The Sanctuary... within the God Realm, it was the most sacred of all places.
A tiny floating island situated at the very highest point of the realm, it was a domain where even the Supreme Gods could not set foot without Shiro-san’s permission.
Led by Chronoa-san, Fate-san, and Life-san, I finally arrived at the Sanctuary. It felt achingly beautiful, radiating an overwhelming sense of divinity.
The flowers and grass underfoot, the gentle breeze, the white stones placed here and there... the balance of it all was so exquisite that I felt as if disturbing the scenery would be a cardinal sin.
"It’s a beautiful place..."
"Naturally. This is the land where Shallow Vernal-sama resides... a place that most living beings in this world will never even behold."
"The flora here is influenced by Shallow Vernal-sama’s magic power. Therefore, they maintain a divine, beautiful, and untainted appearance."
As we walked slowly, Chronoa-san and Life-san offered brief explanations in response to the words that had slipped from my mouth.
This Sanctuary was only this beautiful because an Absolute One like Shiro-san existed here.
We proceeded through the solemn atmosphere, feeling the weight of the Sanctuary's air. Eventually, we reached a location reminiscent of the Hanging Garden I had seen before. Standing at a spot that overlooked the entire God Realm, I saw the silhouette of a goddess with shimmering silver-white hair.
She looked like a masterpiece on a canvas—a beauty so profound that just looking at her made me catch my breath.
Feeling a wave of nerves as I approached, Shiro-san slowly turned around to face us.
"Hello, Kaito-san."
"Hello, Shiro-san. Thank you for inviting me today."
"Not at all... The gods of your world are quite stubborn, aren't they?"
"...Huh?"
Wait, she started saying something incomprehensible the moment we met. The gods of my world? Stubborn? It was a typical occurrence with her, but what on earth was she talking about?
As if reading my obvious confusion, Shiro-san gave a single nod, her face remaining expressionless.
"A reasonable question... However, let us move for now."
"..."
Yeah, I knew it. I knew it, but still! You’re not going to answer me after all?!
"At this point in time, it is not a matter that concerns you, Kaito-san."
"Does that mean it will concern me later?"
"Yes."
"Then I’m definitely curious."
"I will tell you when the time comes."
"...Haa, I understand."
As usual, I couldn't quite wrap my head around Shiro-san, but she seemed willing to talk eventually, so... it was fine, I guess?
At any rate, I didn't think she would say another word even if I pressed her. I nodded and followed her along with the three Supreme Gods.
As for where we were going... well, asking that would be tactless. She had already told me she’d built a hot spring.
"...Shiro-san."
"What is it?"
"I have an enormous number of things I want to point out, but first... what kind of trees are those?"
"They are Japanese Maples and Ginkgos."
"..."
In the area Shiro-san led us to, just as she had described, sat a magnificent hot spring.
A source of thick, cloudy white water gushed out continuously into rock baths arranged with exquisite balance. And there, standing in beautiful autumn colors, were the Japanese Maples and Ginkgos.
As far as I knew, those trees didn't exist in this world. There might have been similar plants, but Shiro-san's words confirmed their identity beyond a doubt.
"...By any chance, did you create those by reading my memories too?"
"Yes."
"...And that thing over there that looks exactly like a shishi-odoshi?"
"It is a shishi-odoshi."
"..."
Confronted with the sheer perfection of her recreating even a water-dropper fountain, Chronoa-san behind me looked like she was desperately fighting off a headache.
"...Then, what about that building that looks like a hot spring inn?"
"It is a hot spring inn. There is a ping-pong table inside as well."
"...Did you... make that too?"
"Yes."
This woman was truly outrageous. This entire spot was effectively Japan! To go so far as to include a ping-pong table... I suppose I should expect nothing less from Shiro-san.
"I am pleased to be praised."
"...I’m actually exasperated."
As I stood dazed by Shiro-san’s usual lack of restraint, Fate-san, who had been quiet until now, lightly raised her hand and approached her.
"Shallow Vernal-sama! May I have a moment?"
"I permit you to speak."
"Thank you! What do you intend to do at this bath, Shallow Vernal-sama? I would be grateful if you could enlighten someone as lacking in foresight as myself."
...As I thought, in front of Shiro-san, Fate-san acted serious. She spoke with such crisp formality that she seemed like an entirely different person.
Hearing Fate-san's question, Shiro-san nodded once and announced in a toneless voice.
"I will be mixed bathing with Kaito-san. The God of Space-Time is scheduled to join us as well."
"Eh? Chronoa-san too?"
"..."
I had heard from Shiro-san beforehand that I would be bathing with her. While I wasn't exactly comfortable with it, I had given up on refusing, knowing it was impossible.
However, hearing that Chronoa-san was joining was news to me. I hurriedly turned to look at her, only to find her staring into the distance with an expression of total resignation.
"...Shallow Vernal-sama’s intentions take precedence over all else."
"..."
She was so pitiful. To be honest, I predicted my reason would already be fighting a losing battle with just Shiro-san there, but to have Chronoa-san, a slender beauty, added to the mix... I honestly wanted to run away. But if Chronoa-san herself had accepted it, however reluctantly, I couldn't exactly object.
"I see, I understand! Shallow Vernal-sama... if you would permit it, may I join as well?!"
"Wait... Fate-san?"
"I can't let this chance slip away! Kai-chan, I’m okay with you touching me, you know!"
"...No, that’s not the point..."
Fate-san, who had been kneeling before Shiro-san, suddenly volunteered to join.
This was bad. My self-control was going to be in serious danger. Fate-san was also incredibly cute, and the way she pushed her luck was terrifying.
"I permit you to bathe."
"Shiro-san?!"
"Thank you! I am most grateful for this blessing!"
But the Natural Goddess, seemingly oblivious to my internal struggle, casually granted Fate-san permission.
Chronoa-san, hearing the exchange, turned to Fate-san with a look of pure shock.
"What?! God of Fate?!"
"Shallow Vernal-sama, if you would allow it, I would also like to request permission to bathe, just like the God of Fate..."
"God of Life?!"
"I permit it."
"Thank you very much."
Wait, wait, wait! What is happening? Why is Life-san joining in too?
I could sort of understand Fate-san. She tried to create a fait accompli—or rather, tried to get me to lay a hand on her—at every opportunity. But why Life-san?
"God of Fate! God of Life! A-Are you two in your right minds?! Do you have no sense of shame?!"
"Hmm? Of course I do. But since Kai-chan is my future husband, I’m totally fine with him seeing me."
"My role as a Supreme God is to ensure that Shallow Vernal-sama and Miyama-san can enjoy their bath. Therefore, it is only rational that I bathe with them to provide support from nearby."
"...Wh... Ah..."
Seeing Fate-san and Life-san reply as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Chronoa-san's mouth hung open in a daze.
I really felt for her, but I wasn't exactly an innocent bystander here.
A mixed bath with all the Supreme Gods, who were all beauties, plus Shiro-san, who was the very personification of beauty... my self-control was dropping to its knees before the battle had even started.
"It is a 'Lucky Pervert' situation, I believe."
"This isn't lucky! It's completely intentional!"
"Is it?"
"Why are you tilting your head in confusion, Shiro-saaan?!"
Dear Mother, Father—regarding mixed bathing, this is the third time. Normally, one would expect to get used to it with experience, but I don't feel like I'll ever get used to this. In fact, I'm already feeling dizzy and it hasn't even started yet. If I can actually endure this... could I perhaps achieve enlightenment?