Valentine’s Day—an event introduced by a past Hero—had spread through this world in the blink of an eye.
Because the flow of time differed between the otherworld and this one, while the holiday had a history of about seven hundred years in its world of origin, it had already become a traditional event lasting nearly a thousand years here. In that sense, it had already surpassed the history of the original world.
Of course, only the general outline had been passed down from that long-ago Hero, and no one knew the identity of the person who had first shared it.
In this world where polygamy was common practice, the number of chocolates a man received on Valentine’s Day served as a status symbol. Those who gathered the most love were considered superior beings.
"And that’s why Operation Valentine is officially underway!"
"Oh..."
"What’s with the lack of enthusiasm? Wait, no, I guess that’s just your usual self."
Kuromueina struck a dramatic pose, her black long coat fluttering as she spoke. Shallow Vernal responded with a completely expressionless face.
The two of them had gathered to make chocolate... or more accurately, Kuromueina had unilaterally barged into the Sanctuary.
"Anyway, it’s Valentine’s Day, so I’m going to make chocolate and give it to Kaito-kun as a present! These events are important. You have to stay on top of things like this and firmly seize Kaito-kun’s heart!"
"If you were to grip his heart with your physical strength, I believe Kaito-san would die."
"No... that was a metaphor."
Looking exasperated by Shallow Vernal’s literal-mindedness, Kuromueina transformed her black coat into a cute apron.
"So, Shiro! Let’s make chocolate together!"
"Understood. Then, I shall create chocolate that changes into the favorite flavor of whoever eats it..."
"No, no, why are you trying to create something outrageous again? Shiro, no 'Creation' allowed. Make it normally."
"But I have never cooked before."
"It’s okay, it’s okay! I’ll teach you everything."
With a bright, beaming smile, Kuromueina activated her space magic to pull out ingredients and... a large iron griddle.
"If my knowledge is correct, one does not typically use an iron griddle for basic chocolate making. What is this?"
"Eh? I can’t make Baby Castella without this."
"Why must it be Baby Castella?"
"Because they’re delicious!"
"I see."
If Kaito had been there, he likely would have offered a sharp retort. However, since Shallow Vernal was the only other person present, the comment was naturally met with a total lack of resistance.
"Well, anyway, I’ve already decided I’m making Chocolate Baby Castella, so first I’ll teach you how to make regular chocolate."
"Understood."
"I don't think it'll go well right away, but keep at it with patience!"
As she quickly prepared the tools, Kuromueina laughed cheerfully and began instructing Shallow Vernal on the fundamentals of chocolate making.
And then...
"Ugh, being almost omnipotent is so irritating..."
"Hm?"
"How can you make it perfectly on the first try? It even tastes better than mine... Shiro, this really is your first time cooking, right?"
"Anyone should be able to do this much if they simply look at a recipe."
"Can I punch you?"
"Why?"
No matter how much of a natural airhead she was, Shallow Vernal was a god who could be called nearly almighty. Even if she had never done something before, she could do it simply by trying. It wasn't a matter of motivation; it was a literal fact of her existence.
Kuromueina directed a resentful glare at Shallow Vernal, who had produced a result superior to that of a seasoned professional after hearing the instructions and glancing at the recipe once.
"B-But Shiro! Your chocolate lacks humor!"
"Humor? I haven't heard of that ingredient before."
"I’m not talking about the ingredients! I mean it lacks a sense of playfulness!"
"Fumu."
"You have to be more creative with the materials! You have to show some individuality!"
"I see. Understood."
Nodding at Kuromueina’s suggestion to make the chocolate more interesting, Shallow Vernal crushed the chocolate she had just finished. While melting it in a double boiler, she began tossing in various ingredients at random.
Just when it seemed she had added a mountain of dried fruit, she started pouring in various seasonings.
"Wait, Shiro?! What are you doing?"
"Expressing individuality."
"No, no, you’re just throwing things in completely at random! Wait, huh? I don't see the fruit or any of the solids anymore..."
"I melted them all."
"I... I see..."
"Once again, it is complete."
"Amazing. At least the color and shape look normal."
Despite the haphazard ingredients, Shallow Vernal’s absurdly high specs allowed her to mold the chocolate in an instant. She used her power over time to set it immediately.
She had made a fair amount, so she held one out, seeking Kuromueina’s evaluation.
Kuromueina accepted the chocolate and looked back and forth between the treat and Shallow Vernal several times before timidly taking a bite.
"?! What is this? So many different flavors are intricately intertwined... It's a taste that seems impossible to reproduce, and it's... delicious."
"Fumu. Then I shall give this to Kaito-san."
"Hey, Shiro?"
"What is it?"
"Can I punch you once after all?"
"Should you not simply make the same thing yourself?"
"Do you really think I can?"
"You cannot?"
"Alright, I’m definitely punching you!"
"You may not."
Watching Shallow Vernal, who seemed guaranteed to succeed at absolutely anything she did, Kuromueina silently clenched her fist.
It goes without saying that a brawl that shook the heavens and earth broke out in the Sanctuary shortly thereafter.