The explosive situation between Agni-san and Pandora-san came to an end the moment Ozma-san stepped in.
Pandora-san was hauled away by one of Alice’s split bodies, while Agni-san allowed herself to be persuaded by Ozma-san and headed home.
Once Agni-san was gone, Ozma-san scratched his head with a wry smile and gave me a slight, apologetic bow.
"I’m sorry about all that, Miyama-kun. Agni-chan is a good girl at heart, but she tends to get a bit heated... You aren't hurt, are you?"
"I'm fine."
"I’m glad to hear it. I’ll be sure to give Agni-chan a stern talking-to myself, so I’d be happy if you could continue to get along with her."
"Yes, of course!"
Man, that calm composure... As I thought, Ozma-san really has that cool, mature vibe down.
He has the easygoing warmth of a kind uncle, and as a fellow man, I find myself looking up to him. I’d love to become a composed adult like him one day.
"By the way, Ozma-san, what brings you here?"
"Ah, actually, I was waiting for you on the Central Tower's First Floor because I had some business with you... but then I sensed Agni-chan and Pandora-chan’s magic power. I had a feeling something like this might be happening."
"Business with me?"
"Well, to be precise, it’s more like I have business with the Phantasm King-sama through you."
"With Alice?"
It seemed Ozma-san had come to see Alice. The fact that he was going out of his way to ask through me made me wonder if it was something troublesome.
It had only been a short while since I met Ozma-san on the first day of the Six Kings Festival, but he’s helped me out with advice and supported me several times since then. I wanted to be as helpful as possible in return.
"Actually, a young friend of mine wants to attend the Six Kings Festival. I’d like to get an invitation for her, but since it would mean adding a guest after the start of the event, I came to ask for permission."
"I see... Can't she participate as your companion, Ozma-san?"
"Ah, well, I suppose I hadn't mentioned it. I’m actually part of the management side rather than a participant, so I don't have an invitation of my own."
"Understood... Alice."
Ozma-san looked genuinely apologetic, but it didn't sound like a particularly difficult request. Granted, it might add to Alice’s workload since she’s likely the one managing the guest list, but in the worst-case scenario, I could just have the girl come as my companion. I decided to try asking.
The moment I called her name, Alice popped up instantly and produced an Iron Rank Invitation out of thin air.
"Yes, yes, I hear you."
"I’m sorry for the trouble, Phantasm King-sama. Er, the girl's name is—"
"Flamea-san, a Dwarf residing in the Arclesia Empire, right? Here you go, one invitation."
"...Hahaha. My, the Phantasm King-sama never ceases to amaze. This is a huge help."
Alice had the invitation ready before Ozma-san could even finish saying the name. Her information-gathering skills were as absurdly broken as ever... truly impressive.
"If you want to thank someone, thank Kaito-san. To be blunt, if you’d come to me without going through him, I would’ve turned you down because it’s a hassle."
"I figured as much... Miyama-kun, you really saved me. Thank you."
"N-Not at all."
"This might not be much in exchange, but I’d be happy if you’d accept this."
"...What is this?"
With a gentle smile, Ozma-san handed me a fairly large paper bag he had pulled from somewhere.
As I tilted my head in confusion and accepted the bag, Ozma-san lit a cigarette and spoke.
"It’s a coffee I’m quite fond of. You can drink it just by adding hot water. I’ve put quite a lot in there, so please feel free to share it with your friends."
"Thank you very much! I’m sorry for making you go to such trouble."
"No, no, I was the one making a sudden request of you. You were a lifesaver... If you’re up for it, Miyama-kun, let’s go out for a drink sometime. My treat, of course."
"Oh, yes! I’d love to."
Seriously, Ozma-san is a true gentleman, the way he can offer thanks so smoothly and without pretense. Maybe it's because he feels like a reliable adult, but even the way he invites people out is cool.
He probably didn't offer the coffee first because he didn't want it to feel like a transactional bribe.
"Well then, Miyama-kun. I’m sure you’re busy with all your social obligations, but make sure to enjoy the rest of the Six Kings Festival."
"I will!"
"Good. I'll see you later, then."
With a kind smile, Ozma-san gave my head a light pat and waved as he walked away. Even his departure was picture-perfect; the sight of his back as his trench coat fluttered in the wind was incredibly cool.
...Maybe I should try wearing a trench coat one of these days?
"I hate to break it to you, but I don't think a trench coat would suit you very well, Kaito-san."
"Yeah... I kind of had a feeling."
Dear Father, Mother—beyond just having a handsome face, Ozma-san, with his cool words and gestures, is someone I truly admire. To be honest, I can't see myself ever becoming like that, but if I can help it, one day, I want to... grow old with style.
Baby Castella-senpai: "Ozma, huh... He's a pretty hardboiled guy. However, I won't surrender the title of the #1 man who looks good in a trench coat."
Serious-senpai: "...No, you're a sponge cake... Forget the trench coat, you don't even have a gender, okay!?"