I felt a mysterious sensation, as if I were being guided by the flow of magic power. With a vague instinct telling me which way to go, I let that feeling lead me from the town of Yugfressia and into the depths of the forest. After about ten minutes of walking, I reached an open clearing.
I looked over and saw Lilie-san on her knees, offering a prayer.
With the sunlight filtering through the trees and shimmering against the leaves, the scene felt profoundly sacred. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere, I approached her. Lilie-san slowly stood and turned toward me.
"……Once again, hello, Miyama Kaito-san. I am pleased that we could meet like this."
"Hello, Lilie-san…… Um."
"Is this about the matter in the God Realm? Please, do not let it trouble you…… And you brought a gift? Well, it might be rude of me to refuse it, then."
"Ah, yes. Thank you for your help back then."
"I am pleased to have been of service. Hmm…… I see. Since I do not eat, something other than a box of sweets would be preferable."
Conversations with Lilie-san progressed at an incredible pace because she could read my surface thoughts. Since she understood what I wanted to say immediately, the dialogue flowed with a perfect rhythm.
It was a different kind of ease compared to talking with Kuro or Alice. If anything, it felt closer to my conversations with Shiro-san.
As that thought crossed my mind, Lilie-san’s expression shifted to one of surprise, and she fell silent.
"……"
"Lilie-san?"
"No, I just thought that was a rather unusual way of thinking…… Normally, people find the idea unsettling…… I suppose it speaks to the magnitude of your vessel."
Having one's mind read might certainly be a reason for people to avoid someone, but Lilie-san was only picking up on my surface thoughts. Since she wasn't peering into the depths of my heart, I actually found it made talking easier.
And above all else…… I’d grown used to it. With Shiro-san around, who could easily read my heart even from a distance, having someone read my thoughts felt like second nature at this point.
Hearing my reflections, Lilie-san took on a contemplative expression for a moment before speaking again with a look of high seriousness.
"……I have heard rumors about you for a long time. I thought that if I ever met you, there was one thing I wanted to ask."
"Something you want to ask?"
I wasn't quite sure what it was, but judging by her aura, it was clearly an important question to her. I straightened my posture and waited for her to continue.
"……Is it not painful for you?"
"……Eh?"
"To understand the feelings of others. That is by no means a purely positive thing. Is it not painful for you to feel even the malice of others?"
"……"
Upon hearing the question, I finally understood why she looked so solemn.
This was likely based on Lilie-san’s own experiences. To be honest, it wasn't as if I had no idea what she meant.
Looking back, the Alcreasia Empire felt like a different world, but even in Lilia-san’s mansion when I first arrived, I’d felt terribly out of place. I’d had a vague sense that I was an irregular presence that didn't belong.
I realize now that it was likely because my innate Sympathy Magic was unconsciously picking up on the emotions around me. I remembered how some people felt easy to talk to while others felt distant.
For example, although Illness-san had a unique way of speaking and an unusual expression, I’d felt she was very easy to be around. However, among the other maids, there were those who spoke politely and smiled, yet I’d found them incredibly difficult to deal with for some reason.
Of course, almost no one made me feel that way anymore.
"I have had experiences like that. There were times when it felt painful."
When I thought about it, there were very few people in the mansion who had treated me with genuine kindness from the moment we met. Only four: Lilia-san, Lunamaria-san, Sieg-san…… and Illness-san.
But that was only at the very beginning. As I spent time there and talked with everyone, the mansion gradually transformed into a place where I truly felt at home.
"But I was blessed by the people around me. Even if they were few, there were people who welcomed me from the bottom of their hearts. That’s why I don't find it painful at all now. In fact, I think I'm very happy."
"……I see."
Hearing my response, Lilie-san smiled with visible relief.
"……I thought that if you were suffering because of that power, I might be able to understand your distress and offer advice, since we possess similar gifts…… Hehe, it seems my concern was misplaced."
"No, thank you for being so considerate."
"To be able to say without hesitation that you are blessed by those around you is a wonderful thing. I hope you will continue to hold onto that feeling."
"I’m sure I will…… because really, I’m surrounded by nothing but kind people."
"Fufufu, in that case, I suppose there is no need to worry."
We had only just met, but I could already tell that Lilie-san was a very kind person.
She had been genuinely worried about me because of our shared abilities, and she had clearly intended to help if I were in trouble.
I had a feeling we were going to get along quite well.
Machina: "……I see. My Beloved Child said something so wonderful. As I thought, My Child is happy just to be able to meet Mother!!"
Serious-senpai: "……I feel like we can just ignore this one."
Machina: "Since My Beloved Child feels that way, I think there might be something I should do for him as a mother. Ah, no, of course, it’s only natural for me to wish for My Child's happiness. However, I’m wondering if I can do something extra. It’s a difficult puzzle. I believe the best thing would be to create an opportunity where My Child can honestly be spoiled by Mother, but that’s also quite hard. I’m sure he’d be embarrassed. You see, while I would welcome it anytime, My Beloved Child is a bit shy. If that’s the case, I should just create 'a day for it.' Since Mother’s Day exists for My Child to express gratitude, there should also be a day for Mother to express gratitude to My Child! By establishing such a day, I can create an environment where My Child can more easily and honestly be spoiled by me. In other words, creating an Anniversary to be Spoiled by Mother would be the perfect way to increase My Child's happiness. If that’s the case, the decision is simple. I’ll just establish that anniversary in the otherworld. First, I’ll need to negotiate with Shallow Vernal, but after that, I can just quickly persuade the meat slabs in each country…… yes, persuade them to make it. No, wait? If I’m going to do that, wouldn't it be better to also create a Day to Praise My Beloved Child? Ah, but if they only praise him on that day and take a disrespectful attitude on other days, I might accidentally wipe out an entire continent, so maybe I should reconsider…… Hmm, but I still think My Beloved Child should be praised more! My Beloved Child is sublime and ultimate just by existing……"
Serious-senpai: "???—come collect her already!! She’s your relative, isn't she?!"