We had spent so much time absorbed in the VR game that by the time we finally finished, it was already evening. Right on cue, Illness-san arrived with a message from Lilia-san.
"Tre-san, Cento-san, Sien-san... Lilia-san—er, the Duchess next door—asked if you would like to stay for dinner."
I had, of course, informed Lilia-san about Tre-san’s visit. However, it seemed that Tre-san, Cento-san, and Sien-san were not particularly famous; both Lilia-san and Luna-san had mentioned they didn’t recognize their names at all.
Sieg-san had estimated that Cento-san and Sien-san were top-tier even among Count-class demons, but they apparently didn't operate in the public eye.
"N-no, we couldn't possibly..."
"We shouldn't impose so much..."
"Can we eat right away? Man, I’m looking forward to it!"
"Tre-neesama, a word with us over here, please."
"Huh?"
I normally take my meals at Lilia-san’s mansion. I’m on good terms with her head chef, and there’s no point in hiring a separate cook for my house when we’re right next door to each other anyway. I just pay for my portion of the grocery expenses.
Of course, my house does have its own dining hall and kitchen. Thanks to Lilia-san’s consideration, if I asked Illness-san, she could have the food brought over to my dining room immediately.
While Cento-san and Sien-san looked hesitant, Tre-san didn't waver for a second. She decided on the spot that they were staying.
Cento-san and Sien-san tried to scold her, but Tre-san was such a mental powerhouse that they were almost certainly going to be overruled in the end.
Watching them for a few moments, I saw the two sisters eventually cave. With apologetic expressions, they told me they would be happy to accept the invitation.
Since I had no problem with it, I led the three of them to the dining hall.
The conversation flowed easily throughout dinner thanks to Tre-san’s bright personality, and the meal proceeded in a warm, peaceful atmosphere.
"So, Tre-san," I said, "do you also work for the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company?"
"If you want to call it working, I guess I do... but I don't really have a specific title."
"Tre-neesama belongs to a somewhat specialized department," Sien-san added. "She performs highly confidential work."
"I see."
Sien-san’s clarification helped me make sense of Tre-san’s vague response. It stood to reason that one of the largest trading companies in the world would have a secret or two. Since she specifically described it as "highly confidential," I figured I shouldn't pry.
"My job is creating high-purity magic crystals!" Tre-san chimed in. "I can pour my own magic power into them to change their purity."
"Tre-neesama..."
"What? It’s fine to tell Kaito, isn't it?"
"That may be true, but Sien and Miyama-san just went to the trouble of being discreet, and you immediately rendered their effort meaningless."
Her explanation made everything click. High-purity magic crystals were rare and expensive—and Tre-san could just create them.
Judging by the flow of the conversation, it wasn't a skill just anyone could replicate. It was likely tied to that magic of hers she'd mentioned earlier, the ability to change ratios.
Suddenly, I understood why Cento-san and Sien-san introduced themselves as guards. Tre-san had zero combat power herself, but she possessed a specialized ability that generated massive wealth. That was why she needed such high-level protection. Since people would undoubtedly try to exploit her if they knew the truth, her identity was kept top-secret.
That explained why even Lilia-san and the others had never heard of them.
"So you’re actually an incredible person, Tre-san."
"Wait, that's weird. The way you said that makes it sound like you thought I was just an idiot until two seconds ago."
"That’s exactly right."
"Aww, you're mean! So mean! I’m deeply wounded. Therefore, I’m taking this ham!"
"Ah, hey!?"
Since she was sitting right next to me, Tre-san snatched a slice of ham from my plate with a lightning-fast motion and popped it into her mouth.
She chewed with great relish, a broad grin on her face proving that her claim of being "wounded" was a total lie.
"I shall take this ham as reparations!"
"You’re already eating it..."
"I have taken this ham as reparations!"
I couldn't help but smile as Tre-san puffed out her chest and formally corrected herself. Though her behavior was childish, there was something infectious about it—everything she did looked like fun.
She lived every moment with all her might. She smiled constantly while we talked, she’d played that game with every ounce of effort she had, and she seemed to be genuinely enjoying our banter.
She was like the sun—bright, cheerful, and possessing the kind of charm that made everyone around her smile along with her.
Tre-san was a woman with a dazzling allure. She was a little... well, maybe more than a little eccentric.
But as we sat there, I felt truly glad that we had met.