The three defining traits of a monster—unable to communicate, unknown identity, and immortality—can essentially be summed up as the "unknown".
The more a being fulfills these conditions, the more it stirs human fear.
And when these traits are diminished, the terror a monster brings will fade accordingly.
This was exactly the kind of experience Saeko Busujima was having now.
Zeroy, with her head lowered as she peacefully ate, was eroding that spine-chilling fear.
And with this opportunity, Saeko could finally sit still and observe Zeroy up close.
The girl's appearance was truly beautiful..
Her long hair bore a dreamy, pale golden hue, silky smooth as it cascaded down, a soft halo glimmering under the light.
Long lashes cast fan-shaped shadows beneath her eyes, her fair skin delicate and flawless, radiating the unique freshness and youthful scent of a girl.
Her face was refined and youthful, giving the impression of a slightly younger sister, carrying a kind of warmth that made one want to draw closer.
Anyone who saw her would mistake her for an ordinary girl who had wandered into the apocalypse.
At this moment, she simply sat calmly at the table, head lowered as she savored the stew, slender fingers holding the chopsticks with quiet restraint.
Though her face remained indifferent, that indifference now seemed more like a quiet, obedient demeanor.
If one ignored her previous slaughter, just looking at her now—this cute, beautiful, quiet girl—there was hardly any reason to be afraid.
"My lady, does this stew suit your taste?"
Saeko placed her hands neatly over her knees, leaning forward slightly as she asked, her gaze carrying a hint of unease and anticipation.
She still couldn't help herself, speaking in hopes of communicating with Zeroy.
To understand her, to deepen her knowledge of her.
Zeroy finally lifted her head, a faint trace of broth still at the corner of her lips. "Mm... It's pretty good."
Her voice was flat, but it carried a rare touch of warmth.
The meat had been stewed to a tender, flavorful softness, the rich aroma spreading across her tongue. Compared to the cold, hard bread and bland instant noodles she had held on with these past few days, this carefully cooked dish felt like an entirely different experience.
Thanks to her lifesteal ability, Zeroy didn't need to eat to maintain her stamina.
So these days, she had been making do with whatever was at hand—tearing open a sausage packet and swallowing it whole, grabbing some bread and washing it down with a drink, at most cooking a pack of instant noodles to fill her stomach.
They weren't unpleasant, and she wasn't picky, so she never minded eating them.
Besides... she couldn't cook.
If she were really to try, she'd likely spend hours only to produce some inedible culinary disaster.
However, not being picky didn't mean she didn't like eating good food.
Now, with the warm stew melting in her stomach and the savory broth still lingering on her tongue, Saeko's dish had given her the rare feeling of enjoying a proper dinner.
"I'm glad you like it."
Saeko showed a genuine smile.
This joy came not only from Zeroy accepting her gesture of gratitude, but also from the fact that she didn't remain aloof and was willing to speak with her.
"If you don't mind, I can prepare meals for you every day."
She spoke softly, her tone holding a hint of caution, yet still sincere.
At her words, Zeroy's chopsticks paused. Her cool gaze shifted toward Saeko, tinged with a hint of scrutiny. "...What do you want?"
"I don't really want anything."
Saeko gently shook her head, meeting that sharp gaze without flinching. "I just wish to offer what little cooking skill I have, as thanks for saving my life."
Zeroy was silent for a moment, her gaze resting on Saeko's face.
"...Alright."
She didn't refuse.
Compared to those hurried and perfunctory meals, Saeko's carefully prepared dishes were a rare pleasure.
So why not?
"By the way, aren't you eating with us?"
"No need, we've already prepared our share."
Saeko politely declined, though she was happy about Zeroy's invitation.
Indeed, she seemed just like a normal person...
"Oh."
After that, the room fell quiet.
Only the soft sounds of Zeroy eating and the lingering aroma of the stew filled the air.
Saeko didn't deliberately seek topics to talk about.
The traditional Yamato Nadeshiko upbringing she had received made her conduct warm and proper; she would never force awkward conversation to fill the air.
And she understood well the principle of moderation. In this post-apocalyptic world of suspicion and guardedness, a gradual approach was the key to opening someone's heart.
The current silence was not awkwardness, but respect and consideration.
...
When Zeroy set down her chopsticks, the porcelain bowl was already empty.
Saeko moved with gentle motions to gather the dishes, ready to leave with the now-empty pot.
Suddenly, Zeroy spoke, stopping her.
"Wait."
Her gaze remained cool, but her tone held a touch more calm. "Next time, half the portion will be enough."
Saeko's cooking was flawless, and she hadn't held back with the ingredients tonight—this pot of stew was enough for one person to have two meals.
That said, Zeroy didn't want leftovers at home. She had to go out to kill zombies and didn't want to bother reheating food.
Letting Saeko take the leftovers back also didn't seem right.
So she had simply eaten it all at once.
Honestly, she was pretty full.
And knowing Saeko's personality, she worried she might prepare even more next time.
That would be a problem.
So before Saeko left, she felt it necessary to remind her.
Saeko lowered her eyes to the sauce left in the pot, only now realizing she had prepared far more than one serving.
"...I've inconvenienced you."
She bowed her head apologetically, the ends of her hair brushing the rim of the bowl still damp with broth. "I only thought to repay your lifesaving kindness..."
"It's hardly an inconvenience."
Zeroy shook her head, cutting her off.
Then she paused, and in her usually cold voice, there was a rare hint of trouble and embarrassment.
"It's just... I'm a little too full."
'...Huh?'
Saeko blinked.
Then her lips curved in a gentle arc as she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
She had never imagined that the figure so decisive and ruthless in a sea of corpses would show such an everyday side.
"Alright, I understand."
Saeko's brows and eyes softened, her elegant smile carrying the composed grace unique to a Yamato Nadeshiko.
"Next time, I'll make sure to portion it properly."
...
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