The young lady was stunned by the price—it was far too low for such quality. However, since the tea cups had been produced at Kaito’s home rather than for general sale, Kaito held the sole authority to set their value. Naturally, she had no grounds to object.
In truth, securing such craftsmanship at a bargain was a stroke of incredible luck, yet the fact that she still felt guilty was a testament to her good character.
"I see... In that case, may I purchase this tea cup set?"
"Of course. Thank you very much. Would you like a bag?"
"Oh, no, I have a Magic Box. I shall be quite alright."
Though she had hesitated, she realized that lingering any longer at the stall would be disrespectful. The young lady paid the 1,000R Kaito requested and completed the transaction.
It’s so inexpensive I almost feel like a thief, she thought. But Miyama Kaito-sama possesses wealth that makes ordinary nobility look like paupers. He must be running this stall as a mere whim, which would explain why he doesn't care about the revenue. Regardless, I’ve obtained a masterpiece. Father and Mother will be ecstatic.
Despite the various shocks she had endured, there was no denying the quality of her prize. As an item of the "Miyama Brand," it would undoubtedly command respect in high society. Whether viewed as an asset for her Marquis House or a personal treasure, it was a find worth boasting about. Just as she was finally convincing herself that everything was under control, Kaito offered her a small wooden box with a gentle smile.
"This is a little bonus for your purchase."
"A... bonus?"
"Yes. We made these at home as well—it’s an assortment of crafted sugar. There are instructions inside, and they’re quite beautiful, so please feel free to use them when you enjoy your tea."
"That is most kind of you. Thank you very much."
Accepting the box, the young lady offered a polite bow and stole a quick glance at the container.
This wooden box is of remarkably high quality, she noted. And crafted sugar... I recall hearing rumors of an exquisite variety served at a tea party held by a certain high-ranking noble in the Kingdom of Sinfonia. That noble supposedly claimed it was a rare gift and not something available in stores... Could this be the same thing? The possibility is high. It would be rude to open it here, however. I’ll check once I'm home.
She tucked the box into her Magic Box, concluding her business. She felt a mix of lingering tension and the quiet triumph of a successful hunt. But just as she prepared to offer her final thanks and make her escape, a cheerful voice cut through the air.
"Kai-chaaan! I'm here!"
"Wait, Fate-san!?"
"...!?!?"
A figure riding a floating cushion materialized out of thin air right beside her. The young lady clamped her hands over her mouth to suppress a shriek of pure terror.
Abababa... T-t-the Goddess of Fate?! Why is she here?! Oh, she obviously came to see Miyama Kaito-sama. This is bad. This is very bad. If I stay here, I'll be in the way of not just Miyama Kaito-sama, but a Supreme God as well! Fortunately, she hasn't looked at me yet. I need to leave. Quietly. Now.
Her heart was pounding so hard she thought it might burst. Desperate to avoid incurring divine wrath, she kept her mouth shut and tried to slip away. But as if the world itself were conspiring against her, a new voice boomed from directly behind her.
"God of Fate! You absolute brat, do you have any idea what you've done?!"
"Gah! Chronoa?! You're here already?"
"Of course I am, you complete fool!"
The newcomer was the Goddess of Time, Chronoa—another Supreme God. Now physically sandwiched between the two most powerful deities in the world, the young lady screamed in the silent theater of her mind.
Hieeee! T-t-the Goddess of Time too?! What is happening? What am I supposed to do?!
Looking for any lifeline, she glanced toward her escort maid in the distance. The woman was pointedly looking the other way, doing a masterful job of pretending to be a complete stranger. Clearly, the maid had no intention of being dragged into a confrontation between Supreme Gods.
Left entirely to her own devices, the noblewoman clutched her stomach—which was now throbbing with a sharp, familiar pain—and looked toward the heavens with the hollow eyes of a dead fish.
Serious-senpai: "This relentless onslaught... I can feel a powerful intent to destroy that girl's stomach no matter what. Poor, poor Mob Young Lady."
???: "Well, Kaito-san will probably help her out, so she’ll be okay... though if you trace it back, Kaito-san is technically the source of the problem..."