This was my second time running into the Great Tree Princess, Jutia-san, in a district aimed at the wealthy. I found myself genuinely stunned by the sheer statistical improbability of it all.
I felt bad for Lilia-san as she stood there clutching her stomach, but Sieg-san had been hoping for a chance to speak with her, so perhaps this coincidence was a blessing in disguise.
A quick glance toward Sieg-san revealed her looking quite restless, yet she made no move to approach. She was likely waiting for me to finish my own business first.
In that case, I decided to take care of my own errand—expressing my gratitude for her help back in the Divine Realm.
"Jutia-san, thank you so much for your help back in the Divine Realm. I really appreciate you lending me your strength."
"Oh, it was nothing! Ehehe, I’m so glad, I really am. Words of thanks are truly wonderful, aren’t they? They make me feel all warm and happy inside, too!"
"I’ve prepared a small token of my gratitude... Would you prefer a food item or some sort of accessory?"
"I don't need a thing... is what I’d like to say, but I suppose that would leave you in a bit of a bind, wouldn’t it? In that case, let’s do this! Hold out your hand for me, palm open."
"Eh? L-like this?"
Tilting my head at the strange request, I opened my right hand and held it out. Jutia-san then grasped my hand in a handshake, pumping it up and down with a joyful smile.
"Ehehe, how wonderful. What a warm, gentle hand you have. Yes, yes... you really do feel like a true Child Loved by Nature!"
"Um..."
"So, that’s that! This is more than enough as thanks for me."
"Eh? Wait, a handshake is the reward?"
"Exactly! This is more than enough. After all, you went out of your way to thank me with such a bright smile, and that shared your happiness with me. On top of that, I got to shake hands with someone as kind as you, someone loved by nature. It’s just wonderful! My heart is so full of joy right now that even if you gave me something else, my tiny hands wouldn’t be able to carry it all."
Flashing a blindingly bright grin, Jutia-san spoke with genuine delight. The emotions flowing through my Sympathy Magic were pure joy and goodwill; I could tell her words were true and that she really felt no further material thanks were necessary.
"I’m happy, so happy! To see you looking so full of joy after overcoming that battle makes me the happiest of all!"
With that, Jutia-san let go of my hand and gave me a thumbs-up. Having her put it that way, I felt hesitant to force any gift on her.
Therefore, I looked straight into Jutia-san’s beautiful green eyes and offered my thanks once more.
"...Jutia-san, please let me say it one more time. Thank you so much."
"Oyo? Ehehe, an extra helping of thanks? I’m so glad! Today is a very good day!"
Even from our brief conversation, I could tell that Jutia-san was an incredibly good person. Talking with someone so cheerful was a breath of fresh air.
However, keeping the conversation going too long would be unfair to Sieg-san. I sent a glance her way to signal that my business was concluded.
Sensing my intent, Sieg-san gave a nod and approached Jutia-san with stiff, nervous steps.
"...E-Excuse me! J-Jutia-sama!"
"Hmm?"
"I-It is a pleasure to meet you! I am... a member of the Elf Race... My name is Sieglinde! I-It is truly an honor to be in your presence!"
This was the first time I had ever seen Sieg-san so completely paralyzed with nerves. She clearly admired the Great Tree Princess deeply; even through Sympathy Magic, I could feel the intense tension radiating from her.
Jutia-san looked blank for a moment upon seeing Sieg-san in such a state, but she quickly broke into a bright, sunny smile.
"I see, I see! A child of the elves, then. How lovely! I’m so happy you decided to speak up. You seem to know me already, but I’m Jutia. It’s nice to meet you!"
Seeing Jutia-san’s cheerful smile, Sieg-san seemed to relax slightly as they began to talk.
As I watched the scene, Luna-san approached and whispered to me.
"...Jutia-sama is famous for being extremely gentle. They say she'll respond with a smile even if a commoner addresses her, and she'll even engage in small talk if she isn't in a hurry."
"Yeah, I can kind of see that. She really does seem like an incredibly good person."
Jutia-san certainly had an approachable aura about her. It was just her personality—she was the kind of person you’d feel comfortable asking for directions on the street, confident she’d respond kindly.
Indeed, although Sieg-san had been stiff with nerves at first, she now seemed to be enjoying her conversation with Jutia-san.
Serious-senpai: "...You know, I was just thinking."
???: "About what?"
Serious-senpai: "The Seven Princesses all have distinct personalities, but every one of them seems like a genuinely good person."
???: "You're right. They're a far cry from the bunch of perverts in our group. I wish we could trade about half of them... Honestly, what's with the massive gap in quality?"
Serious-senpai: "...Well, subordinates usually take after their King, don't they?"
???: "If that were true, the Ten Demons should all be paragons of virtue and etiquette."
Serious-senpai: "Wait, what?"
???: "Exactly."