It was the 14th day of the Month of Wind. Deciding to express my gratitude to the people who had helped me create Lilia-san’s present, I chose to visit Isis-san’s castle first.
I planned to give Kuro her gift when she came by that night, so for now, I would deliver music boxes to Isis-san, Lilliwood-san, and Alice.
"...Kaito... welcome... I’m happy... you came."
"I’m sorry for the surprise visit, but there was actually something I wanted to give you."
"...Something... for me?"
Despite my unannounced arrival, Isis-san welcomed me from the bottom of her heart and kindly invited me inside.
While sipping the black tea she had brewed, I apologized again for dropping in so suddenly and then moved straight to the point. Isis-san didn’t seem to grasp what I meant, tilting her head to the side in an adorable, inquisitive gesture.
Feeling my heart warm at the sight, I reached into my Magic Box and pulled out the music box I had designed with her in mind.
"...Eh?"
"You helped me so much with the gemstones for this project, Isis-san. It might not be much, but please, accept this as a token of my thanks."
"...I-Is it... really okay?"
"Yes, of course."
For the music box inspired by Isis-san, I hadn't used Midnight Crystals. Instead, I had chosen regular Ice Crystals and Blue Diamonds. The reasoning was simple: in my mind, Isis-san wasn’t the deep, dark blue of the ocean, but rather the crystalline light blue of snow and ice.
The song was a quiet, soft melody that evoked the transition from a frozen landscape to the first signs of spring. It felt like a perfect fit for someone as gentle as her.
"...Kaito... thank you... I’m happy... so... very happy."
"I’m glad you like it."
"...Mhm... Kaito... I love you... so much."
With a faint glimmer of tears in her eyes and a smile that radiated pure joy from the depths of her soul, Isis-san offered me those sweet, happy words of affection.
Just seeing that smile and hearing those words made all the effort more than worth it. Afterward, I stayed for a while, chatting with her over tea and enjoying a peaceful, happy moment together.
Next was the Forest City of Yugfressia. This city, ruled by Lilliwood-san, was a place I had only glimpsed before. It felt like a version of Rigforresia expanded many times over—a beautiful metropolis that practically hummed with the overwhelming power of nature.
Lilliwood-san lived at the base of the World Tree, a gargantuan pillar that soared upward to pierce the very heavens. When I had first obtained a branch of the tree, she had met me at the gate, so this was my first time actually visiting her residence.
The structure was a wooden temple of such solemn majesty that I feared I might be turned away despite having sent a Hummingbird ahead of time. However, Lilliwood-san was as thoughtful as ever. She had clearly briefed her staff; when I gave my name to the gatekeeper, I was greeted with profound courtesy and led to a large reception room.
The interior was unified by woodwork, from the walls to the furniture, creating an atmosphere of quiet elegance. It reminded me of a traditional temple, which made sense given that to the people of this city, Lilliwood-san was an object of faith—an existence equal to a god.
"My apologies, Kaito-san. I kept you waiting."
"Ah, no, I should be the one apologizing for the sudden visit."
I was drinking a fragrant, sweet fruit tea provided by the attendants when Lilliwood-san appeared. I stood and offered a bow. I knew how busy she was and had been prepared for a long wait, but she had graciously prioritized my visit.
"So, how can I help you today? You mentioned you had business... If there is anything I can do to assist you, please, do not hesitate to ask."
"Actually, I didn't come to ask for a favor this time. I came to give you a thank-you gift."
"...A thank-you gift?"
She clearly hadn't expected that. Lilliwood-san blinked, her expression turning puzzled. Smiling at her reaction, I took out the music box I had crafted in her image.
I had used olive-green Peridots for this one. The gemstone’s hue, reminiscent of fresh young leaves, felt exactly right for her. The music was a powerful, deep melody inspired by the grandeur of nature—another perfect match. Alice had truly outdone herself with the compositions.
"Um... Kaito-san? If my eyes do not deceive me... is that a music box?"
"It is. You were such a great help during my recent project, and I wanted to give you this as a small token of my appreciation."
"Oh, well..."
Looking at the offered gift, Lilliwood-san looked bewildered, even a little troubled. Just as I started to worry that she might not like it, she spoke up hesitantly.
"Kaito-san... are you sure you haven't mistaken me for someone else? I don't believe I did anything worthy of receiving such a gift."
"That's not true at all! Thanks to your help, I was able to create something truly wonderful. I'm grateful from the bottom of my heart."
"B-But... you clearly went to a great deal of trouble to make this. Wouldn't it be better to give it to a lovely woman? I am, in a sense, a 'tree.' I don't believe I am suited for such a charming item..."
I could hear the deep-seated modesty in her voice, but since I had made this specifically for her, there was no other choice. To give it to anyone else would be an insult to both her and the recipient. Besides, regardless of her being the Spirit of the World Tree, she stood before me looking very much like a person.
"I think you’re a beautiful and wonderful woman, Lilliwood-san."
"P-Please, stop teasing me... Offering flattery to a tree like me won't gain you anything."
"I'm not flattering you. I truly mean it, from the bottom of my heart."
"——!? I see... You really are a strange person."
When I looked her in the eye and told her my words were sincere, her cheeks flushed a soft red, and that troubled look returned to her face.
"It would be rude of me to keep refusing such a kind gesture... Very well. Then, as unworthy as I am, I shall gratefully accept your kindness, Kaito-san."
"I'm glad."
"You really are a difficult man, aren't you?"
"Eh? What do you mean?"
Lilliwood-san accepted the music box with an air of resignation and a faint, wry smile. When I tilted my head in confusion, her smile turned into something warmer and more genuinely joyful.
"I mean... I finally understand why Isis is so fond of you."
"?"
"Fufu, no, please don't mind me. Thank you for the music box. I am very touched by your thoughtfulness."
"Ah, you're welcome."
I didn't quite catch her meaning, but she looked happy, so I figured it was all right. Seeing her smile like that was a revelation. Her usual serene expression was lovely, of course, but she was many times more charming when she looked like she was truly enjoying herself.
"I certainly can't let you leave empty-handed after this. Kaito-san, it isn't much, but I'll have lunch prepared for you. Please, stay and eat."
"In that case, I'll gladly take you up on the offer."
"Wonderful. Oh, and also... please take this."
"Is this... a flower?"
Since it was around noon and I was starting to feel hungry, I accepted her invitation. Lilliwood-san then used what looked like space magic, creating a green ripple in the air to produce a small pink flower, which she handed to me.
"In the language of flowers, it means 'bringing happiness.' I think it suits you perfectly."
"Thank you very much."
"Now, I still have a few matters to attend to, so please excuse me. I'll come see you again once you've finished your meal."
"Understood. Good luck with your work."
"Thank you."
As she walked away, there was something about the way she carried herself that looked remarkably happy.
Dear Mother, Father—I delivered the thank-you music boxes to Isis-san and Lilliwood-san today. And while it might be a small thing, after talking with her like this, I feel like I've come to know Lilliwood-san just a little bit better than before.