As Alice stepped into the Sanctuary, Shallow Vernal stood at the edge of the realm, gazing out at the world without so much as turning her head.
(Hmm. The "not interested" vibe is practically radiating off her. Still, the fact that she’s even willing to meet with me like this shows she’s mellowed out considerably.)
It was true that Shallow Vernal’s demeanor had become dramatically softer. Simply allowing Alice to visit like this was something that would have been unthinkable for her in the past.
However, she was still a far cry from being friendly. Shallow Vernal was reading Alice's heart; she understood exactly what the Phantasmal King wanted and, having decided she had no interest in it, didn't even bother to look back.
"I have a request for some specific materials. They don't exist in this world, so you're really the only one who can pull this off, right?"
"I have no reason to create them," Shallow Vernal replied flatly, her voice entirely devoid of inflection.
It was true that what Alice sought this time didn't directly benefit Kaito. While he would undoubtedly be pleased by the end result, Shallow Vernal’s interests rarely extended to such indirect consequences.
"I figured as much... which is why I haven't brought it up until now."
Indeed, for someone like Alice—who had begun making arrangements for Kaito's permanent residency almost the moment he decided on it a year ago—this move was uncharacteristically late. The reason was simple: she had considered the idea before but scrapped it, assuming that persuading Shallow Vernal would be an impossible task.
"However, the situation has changed. I've come here today because I believe there's a real chance of success now."
"……Very well. Speak."
A year ago, even Alice would have struggled to sway the Creator God. But after watching Shallow Vernal’s behavior during her date with Kaito after they became lovers, Alice felt the current Shallow Vernal was worth negotiating with.
"Listen, while this doesn't directly affect Kaito-san, having these materials ready will make him... incredibly happy!"
"……"
Alice threw her bait. She played the only card capable of moving the absolute being—evoking Kaito’s name to pique her interest. She believed that if she could just get Shallow Vernal to listen, her silver tongue could do the rest. However, Shallow Vernal defied Alice's expectations in the most literal way possible.
The moment Alice finished her sentence, a massive pile of materials appeared before her with a heavy, resonating thud.
"……Huh?"
"I have created them. The exact materials you desire, in the quantity you require."
"No, wait... I haven't even explained what they are yet, have I?"
Shallow Vernal had reacted to the bait exactly as Alice predicted, but the reaction wasn't a mere reflexive twitch. She had taken a full, unwavering swing at the pitch Alice threw and knocked it straight out of the park.
"It is unnecessary. You said Kaito-san would be happy. If that is the case, I have no reason to hesitate."
Alice’s mind raced in shock as she stared at the Goddess, who still hadn't turned around.
(To be honest, I'm stunned. I fully expected her to demand conditions—like being allowed to help build the house or demanding another date with Kaito-san in exchange. I didn't think she'd just do it.)
The result was what Alice wanted, but the process was entirely outside her calculations. The Shallow Vernal of the past would have undoubtedly demanded a trade-off, seeking compensation for her divine intervention. She had been like that even during the Six Kings Festival. But now, she didn't seek a reward, nor was she trying to compete with Kuromueina.
(Shallow Vernal-sama loves Kaito-san... even more than I realized. She’s happy if there’s something in it for her, but she doesn't actually mind if there isn't. Her top priority is simply Kaito-san's happiness. I don't dislike that. Well, I’ll just chalk it up to Kaito-san being as incredible as ever.)
Reaching that conclusion, Alice let a faint smile play on her lips and spoke again.
"Thank you very much. By the way, Shallow Vernal-sama, I have one more proposal... and this one actually has a direct benefit for you as well."
"I am listening."
I woke up and opened the curtains, stretching my limbs as I bathed in the pleasant morning sunlight.
Yesterday, I had told Lilia-san about my plans to build a house. I figured the actual work would start today. Conveying all my requests to Alice would probably take some time, but I was looking forward to it.
"Kaito-san, good morning!"
"Morning, Alice. Good timing. About what we talked about yesterday—"
"Oh, yes! The house is finished. Shall we go take a look?"
"Then let's go right aw—wait, what?"
The house was finished? No, wait... we only just talked about it yesterday. Was she serious? In a single night?
???: "Alice-chan did it in a single night."
Serious-senpai: "It really was just one night... This girl is a total cheat."