Rewinding time slightly, we find ourselves in a hallway of Lilia’s Mansion...
Lunamaria, a maid of the Ducal House of Albert and Duchess Lilia’s best friend, was currently facing an "unprecedented death crisis." Having spent years as an adventurer, she was no stranger to harrowing situations, but this was different.
Standing before her was a god of such colossal danger that she had only ever dared to look at her from a distance during Kaito’s birthday and housewarming parties.
"You there, 'meat slab'."
"……Huh? Um, you must be Ede—Eep!?"
In an instant, a pressure so heavy it felt as if she were being physically crushed slammed into Lunamaria. Paralyzed by an overwhelming premonition of death, she broke into a cold sweat and clamped her mouth shut.
"I do not recall granting a mere meat slab permission to utter my name. Ordinarily, I would execute you on the spot, but you are an acquaintance of my Beloved Child... I shall forgive you this once. However, there will not be a second. Am I understood?"
"Y-Ye-Ye-Yes. M-My deepest apologies."
"Apologies are unnecessary. I shall grant you your life for now; quickly prepare 'the black tea that my child prefers'."
"H-Huh……?"
"Let me be clear so there is no misunderstanding: creating a sublime tea is a trivial matter for me. However, quality is not the only factor. Sometimes, a familiar flavor is what truly heals the heart of my Beloved Child... Therefore, I shall grant you the honor of preparing the black tea for my Beloved Child."
Lunamaria nodded frantically, her sweat flowing like a waterfall. She was conversing with a being who radiated a lethal aura every second; there was no telling what would happen if she even breathed a word of complaint.
She was desperate. And in her desperation, she spoke up, hoping to improve Eden's impression of her even by a fraction.
"……U-Um, well…… Miyama-sama enjoys sweets made with fruit, like Ripple Pies. S-So, perhaps if you brought some of those along with the tea……"
"……"
The moment she spoke, the crushing weight emanating from Eden softened just a hair.
"As an Omniscient being, I naturally have a complete grasp of my Beloved Child's preferences... however, it is slightly unexpected that a mere meat slab correctly understood my child's tastes. I suppose that, too, is a testament to my Beloved Child's irresistible charm."
"H-Yes! Of course! There is no man in this world as charming as Miyama-sama! E-Even I, despite knowing it is unbecoming of my station, find myself unable to help but harbor romantic feelings for him!!"
Lunamaria blurted out the confession with the singular goal of surviving the encounter. Eden fell silent for a moment, then gave a slow nod.
"……I see. There is no lie in your words. Though you are a meat slab, you possess the aesthetic sense to recognize true beauty... In that case, I shall not deem it a lack of respect. Indeed, it would be more irreverent to gaze upon my Beloved Child and not fall in love. I permit your feelings."
"T-Thank you very much."
"This is a rare opportunity. Since you are a meat slab relatively close to my child, I shall ask you one thing."
The tension spiked again. Another death flag had just been raised. Lunamaria had no idea what the goddess wanted to know, but she knew exactly what would happen if she failed to provide the right answer.
With every nerve on edge, she waited for Eden to speak.
"My Beloved Child seems to be reserved around me. It is the natural right of a child to depend on their mother, yet my child shows no sign of exercising that right. Why do you think that is?"
"……T-That is, um…… Perhaps it is because you are in front of other people!"
"……Hmm. Continue."
"I-I am on good terms with my own mother, so I understand... y-yes, the feeling of embarrassment usually wins out when it comes to acting spoiled in front of others. S-So, Miyama-sama would surely be different if it were just the two of you……"
The explanation Lunamaria desperately wove seemed to reach Eden. The goddess placed a hand on her chin, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
"……I see. That is a rather interesting perspective. Meat slab... you, what was your name?"
"Y-Yes. I-It is Lunamaria."
"Hmm. I shall remember it. You seem to have more promise than the other meat slabs. I value those who possess worth, regardless of their nature. As a special exception, I shall permit you to speak my name from now on."
"T-Thank you very much…… Eden-sama."
Apparently, Lunamaria’s answer had been highly satisfactory. Eden’s opinion of her had clearly risen. Then, Eden pulled a massive sack out of thin air and handed it to her.
"A reward for your service."
"Y-Yes. I am honored."
Lunamaria stole a glance inside. The bag was overflowing with Platinum Coins.
"Now, our conversation is over. Lunamaria, prepare the black tea immediately. I leave the selection of tea leaves entirely to you."
"Yes! Understood!"
Lunamaria gave a sharp salute. Breathing a sigh of relief at having escaped death, she hurried to prepare the tea.
In her state of relief, she failed to realize the true weight of the fact that the Omniscient Eden had judged her words as having "no lie" in them...
Regardless, Lunamaria finished the tea and handed the cart over to Eden—who had inexplicably changed into a maid uniform. Then, in the silence of her own heart, she offered a prayer of apology to Kaito, who was undoubtedly about to suffer.
Eden Maman's Affection Levels:
1st: Kaito (Most Beloved Child) 2nd: Her other children (Humans of Earth) 3rd: Shallow Vernal (A friend of sorts) 4th: Alice (Evaluates her ability) New 5th: Lunamaria (Most Promising among the Meat Slabs)
Worst: Kuromueina (Archenemy)