Episode 08 — The Black Cat’s Name Is Silence

Outside the barrier, the knights were in an uproar.

Clanking armor.

The prickling sensation of someone probing with magic.

…Honestly. Can they not be quiet for five minutes?

(He’s scared in there. I guess I have no choice.)

Without a sound, I slipped out through the window.

Suspended in midair, defying gravity, I shed the skin of a cat.

A black dress melted into the night, and long silver hair spread out in the wake of my magic.

The moment I touched the ground, shadows burst outward from my feet, swallowing the surrounding grass and trees into “silence.”

“W‑what is that…!? A demon!?”

“Captain Bartos… the mana pressure… I… I can’t stand…”

Torchlight flickered.

At the front of the group, barely managing to stay upright, stood a man—Bartos.

He drew his sword and glared at me, though the blade trembled in his hands.

Of course it did.

Right now, I was using the full specs of the “Savior” body Lumina had prepared for me.

Just existing was enough to make the air quake.

“Identify yourself! Are you the guardian of this ominous manor!?”

(A name, huh… Fine. I’ll answer honestly.)

Bathed in cold moonlight, I moved my lips.

“…Tama.”

In that instant, Bartos’s face drained of color.

The knights behind him recoiled as if struck by a physical blow.

“Ta… Ta‑Tarmane…?”

(…Excuse me? I clearly said “Tama,” didn’t I?)

“The Black Savior… Tarmane.

The death‑god of prophecy who devours calamity itself…!”

One by one, the knights dropped their swords and fell to their knees.

(…Ah. Right. Lumina also called me “Tarmane.”

So that’s how it sounds in this world’s language.)

I thought for a moment—

and immediately reached a conclusion.

(Well. If it’s convenient, I’ll use it.)

I stepped forward.

The ground froze beneath my feet, and the cloak of darkness swallowed all sound.

“…Very well. If that is what you call me, I will accept it.”

My voice rode the night wind and echoed directly in their minds.

“Beyond this point lies my domain.

The one who resides in that manor is the noble master I serve—

a being who transcends the laws of this world.

He is not someone you may approach lightly.”

Bartos pressed his forehead to the ground, trembling.

“T‑the one whom the Savior serves…!? Then that man is…?”

“Use your imagination.

But remember this—

he cherishes silence.

Your barbaric noise, your crude presence… all of it disturbs him.

If you disrupt his rest again, I will drown this entire territory in darkness.”

It wasn’t a lie.

In my current state, I could easily do it.

Bartos nodded violently, his expression a mix of terror and ecstasy.

“Y‑yes! Of course! Never again shall we commit such disrespect!

Lady Tarmane, what… what are your orders for us!?”

“If you must visit, do so with proper decorum.

Two or three people at most.

Weapons sheathed.

Heads bowed.

…And do not reveal my identity to the master of this house.

He wishes to live as an ordinary man.”

(If he found out I was a “hero,” he’d probably faint from stress.)

“Understood! We shall never—never—speak of this!”

“…Good. Now begone.”

With a flick of my finger, a wave of darkness blasted the knights deep into the forest.

Silence returned.

I sighed and shifted back into my cat form.

Casting off the dark dress, I padded quietly back into the familiar living room.

(…A convenient misunderstanding.

This should protect his NEET lifestyle for a while.)

On the sofa, Kazuya was still snoring like an idiot.

I hopped onto his stomach and pressed down deliberately.

“Ugh—Tama, you’re heavy…

Huh. It got quiet outside.”

“Meow. (I cleaned up for you, idiot.)”

Purring with satisfaction, I gently nipped the finger he offered me.

Being worshipped as “Tarmane” by knights was nothing compared to this—

being called “Tama” and petted by this defenseless man suited me far better.