It was the 20th day of the Second Month of Fire. As I watered the World Tree sapling I had received at the Six Kings Festival, a certain concern weighed on my mind. To put it simply... Fate-san hadn't been by to visit lately.
While she didn't come by every single day like Kuro, she usually escaped from her duties—or, to be more accurate, "came to play"—at a pace of about once every three days for an hour or so. However, nearly twenty days had passed without her showing her face.
I wondered what was going on. It was impossible to imagine Fate-san being "too busy with work to visit." On the other hand, it was just as unlikely for a Supreme God like her to be bedridden with an illness.
Could I have done something to offend her? No, she seemed perfectly normal during the birthday party...
"Hey, Alice."
"What’s up?"
"Do you know anything about Fate-san? I haven't seen her around lately."
When I asked Alice, who was on good terms with Fate-san, she wore a strangely conflicted expression.
"Um... well... lately, she's been... you know... b-busy with work. It seems she doesn't have much free time."
"If you're going to lie, at least try for something believable."
"No, honestly, even I’m shocked by how unrealistic that sounds as it comes out of my mouth, but it’s not exactly wrong, in a sense..."
"Wait, really? Fate-san is actually working? Voluntarily?"
"Y-Yeah, well..."
That was madness. That Fate-san was actually pursuing her work of her own accord? No matter how I looked at it, this was an abnormal situation.
"Could it be that she's... feeling unwell or something?"
"Well, I suppose you could say that. If you want to call it a disease, it’s a disease."
"A disease?! She shouldn't be working in that state! I mean, Fate-san is a Supreme God—how did she even catch a disease?!"
"It’s... well, I can't really go into the details of the condition myself. But, ah, don't worry, it’s not the contagious kind."
It seemed Fate-san really was in poor health. It felt a bit rude to think it, but that actually made sense. Because she was unwell, she hadn't come to visit, and instead, she was occupying herself with work she would normally avoid.
It must be a truly terrible illness. Otherwise, there was no way that Fate-san would ever choose to work.
"I’m worried. I think I’ll go pay her a get-well visit."
"..."
"Alice?"
"Ah, right. Well, I suppose a bit of shock therapy might be effective. I’m all for it."
"Uh, okay?"
I didn't quite follow her reasoning, but regardless, a visit was in order. I decided to buy some fruit to bring along.
"I mean, she had the nerve to punch me, but now that it’s her turn, she’s just moping around..."
"Hello? Alice?"
"Oh, nothing! I’m worried about Fate-san too, so I’ll come with you! Now that that’s settled, let’s get a move on. Strike while the iron is hot!"
When I called out to Alice, who had been muttering to herself with a hand on her chin, she flashed a bright smile and grabbed my hand to lead the way.
I felt a little uneasy. I had the distinct impression she was plotting something...
We arrived at the Upper Level of the God Realm, a place I had visited once before. Together with Alice, I stepped inside Fate's Temple. I hoped she was doing all right. Since she was supposedly working, she might be physically stable, but her mental state was what really concerned me.
Occupied by these thoughts, I knocked on the large door leading to Fate-san's chambers. After a few moments, the door creaked open, and a grumpy-looking Fate-san peeked out.
"Ugh, what is it now? I’m busy with work, so don't inter... ru... pt... me... Eh?"
"Oh, um, hello."
"Kai-chan?"
"Yeah. I, uh, came to see how you were doing..."
When I spoke timidly to Fate-san, who was radiating a purely foul mood, she froze the instant she saw my face. A moment later, she began to break out in a heavy sweat.
"Wh-Why are you here? I... I’m not mentally prepared yet! Er, for now, just go home—"
"Fate-san!"
"Eh? Shaltan? What’s going on?"
"I know you’re worried about Kaito-san, but I’m going to take care of my own business first."
"Business?"
With those words, Alice maintained her bright, cheerful smile as she grabbed Fate-san’s hand and hauled her out from behind the door.
"I’m here to pay you back in full for that favor you did me!"
"Favor? Wait, Shaltan? What are you—"
"Alice-chan Kick!!"
"Fugyah?!"
My eyes couldn't even begin to track what happened. In the instant I thought I saw Alice’s leg flash with light, the massive door was reduced to splinters, and Fate-san was sent flying until she slammed into a distant wall.
Judging from Alice’s words... she had kicked her. I mean, what was she thinking?!
"Wh-Wait a second, Shaltan! What was that for?! That hurt!!"
Normally, I would think a blow like that would cause more than just "pain," but Fate-san was a being of incredible power. The damage only seemed to amount to her face being a bit flushed.
"Well, you did punch me before, remember? This is just the interest on that!"
"I only used a punch, but you used a kick?! And you aimed right for my face without even hesitating?!"
"In any case, Fate-san! Moping and worrying isn't like you at all! Just take the plunge and act! Now then, I’m out of here!"
"Wait a minute! I have plenty to say to you... but let me kick you back first!"
Having done exactly what she wanted and said everything she intended to say, Alice vanished. Fate-san’s scream echoed throughout the temple.
Dear Mother, Father—
Well, I went to visit Fate-san because I heard she was sick, but everything felt a bit off. I don't really know what's going on, but... Fate-san is doing well, right?