A tea party was underway in the Sanctuary of the God Realm, a frequent occurrence these days. Kuromueina sat there, listening intently to Shallow Vernal as she snacked on a baby castella.
“...And that is the situation. I merely attempted to put what I learned from you into practice.”
“It’s a good start,” Kuro replied. “I believe realizing things for oneself leads to far more growth than simply being told what to do. However, when you take that approach, you must be careful to ensure they don't get trapped in a cycle of constant failure.”
“And what do you mean by that?”
“Trying to comprehend the incomprehensible is an arduous task. Fate-chan has already stumbled once. Now, she’s making her second attempt, grappling with her anxiety and racing against her own impatience. She’s at a crossroads. If she fails again without seeing any results, her mindset will spiral into negativity, and she might get stuck in a vicious cycle.”
“...I see.”
Shallow Vernal placed her hand on her chin, reflecting deeply on the words of the woman who had guided so many lives.
Shallow Vernal was currently in the midst of her own evolution, focusing especially of late on the development of her fellow Gods. Consequently, she had been consulting Kuro—who was far more experienced in such matters—with increasing frequency during their tea parties.
“It isn't strictly necessary for her to succeed on this second try, but it would be best if Fate-chan felt some kind of progress,” Kuro continued. “Right now, she’s likely overwhelmed by confusion and pressure. If the failures continue to pile up, her self-loathing will only intensify. Whether or not she can walk away with the genuine feeling that she’s moved forward will have a massive impact on her future.”
“I understand... What do you suggest I do?”
“Hmm. Ideally, things would just work out on their own, but failing that, it might be a good idea to provide a small catalyst. If possible, it would be best to do it without her noticing. That way, Fate-chan can feel like she earned the breakthrough herself.”
“That was very helpful. You have my gratitude.”
After thanking Kuromueina, Shallow Vernal gave her fingers a light flick.
“...Oh? ‘Interference with the Future,’ is it? Heh, not bad. It isn't an overwhelming amount of help, but it provides just enough of a catalyst for change. I’d give that ninety-nine points. If things go well, the issue might be settled this time, and Fate-chan will have room to grow significantly.”
“Does that mean it is not a perfect score?”
“There’s no such thing as a perfect score when it comes to mentorship,” Kuro said with a smile. “In fact, there shouldn't be. That’s why those of us who teach have to keep thinking and finding new ways to adapt.”
“I see. It seems I am still no match for you in this field, Kuro.”
After saying that, Shallow Vernal took a sip of her tea, set the cup down, and turned her gaze toward the sprawling vistas of the Sanctuary.
Drawn by the gesture, Kuromueina followed her gaze as she spoke. “...By the way, you mentioned you had something to consult me about. Was that it?”
“That was part of it, but the main topic is a separate matter. I have been considering something, and I would like to hear your opinion.”
“Something you’ve been considering?”
“Yes. The Supreme Gods—Fate, Chronoa, and Life—and even high-ranking Gods like Shia... while Fate is the one showing the most progress, they are all changing to some degree. Observing this has made me realize that the Gods are far too insular.”
“That might be true,” Kuro agreed. “The only ones who interact frequently with Humankind and Demons are the few who maintain Temples in the Human Realm. Even the four you just mentioned hardly ever visited the Human or Demon Realms until Kaito-kun arrived in this world.”
By their nature, the Gods rarely left their own realm. While they participated in the Hero Festival once a decade, very few of them could claim to have acquaintances among the other races. Shallow Vernal felt that this isolation was precisely why so many Gods had remained stagnant since their creation.
“...I am thinking of hosting a festival with the Gods as the primary organizers. Since the Lower Level is crowded with residences, I intend to open the Middle Level for the day so that even those without a True Blessing can attend.”
“That would be a first. The Gods as the hosts rather than the guests... I see. Is that why you're asking me, since I organized the Six Kings Festival?”
“Yes. However, I do not intend to manage the details myself. I want Chronoa and Life to lead the effort. It should serve as an excellent catalyst for their own growth.”
“I see. Well, as long as it's something I can advise you on, I’m happy to help.”
Hearing the plan to organize a festival centered on the two Supreme Gods who were currently trailing behind Fate, Kuromueina wore a broad smile. After finishing another baby castella, she looked at Shallow Vernal with a gentle expression.
“...Shiro, you’ve truly changed. You’ve become... gentler. I feel like you’re trying to see individual worth now, rather than just treating everyone as the same.”
“The Gods are like my children,” Shallow Vernal replied. “I’ve reached a point where I truly want to see them grow.”
“Man, Kaito-kun really is something else, isn't he?”
“Yes, he is... If my past self saw me now, she would be astonished.”
“Well, for what it's worth,” Kuro said warmly, “I like this version of you much better.”
“Regrettably, I have a lover named Kaito Miyama, so I cannot return your affections.”
“That's not what I meant! Good grief, you haven't changed in that regard at all! Honestly... you’re hopeless.”
Kuro gave an exasperated smile. Shiro had clearly grown, yet she hadn't lost that quintessential "natural" air of hers.
Serious-senpai: “I see, a masterful title drop... Wait, no! We were talking about Fate! Also, stop casually planting flags for the next lovey-dovey event, you airheaded Goddess!”