After some discussion, we decided to wrap up our tour of the Demon Realm for the time being and head to the God Realm. And when it came to visiting the heavens, it was obvious who would be the first target in these kinds of situations...
"...So, why was I the very first person you came to?"
"I guess it’s because you seem like the one most likely to give us a serious answer."
As expected, our first stop was Chronoa.
"I’m sorry, Chronoa... I know you’re in the middle of work," I added apologetically.
"No, you have it rough too, Miyama. Now, as for the opinion you requested, I cannot offer anything particularly profound. However, I have heard stories of coating sweets in chocolate. Instead of fillings or dough-mixes, why not experiment with external additions?"
"...I see!"
As expected of the ever-diligent Chronoa—even while clearly exasperated by our sudden visit, she provided a solid suggestion.
Still, chocolate coating, huh? It was true that the exotic baby castellas Kuro made usually focused on internal fillings. While simple, changing the exterior was an effective way to shift the perspective.
"I have wondered this for a while, though... Underworld King, what exactly is it that drives you this far? Regarding these baby castellas specifically, you are behaving somewhat abnormally. It seems to me that it would be acceptable to compromise at some point."
Chronoa had made a sharp point. I was truly glad she possessed a normal sense of values. I expected Kuro would just say something about pursuing "infinite possibilities" or some such nonsense.
"Then, let me ask you the opposite, Chronoa. If Shiro told you, 'I want to eat a delicious baby castella,' would you serve her a compromised product?"
"Wh-What?! N-No, that is unthinkable! To show such lèse-majesté toward Shallow Vernal-sama..."
"Exactly. You’d naturally try to serve Shiro a supreme masterpiece, right? But do you think... you’d actually make it in time if you only started once the request came in?"
"—?!"
The conversation had taken a bizarre turn. Chronoa looked genuinely shell-shocked. It was the same as when we spoke with Olivia—Shiro’s name was simply too effective against the Gods.
The very look in Chronoa’s eyes changed the moment Shiro was mentioned.
"People who compromise now will regret it when the time comes! Only with the confidence and track record of having walked an endless path can one be ready to prepare the finest item at a moment's notice!"
"...I... was wrong. To think that exploring the potential of baby castellas was a necessary undertaking for Shallow Vernal-sama..."
"I'm glad you understand. Noticing your mistake now won't go to waste. I think this is a major piece of your growth."
If this weren't about baby castella, that might have actually sounded like an inspiring speech about personal development. I'll say it again: if only it weren't about baby castella...
While I was lost in thought, a white light flashed in front of Kuro. A giant harisen materialized out of thin air and smacked her across the room. It looked like a literal crack formed in space, and she was sent flying into what looked like a subspace rift. She’d probably be fine, though.
There was no need to wonder who had carried out the attack. It was undoubtedly Shiro.
( ...I felt that this baby castella maniac needed to be disciplined once. Especially before any strange misunderstandings could spread to Kaito... )
Ah, no, it's fine. I was well aware that Kuro was a bit crazy when it came to her snacks. I knew perfectly well she was just talking nonsense to manipulate Chronoa.
Once the second squabble of the day between the two halves of the Creator was over, we moved on to Life's Temple. Come to think of it, I felt like this was the first time I'd seen Kuro and Life together. They were obviously acquaintances, but I’d never actually seen them interact.
Upon entering the temple, we found Life sleeping while standing up, which was par for the course. When I called out to her, she woke up and listened to our request.
"...I see. So you came to me seeking a wide range of opinions because you need a fresh approach. Since I rarely eat myself, this is based on secondhand knowledge, but... how about changing the size?"
"The size? Not the shape?"
"Yes. I believe I heard that in your otherworld, there is a custom of naming dishes 'Mega' or 'Giga' and making them massive. Why not try applying that?"
"...It's not exactly a custom, but we certainly have jumbo-sized foods like that."
I nodded at Life’s words, but a deep sense of dread was settling in my gut. I had seen those kinds of "challenge" dishes on the internet before, but I really hadn't wanted that idea to come up here.
Super-sizing a baby castella... and with Kuro at the helm, I couldn't imagine a common-sense result. I just hoped it wouldn't go beyond mere heartburn.
"...Mega baby castella... Giga baby castella... I like it."
Just as I feared, the baby castella devil's eyes were sparkling. She was definitely going to do it. Even if she didn't make one today, she would absolutely bring one to me eventually.
Why did my mind immediately conjure a vision of Kuro holding a baby castella larger than Megiddo? That wasn't going to become a reality... right?
It had to be fine. There was no way she could properly bake a cake that big... No, I was wrong. Ein would find a way to make it happen. I was sure of it.
"Thanks, Life! That was helpful."
"I am glad if I could be of service. Now, it is time for my daily meditation, so I shall take my leave."
I recalled the baby castellas from the festival were already absurdly large, but compared to what Kuro might create in the future, those festival treats probably looked like tiny, adorable crumbs.
Serious-senpai: "Honestly, even if she made an ultra-huge baby castella, the Kings would just convert it into magic power the moment they ate it. I have a feeling the only one who's actually going to suffer is Kaito, whose human stomach has a very definite limit..."