The question that Alicia confidently asked was, "Have you ever defeated a dragon?"

I don't understand the intention, but the answer is obviously NO.

If it were YES, I'd be making a big deal about it by now.

Whether she was satisfied with that answer or not, Alicia exchanged glances with the person in the hood next to her before turning back to face me again.

"Um, please let me ask you again. Yuuri-san, have you really never defeated a dragon before?"

"Ah."

"Have you ever fought?"

"Of course. A dragon is not even close to being a match for me."

When I confidently answered like that (though it wasn't something to be proud of), Alicia clearly showed her confusion.

And then, she huddled close to the person next to her in a hooded outfit.

"(Alicia, so far he haven't been caught by the 'Truth Appraisal'.)"

"(So, could it be that we were mistaken after all? Or perhaps...)"

"(I should approach this from a different angle. This person has reported that he has no magical power and has never fought monsters, but I can't believe someone like that would aim to become an adventurer.)"

"(Y-yes, I understand.)"

"...?"

Two people whispering something to each other in a volume I can't hear.

At the moment I started to wonder how long they should stay like this, the distance between them widened, and Alicia turned to face me.

"Uh, then, let me ask a different question. Could you tell me what other monsters you have fought so far?"

"Others?"

"Yes. Anything is fine, no matter how trivial."

"Even if you say that..."

It's only my second day in this other world.

The monsters I've fought are limited.

Or rather, it's just one.

"I've only ever defeated slimes."

"A Slime, is it?"

"Ah, yes. Just yesterday, I finally defeated one for the first time. Even though it's a low-level monster, defeating it still gives me a sense of accomplishment."

"...It seems like it's true."

Alicia, exhaling deeply, mutters as if giving up on something.

And then, she suddenly bowed her head.

"I'm sorry, Yuuri-san. I did something that made it seem like I was doubting you, the person who saved Monica."

"Wait, wait, what are you talking about?"

"Actually..."

After that, Alicia explained the circumstances that led us here.

Yesterday, I knew that they had accepted and completed the dragon subjugation quest (I had heard about it from Monica).

However, it was someone else who actually defeated the dragon, not them.

As a characteristic, it is speculated that they are using a method that does not involve magic.

When I reported this to the guild master, I was told that I, with zero magical power, who registered as an adventurer on the same day, was considered a candidate.

"I see, so that's the situation..."

Having finished listening to everything, I rest my chin on my hand and ponder deeply.

Indeed, if there are such circumstances, it's only natural to suspect me.

Objectively speaking, my existence is too suspicious.

Rather, I'm surprised at how quickly they believed my words.

"It's a bit strange for me to say this myself, but you really trusted me, didn't you? Didn't you ever doubt that I was lying?"

"Regarding that, she is here. Tio."

"...Haa, it can't be helped."

Responding to Alicia's call, the girl known as Tio removes her hood.

Beautiful jade-colored hair, neatly trimmed at the neck, and bright blue eyes, among other features.

There are many things that catch my attention, but the one that captivated me the most was her slightly pointed ears.

"... An Elf?"

"Yes, that's right."

When she spoke the words that came to her mind, Tio nodded slightly.

And then Alicia opens her mouth to add something.

"Her name is Tio Autumn, and as Yuuri-san mentioned, she is an elf. Moreover, she possesses the rare 'Truth Detection' skill among elves, so she can tell if someone is lying."

"I see, that makes sense."

In that case, it's understandable that she believed in me.

After all, I haven't told a single lie.

For someone with a guilty conscience, it might be a troublesome power, but for me, it might have been a rather fortunate aspect.

Or rather, more importantly...

"A skill? I'm surprised."

It seems that in this world, there are people who naturally possess skills.

When I was reincarnated, I was supposed to receive something from Aristia as well, but because of that exchange at the time, I was completely convinced it was limited to reincarnators.

"Skill holders are rare, so it's no wonder you're surprised, Yuuri-san."

It seems that Alicia misunderstood the reason for my surprise, but it's not something worth correcting.

"Alicia, are you done with your business?"

Monica spoke up while leaning over the table, as she had remained silent until now.

"Yes, that was my intention, but... I really can't just go home like this."

"Do you still have something for me?"

"No, that's not it. In addition to thanking you for helping Monica, I need to apologize for doubting you this time."

"You don't have to worry that much."

"No, no, if we leave it as it is, it will affect our reputation."

It seems that the person has some kind of obsession.

I wasn't particularly concerned about it, but if she's going that far, it might be better to just accept it honestly.

"Is there anything Yuuri-san is currently struggling with or desires? We have no problem with offering monetary compensation if that's the case."

"Hmm, money is fine, I guess."

When I answered like that, Monica looked puzzled.

"Not needing money... Yuuri, could it be that you're rich?"

"No, I'm broke."

"Even though you're broke, you don't want it!?"

It was Monica who asked the question, but it was Alicia who was surprised.

Well, yeah, that reaction is natural.

But I have my own thoughts on the matter as well.

A second life in a different world, given to me with great effort. Being in a cheat state where everything is prepared for me from the start is also boring in its own way.

Even if I'm really in trouble, I want to manage my life as much as possible on my own.

Well, when I explained that content, omitting the part about the other world, Alicia finally nodded as if she understood.

And then,

"If that's the case, I can't really ask for anything unreasonable from my side. However, it's difficult to think of something other than money as a form of gratitude... Is there really nothing else you want?"

"Hmm~"

After thinking for a while, I arrived at one answer.

"If I had to say, it's a real combat experience... No, this isn't something I should be asking for, forget it."

I thought it wasn't appropriate as a thank you and tried to correct it right away, but for some reason, Alicia leaned in at that moment.

"No, that's not true at all!"

"A-Alicia?"

"A real combat experience? Leave it to me! With that, I should be able to deliver something satisfactory!"

After such a preamble, Alicia confidently declared with her right hand on her chest.

"Let's train Yuuri-san until he is completely satisfied with our own hands!"

Chapter 17: The Content of the Gratitude