divine Realm to a Different World
A week had passed since our life in the divine world began.
The divine world was a convenient place where resources were almost unlimited, and if you could imagine it well enough, you could create almost anything freely.
Mikoto-san created a luxurious new home for us to live in, within the space she manages. It was a cute two-story house with a garden that looked like it belonged to a newlywed couple. Thanks to her, I am now able to live a more fulfilling life than when I was on earth.
At first, I was confused and didn't know how to create things, but now I can make anything I need by mimicking what I see. Of course, I have also acquired all the materials I need for drawing.
Every morning, Mikoto-san goes to work as a shinigami at a set time. Seeing her off with a kiss has become a daily routine. Although she is a goddess, and I don't think there would be any accidents, I can't help but worry as the one left behind. Was my mother also worried like this when she saw me off every day? Thinking about how I made my mother sad, my heart tightens with pain... If only I could tell her that I am happy now...
While she is away, I usually spend my time drawing. There is no need for cleaning or laundry, so I can fully enjoy drawing.
Before it gets dark outside, I start preparing dinner because Mikoto-san usually returns during the twilight period. Although it seems okay not to eat in the divine world, I feel uneasy if I don't have a meal for her mood.
The gods apparently don't dislike eating, and in fact, many gods enjoy eating three solid meals as a form of mental entertainment. Mikoto-san always eats the dishes I create with a delicious expression, although of course I can't make dishes that she's unfamiliar with.
In particular, she seems to be fond of the stuffed eggplant, which happens to be my favorite dish, and eats it at least once a day.
After meals, we take a bath together. It's not just any bath, but an open-air bath like the ones found in high-end hot spring inns. I think it's a source of pride that I was able to create a bath that even reproduces the scent of cypress wood.
Like meals, there's no need to take a bath, but it's a matter of mood. Mikoto-san seems to like it because she can relax. The work of a shinigami is hard, so the gods must also accumulate stress.
And at night, we naturally sleep together. I was surprised on the first day, but when Mikoto-san said it was natural, I had no reason to refuse.
... I want to say one thing here. It's not that I have to say it to anyone, but I can't help but say it. I'm happy. I'm hopelessly happy, but is that okay? I know it's only temporary, but I hope this life continues for even one more day.
Recently, I've started to understand Mikoto-san's emotions more. It's really faint, but I can tell when she's happy or angry. It feels like the distance between us has gotten smaller, and that makes me really happy.
According to the story, many of Mikoto-san's fellow shinigami graduated from being a shinigami after finding a partner. When the gods of the divine realm saw this, they were genuinely amazed by their lack of insight, but Mikoto-san smiled just a little happily.
In Mikoto-san's room, there are pictures I drew hanging on the walls. Most of them are portraits of her, but she always looks at them with a happy expression. It's not that she's a narcissist or anything, but she seems to be happy that my feelings are conveyed to her through the pictures.
And then, six months passed, and that day finally came.
"...Kakeru. We found a vessel. The matching rate is satisfactory, that's good."
Mikoto-san still spoke in her usual emotionless tone, but her slightly disappointed tone made me a little happy.
"Okay. Thank you for everything, Mikoto-san. I'll come back as soon as possible. Let's stay together next time."
"Sure. Don't worry about time. For the gods, 100 years is like a week for humans."
"That's reassuring. By the way, how dangerous is the other world we're going to?"
"On a scale of 1 to Earth, it's about 100. If you're unlucky, you could be easily killed on the first day. But don't worry. Trust in the protection of the god of death."
...Protection of the god of death sounds like it could lead to death, though.
"I don't have any weapons, and I've never fought before. Is it okay?"
"It's really too late to ask that. You'll be fine. I prepared a set of equipment for your journey to the other world."
Oh, is that it? Cheat skills, item boxes, and automatic translation?
"It includes a sleeping bag, a dismantling knife, and a canteen for water and preserved food."
...It's completely different. Well, I'm grateful though. It's practical. But it's kind of plain, you know?
"You'll have to get money and everything else on-site."
"It's quite Spartan...I understand. I'll do my best."
"Um... If it's you, Kakeru, then you'll be okay. When you're transferred from the divine realm, you may not be as powerful as a hero, but you'll usually develop strong skills. Probably."
Probably, huh? There are heroes and stuff after all. In any case, everything, including skills, depends on me. Well, there's no choice but to do my best. Honestly, I'm really scared, but I don't want to show a pathetic side in front of Mikoto-san.
Suddenly, I was enveloped in a soft sensation. Mikoto-san hugged me and stroked my head. The trembling in my body that I hadn't even noticed subsided, and my heart was filled with warmth.
"Kakeru... enjoy your life. Live your life to the fullest and be happy. You can always see me again if you die, so don't hold back."
"Ah, I understand. I will definitely be happy and then make you happy, Mikoto-san. I promise."
"Take care."
We kissed each other without saying anything. It was the "goodbye" kiss we had exchanged every day for the past six months. The only difference from yesterday was that it was me who was leaving, and that we wouldn't be able to see each other even at night.
The last image I saw of Mikoto-san's face was distorted by my tears. I had tried so hard to hold them back.
Mikoto-san's soft sensation disappeared, and after a brief sense of floating, my consciousness was engulfed in a terrible freefall.
＊＊＊
...Kakeru has left.
He left to embark on a harsh training life, saying he wants to be with me even though he died because of getting involved with me. He was a really strange child. I don't know what's good about me at all.
Having become a shinigami for hundreds of years, my world had gradually turned gray.
But seeing the image of myself that Kakeru drew, I remembered. My hair was silver and my eyes were crimson.
The six months I spent with Kakeru brought a faint, gentle color to my gray world. It was comforting to have someone see me off and wait for me. That warmth was precious.
Actually, I had found suitable vessels many times, but I made excuses saying that the compatibility was not good enough and kept postponing. I wonder why. Without realizing it, I also wanted to be with Kakeru. I didn't want to be separated from him.
It's a lie that 100 years is a short time for a god. We are just a little more patient than humans.
I'm glad Kakeru drew a lot of pictures of me. If I look at them every day, 100 years will pass in no time. And maybe he'll come back to life in the middle.
"Do your best, Kakeru," I said so and took out my scythe, starting to polish it. I need to keep it sharp so that I can respond to Kakeru's call anytime.