Seeing Kaori-san in a state of total bewilderment, I tried to keep my explanation brief while making sure the essential points got across.
"Kaori-san, to put it simply, it’s not that I’m anything special. I just happen to be on good terms with the people at the top of the three worlds and those in their circles through various connections. It’s not me who’s amazing—it’s the people I know."
"Am I hearing this right? Kaito-kun, did you just casually suggest you're close with literally every world leader?"
"Well... calling us close wouldn't be an exaggeration. They all come to visit me for my birthday and other celebrations."
"The Six Kings, the Supreme Gods, and the kings of every nation... celebrating a single person’s birthday? Something's wrong. That goes against every piece of common sense I have. When exactly did I wander into this version of reality?"
After muttering that with a distant, hollow look in her eyes, Kaori-san suddenly assumed a sharp, professional expression and produced two menus.
"We can get into the details of that later. For now... what would you like to order?"
"That was a hell of a pivot."
"I mean, I'm shocked, sure, but that’s one thing and this is another! As the owner of a diner, I can't just keep the conversation going while leaving you hungry!"
I had noticed this when we met earlier in the day, but Kaori-san was remarkably fast at switching gears. I got the impression she had some serious mental fortitude.
Setting that aside, we did need to eat. I handed one of the menus to Olivia-san.
"I've already decided what I'm having, but what about you, Olivia-san? If there are any dishes you don't recognize, I can explain them."
"I appreciate your consideration. However, as I mentioned before, I have almost no experience with food or drink. If it would not be considered disrespectful, I would prefer to follow your lead and order the same thing as you, Kaito-sama. Would that be acceptable?"
I had been craving the Ginger Pork Set Meal since our meeting earlier today, so I was all set. However, it seemed that Olivia-san—who essentially had zero experience with dining—didn't have any specific preferences of her own. In a way, it was to be expected.
"Understood. In that case, Kaori-san, two Ginger Pork Set Meals, please."
"Coming right up. Though, man, you really are the one in charge here, Kaito-kun. The Pope is clearly being deferential to you... Are you sure you're not some kind of shadow fixer?"
"I'm not."
Despite her terrified expression, Kaori-san busied herself with the preparations. As she worked, she picked the conversation back up.
"Back to what we were saying... are you really acquainted with all the Six Kings and everyone else?"
"Yes, that's right."
"I want to call 'liar' so badly. If the Pope weren't standing right here, I never would have believed it. Even as the one playing the Hero, I only dealt with most of those people through brief, formal greetings. Among the Six Kings, the only ones I actually had proper conversations with were Kuromueina-sama and Lilliwood-sama. Kuromueina-sama was incredibly kind and easy to talk to, but the others had this... overwhelming aura. As for the Death King, I was too scared to even get near her. I just watched her from afar, shaking in my boots."
Now that she mentioned it, while Isis-san couldn't be helped because of her Magic Power of Death, Megiddo-san, Magnawell-san, and Alice in her Phantasm King persona did have an unapproachable air about them.
"Among the Supreme Gods, I only gave a brief greeting to the God of Space-Time on behalf of the group. Oh, but I did speak with the Harvest God a little about the special exemption for migrants' blessings, so maybe I've talked to her too?"
"A special exemption for blessings?"
"Otherworlders who have migrated to this world are granted a special exemption where the fees for the annual New Year blessings are waived. The low-ranking Gods of the summoning nation are responsible for explaining this process," Olivia-san provided a concise explanation to answer my confusion.
"It's just like she says. It's a special rule where we get our blessings for free every year. Because of immunity issues, otherworlders are prone to catching diseases unique to this world, so the blessing acts as a countermeasure."
"Ah, I see. I went to receive one shortly after I arrived here, too."
"Right, right. By the way, the teleportation fees are also waived. If you go to the cathedral reception, they'll use teleportation magic to send you to whichever temple you want. That's why I go to receive the Harvest God's blessing every year."
"I see. Since a Temporary Blessing expires after one year, unlike a True Blessing, you have to go back periodically."
"Exactly. Though, honestly, people who actually receive a True Blessing are so rare it’s practically an urban legend. Like, does it even really exist? Ahaha!"
"A-Ahaha..."
As Kaori-san let out a dry laugh, I could only manage a strained, twitchy smile in return. This was awkward. She had made it really difficult to bring up the subject now.
However, hiding it wouldn't lead to anything good. I wondered how I should break the news.
While I was struggling to find the words, Olivia-san spoke up in a flat, matter-of-fact tone, as if simply stating the time of day.
"Miyama Kaito-sama has received the True Blessing of the Creator God Shallow Vernal-sama."
The dull thud of Kaori-san's forehead meeting the counter echoed through the quiet restaurant.
Serious-senpai: "Oh, for a second I thought her stomach was sturdier than Lilia's... but then he lands a hit like a corkscrew blow to the gut. What a terrifying stomach crusher he is."