I took a closer look at the map Sky-san had dropped. It was covered in extensive notes, and her handwriting was surprisingly cute, with little sketches interspersed throughout the text.
It felt quite adorable, actually. Of course, I imagined having those private notes seen was mortifying for her. When I looked up, Sky-san's face was flushed a deep crimson, and her smile looked painfully forced.
If she weren't dealing with me, she probably would have snatched the map back instantly. She was likely holding back out of deference to Shiro-san's Blessing. I wondered what the right move was. This was a pure accident, and given her reaction, it was definitely better not to mention it. Acting like nothing had happened was the kindest path forward.
"Here you go," I said, handing it back.
"Th-Thank you so much. I... I am terribly sorry for causing such trouble."
"Don't give it a second thought. I'm looking forward to the tour."
I figured that should do it. Striving to act as though everything was normal, I spoke to Sky-san as she resumed her role as our guide.
"By the way, where are we heading first?"
"Since everyone has likely seen the stalls in the Lower Level, I thought it would be better to save the food and drink for later. I plan for us to visit places that are visually entertaining or where you can engage in physical activities."
"I see, that’s appreciated. We've already eaten quite a bit, so I’m feeling relatively full..."
She really seemed to have put a lot of thought into this. The way she had planned the itinerary based on our likely movements in the Lower Level gave me the impression that she was a very competent professional.
As I was thinking that, Hina-chan tentatively addressed Sky-san.
"Um, Sky God-sama? Could I ask a question?"
"Of course. But before that... please, feel free to just call me Sky."
"Eh, is that okay?"
"Yes. Everyone else is also free to address me by name. I primarily serve as the God of Life's assistant and rarely make public appearances, so my face is virtually unknown in the Human Realm. It’s unlikely that anyone would view it as disrespectful, so please, don't be formal."
For a moment, I tilted my head at her phrasing, but I understood when I saw the relieved expressions on Luna-san and Sieg-san’s faces. I supposed that since many devout pilgrims from the Human Realm temples were attending this festival, talking too casually to a deity might have drawn judgmental glares from the crowd.
The situation might be different for someone like Lilia-san, who held Chronoa-san’s Blessing. Even if people did speak casually to her, no one would likely complain—but there was no doubt they would still be conscious of the gazes from those around them.
However, Sky-san apparently almost never left the God Realm and mostly worked behind the scenes even during the Hero Festival. She claimed there would be no problem since no one recognized her.
She had a very pleasant personality, and even when Hina-chan spoke to her, she maintained a gentle expression that radiated friendliness and a sense of security.
"...We’ve gone a bit off-topic. So, what was your question?"
"Right, um, are there really a lot of expensive shops in the Middle Level?" Hina asked.
"Not necessarily. While they do sell Shallow Grande products, which might give that impression, the Middle Level is simply meant to showcase more of the God Realm's unique characteristics. Prices vary across the board."
"I see. Then it sounds like I’ll be able to buy things with the money I have on hand. Thank you very much!"
"Not at all. If there is anything you don't understand, please ask without reservation."
Hearing that made me realize that there weren't many people in our current group who were particularly wealthy. Aside from Lilia-san and me, the gap wasn't that massive. Anima was diligent and seemed to have saved most of her pay, so she probably had a decent amount.
Regarding Anima’s salary—since I had entrusted her with two-thirds of my personal funds—I told her at first that she could decide on a sum she liked and take it. However, she had tried to set her own wage at a level that barely covered minimum expenses. I'd had to put my foot down and insist she accept at least one gold coin a month.
On top of that, I had Anima decide the salaries for Eta, Theta, and Caraway, while also telling her that as the Attendant Captain, her own pay should be higher than theirs.
In the end, we had agreed her pay would fluctuate based on monthly profits, averaging out to about five gold coins. She managed all my investments, lending to various shops and trading firms. True to her reputation as the 'Hope of the Economic World,' she was generating impressive returns. My assets were growing faster than I could keep track of.
Honestly, I thought she could take a much higher salary, but she didn't seem to want much money for herself. I really understood why Lilia-san was so desperate to find a way to increase Illness-san's pay.
Sky God Sky
She is a direct assistant to the God of Life and holds a fairly high position among the Sky Gods, but because she mostly works behind the scenes, her face is not well-known. She is hardworking, competent, and has a kind heart. She also possesses a feminine side, with a penchant for cute and sweet things. As for her physique... she is flat-chested.