At the Albert Ducal Estate in the Kingdom of Sinfonia, the head of the house, Lilia, was enjoying a quiet afternoon tea with her close friends, Lunamaria and Sieglinde.
"Things have been so peaceful lately," Lilia remarked. "It really puts my mind at ease."
"Well, the major events for this year are mostly finished," Sieglinde added. "The ducal house's business ventures are all thriving, and everything seems relatively stable."
"And there aren't any major evening parties on the horizon, are there?" Lunamaria asked. "In that case, Lili-sama, you should finally be able to take it easy."
It was no exaggeration to call Lilia the most famous duchess in all of Symphonia, and her schedule was usually packed to match. While her exceptional competence often hid the sheer volume of her responsibilities, her to-do list was never short.
However, even for her, the waves of work occasionally receded. With her current projects settled, no major functions scheduled, and no mandatory evening parties to attend for the foreseeable future, she was finally enjoying a well-deserved long vacation. She spent her days in leisure, slowly letting the exhaustion of her daily life melt away.
"Still, Milady," Lunamaria said, "whenever you let your guard down like this, something always seems to happen. Usually involving Miyama-sama..."
"Ugh... That is a terrifying thought," Lilia admitted. "But Kaito-san is currently busy preparing his stall for the Arclesia Empire’s Founding Anniversary Festival. Since I have no plans to participate in that festival myself, I think I'm safe."
"You have a point," Sieglinde agreed. "Even if you are a renowned duchess, you don't have particularly deep ties with the Arclesia Empire. There’s no real reason for you to attend."
"Going to see Kaito-san’s stall is a tempting idea," Lilia mused, "but attending a Founding Festival in an official capacity would require me to greet Empress Chris and handle a mountain of formalities. It’s far too much trouble, so I'll be sitting this one out. Right now, I just want to relax."
"Well, you certainly have a relaxed look on your face," Lunamaria noted.
Lilia responded to Lunamaria’s teasing with a serene smile, her newfound mental composure plain for all to see. While she was curious about Kaito’s stall, the descriptions she had heard suggested he wasn't that deeply involved in the logistics. Given the sheer effort required to attend another nation's Founding Anniversary Festival, she felt perfectly justified in staying home.
But unfortunately, Lunamaria’s words proved to be a prophecy. Whether Lilia was simply a magnet for trouble or fate had a cruel sense of humor, her tranquility was shattered by the sudden appearance of Eden.
"E-Eden-sama?" Lilia stammered.
"Lilia Albert," the goddess began. "I have a request for you. Under normal circumstances, I would never dream of asking a resident of an otherworld for a favor. However, I cannot allow my children in this world to be burdened with unnecessary tasks. Therefore, I have decided to entrust this to you—one of the few among the meat slabs I actually respect. You have no right of refusal. You will be compensated."
"A request... for me? W-W-What might it be?"
Eden was, without a doubt, one of the most dangerous individuals Lilia had ever known. She was not a being governed by logic or persuasion; only Kaito or Shallow Vernal could truly hope to restrain her.
With Kaito absent, there was no one present capable of stopping the goddess. Eden radiated an overwhelming, suffocating pressure that brooked no argument. Lilia, Lunamaria, and Sieglinde all turned pale, frozen by the divine intimidation.
But then, a voice called out from an unexpected quarter.
"I cannot say I am impressed," Nebula said. "To use your power to intimidate another when you are the one making a request is quite uncouth. If you intend to threaten Lilia-san and the others any further, I will not stand idly by."
"Ne-Nebula-san!? No, stop! You mustn't..." Lilia cried out.
Before Lilia could even process what was happening, Nebula had manifested in front of the group. She stared directly at Eden, demanding she cease her intimidation.
Knowing the sheer level of danger Eden posed, Lilia and the others tried to pull Nebula back, but the situation took a turn that left them all stunned.
"My apologies," Eden said, her voice dropping. "I had no intention of causing terror, but my eagerness made me overbearing. I apologize sincerely."
"It is fine, as long as you understand," Nebula replied calmly. "When you make your request, please ensure you consider Lilia-san’s own circumstances."
"I am grateful for your counsel," Eden replied.
"Wait... what?" Lilia whispered.
To Lilia’s utter disbelief, the high-and-mighty Eden had obediently admitted her fault, apologized, and even bowed her head in response to Nebula’s scolding. The three friends could only stare, their mouths hanging open at the surreal sight.
"Pardon me, Lilia Albert," Eden said, turning back to the duchess. "To reiterate my request: I wish to purchase the items my beloved child will be selling at the Arclesia Empire’s Founding Anniversary Festival. However, Shallow Vernal has forbidden me from attending the festival myself. I would like you to go and purchase them in my stead."
"Eh? Ah... yes. I don't mind, but..."
"You have my thanks," Eden said. "I shall prepare a reward commensurate with your labor. Now, I shall take my leave."
"A-Ah, yes..."
Lilia watched with a dazed expression as the goddess vanished. It took several moments for the reality to sink in: despite all her efforts to avoid it, she was going to the Founding Anniversary Festival after all. As her stomach began to churn with familiar dread, Lilia reached for her stomach medicine and sighed.