The general conversation seemed to have reached its conclusion, and Kaori had certainly learned what she came to find out.
I hadn't expected the True Blessing to be bestowed right then and there, but Kaori had successfully received it... or rather, judging by how she was whispering, "But as I thought, agelessness is nice," to herself, she clearly didn't think it was a bad deal.
"Ah, that reminds me, Olivia-sama," Kaori said. "Thinking about this situation, what should I do if I want to reach you? No, I don't mean just sending a Hummingbird and waiting for a reply. If I need to get in touch as quickly as possible, can I use that telepathy from the blessing from my side, too?"
"While it is possible, Telepathy via Magic Power Wavelengths differs from a Hummingbird; it requires the skill to project those wavelengths over a long distance. You should be able to do it naturally at close range, but given your current abilities... it might be somewhat difficult across a distance."
"Ah, I see. So for me, telepathy is more of a close-range tool," Kaori noted.
"Precisely," Olivia replied. "However, if you have business with me, you may simply come to the Central Cathedral as you did today. I have already notified every priest about you; simply give them your name, and they will usher you directly to my presence."
Kaori's face went blank. "...Oof."
She had been trying to confirm a communication method for future emergencies, but Olivia’s casual remark had left her with an expression that was hard to describe.
The real issue was how Olivia had described her in that notification. While Olivia clearly held a high opinion of Kaori, I doubted she’d used a simple term like "friend" when addressing the other priests.
"...O-Olivia-sama? About that notification... how exactly did you put it?" Kaori stammered. "I mean, I'm not exactly an official of the faith, so I was just wondering how you described me to the others..."
"Oh... I told them, 'Since she is a woman with deep ties to Miyama Kaito-sama and someone I personally interact with frequently for advice, I shall attend to her directly whenever she visits.'"
"That's strange," Kaori muttered, clutching her stomach. "My stomach hurts... Is my 50x Stomach Strength not working?"
Olivia hadn't told a single lie. It was true that Kaori and I were from the same hometown and were close friends. It was also true that she had spent a lot of time with Olivia and had given her advice numerous times.
However, that "advice" was supposed to have been primarily about date plans and the like... but according to Olivia's notification, it sounded like Kaori was some incredible figure who was close to me and capable of providing counsel to the Pope herself.
Even if Olivia hadn't intended it that way, the other priests almost certainly perceived Kaori as one of the most important figures in the church.
Kaori sat there with her head in her hands. Realistically, since there were no technical lies in the description, it would be difficult to ask for a correction. In fact, if we tried to explain it in more detail, I suspected the overly serious Olivia would provide such a thorough breakdown that Kaori would end up looking even more suspiciously vital.
Kaori seemed to realize this as well. Seeing that she was beyond words, I stepped in to wrap things up.
"Ah, well, Olivia-san. Thank you for answering all our questions. I think Kaori-san has everything settled now. I’m sorry for dropping in so suddenly while you were working."
"No, please do not give it a second thought," Olivia replied. "To me, nothing takes priority over matters concerning Miyama Kaito-sama and Shallow Vernal-sama. Handling this with the highest priority is only natural."
"The tea and Baumkuchen were delicious, too. Thank you."
"N-No, if it pleased you, Miyama Kaito-sama, then I could not be happier. I am still quite inexperienced, but if I am granted another opportunity, I shall hone my skills further to provide even better hospitality."
She looked genuinely thrilled as she spoke, giving off the adorable aura of a happy puppy.
At that moment, an idea suddenly struck me.
"Oh, that’s right. The exact date hasn’t been set yet, but I’m planning on hosting a tea party at my house soon. Shiro-san is going to be there, so if you’d like, Olivia-san, would you care to join us?"
Olivia's eyes widened. "Me? At a gathering where Miyama Kaito-sama and Shallow Vernal-sama both sit!? O-Of course, such an honor is far beyond my station, but... is it truly acceptable?"
"Yes, I’m still gathering participants, so if you’re willing, I’d love to have you."
"To be granted such an honor... I offer my deepest gratitude for your vast mercy, Miyama Kaito-sama. Though I am a person of many flaws, I gratefully accept your invitation."
"Great. I'll let you know once the specific schedule is fixed."
She was even more delighted than I’d expected. She carried herself with the gravity of someone about to attend a divine coronation.
On a side note, when I glanced over at Kaori, she was shaking her pale face from side to side with such frantic intensity that it was clear I shouldn't invite her.
Serious-senpai: "Kaori escaped... but Elis's stomach is about to die..."
???: "Let's see, confirmed participants right now are Shallow Vernal-sama, Elis-san, Olivia-san... and Lilia-san, who's bound to get dragged in anyway."
Serious-senpai: "Lilia Naturally in the Participant Slot... well, she definitely seems like she’ll end up there..."