"Okay?" Feeling my urgency, she assented without hesitation.
Without delay, we made our way back to Janis' residence. With the house empty, we had the freedom to discuss matters anywhere and chose the living room for our conversation.
"Now, what's on your mind?" With privacy assured, the moment had arrived for discussion.
Taking a deep breath, I expressed my gratitude to Janis. "I'm truly grateful for everything you've done. Without you, I wouldn't have made it to see this day."
Watching me bow while showing my appreciation, Janis looked at me and could not speak. She didn't expect me to be this passionate, as it didn't seem to be a big deal to her, but even so, it was wrong of me not to say my thanks earlier.
"Not only did you rescue me, but you're also taking care of me, for which I'm immensely grateful." But there was more. She also gifted me with a plain white shirt she owned and a pair of blue shorts that surprisingly fit me well. Additionally, she gave me a good luck charm she had purchased for me, which I couldn't help but appreciate deeply.
"I should have expressed this sooner, but given the circumstances, expressing my feelings was difficult. That's why I'm choosing to do so now. Delaying it further would make it more challenging for me to say." Regaining her composure, Janis simply smiled warmly at me.
She was overjoyed to hear those words from me. While I couldn't discern her exact thoughts, I knew my words held significant meaning for her.
"I understand this is sudden, but would you mind hearing my story?" My gratitude still left her astonished, and I felt compelled to share my tale with her. Janis nodded, signaling for me to proceed at my own pace.
Thinking on the spot proved more challenging than anticipated. It took me a moment to gather my thoughts before saying what needed to be said. Choosing where to begin was particularly difficult. Whether to disclose to Janis that I hail from another world posed a dilemma.
"Janis, to be honest with you, I'm not from this world." I endeavored to convey this revelation to her with a sense of gravity.
Janis appeared taken aback. Her gaze fixed on me as she contemplated whether what she heard was true.
I confided in Janis because she was someone I felt I could trust. It might seem naive, given that I'd only known her for a day, but her actions had earned that trust without question.
"Before you say anything, allow me to conclude my story." I wished to avoid any interruptions that might hinder my train of thought.
"Yesterday, I found myself unexpectedly transported to this world. I emerged in the forest, disoriented and devoid of any knowledge or guidance, consumed by fear." Janis couldn't help but offer a sympathetic glance, imagining the distressing scenario.
"In my previous world, monsters were mere legends, products of imagination. So, you can imagine the shock of encountering real monsters for the first time." Surprisingly, Janis nodded in agreement, acknowledging the universal fear evoked by monsters, regardless of their origin.
"When I encountered the three slimes, I believed my end had come. Yet, to my surprise, they contended over me, sparing my life. I had resigned myself to fate until you emerged from the shadows, a beacon of hope in the darkness."
"That's why, Janis, I wanted to express my gratitude for everything you've done. I realize it's daring of me to ask, but could you continue to support me until I can stabilize my life? I'm committed to repaying this debt to the best of my ability." With those words spoken, I bowed, hoping for her agreement, though I understood if she couldn't provide it.
As the silence stretched, I glanced at Janis, only to find her oddly amused by the situation. Had I inadvertently triggered a mischievous streak in her?
Sharing this brief account alleviated much of the tension I had been feeling but also brought a rush of embarrassment.
"Is there something amusing about this?" I asked, unsure how to feel.
"No, no, it's fine. Sorry, it's just that I had already planned to support you from the beginning. Even if you hadn't shared your story, I wouldn't have minded you staying. Don't overthink it. I genuinely enjoy your company, and I'm happy to help. But since you're insistent on repaying, I'll ensure you do." Her whispered promise pierced my spine, especially as she licked my ear.
Janis's unexpected gesture left me flustered and embarrassed. My face was undoubtedly flushed with embarrassment. My mind felt scrambled, unable to process the situation further.
~
"Janis, did you know why I brought this topic up?" Ten minutes later, after the embarrassing moment, I returned to the topic and brought forth a different reason why I wanted to speak of this.
"Wasn't it because you wanted to express gratitude and didn't want to delay?"
"Yes, but there's another reason. Remember the device the pawn shop owner had?" Janis nodded, indicating she did.
"It was a technology from my world." Janis was astounded by the revelation that the device belonged to the visitor's world. She couldn't believe her eyes as the implications sank in.
"Why didn't you mention this earlier? Wouldn't you have wanted to keep a piece of your world as a memento?" Janis asked, her curiosity piqued.
"The device may be from my world, but it's essentially useless here. It wouldn't serve any purpose in this unfamiliar environment. I believe it's more fitting for someone who truly appreciates technology to possess it. Who knows, perhaps the mere mention of its existence to the shopkeeper could alter the trajectory of this world significantly." Speaking of these thoughts, a new goal was added to the list.
Initially, my priority would be to settle the debt I owe Janis as part of my short-term objectives. Simultaneously, I aim to establish a deeper connection to Earth within this unfamiliar world, setting it as a long-term goal.
By fulfilling my debt and nurturing this connection, I believe I will gain the momentum to explore this world further. Moreover, possessing even a faint hint of how to navigate back to Earth presents an invaluable opportunity that I am determined not to overlook.