After I finished giving Shiro-san her accessory, I considered who should be next on my list. I figured it would be best to just visit whoever was closest.
First, I checked to see if Anima was home, but she seemed to be out, so I put her gift aside for later. That left Lilia-san and Sieg-san. Technically, Alice was the closest of all, but she had specifically asked me to give her gift to her at a later date. For now, I considered her location to be her general store.
So, I headed over to Lilia-san’s place first. To my surprise, she looked absolutely drained.
"Lilia-san? Is everything okay? You look exhausted."
It was strange. She’d mentioned just a little while ago that she didn’t have any major work on her plate and was looking forward to relaxing for a bit. Seeing her now, I wondered where that cheerful, relaxed expression had vanished to.
"Oh... Kaito-san. No, it’s just... it was suddenly decided that I’ll be attending the Arclesia Empire Founding Anniversary Festival. I’ve been buried in paperwork and procedures all day."
"Wait, didn't you say you weren't planning to go?"
"That was the original plan, yes..."
I had, of course, kept Lilia-san informed about my plans to run a stall with Amel at the festival. I knew if she found out about it after the fact, she’d be furious, so I’d been very diligent with my advance reports. She had even told me to have a good time.
But apparently, the situation had changed. Eden-san had dropped by and requested that Lilia-san attend in her stead to keep an eye on my shop. Lilia-san insisted it wasn't a forced order, just a "request," but let’s be real—no one in her position could ever say no to Eden-san. I wasn't exactly one to talk, but honestly, this woman attracts trouble like a black hole.
"It’s a bit surprising, though. I honestly expected Eden-san to just show up at the stall herself."
"Yes, I wondered about that too. It seems she has a contract with Shallow Vernal-sama that prevents her from visiting the festival directly."
"I see..."
That made sense. If anyone could keep Eden-san on a leash, it would be Shiro-san. She had stepped in during the housewarming party too, so she must be working behind the scenes to keep the goddess’s whims in check.
"Well, since Eden-san isn't coming in person, it might be better if I just give this to you now, Lilia-san."
"Oh? What is it?"
"I figured Eden-san would want something from the shop. Amel and I are making original accessories, after all, and I was certain she'd want one. So, I made this specifically for her."
I had been on guard regarding a visit from Eden-san. When considering the potential stress she could cause Empress Chris, I thought Eden-san was undoubtedly the most dangerous factor. I was also certain that if I was making accessories, there was no way she wouldn't want one, so I’d prepared a gift in advance.
Alice had suggested a gear motif, so I’d put together a gear-shaped necklace. My original plan was to hand it over if she came to the stall, but since she’d appointed Lilia-san as her proxy, it made more sense to have Lilia-san deliver it. It might even help Lilia-san’s standing with her and cut down on future unreasonable requests. Plus, a proxy delivery might keep Eden-san from getting too carried away.
"Here, I’ll leave this with you."
"Thank you. Eden-sama will surely be delighted, and this will certainly make my job as a messenger much easier."
"And... this is for you, Lilia-san."
"For... me?"
"Yes. I made it with you in mind. It’s a brooch. I’m just an amateur, so it might not be perfect, but I’d be happy if you accepted it."
"Kaito-san..."
I’d used an Imperial Twin Topaz for Lilia-san’s gift—a rare stone that featured both blue and yellow, making it look as though a fragment of the blue ocean was trapped inside a golden sun. I had shaped it to evoke dragon wings. Thanks to Alice’s coaching, it had turned out quite well. It probably wasn't high-society quality, but it should be fine for casual wear.
"Thank you so much, Kaito-san. I’m so happy... If you’re willing, would you accompany me to a ball sometime? I’d love to wear this when I’m with you, if possible."
"Of course. If you’re okay with me, I’d be happy to go anytime."
"Hehe, I’m looking forward to it. Honestly, all that fatigue feels like it’s just melted away. I feel so wonderful."
Lilia-san’s smile was radiant, and the exhaustion from before seemed to have vanished completely. I wanted to fulfill her requests as much as possible, so I’d have to start practicing my dancing to make sure I was ready when the time came.
Machina: "M-My child! I believed in you! I truly believed... Oh, my beloved child is just the sweetest, most adorable boy. I’m a tiny bit sad you didn't hand it to me yourself, but sending it through Lilia is just so modest and precious. I’ll take it!"