When I explained that we were currently traveling the world to research the "potential" of baby castella, Kaori-san’s expression was hard to describe. It was as if I had suddenly started lecturing her on the mysteries of deep space.
Honestly, I didn’t blame her. Even though I had been thoroughly desensitized to Kuro’s quirks, the phrase "new possibilities for baby castella" was objectively nonsensical.
"Um... Right. So, in short, you're looking for ways to make baby castella even more delicious?" she managed. "Maybe something like salted caramel? You could make the batter sweeter than usual and add a pinch of salt to highlight the richness..."
"Fumu fumu, that sounds interesting. Using clashing flavors to elevate the primary one. However, the ratios would be tricky. I suppose we’ll just have to figure it out through trial and error..."
Listening only to Kuro’s words, it sounded like she was seriously considering how to utilize the idea. But considering her past record of producing "dark matter," I was uneasy. I could already see her trying the reverse—sprinkling sugar onto a savory, salt-heavy batter. Her tendency toward extremes was terrifying.
While I was mulling over those concerns and finishing our order, Kaori-san seemed to remember something and spoke up.
"Oh, that’s right. Kaito-kun, do you mind if I put a reserved sign on the seat next to you?"
"Huh? Right here?"
"Yeah. Olivia-sama should be arriving any minute, and I figured she’d prefer being next to you."
"Ah, so today’s her day to visit. That’s fine... though if she’s almost here, our timing really was perfect."
"Exactly. Olivia-sama arrives at 12:00 PM sharp. By the way, she’s never even a minute off."
I certainly had the impression that Olivia-san was incredibly punctual. If she was arriving at exactly 12:00 PM, she would be here in about five minutes, so the timing was indeed impeccable.
"It’s been a while since I've seen Olivia-chan, not since the Hero Festival," Kuro said brightly. "Since we’re here, let’s ask her about baby castella too!"
"Well... I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask."
To be honest, I couldn't imagine Olivia-san offering an opinion on baby castella. For that matter, had she even eaten one before?
As I was wondering about that, the clock struck noon. At that exact moment, the door swung open and Olivia-san appeared, dressed in her formal priest robes.
Apparently, she had visited in civilian clothes at first, but now that she was a recognized regular, she didn't seem to care about the disguise anymore.
Olivia-san entered the shop with a practiced air and approached the counter. When she noticed us, she gave a visible start, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Miyama Kaito-sama and the Underworld King... This is quite a coincidence."
"Hello, Olivia-san."
"It’s been a while, Olivia-chan."
Despite her surprise, she gave a light bow. She confirmed the reserved seat sign, murmured a polite "Excuse me" to me, and took her seat.
"Olivia-sama, you’ll be having the Grilled Eggplant Set today, right?" Kaori-san asked.
"Yes. Please."
"Got it. It’ll be ready in a flash."
According to Kaori-san, unless there was a seasonal special on the menu, Olivia-san ordered the set meals in sequence from top to bottom. Because of this, Kaori-san already knew what to prepare and had even started the preliminary work. She truly had become a regular; Kaori-san didn't seem nervous around her at all, and they seemed to be on quite friendly terms.
"It really was a coincidence, wasn't it?" I said.
"Yes. However, I am overjoyed to have encountered you here, Miyama Kaito-sama. It is intimidating, but I am honored to be allowed to sit beside you."
"But it’s refreshing to see Olivia-chan somewhere other than the Cathedral," Kuro added.
"I suppose it is."
Olivia-san was as serious as ever, but her expression seemed a bit softer than when we first met.
"I heard the gist of it from Kaori-san, but you really have become a fixture here."
"Yes. Ever since you first brought me here, Miyama Kaito-sama, I have made an effort to visit as often as possible. Thanks to that, my interest in food has deepened significantly. It is all thanks to you. You provided me with a divine oracle and showed me the path I must walk—it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say so."
"It would. It definitely would."
Olivia-san, looking at me with eyes sparkling with intense reverence, was as over-the-top as always in the strangest ways.
Kuro turned to her with a bright smile.
"Do you like Japanese food too, Olivia-chan? I eat it quite often myself."
"Is that so."
"...The difference in her reactions is incredible."
The moment Kuro spoke, Olivia-san’s face transitioned instantly into "Pope Mode"—a flat, expressionless mask. It was a classic Olivia reaction; while she didn't dislike Kuro, she simply had no idea how to talk to someone she wasn't close to. In her own way, she was just incredibly socially awkward.