After merging with Kuro’s group, our party became quite large as we made our way to the location of Til-san’s performance.
While most of the venues so far had been rather unique, Til-san’s stage was a grand concert hall. My expectations were already high for such a traditional-looking venue, and as soon as we entered, I saw Til-san flying toward us with incredible momentum.
"Raz-sama!"
"Ah, it’s Til-desu!"
"Yes-desu! Raz-sama, you came back! I’m so, so happy to see you again-desu!"
"Raz is happy to see you too. This time, I’ve come along with Chrome-sama, Kaito-kun-san, and the others-desu."
"Ayah!? It’s true-desu! Chrome-sama and Kaito-kun-san! Thank you so much for coming-desu!"
Til-chan had been frolicking cutely while clapping her hands with Raz-san, but once she noticed us through Raz-san’s introduction, her face lit up with a beaming smile. She gave us a polite little bow... She really was incredibly adorable.
"Hello, Til-chan. You’re as energetic as ever."
"Yes! Til is very, very energetic!!"
"Hello, Til-san. As promised, I’ve come to hear you play."
"Kaito-kun-san! I’m so happy you’re here-desu!"
Til-san circled around me joyfully, then suddenly seemed to realize something. She turned and called out toward the back of the hall.
"Everyone! Raz-sama and the others are here-desu!"
"Really?"
"Raz-sama? Raz-sama actually came back-desu?"
"First Fairy King-sama! I didn't get a chance to talk to you earlier-desu!"
At Til-san’s call, a swarm of fairies came flying out from the back of the hall and gathered around us. The tallest were only about fifty centimeters, and the smallest were less than twenty. Watching them cluster around us with wide, bright smiles was just... well, it was unbelievably cute.
The sheer loveliness was enough to make anyone’s expression soften. I wasn't the only one; everyone else was wearing a heartwarming smile as well. The only exception was Gluttony-san—or rather, Natasha-san—who remained completely expressionless.
"It’s really cute when they gather in such a large group like this," I commented.
"...I think my Dimensional Beasts are cuter," Gluttony murmured.
"You have the strangest sense of rivalry, Gluttony... Besides, don't most Dimensional Beasts look a bit... intense?"
I suppose she felt a parental pride for the creatures she’d created, but given Funf-san’s reaction, I had a feeling they weren't exactly "cute" by conventional standards. I’d only ever seen Natasha-san myself, so I couldn't be sure.
As I was pondering that, Til-san flew up in front of me and puffed out her chest slightly.
"And this person here is Kaito-kun-san-desu!"
"!"
Upon Til-san’s declaration, the fairies reacted with shock, some clutching their hands to their mouths in a way that felt almost comically exaggerated. Once their initial amazement settled, they began to chatter excitedly.
"Kaito-kun-san!? This is the rumored Kaito-kun-san?"
"Hawa-wa-wa... such an amazing guest has arrived-desu!"
"Just like Raz-sama said, his magic is so warm and cozy. It’s such a gentle magic power!"
"I want to shake hands!"
"Oh, me too! Me too!"
"Wait—whoa!?"
In an instant, they swarmed me, flying circles around my head. I was so startled by the sheer volume of them that I nearly fell backward... but they were all so tiny and precious that it didn't feel like a nuisance.
Still, they were all talking and asking questions at the exact same time. I wanted to tell them to hold on because I couldn't hear a word they were saying.
"Everyone, stop-desu! You’re startling Kaito-kun-san! You have to take turns with your greetings-desu!"
"That's right! It's a 'no-no' to cause trouble-desu! Everyone, please form a nice, neat line!"
Raz-san and Til-san managed to calm the excited mob, and things settled into a more orderly round of introductions. They were truly healing to be around, so I didn't mind the attention at all.
"Milady, as usual, Miyama-sama is quite the popular man," Luna-san noted.
"It’s very much like Kaito-san... though it does look a bit exhausting. Well, as long as I’m not the focus of this particular storm, I can watch with peace of mind..."
Luna-san and Lilia-san were having a peaceful conversation while watching the scene. But then, Til-san flitted over to Lilia-san and puffed out her chest once more.
"And this person here is Lilia-san-desu!"
"Wait, me too!?"
"Lilia-san? Is that really her?"
"I heard she’s the absolute strongest and most incredible person in the Human Race!"
"Wow! Another celebrity! I’m so happy to meet you-desu!"
"I want to greet Lilia-san too!"
"W-Wait just a moment... P-Please, one at a time!"
The fairies who had finished with me immediately swarmed Lilia-san. It made sense; she was a genuine celebrity in this world, after all. It wasn't surprising that they would want to meet her.
And yet... why? Why did I find myself thinking, "Wow, that flag was recovered incredibly fast"?
???: "Lilia appearing to be fine is merely a precursor to a merciless stomach pain punch. This rule will be on the test."
Serious-senpai: "What test!?"