It had been an ordeal—a genuine, grueling ordeal—but I finally managed to explain the circumstances to the Goddess of Time and win her understanding.
I pinned about ninety percent of the blame on Kuro. It wasn't exactly a lie, and both the Goddess and Ein-san seemed to accept "it’s probably Kuro’s fault" as a valid explanation for almost anything.
Lilia-san, meanwhile, had been deathly pale and trembling since she regained consciousness, fixating on me with eyes full of resentment. Before she reached that silent state, she had whispered in a voice that sounded like it had been dragged up from the bowels of the earth: "We will be having a talk once we are home."
This was no doubt about the time she’d asked if I had any other "outrageous connections," to which I’d replied that I didn't know any other Demons. I wondered if she’d show me any mercy if I argued that they weren't Demons, but Gods—and that I hadn't realized Shiro was the Creator God either. Probably not. The future looked bleak.
"To think, the Blessing of Shallow Vernal-sama... She is the God of the World. To receive her Blessing is to effectively receive the protection of the world itself," the Goddess of Time murmured, as if seeking confirmation.
"Is that so?" Shiro-san asked, tilting her head as if it were the most mundane question in the world.
"Why are you tilting your head, Shallow Vernal-sama!?" The Goddess clutched her head in her hands and slumped forward. I was starting to think she and Lilia-san had a lot in common. They both seemed to have it rough.
"I shall prepare some refreshments as well. Kaito-san, would you prefer baby castella?" Shiro-san asked, completely ignoring the Goddess's existential crisis.
I felt a surge of pity for Chronoa. Also, I really wished people would stop treating me like a baby castella fanatic. Granted, since arriving in this world, it was probably the thing I’d eaten most—considering I had at least one every single day.
But that wasn't because I loved them; it was just because a certain little girl Demon raided my room daily and brought them along. She even went to the trouble of changing the flavors... yesterday’s had bean paste inside. Where did she get such a terrifying obsession with those snacks?
"Apparently, they are favored because they are easy to eat and do not crumble like cookies when carried," Shiro noted.
"I see. What about you, Shiro-san? What do you like?"
"Nothing in particular."
"Fair enough. I like sweets too, but my favorite is apple pie—or Riple Pie, as it’s called here. I even tried to bake one once, but it didn't turn out very well."
Since there was nothing more I could do to help the Goddess of Time, I focused on chatting with Shiro-san. She listened with her usual blank expression, then flicked a finger. A steaming, freshly baked Riple Pie materialized on the table.
"Here."
"Oh, thank you... It just appeared out of nowhere. Is that some kind of Magic Box trick?"
"No. I just created it."
"Using... Creator God powers?"
"Yes."
"That feels like a massive waste of omnipotence."
"Perhaps."
Reflecting on it, talking this casually to the Creator God was probably a major faux pas, but Shiro-san didn't seem to mind. In fact, the corners of her mouth were turned up ever so slightly. She seemed to be enjoying herself, and our conversation was actually quite pleasant.
Lilia and the others were still deep in their technical debate about the Summoning Magic Circle. I couldn't follow a word of it, so I decided to keep Shiro-san company a while longer.
"I see. So this is what it means to be 'conquered,'" she mused.
"It most certainly is not."
Dear Mother, Father—Things are a bit chaotic, and this might be rude to say, but... even though she gives me plenty to complain about, talking to Shiro-san is fun in a different way than talking to Kuro. All things considered, we might actually be two of a kind.
Stepping away from the chatting pair, Chronoa, Ein, and Lilia huddled together.
"Kaito-san is incredible," Lilia whispered. "To be so familiar with the Creator God... I can barely breathe just being in her presence, let alone hold a conversation."
"No, Lilia. Your reaction is the normal one," Chronoa countered. "Shallow Vernal-sama exists on a fundamentally different plane. Her magic power alone creates a crushing aura of intimidation. Unless one is exceptionally powerful, staying composed in her presence is impossible. Yet... how is Miyama speaking to her so naturally?"
As the Creator God, Shallow Vernal’s power was absolute. She didn't bother to suppress it, meaning she constantly emitted a pressure that would overwhelm even seasoned warriors. While Chronoa and Ein also possessed immense power, they habitually suppressed their mana to avoid terrorizing those around them. Shallow Vernal had no such habit. Her "baseline" was equivalent to the killing intent of a Supreme God or a High-ranking Demon in full battle mode.
"It is likely a specific trait," Ein suggested. "This is purely speculation, but Kaito-sama's magic power seems to accept and adapt to non-hostile mana at an incredible speed."
"I see. That would explain his talent for magic that affects the mind and emotions," Chronoa mused. "If he can adapt even to Shallow Vernal-sama’s presence, his potential is staggering. Perhaps that is why Chrome-sama is so taken with him."
"It's certainly possible," Chronoa continued. "The more powerful a being is, the more they will find Miyama fascinating—someone who can speak to them as an equal despite his fragile power. I find the idea interesting myself."
Chronoa turned to Lilia with a grave expression.
"Lilia, you must be extremely cautious. He is a magnet for the powerful. But while he may pique their interest, there is no guarantee they will like what they find."
"Y-Yes!" Lilia squeaked.
"Specifically, beware the Six Kings. Do not use the Underworld King as your benchmark; she is an outlier even among her peers. Stay far away from the territories of the War King and the Death King. They are ruthless. If they find someone distasteful, they will kill them without hesitation."
Lilia grew even paler.
"Especially the Death King, Isis Remnant. She is a 'Lump of Death.' Her very existence is lethal. Ensure he never involves himself with her, even by accident."
"I... I understand." Lilia nodded vigorously. She had no intention of going near such monsters, but Chronoa’s warning made it a top priority.
"Fear not," Chronoa added with a faint smile. "If a situation arises that is beyond your control, call for me. I am a Supreme God; I will not easily be defeated, even by the Six Kings."
"Thank you. Your words are very reassuring."
As the others spoke, Ein watched Kaito.
(Death King Isis... the Sad King of the Dead... but perhaps, if it is Kaito-sama...)
Her eyes were fixed on Kaito as he conversed with the Creator God, a flicker of silent expectation shining in her gaze.