As Isis and I were enjoying our conversation about the party plans, Polaris entered the library.
"Isis-sama, Kaito-sama, my apologies for the interruption. Dinner is ready, so I have come to escort you."
"……Thank you…… Polaris."
"I didn't realize it had gotten so late. Thank you, Polaris."
I must have been quite engrossed in our talk, as it was already time for the evening meal. When I thanked Polaris for coming to get us, she responded with a polite, graceful bow. I couldn't help but feel that she was a remarkably well-mannered individual.
"Well then, shall we tidy up these books and head to the dining hall?"
"……Yes."
After putting away the books we had been using, we followed Polaris to the dining hall. Upon arrival, I found the vast room inside Isis's castle elegantly decorated, giving the entire space a festive, party-like atmosphere.
Since Vul had mentioned she would be handling the decorations, I had half-expected something like a child's birthday party, but this was incredibly professional. I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything less from her.
"Ah, Isis-sama, Kaito-sama!"
As we walked in, Vul scurried toward us in her human form, looking absolutely delighted.
"Um, I was the one who decorated the hall, but... does it look alright? It's not strange, is it?"
"It looks wonderful. You did a great job, Vul."
"……Yes…… very…… beautiful."
"Ehe, ehehehe."
Seeing her practically begging for a compliment, I placed my hand on her head and stroked her hair. Her face lit up with joy. There was something so childlike and genuinely adorable about her.
Guided by the beaming Vul, we took our seats, followed shortly by Sirius, Rasal, and Spica. Since Iris was in the kitchen preparing the food, this meant all of Isis's subordinates were now present.
"……Isis-sama, are you certain it is acceptable for us to join you? Might it not be more enjoyable for the two of you to dine in private?"
"……No…… it makes me…… happier…… if everyone is here."
"I feel the same way. Since the hall is so large, I think it’s much more fun to eat in a lively group."
The subordinates were to join us for dinner. Actually, since I had been told they usually all ate together anyway, I was the one who insisted that they shouldn't change their routine on my account. While I certainly enjoyed my private time with Isis, I wanted to take this opportunity to bond with everyone else now that I was visiting her home.
"That's the spirit! So, everyone, be grateful for the kindness of Isis-sama and Kaito-sama and take your seats!"
"Understood~ If you insist~"
Vul announced this energetically to the others, but I noticed her tone was slightly different from how she spoke with us. She was likely trying to be as polite as possible in front of me and Isis. While much of it was undoubtedly respect for her master, I got the impression she simply wanted to be a 'good girl' and earn some praise, which was quite heartwarming.
With Spica taking her seat in her usual relaxed manner as a signal, the others sat down as well. I noticed that there were still two place settings with cups and cutlery remaining... wait, two?
I understood one of them. That was surely the seat for Iris, who was currently busy with the meal. But who was the other one for?
"……Isis, there are two seats left. One is for Iris, but... who is the other for?"
"……Um…… wait just a moment."
Isis stood up and walked toward the window, simply phasing through the glass to go outside. A few moments later, she returned, leading a bewildered Alice back into the room.
"……Eh? Me?"
"……Yes…… Shaltier, you should eat with us too…… Being alone outside…… would surely be lonely."
"Haa... well, since the host herself is extending an invitation, I suppose I'll accept."
Alice, who acts as my bodyguard, usually keeps her distance to be considerate whenever I'm spending time with my lovers. Since I was with Isis today, she had likely been waiting on the castle roof or somewhere nearby. Isis had gone outside specifically to find her.
Inviting Alice to dinner was so typical of Isis; she truly was an angel. Alice had a look of mild exasperation on her face, but given the way she sat down with a wry smile, she clearly didn't mind.
Furthermore, placing Alice's seat right next to Iris's was a masterful display of thoughtfulness. Setting aside the other subordinates, Iris wasn't intimidated by Alice at all, and Alice would surely enjoy the meal more if she could chat with her best friend.
Realizing that Isis had likely planned this with Iris in advance to ensure Alice had a place... it felt perfectly in character for her, yet more than anything, it made me realize just how much she had grown.
???: "Isis-sama's kindness is truly legendary! To be so considerate of Alice-chan, the Transcendent Beautiful Girl Bodyguard who works so hard both in the shadows and the spotlight... it's just wonderful. Whoever it was that gave such a lovely person a nickname like 'Death King' clearly has no heart."
Serious-senpai: "T-This girl... She's doing the review, the praise, and the criticism all by herself! She's playing three roles at once!"