Following the mock battle, Iris officially entered Isis-san's service. Consequently, she would also be relocating her residence to Isis-san's castle.
However, Iris declared that she had no intention of abandoning the duties she had already undertaken, so she would continue to manage the bar at my mansion. Isis-san readily gave her approval.
As a compromise, the bar would shift to night-only hours until Iris-san mastered the magic to create a Split Body.
"U-Umm, well, I’m not quite sure how to put this... but congratulations, Isis-san."
"...Yes... I am... very... very... happy... and it's all... thanks to... Kaito."
"N-No, I didn't really do anything this time..."
Isis-san was breathtakingly cute as she spoke with that radiant, joyful smile. Still, this whole thing had been Alice’s idea, and Iris-san had chosen to become a subordinate of her own free will. I didn't feel like I had actually contributed anything.
"Actually... she isn't exactly wrong, you know," Alice piped up, as if to back Isis-san’s claim.
"Eh?"
"In my opinion, the reason Isis-san couldn't find any subordinates before was that she wasn't flexible enough to focus on anything else until she got what she wanted most. Unlike Kuro-san or myself, she couldn't juggle her primary desire while simultaneously managing other interests."
"...Yes... I think... Shaltier... is right."
"And then you appeared, Kaito-san—the person Isis-san wanted more than anything else. Because of you, she finally found the emotional surplus to look at the world around her, which led to this wonderful result. To be even more blunt, if you hadn't been here, Iris might not even be alive right now. So really, she's right to say it's all thanks to you."
"...Kaito... is amazing."
The praise was so absolute that it started to feel a bit embarrassing. Isis-san watched me with sparkling eyes, while Alice wore a gentle, knowing smile.
"W-Well, anyway, I’m just glad it turned out well for both of you."
"Umu, I am grateful as well. Thanks to you, Alice also—oh, wait, I forgot. I am now officially Isis-sama's subordinate. In that case, it is only natural to show respect to a fellow member of the Six Kings... Shall I address you with formal honorifics, Alice-sama?"
"Ugh, gross! Seriously, stop that! You’re making me want to puke!"
"My, are you quite alright, Alice-sama? If you are feeling unwell, perhaps I should..."
"Stop iiiiiiit!"
When Iris-san adopted a mockingly polite tone to tease her, the effect was immediate. Alice screamed, her face turning pale with genuine repulsion.
"Pffft, hahaha! I'm joking, I'm joking."
"...You really are a flat-chested woman with a nasty personality, aren't you?"
"You're basically the same as me!"
"Too bad for you! According to my Alice-chan Eye, I'm the one on top!"
"Isn't that based entirely on your own subjective opinion?!"
It seemed Iris-san really had been teasing, as she immediately reverted to her usual self and began her typical bickering with Alice.
The sight of them getting along so well in their own weird way was heartwarming. Isis-san and I caught each other's eyes and shared a quiet, wry smile.
Late that night, on a day that had brought major changes for both Isis-san and Iris-san, I suddenly woke up just as the clock was about to strike midnight.
My sleep might have been shallow, or perhaps I was still riding a lingering high after witnessing that incredible battle—a spectacle I never could have seen without the special glasses Shiro-san gave me. Regardless, my mind was sharp and clear despite the hour.
I climbed out of bed, and staying in my pajamas, I grabbed a Floating Lighting Magic Tool. I stepped into the hallway and made my way toward the kitchen.
I was feeling a bit hungry. I didn't want a full meal or a drink, but I felt like a light snack before trying to go back to sleep.
I usually eat at Lilia-san’s mansion, but my house has its own Dining Hall and kitchen as well. I have plenty of food stored in my Magic Box, so I could have easily eaten in my room, but since I was already up, I figured I'd try my hand at making something myself.
I wanted something simple—maybe some scrambled eggs with thin bacon, seasoned with salt and pepper. But as I reached the kitchen door, I noticed light leaking through the gap.
Wondering if someone was still up, I tilted my head and pushed the door open, only to find an unexpected guest.
"M-Master?!"
"Quite a coincidence, Anima."
There stood Anima. She had a towel wrapped around her head and an apron tied over the light blue pajamas I had bought for her. It was a casual, domestic look I’d never seen before, and it felt remarkably refreshing.
"Y-Yes! Ah, m-my deepest apologies! For appearing before you in such a state..."
"Ahaha, don't worry about it. I'm in my pajamas, too. Are you looking for a late-night snack as well, Anima?"
"Y-Yes... My duties ran a bit long today, so I just finished bathing. I thought I would have a bite to eat before turning in for the night..."
"I see. Good work today."
"Y-You are far too kind!"
Seeing Anima so flustered and embarrassed was actually quite charming, and I couldn't help but smile.
Since we’d bumped into each other like this, I figured it might be nice to share a late-night snack with her.