At the castle in the capital of the Arclesia Empire, Empress Chris greeted her guests with a practiced smile. It was the day of the Founding Anniversary Festival, and her schedule was packed; welcoming prominent figures was a vital part of her duties.
Of course, the only people Empress Chris personally received were those who wielded significant power.
"Welcome, Her Excellency Duchess Albert."
"It has been a long time, Your Majesty Chris. Please, feel free to call me by my name."
"Duchess Lilia, then... Thank you for joining our festivities."
"I must apologize for the trouble our sudden participation has caused. Please, accept my sincerest apologies."
"No, I’ve heard the circumstances. When it comes to that lady’s whims, I wouldn’t dream of holding it against you. She is far beyond the reach of our comprehension, after all..."
The guest Chris welcomed was Lilia, accompanied by Sieglinde and Lunamaria. As they walked toward the guest rooms, the two leaders exchanged pleasantries. Lilia hadn’t originally planned to attend the Founding Anniversary Festival, but Eden had essentially ordered her to go.
Technically, Eden’s directive was for Lilia to visit Kaito's Stall, but for a high-ranking noble like Duchess Lilia to visit the Empire during the festival without attending the official ceremony would have been perceived as a slight. Thus, on extremely short notice, she had been added to the guest list for the commemorative ceremony.
Chris was well-acquainted with Eden’s irrational nature. She graciously accepted the situation and greeted Lilia warmly.
"That aside, the Empire is truly grateful to have you here, Duchess Lilia. The Ducal House of Albert has become the largest and most powerful noble family in the Kingdom of Sinfonia, after all."
"...It’s quite strange, really. Until just a few years ago, we were considered no better than low-ranking nobles in every category except military might. We had no major industries and were constantly short on funds..."
"Hahaha, and yet now? You possess the strongest military in Sinfonia, political influence that rivals the royal family, powerful connections, and overwhelming wealth. In just two years, you’ve risen to the absolute top of the kingdom’s nobility, even coming into possession of the Sky Castle bestowed by the Creator God-sama—a landmark that has become synonymous with the capital itself."
"It’s mostly Kaito-san’s influence, though..." Lilia replied with a wry smile and an indescribable expression.
As Chris noted, the Ducal House of Albert now sat at the pinnacle of the Sinfonian nobility.
"Authority and capital have gathered at a truly terrifying pace," Chris continued. "Because of Miyama-sama's influence, you established ties with the Six Kings-sama and other high powers. Naturally, every noble house desperate for a connection with the Ducal House of Albert began to multiply. Since they wanted to make a favorable impression on you, they brought trade deals with incredibly generous terms. As a result, your businesses and connections grew at an exponential rate, expanding the power of the house itself. That, in turn, led to more low-ranking nobles seeking your protection, culminating in the birth of a massive faction... Isn't that right?"
"Yes. Thanks to that, I’m now recognized as the undisputed head of the Ducal House of Albert Faction. On the bright side, the increase in funds and capable personnel has made my workload much more manageable now that things have stabilized. I actually have more free time than before."
"That is a blessing, though it is a bit ironic that your newfound spare time resulted in you being sent to another country like this. Things rarely go as planned."
"Hahaha... well, knowing Eden-sama, she probably would have made the demand even if I were drowning in work..."
The simple reality was that the influence wielded by Kaito, the World's Singularity, was staggering. Kaito’s presence was famous among the nobility, and Lilia, as his lover, held immense sway for that reason alone. She never brought Kaito’s name into negotiations or social gatherings, nor did she have any intention of exploiting him—but even setting that aside, Lilia herself was an extraordinary figure. She was the strongest warrior in Sinfonia, held the Main Blessing of the God of Space-Time, had been gifted the Sky Castle by the Creator God, and possessed vast wealth.
It was just that Kaito’s social circle was so absurdly abnormal that it made even Lilia’s achievements look standard by comparison.
"...By the way, Duchess Lilia. This is a private matter, completely unrelated to diplomacy, but..."
"Yes?"
"...Do you happen to know of any good stomach medicine? I have to welcome the World King-sama, the Dragon King-sama, and the Three Supreme Gods-sama from here on out, and..."
"You have my deepest sympathies... truly. I understand how you feel... almost painfully so. If you’re comfortable with the brands I use, I can recommend a few to you."
"You have my thanks."
Seeing the look of weary desperation on Chris’s face, Lilia understood everything. After all, no one had suffered more from the collateral damage of Kaito’s lifestyle than Lilia herself.
They hadn't interacted much in the past, but through this brief exchange, Lilia felt they might become close friends—fellow warriors who shared the same unique pain.
???: "I see. So, Stomach Pain Warriors are naturally drawn to one another."
Serious-senpai: "Of course they are! The cause of the stomach pain is the exact same person, after all..."