With our shopping finished at the weapon shop—and Amel-san visibly giddy with satisfaction—we made our way back toward the bar.
Technically, Iris-san stays at Isis-san's castle during the day, so the bar only officially operates at night. For now, we were simply passing through to reach the General Store.
"Hmm? Miyama Kaito... and a face I haven't seen before."
"Oh? Iris-san? I thought you’d be with Isis-sama at this hour..."
When we stepped inside, Iris-san was there to greet us in a perfectly casual manner.
"That is correct. In point of fact, my main body is at Isis-sama’s castle."
"...Which means, are you a Split Body?"
"Yes, Alice taught me the technique. I am not nearly as proficient with this magic as that one is, so one or two bodies is my limit. Regardless, I intend to keep the shop open during the day using this body, so feel free to drop by."
"I see... Ah, let me introduce you. This is Amel-san, the Leader of the Winged Race. Amel-san, this is Iris-san. She is the Head of the Death King's Subordinates and also serves as the owner of this bar."
After nodding at Iris-san's explanation, I introduced the two of them to one another.
"The King who governs death? How strange. Based on my memories, I believed no stars serving that sovereign had manifested in this current era... Is it a distortion in the flow of time, or have I merely failed to pierce the hollow shadows?"
"I joined Isis-sama’s service only recently. It is only natural that you would not know of me."
"I see. Then let us exchange words once more. I am Amel, the Heaven-soaring Wings known as the Black Gale. Guided by my sworn friend, I have stepped into this Palace of the Deep Earth. I have offerings for the altar, but might I secure a drop of sin?"
"I am the Head of the Death King's Subordinates, Iris Illuminas. A pleasure... And yes, that is fine. As long as I am here, the bar is open. I can prepare light snacks in addition to drinks, if you wish."
"...Iris-san, you can actually understand what Amel-san is saying, can't you?"
The latter half of Amel-san’s statement had essentially been the question: "If I pay, can I order a drink?" Iris-san had understood her perfectly and replied without even flinching.
I wondered if Iris-san had suffered from the same "disease" in the past... No, come to think of it, I recalled her using some rather elaborate, "cool" chants before.
"It is a peculiar way of speaking, but I can make an educated guess based on the context. More importantly, what will it be? Will you be drinking as well, Miyama Kaito?"
"Ah, sure. Amel-san, shall we have something to eat and drink while we're here?"
"I agree. I was just beginning to feel a lack of karma."
It seemed she was a little hungry...
"In that case, could we get some non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks? Amel-san, would you prefer alcohol?"
"No, I shall request the same as my sworn friend."
"Understood. Please, take a seat and wait a moment."
After showing us to our seats, she produced a tool for mixing—a shaker, as I’d been taught previously. I watched as she prepared to make a non-alcoholic cocktail.
She added about three different ingredients, shook the container vigorously, and then poured the finished mixture into the glasses set before us.
"...A cocktail known as the Cinderella. It was named after the girl who used magic to attend the ball, symbolizing that even those who cannot drink alcohol can still enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of a bar."
"It's a beautiful yellow color."
"A blend of orange, pineapple, and lemon juices. It has a refreshing citrus flavor."
She served the drinks with a brief explanation. When I picked up my glass and looked toward Amel-san, her expression was absolutely radiant.
"An elegant drink in a sophisticated bar... The stylish allure of adulthood... Marvelous."
"Amel-san?"
"!? ...W-What is it?"
"Oh, nothing. I just thought we should have a toast since we're here."
"Y-You're right. Then, to our eternal friendship..."
Though Amel-san had been briefly flustered by my sudden suggestion, she quickly regained her composure. She offered her glass with a smile, and we lightly clinked them together in a toast.
With perfect timing, Iris-san brought out a plate of sandwiches. The bite-sized pieces were arranged with a smart, refined aesthetic that spoke volumes of Iris-san's excellent taste.
And so, for a time, Amel-san and I enjoyed the delicious food and drinks, letting our conversation bloom over idle chatter.
Serious-senpai: "Looking at things realistically—including their respective Magic Armaments—I'm starting to think Iris's level of chuunibyou is actually higher than Alice's."