Cornelia Sharon’s mind drifted back to a previous outing with Kaito. On that occasion, she had been caught between Megiddo and Magnawell simultaneously; now, she was sorted into a group with Fate and Lilliwood.
She found herself wondering if she was cursed to encounter these incredible individuals in pairs—a thought so born of escapism that it occurred to her even while standing right in front of the Goddess of Fate herself.
(C-C-Calm down. I’ve already finished my greetings with the Goddess of Fate-sama. While an introduction to the World King-sama is unavoidable now, as long as I get through that... Wait, even if I do, am I really going to be part of this group for the entire duration of the attraction?)
With the situation as it was, a greeting with Lilliwood was inevitable.
"Oh, besides Kai-chan, we’ve got the World King and Conecone!"
"I look forward to our time together. However, I believe I haven’t been properly introduced to that lady yet."
It was a natural progression. Since they would be acting as a team until the attraction ended—and there was no telling how long that would take—cooperation would likely be necessary.
That meant a self-introduction was required, and the time for it was now.
"Ah, this is Cornelia-san. She’s a friend of mine."
"I see. Then, allow me... I am Liliwood Yggdrasil. It is a pleasure to meet you. You seem quite tense, but in this setting, we are simply Kaito-san’s friends and equals. Please, put your mind at ease and try to relax."
"H-Hahih! It is an honor to meet you! My name is Cornelia Sharon, the eldest daughter of the Sharon Count House!"
While she couldn't maintain a facade as composed as Eris’s, Lilliwood’s gentle aura allowed Cornelia to manage her introduction and raise her head despite her trembling.
"...Cornelia Sharon? That name sounds familiar."
"Ah, Megiddo-san mentioned it too. Apparently, she was named after a famous head of the house from several generations back."
"Ah, I see. Now that you mention it, I recall seeing that name in several commercial records. But wait, are you also an acquaintance of Megiddo?"
"We ran into Megiddo-san and Magnawell-san when we went out together before."
Fortunately, since Cornelia was making no secret of her nervous humility, Kaito stepped in to support her. He effectively took over the conversation with Lilliwood, allowing Cornelia to let out a mental sigh of relief.
(The situation is beyond overwhelming... it’s dizzying... but having Kaito-sama here is truly a blessing in disguise. Since the Goddess of Fate-sama used her Authority to stay with Kaito-sama, it’s an impossible scenario, but just imagining being grouped with these two without him is enough to make me faint.)
Because Fate had used her Authority—and Kaito had accepted it—there was no chance of her being grouped with Fate without Kaito. Even so, the mere thought made her stomach churn.
(Things have truly spiraled out of control. Meeting the Goddess of Fate-sama and receiving a blessing from the Goddess of Fortune was already monumental, but now I’ve been introduced to the World King-sama... At this rate, I’ve met almost all of the Six Kings-sama... and it’s only been a few months since I met Kaito-sama... By this time next year, will my stomach even still be there?)
Ever since she’d met Kaito, events beyond her wildest imagination had come crashing into her life. While the profits were undeniably massive, her stomach pain was increasing at an exactly proportional rate.
"...And so, perhaps because the Sharon Count House is so prominent in commerce, Cornelia-san is quite an expert in those matters. I really rely on her."
"Is that so? If Kaito-san speaks so highly of her, she must be truly exceptional."
"Heh~ Conecone is amazing, then. Since she said she wasn't the heir, I thought she wasn't that involved with the trading company side of things."
Hearing this exchange, Cornelia reflexively did a double-take toward Kaito.
(...An expert in commerce? Me? That’s not true at all... I mean, I have the bare minimum knowledge expected of a noble daughter from a merchant house, but it really is the bare minimum... and I only started cramming because of the Victor Trading Company business... Um, Kaito-sama? Kaito-sama!?)
Before she knew it, the conversation was veering off in a terrifying direction. While Cornelia’s knowledge was basic at best, Kaito’s was even lower. Combined with the fact that she had acted as his guide at a trading company once, Kaito’s internal image of her had solidified as a "business expert."
"Plus, she has a wealth of knowledge regarding the performing arts—music and the like. Even Megiddo-san was impressed."
"...You are well-versed in music as well? That is wonderful to hear."
Kaito wasn't technically lying. It was true that on their previous outing, Megiddo had praised Cornelia for her discerning taste when she spoke about a rising orchestra.
It was true, but...
(Kaito-sama? Kaito-samaaaaa!? U-Um, the person you’re talking to is... world-renowned in the field of music...)
At this rate, Cornelia’s stomach was likely to be annihilated long before next year ever arrived.
Stomach Ache Demon: "I’ve assisted by highlighting Cornelia’s musical expertise so she and Lilliwood can have a deep, technical discussion about music! Success!"
Serious-senpai: "...You... you’re a devil..."