"Your approach is wrong." After declaring this, Shallow Vernal gazed at Fate and began to speak quietly.
"Fate, the individuals you are interested in... they are Alice and Kaito, is that not correct?"
"Y-yes! That is exactly right."
"That is precisely the reason you have fallen into this 'misunderstanding.'"
"A... misunderstanding?"
Confused by the meaning behind her words, Fate wore a bewildered expression. Chronoa and Life also tilted their heads, seemingly unable to comprehend.
"You took an interest in Alice and Kaito immediately because your Authority of Fate did not work on them. In Kaito's case, that was a recent development, so the root cause actually lies in your friendship with Alice."
"What does that... mean?"
"Alice was the first to spark your interest, followed by Kaito. You have made them your 'benchmark for intimacy' with others."
"——!?"
The sharp words seemed to pierce Fate's chest. She was by no means an idiot; on the contrary, her mind was exceptionally sharp. Therefore, she immediately grasped the weight of Shallow Vernal's words.
"It is the opposite," Shallow Vernal continued. "Alice and Kaito are special cases. Normally, you must follow a certain process to develop an interest in others. But because you used them as your standard, you tried to force a vague interest in Kaito's parents. You ignored the necessary steps and simply told yourself you 'had' to care. It was inevitable that you would fail."
Indeed, Fate had tried to manufacture an interest in Akari and Kazuya while still measuring them against the instant connection she felt with Alice and Kaito. Shallow Vernal declared that those two were merely outliers, and that genuine connections required a proper progression.
"Shallow Vernal-sama... what is that process? What must I do to feel that interest?"
"Think about that yourself. Telling you everything would not benefit you. However, I will give you one guideline: consider 'what is missing.' You do not need to create something new. There is simply a piece lacking in your perspective of Kaito's parents. Reflect deeply on what that is."
"I... I understand."
Encouraged by her words, Fate nodded with a serious expression. After giving a single nod in response, Shallow Vernal turned her gaze toward Chronoa and Life.
"God of Space-Time. God of Life."
"Yes!?" they responded in unison.
"You two cannot understand Fate's current struggle. Nor do you understand the meaning of my words to her... correct?"
"Yes... that is correct."
"To my shame, I also lack understanding, just as the God of Space-Time does," Life added.
As Shallow Vernal had seen through them, Chronoa and Life could not comprehend Fate's dilemma. At most, they simply wondered why such considerations were even necessary.
"Not knowing something right now is no disgrace," Shallow Vernal spoke to them calmly. "But consider it a disgrace to remain as you are—ignorant and stagnant. Think deeply about why Fate was troubled and why you two could not understand her. That reflection will lead to your growth."
"Yes!!"
"I will give you a hint as well. The difference between you and Fate is your 'perspective.' Your field of vision is narrow. Consider what you should be looking at, and what you should do once you see it. Think on this for the future."
Having said her piece, Shallow Vernal turned her back to the three Supreme Gods, her voice carrying a trace of gentleness.
"You two have not changed since the moment I created you. You must grow. Make me want to love you. Make me see you as unique, irreplaceable individuals. I look forward to the day I can call you Chronoa and Life and feel that you are truly my own."
With a faint smile, Shallow Vernal vanished.
Her growth was truly staggering. She had evolved to the point where she could not only look at herself but also turn her gaze toward those around her, guiding them and encouraging their development.
While the crushing pressure she once radiated had lessened, she now appeared far more magnificent than before. She was truly the Top of the World. The three Supreme Gods remained bowed for a long time after her great presence had faded.
Serious-senpai: "...Hasn't her charisma exploded?"
???: "She’s learned to use contrast. She switches between letting her natural airheadedness burst forth and behaving with the majesty of a God... Her growth is truly astounding. If we were facing the current Shallow Vernal-sama, the Decisive Battle in the God Realm would have been a nightmare..."