While Kaito and his group were moving toward their next destination, a trio consisting of Razulia, Funf, and Gluttony was exploring a corner of the Harmonic Symphony’s venue.
"This is so much fun! Where should we head next?"
"Do you have any preferences, Gluttony?"
『No, I’ve rarely participated in the Harmonic Symphony to begin with, so I am not entirely sure of the best locations. However, simply being here has allowed me to assist Kaito-sama with my magic, which brings me great joy. I am truly grateful you invited me.』
"Ahaha, that’s a unique way of showing gratitude."
Funf spoke to Gluttony while watching the energetic Razulia with a fond smile. The two had met years ago through a chance encounter; they had hit it off and remained close friends ever since.
Gluttony herself had little initial interest in the festival; she had only come because Funf had asked her along. However, she was delighted to have met the Kaito she so deeply revered and to have supported him with her space-time magic. She truly felt she owed Funf a debt of thanks for the opportunity.
"I want to see Kaito-kun-san again, too!"
"I agree. Though I have a feeling we'll run into him regardless."
As they chatted and walked, the three suddenly sensed the distinct ripple of teleportation magic and came to a halt. A black vortex swirled into existence right beside them.
"...Whoops, sorry to keep you all waiting."
"Chrome-sama! We’ve been waiting for you!"
Upon seeing Kuromueina emerge from the black vortex, Razulia lunged at her with a joyful shout. Kuromueina caught the girl with a gentle smile before turning her attention to Funf and Gluttony.
"Excellent work, Chrome-sama. Did the meetings conclude without issue?"
"Yes, everything wrapped up perfectly. I don’t have anything else on the schedule for today, so I can finally take my time looking around with you. It’s been a while, Gluttony-chan."
『It has indeed been some time.』
In truth, Kuromueina had intended to participate in the Harmonic Symphony from the start. However, several meetings had demanded her presence first. She had arranged to join Razulia’s group once she was free, and now that her business was finished, she had finally arrived at the venue.
"By the way, Chrome-sama, it seems Kaito-kun-san is here too!"
"Kaito-kun? Hmm... Ah, you’re right. It looks like he’s currently heading toward Blossom-chan's Performance."
"Chrome-sama, you can tell exactly where Kaito is? I thought Kaito was supposed to be immune to all detection magic thanks to Shallow Vernal-sama’s blessing..."
"Ah, the necklace Kaito-kun is wearing is actually a modified version of one I originally made for Tre-use. It’s a special piece that allows only me to pinpoint his location by nullifying every form of detection interference—it even bypasses Shallow Vernal's power."
The necklace Kuromueina had gifted Kaito was a prototype originally intended for Tre. Despite possessing no combat ability whatsoever, Tre had a chronic habit of wandering off on a whim.
As a result, Kuromueina had packed the necklace with multiple defensive formulas to protect her. She had also included a unique tracking function—recognizable only to herself—capable of cutting through even the interference of the Creator God to find her.
However, as it was still a type of magic tool, it would eventually degrade over time. When she first met Kaito, she happened to be carrying a spare because she was planning to give Tre a replacement; on an impulse, she had given it to Kaito instead.
Since then, she had frequently refined and adjusted the piece during her daily visits to his side. By now, its performance had been overhauled to the point where it was essentially a Kaito-dedicated item, far removed from the version Tre currently used.
The tracking function, however, remained intact. This was why Kuromueina always knew exactly where Kaito was.
"Shall we go see him?"
"Hmm, that sounds nice, but if we head toward Blossom-chan's Performance now, I’m not sure we’d make it before the start. Let’s hold off for a bit. It looks like he’s planning to visit Til-chan's area afterward, so we can probably catch him there."
Kuromueina hesitated for a moment at Funf’s suggestion, but ultimately decided it was better not to rush. She preferred to wait for a more relaxed moment to reunite with Kaito and the others.
"Oh, Til’s place! Raz wants to see Til again too! Now that Chrome-sama is here, let’s definitely go!"
Razulia and her companions had actually visited Tiltania first upon arriving at the festival. However, Razulia was clearly eager to visit her close friend as many times as possible, her face beaming at the prospect.
Funf and Gluttony saw no reason to object and nodded in agreement. Then, Funf tilted her head slightly in realization.
"...By the way, how did you know he was heading to Tiltania’s place next?"
"............A hunch, I suppose?"
Serious-senpai: "...Wait, the Main Heroine is showing up here? She must have forced her way into the scene because she’s been lacking screen time lately."
???: "...Actually, I’m pretty sure she appeared quite a bit right after the White God Festival..."