Even while being overwhelmed by the tremendous pressure emanating from the shy Rosmiel, Eris turned the gears of her mind. If possible, she would have liked Kaito to step in and mediate, but unfortunately, he was nowhere to be found.
It is a tremendous sense of intimidation, but she hasn't said a single word. This is troubling, Eris thought. Even when I met her before, I couldn't get a word out of Rosmiel-sama. If the rumors are true, she is an incredibly difficult person who only interacts with those she deems worthy...
Eris was not exactly right, but she wasn't far off either. To begin with, one had to clear a very high hurdle just to be able to talk to Rosmiel.
Because she was so pathologically shy, it took Rosmiel an incredibly long time to get used to someone. For example, in Eris’s case, Rosmiel’s internal estimate was that she needed about twenty more days of exposure. To be clear, that was cumulative time, meaning she would need to spend another 480 hours in Eris’s presence before she could speak.
Because Eris was a friend of Kaito and had handled her introductions with the other Seven Princesses flawlessly, Rosmiel actually held her in high regard. Consequently, the time Rosmiel deemed necessary before she could speak to her directly was relatively short. Even so, 480 hours was a daunting total. Unless they met very frequently, it was impossible to know how many years it would take to achieve that milestone. In fact, there were only a handful of people outside the World King’s subordinates whom Rosmiel could speak to directly.
Given the nature of this attraction where we must act as a group, someone should take command or, at the very least, determine our course of action, Eris reasoned. That role should fall to the person with the highest standing. Caraway-sama and Theta-sama introduced themselves as Kaito-sama’s attendant and maid, respectively. In terms of sheer ability, those two—who both seem to be peerage-class—are likely above me, but in terms of social standing, I am their superior. However, the one with even higher standing is Rosmiel-sama, a Six Kings Subordinate Executive. In other words, it should be Rosmiel-sama who decides our policy here, but...
If one were to determine the social hierarchy within this group, the highest was Rosmiel, the Six Kings Subordinate Executive, followed by Eris, the Heir of a Marquis House, and then Caraway and Theta.
By all rights, Rosmiel should have been the group’s leader—but of course, there was no way she could actually do it.
Awa-wa-wa... all three of them are looking at me! Rosmiel’s internal monologue was a frantic scream. Am I the one who has to say something? No way, no way, no way! I wish I could just disappear, or that Elis-chan would just take charge so we can get going already!
Rosmiel was in a state of total panic, but her facial muscles were frozen. Her expression remained stiff and stony, making it feel as though her aura of intimidation was actually intensifying.
Rosmiel-sama shows no sign of saying anything, Eris noted. She is simply staring this way with eyes full of strong will.
It was a complete misunderstanding. What dwelled in Rosmiel’s eyes was the raw terror a small animal feels toward a stranger—like a tiny puppy barking with all its might just to keep the world at bay.
However, there were times when a misunderstanding could produce a positive result. Exposed to Rosmiel’s intense gaze, a look of sudden realization dawned on Eris’s face.
S-So that’s what it is! Rosmiel-sama is deliberately staying silent and letting me settle this situation... she is testing me! She is trying to discern whether or not I am worthy of interacting with her. No, actually, this is how it should be. Because Kaito-sama is such a powerful existence, I’ve been able to associate with the other Seven Princesses far too easily. Normally, if one wishes to associate with a Six Kings Subordinate Executive, it’s only natural that one must first demonstrate their value.
The situation began to roll in a strange direction. Faced with a Rosmiel who said nothing at all, Eris judged that the woman was deliberately refraining from speaking to test her character.
In reality, Rosmiel was simply paralyzed by her social anxiety, but Eris—who was inherently serious and had seen her circle of powerful acquaintances grow by leaps and bounds due to the Kaito Effect—convinced herself that this was the proper way of the world.
Rosmiel-sama’s intent has reached me. I shall exert my utmost effort to meet your expectations.
To be clear, nothing had been conveyed. Their thoughts remained on entirely different planes, yet miraculously, their goals aligned.
"Everyone," Eris began, addressing the group. "Given the nature of the attraction, I believe we should cooperate as a group, as it would be problematic if we acted separately. Although I am the youngest and least experienced among us, would it be acceptable for me to take the lead? Of course, I do not mean to command your actions, but merely to set a general direction for us."
"I am fine with that," Caraway replied.
"I have no objection... either," Theta added.
Both indicated they had no issues with the arrangement. Eris then turned to look at Rosmiel. The woman’s expression was as stiff as ever, but the intimidation from before seemed to soften just a fraction. Eris took this as a sign that she had successfully followed Rosmiel’s unspoken intent.
It seems I have found the correct answer. This tension... I can feel cold sweat running down my spine. My abilities as a noble are being tested by the legendary Rose Princess herself. The pressure is immense, but I will not bring shame upon the Hamilton Marquis House. Please, judge me strictly!
Th-Thank goodness! Rosmiel was nearly weeping with relief internally. Thank you, Elis-chan! Just keep going like that! Proceed with everything as if I’m not even here!
The will of neither party had reached the other, yet the result was perfect harmony.