Tre and Zex emerged from Nifty's storefront. I was already struck by the odd pairing, but then four more people followed in their wake.
"Cento, Sien... and even Nove and Tetra? I’m surprised to see you all here, let alone together. Wait, don't tell me..."
"Kaito! Fancy meeting you here. What’s the phrase? A bolt from the blue, wasn't it?"
"...This is his shop, so it’s not particularly strange. 'A simple coincidence' would be more accurate."
Nove and Tetra were members of Kuro's family, and both were Count-class high-ranking demons. They were the ones who had sided with Noin during the incident with Fia-sensei; after that whole mess, they apologized, and we eventually became friends.
Nove was a tall, cheerful woman with a short red bob. You couldn't tell just by looking at her, but she was a member of the Harpy race. Apparently, her hands were naturally structured like wings, but since that made daily tasks difficult, she usually kept them in the shape of human hands.
Tetra was a petite woman with a quiet aura, golden hair, and a bucket hat pulled down low over her silvery eyes. She belonged to a rare species known as Gold Beasts; I’d heard rumors that she could generate precious metals directly from her body.
As for their roles, Nove was the Special Advisor of the Personnel Department for the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company, and Tetra was the Special Advisor of the Accounting Department. Looking at them all together, it felt like a plenary session of the company’s upper management... though one person, the Special Advisor of the Sales Department, was missing.
"...Looking at this group, I assume you're here on business for the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company. Is Trois not with you?"
"Oh, my husband didn't come along. The Sales Department isn't involved in this particular matter. Besides, we’ve already finished our actual schedule. We just figured we’d drop by your shop since we were in the capital. The cafe is reservation-only, but anyone can walk into the store section right now."
The final advisor for the Sales Department was a man named Trois. He was Nove’s husband and possessed a refined, intellectual air. Together with Trois, these five made up the Special Advisors of the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company.
At that point, Tre spoke up with a bright smile.
"We're here for the Development Project of Human Realm Magic Tool Technology that Chrome-sama is spearheading—I think you’ve heard of it, Kaito. I mentioned it briefly back at the shipboard party, but we've purchased magic crystal veins in the Arclesia Empire and plan to establish manufacturing bases within the Human Realm itself. That’s why the Personnel and Accounting departments were called in. We’re going to use our existing branch offices for sales, so the Sales Department doesn't have much to do with it. That’s why Trois stayed behind."
"...You really don't know how to keep a secret, Tre."
"Oh, come on. Is it really a problem if it's Kaito?"
"...True, he isn't a problem. But even though I know you won't actually do it, I get the feeling you'd blab like this to anyone, which makes me a little nervous."
Tetra sighed with an exasperated look as Tre explained the details. Tre was actually quite professional when it came to her work, so I doubted she would reveal anything truly confidential, but I could sympathize with Tetra’s anxiety.
"By the way, Miyama-dono, the lady with you... is she not the daughter of the Sharon Count House?"
"Eh? Ah, yes. We came here together. Do you know each other?"
"No. However, since I often attend official functions as Chrome-sama's proxy, I make it a point to memorize the names and faces of every noble head and family member in the Human Realm."
He said it as if it were the most mundane thing in the world, but the feat was staggering. He truly earned his title as the Great Sage of the Undead.
"Well, since Zex already knows who you are, I’ll handle the formal introduction. This is my friend, Cornelia Sharon."
"Oh! The Sharon Count House... so you're the daughter of the Sharon Trading Company."
I turned toward Cornelia as I spoke, only to see her eyes rolling back in her head.
"C-Cornelia? Are you okay?"
"Hah?! Ah, y-ye-yes! I'm fine. I simply... froze for a moment out of sheer surprise. It is an honor to meet you. I am Cornelia Sharon, the eldest daughter of the Sharon Count House. Our trading company is deeply indebted to the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company for its continued business."
The moment I called her name, Cornelia snapped back to reality and offered a graceful bow. Just as I was considering stepping in to help her if she faltered again, I felt a tug on my sleeve. I turned to find Tetra beckoning me. When I leaned down, she pressed her lips close to my ear and whispered softly.
"...Is this a date? I’m jealous. Especially since you always give me the cold shoulder when I try to invite you out..."
"...I don't recall ever being invited?"
"...I just wanted to say it. But if I did invite you, would you stay with me for a drink until dawn?"
"If we part ways that same day, sure."
"...So cold. But that’s what makes you cute."
"I can never tell if you're being serious or not, Tetra."
"...Fufu."
Tetra was usually quiet and composed, but she occasionally enjoyed these little teasings. She seemed to take pleasure in my reactions, whispering things that blurred the line between a joke and a confession.
Of course, her comment probably had nothing to do with the actual business at hand.
"So, what do you need from me?"
"...Do you plan to continue your association with her?"
"Eh? Yes, why?"
"...Just something I should note as an accountant. It’s vital information for our future dealings with the Sharon Trading Company."
"I-I see. I don't quite get the logic, but I do hope to stay on good terms with Cornelia."
"...Yes, that was helpful. Thank you. You're always so stimulating... I love you."
Satisfied with my answer, Tetra pushed up the brim of her bucket hat, revealing a flash of the silvery eyes she usually kept hidden. She gave me a wink and then stepped away.
Nove Special Advisor of the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company's Personnel Department. A cheerful, lighthearted woman. She is a Harpy and a Count-class high-ranking demon. She is straightforward and good-natured. Her name comes from the Italian word for nine.
Tetra Special Advisor of the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company's Accounting Department. Originally a rare creature known as a Gold Beast, she evolved into a demon through magic similar to Noin’s. She is typically quiet and cool but enjoys teasing those she likes. She frequently toys with Kaito. Her name comes from the Greek word for four.
Trois Special Advisor of the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company's Sales Department and Nove's husband. An intellectual High Trent man. He provides Kaito with the High Trent materials used for Bell and Rin’s shampoo. His name comes from the French word for three.