I walked away from Hero’s Hill alongside Noin-san and Eden-san, leaving Kuro and Fia-sensei to have some privacy.
The weather was beautiful. The occasional breeze felt wonderful against my skin, which was still flushed from all the running and the chaos that had just unfolded.
"But I’m really glad it worked out," I said.
"Yes, I agree. This should lighten the burden on Fia's shoulders, at least a little. By the way... Kaito-san."
"Yes?"
"Um, well... who exactly is this person with the terrifying magic power? She’s been watching me with a 'murderous glint in her eyes' for some time now... My body is shaking so much I can hardly walk."
Because I possessed Sympathy Magic, I tended to forget, but a massive amount of magic power could be felt as a crushing physical pressure. It wasn't quite like Isis-san’s magic power of death, but it was stifling nonetheless.
Under normal circumstances, only someone of the Six Kings-class could exert that much pressure through their presence alone. However, since Eden-san possessed power that far exceeded even them, the pressure Noin-san was feeling must have been overwhelming.
While some, like Kuro, suppressed their magic power to avoid intimidating others, there were those like Shiro-san who had no intention of holding back. Eden-san was clearly the latter type. Looking over, I saw that Noin-san’s body had been trembling for some time.
"Um, this is Eden-san... Apparently, she’s the God of the World we came from."
"...I-I see... A-And why is she glaring at me, Eden-sama?"
When Noin-san asked timidly, Eden-san stared at her with a flat, deadpan expression for a long moment... before muttering a single word.
"...Subtle."
"Huh? U-Um, Kaito-san?"
"I'm sorry. I have no idea what she’s thinking either."
After that cryptic remark, Eden-san turned her gaze away from Noin-san as if she had lost interest. She looked at me, her mouth curving deeply into a crescent shape as she formed a sinister smile. Her smiles were honestly terrifying.
Still, putting that aside, I had to make sure to thank her for helping us.
"A-Anyway... Eden-san, thank you for lending us your strength today."
"Gratitude, unnecessary. Cooperation, natural."
"...Could you please speak normally, if possible?"
"It is only natural for a mother to help her child; there is no need for thanks... my beloved child."
the moment I heard those words, I immediately spun around and started running.
There was no clear reason for it, but my instincts must have reacted to the pitch-black hearts I saw swirling within Eden-san’s eyes.
"My, you certainly are energetic. But you mustn't push yourself. It would be terrible if you were to run too fast and trip."
"...Ah, yes."
I thought I had started running, but for some reason, I was already being hugged. It was useless; I couldn't escape.
Being caught caused a red alert to blare loudly in my head, but surprisingly, Eden-san released me almost immediately and wore a serene smile.
"Um..."
Eden-san said nothing, simply smiling at me incessantly. It was strange; it should have been an incredibly beautiful smile, yet I couldn't stop shivering. I found it baffling that my limbs were even still free.
The silence was beginning to drain my mental health, so I knew I had to say something.
"So, um... Eden-san, you said you didn't mind, but since you went through the trouble of helping us, I’d like to give you something in return... Oh, I know! Eden-san, if you'd like, why don't you attend the Six Kings Festival? I think I can invite you with my guest invitation..."
I regretted the offer the moment it left my mouth. Why was I strangling my own neck like this? However, it was already too late. Eden-san’s smile widened even further.
"My, my, my beloved child. You are inviting your mother? Oh, I am so happy. Of course, I shall gladly accept. Do not worry—I know you have your own plans, so I shall do my own sightseeing. I must verify for myself whether this world is a suitable environment for you. No, of course I do not doubt your judgment, but your mother is prone to worrying. I am simply so concerned that there might be some trash intending to harm you. Yes, that's right. No existence that would hurt you should be allowed to remain; I will not permit it. Both your body and soul are sacred. They must never be defiled. Yes, that's right... Come to think of it, there were some 'fools who made my beloved child go through trouble' today, weren't there? I personally believe they should be erased... but since my gentle child would be saddened, I shall refrain. However, they should at least be 'educated.' Yes, that's right. Education..."
"Eden-san! Stop! Sto-o-o-op!"
She really was terrifying! Noin-san was shaking like a newborn fawn, and the murderous intent in the air was palpable.
"E-Eden-san, I-I'm really happy you care... b-but it's fine! Please don't do that. I'm begging you!"
"...I see. If that is what my child wishes, then I shall desist."
"Th-Thank you."
"Then, my beloved child, I shall take my leave for now. If you have any further need of me, you may call upon me at any time. Your mother is always on your side."
"...Y-Yes."
I breathed a sigh of relief as Eden-san finally relented.
Still, it was a bit unexpected. I didn't think she would agree to leave so easily. I thought persuading her to go would be the hardest part, but for her to suggest it herself was a surprise. Then again, it was probably because Kuro was nearby.
Eden-san gave me one more smile before vanishing into a shroud of light.
That trump card—the feather that can call Eden anytime—was extremely powerful, but it was also a double-edged sword that shaved away at my sanity. I really needed to refrain from using it.
But now I’d gone and invited her to the festival. Will it be alright? I could only hope for the best.
Dear Mother, Father—I can tell how much Eden-san cares for me; it's so intense it almost hurts. But her affection levels have broken through the scale, and it's truly terrifying. How should I put it? I might have been a bit hasty.
Extra: This Time's Eden Maman
(...Subtle. One could say her soul is my child's, but her body is not. I am torn on whether to count her as one of my children. Compared to my supreme, beloved child, she is obviously trash, but if she is my child, I cannot treat her too harshly. If she is not, however, she is a nuisance I should blast ten thousand kilometers away. No, even hesitating is a mistake. My dear child is right here; I should be focusing on him. Oh, how foolish. I’ve lost 347 seconds of time I could have spent looking at my child. I must be more careful in the future. Ah, my child’s face is just as gallant as ever.)
~When she hugged Kaito~
(Ah, how precious my child is. How sturdy. Holding him like this, his warmth and scent fill me completely. This is the ultimate bliss. He is so cute. I want to love every part of him right now, down to the last cell... But that annoying half of a god is near... Ugh, I must endure. Curse that half of a god for interfering with my time with my child...)