“I think that the people who commit crimes here are total garbage back in the real world as well.” He almost spat this out. But then he noticed that Silica was cowering slightly, so he smiled and apologized: “Sorry… I’m not even in the position to talk about others myself. I hardly ever help others. I even—caused my companions to die…” “Kirito-san…” Silica realized that the black swordsman sitting in front of her bore a deep scar within him. She wanted to console him, but she resented the fact that words were too shallow to convey what she wanted to say. Instead, she unconsciously grasped Kirito’s hand, which was clenched on top of the table, with both of her hands. “Kirito-san is a good person. You saved me.” At first, Kirito was surprised and tried to pull his hand back, but he soon relaxed. A soft smile appeared on his lips. “…It seems I ended up being comforted. Thanks, Silica.” Just then, Silica felt a painful feeling, as if her heart had constricted. Her heartbeat sped up for no reason. Her face felt hot. She pulled her hands away quickly and pressed them down on her chest. But the aching didn’t stop. “What are you doing…?” As Kirito leaned forward over the table, Silica shook her head and managed to smile. “It, it’s nothing! Ah, I’m hungry!”