As she had promised Kaito, Kuromueina arrived at the Albert estate the following day, invitation in hand, to discuss the grand opening of an amusement park in the Underworld.
"So, that’s the gist of it. I’d love to have you and Kaito-kun there. It’s not some formal ceremony or anything, and I don't need you to do anything specific. I just want you to come and have fun. I’m sorry it’s such short notice, though."
"I see, I understand. It is a wonderful offer, and I would be delighted to accept."
Nine days was certainly short notice, but since it was a casual invitation rather than a formal request for a guest of honor, there was no pressure to attend if their schedules didn't permit it. Fortunately, Lilia’s calendar was clear, so she accepted the invitation and expressed her intent to go.
"There are plenty of attractions there that are rare in this world, so please, enjoy yourself! Ah, but on a separate note, I actually have a personal favor to ask, Lilia-chan. Would that be okay?"
"A favor, you say?"
"Yeah. If you don't mind, I’d like to use the fact that you visited the park for promotion. You see, Lilia-chan, you’re quite a celebrity in the Underworld."
"Eh? Yes, if it is only something of that level, I have no objection. I myself use my interactions with the Six Kings in social circles every day, even if only indirectly. I wouldn't dream of refusing."
When Kuromueina asked if she could use the visit for marketing, Lilia readily gave her consent. After all, Lilia’s own social standing had reached unprecedented heights thanks to her connections with world leaders like Kuromueina. In a sense, she was already using the Underworld King's fame for her own benefit; it was only fair to return the favor.
"Thank you! Well then, I’ll leave you to it. I hope you and Kaito-kun have a great time!"
With a cheerful thanks and a light wave, Kuromueina vanished via Teleportation Magic. Lilia stood in silence for a long moment before turning to Lunamaria, who was waiting nearby.
"Luna... am I really that famous in the Underworld? I never thought of myself that way."
"Hmm, I wonder. Since the Underworld King specifically wants to use your name for promotion, she must expect it to be effective. Let's see... Milady’s position... the circumstances up until now... Ah. Well, Milady, you may be far more significant than you realize."
"What?"
Lunamaria crossed her arms, deep in thought for a moment, before a pitying expression clouded her face.
"Actually, thinking about it now, it was a total blind spot. You were already a princess and a titled hero in the Human Realm, so your fame here was already so high that it was hard to notice any change. But if you really look at the facts, your reputation in the Underworld has likely become staggering."
"I don't follow."
"In our minds, the 'outrageous' one is Miyama-sama. He’s the reason for almost all of your incredible connections. However, Alice-sama has been so thorough in shielding Miyama-sama’s identity that while the human nobility knows his name, the general public remains almost entirely unaware of him. Isn't that right?"
"Yes, that’s true."
"And that is likely the same in the Underworld. Members of the Six Kings' factions surely know him, but to a common demon who doesn't belong to those inner circles, he’s probably a complete mystery."
"Meaning...?"
Lilia seemed to vaguely grasp the implication, her face turning pale.
"From the perspective of a common demon, you are a human who is personally favored and highly evaluated by the Six Kings and the Supreme Gods. Furthermore, in the meritocratic culture of the Underworld, you are a legendary genius who reached the level of a Count-class High-ranking Demon in a mere twenty years. It’s just a guess, but Milady... to a demon, you likely hold the same legendary status that the Six Kings or the Supreme Gods do to humans."
"Hie..."
"Thinking back, there were signs. At the Harmonic Symphony, the members of the Fairy Race were practically swarming you. Milady, it’s very possible that you are the most famous and popular human in the entire Underworld."
"My... my stomach hurts."
Stunned by the realization that she had become a world-class celebrity without knowing it, Lilia clutched her stomach. Then, as if on cue, there was a knock at the door. When she allowed the visitor in, Kaito entered.
"Excuse me. Lilia-san, I have something to— Eh? You look a bit pale. Are you okay?"
"Milady is suffering from her usual stomach pain, Miyama-sama."
"Er... did I do something again?"
"Ummm... no. If we traced the symptoms back to their source, one could say you are the ultimate cause, but we’d never reach the end of that conversation. It isn't your fault, Kaito-san. I simply had a bit of a shock while reflecting on some personal matters. Anyway, was there something you needed?"
Lilia saw Kaito’s guilty expression and managed a bitter smile, reassuring him in a gentle voice. Looking relieved, Kaito explained the reason for his visit.
"Well, it seems like someone called the Bipolar God Tiana-san—a World Creator from another realm—is coming to visit the day after tomorrow. I thought I should let you know in advance."
"I retract my previous statement. My stomach definitely hurts because of you, Kaito-san."
Hearing the news, Lilia stared into the distance with hollow eyes and reached for her stomach medicine with practiced ease.
Serious-senpai: It’s true. It wouldn’t be strange at all for Lilia to be legendary among the common demons. Her speed in reaching Count-class level is the fastest in history by a landslide, regardless of whether you're a human or a demon.