How to Rent an Apartment After Defeating the Demon King

A few days had passed since the evening at Emma’s place. Aldric’s life had returned to its usual rhythm, made up of days at the depot, moving jobs, and trips on the metro. That Saturday afternoon, he met Emma at a café a few streets away from her agency. They had gotten into the habit of stopping there whenever they were in the neighborhood, often enough that Aldric now knew what drink she would order before she even looked at the menu.

Emma placed her phone on the table after replying to a message and took a sip of coffee.

“Is something wrong?”

“No. Why?”

“You’ve been looking at your phone for several minutes without using it.”

“You really notice everything.”

She smiled before taking another sip of her coffee. Aldric waited without pressing her. Emma eventually set down her cup.

“I was thinking about something.”

“I’m listening.”

“You know a lot more people now.”

“Yes.”

“There’s Patrick, Lucas, and Karim. You also know a few neighbors, some people from the depot, and even several shopkeepers in your neighborhood.”

“The woman at the bakery knows my name.”

“Exactly. You’re starting to have a real social life. But your personal circle is still fairly limited.”

“Limited in what way?”

“Outside of work, you mostly see me.”

“Is that a problem?”

“No. That’s not what I meant. I just have a few friends I’ve known for a long time, and I was thinking that... well, if you’re interested, obviously... you could meet them.”

“Why do you seem worried?”

“I’m not worried.”

Emma sighed.

“All right. Maybe a little.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t know how it’s going to go.”

“Do you wish to introduce me to your allies?”

“My friends…”

“That is what I just said.”

She burst out laughing.

“Is the term incorrect?”

“No. Well, not exactly. It’s just that nobody talks about their friends as their allies.”

“Yet a friend is generally an ally.”

“Technically, yes.”

“Then the term is appropriate.”

Emma shook her head.

“I’m not going to debate this with you.”

Aldric took a sip of water.

“How long have you known them?”

“It depends. I’ve known Sarah since university. Chloé for several years. Julien and Maxime came along a little later, but I’ve known them for a long time too. We try to see each other regularly, even if work doesn’t always make it easy.”

If these people held an important place in Emma’s life, there was no particular reason for him to refuse to meet them.

“I accept.”

“Are you sure?”

“Should I have considered it for longer?”

“I thought you might have a few questions.”

“Where are we supposed to meet them?”

“Now that’s a normal question.”

“I take it you were expecting something else.”

“With you, always.”

She picked up her phone and checked the latest messages she had received.

“Chloé suggested we meet at a café tomorrow afternoon. I can tell her you’re coming.”

“Very well.”

Emma started typing before stopping.

“Although… maybe I should warn you about something.”

Aldric set down his glass.

“I’m listening.”

“Nothing serious. Relax. They’ll probably ask you a lot of questions.”

“Why?”

Emma looked at him for a few seconds.

“Aldric, you’re almost two meters tall, you walk around with a sword, you have a scar on your cheek, and sometimes you talk like you stepped straight out of a fantasy novel.”

“I did not step out of a novel.”

“I know.”

“Then why would they think that?”

“Never mind.”

“What information should I avoid revealing?”

“Sorry?”

“If certain answers are likely to cause difficulties, it would be preferable to determine in advance which subjects should be avoided.”

“You’re really preparing for this meeting like it’s a diplomatic negotiation.”

“Proper preparation reduces the risk of an incident.”

“There isn’t going to be an incident.”

“Then the preparation will have been effective.”

Emma ran a hand over her forehead.

“All right. Just try not to start by explaining that you killed a Demon King.”

Aldric frowned.

“Why?”

“Because I’d like them to wait at least ten minutes before deciding you’re completely insane.”

By now, he understood that most of the inhabitants of this world did not believe that magic, demons, or monsters truly existed. He had already discovered that telling people about his past produced three possible reactions: disbelief, amusement, or an attempt to find a more rational explanation.

“Should I lie?”

Emma shook her head.

“No.”

“That would simplify the situation, however.”

“I’m not asking you to lie. Maybe just… don’t tell them everything within the first five minutes.”

“I can do that.”

“Thank you.”