Life knelt and bowed her head before Shallow Vernal in the God Realm Sanctuary, having been summoned on short notice.
Shallow Vernal acknowledged her with a slight nod before speaking in a tranquil voice.
“You recently issued instructions concerning Baron Rich of the Arclesia Empire. Regarding that matter, I want you to make it possible to harvest the Golden Riple there as well.”
“Shallow Vernal-sama, please forgive my ignorance. But what exactly is a Golden Riple?”
“It is a special Riple shared with one’s most beloved. I wish to eat it with Kaito-san. I could create it myself, of course, but I am being particular about authenticity. I want it to be gatherable in its place of origin, the Rich Baron Territory. Rather than a lengthy explanation, I will simply show you.”
Shallow Vernal held up a finger, and the conversation she had overheard between Kaito and Marie surfaced within Life’s mind.
Through this, Life realized that the Golden Riple was a fictional fruit invented by past nobles for marketing purposes, and that Shallow Vernal intended to bring that fiction to life.
“I see. I understand. I shall make the necessary adjustments to ensure the Golden Riple can be harvested in the Rich Baron Territory.”
“I leave it to you.”
The task itself was not difficult. In short, the Golden Riple was meant to be an exquisitely delicious fruit. For Life, the Goddess of Life, adjusting a crop’s properties was child’s play.
“By the way, Shallow Vernal-sama, if I may be permitted one more question?”
“You may.”
“What is that island over there?”
After accepting the request, Life asked about a mystery that had puzzled her since she entered the Sanctuary. A floating island had appeared nearby, filled with several buildings of a design rarely seen in Trinia.
“That is a hot spring district.”
“A hot spring district?”
“Yes. I have promised Kaito-san a lovey-dovey hot spring trip. However, since we have already visited hot springs several times in the past, I wished to add some variety. I am constructing a hot spring district. What stands there now is a direct copy of one from the World of the Earth God. There would be no issue using it as it is, but since this is my romantic trip with Kaito-san, I felt a bit strange using a mere replica. I am currently in the process of adapting the design to suit this world.”
“I see... Adapting it, is it...”
Life nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response, but her expression soon shifted to one of deep contemplation. After a brief silence, she bowed deeply to Shallow Vernal once more.
“Shallow Vernal-sama, if I may be so bold... please forgive the impertinence of offering a personal opinion regarding the Golden Riple.”
“I permit it. Speak your mind.”
“Thank you. Regarding the Golden Riple... how would you feel about making the fruit literally golden in color?”
“Hmm...”
“Though I am still inexperienced, I have expanded my horizons through the White God Festival and other events related to Miyama-san. I have come to recognize that a special appearance or rarity increases an item's value and distinguishes it from common goods. Strictly speaking, the Golden Riple does not yet exist in this world. Based on what I have grasped of the legend, I have judged that it does not necessarily need to look like a normal Riple. Therefore, if it is an item Shallow Vernal-sama intends to share with Miyama-san, I humbly suggest we give it a special appearance worthy of such an occasion.”
“I see... Indeed, a sense of visual distinction is a good idea. Make it so.”
“At once!”
Encouraged by Shallow Vernal’s earlier mention of "adapting" things, Life had proposed making the Golden Riple a literal golden fruit. Shallow Vernal fell silent for a moment after affirming the idea, then spoke again.
“I shall leave the creation of the Golden Riple entirely to you, including any other adjustments you deem fit. You seem to be learning well and broadening your perspective; I can sense your growth in the way you thought for yourself and offered me your opinion. With the way you are now, I am certain you will create something that satisfies me... I am expecting great things from you, Life.”
“...!?”
In that moment, a tremendous shock rippled through Life’s heart. A joy so profound she wondered if such happiness was even possible in this world filled her chest. Large tears began to flow uncontrollably from her eyes.
Desperately suppressing the urge to scream with delight, Life bowed her head as low as it would go.
“Yes! Without fail! I shall create a fruit that exceeds all your expectations, Shallow Vernal-sama!!”
To have her name spoken by Shallow Vernal, to be told that expectations were being placed upon her, and to be entrusted with such a task—the weight of it was immense. Life’s eyes burned with a fierce, almost frightening resolve.
It was the moment the Goddess of Life’s motivation to create the Golden Riple shattered its upper limit.
Serious-senpai: “No, that is not good... If you say things like that, Life is going to go into overdrive! The Rich Baron Territory is going to be turned upside down!?”