Lilliwood had only just arrived at the Arclesia Empire Castle and was already being ushered into a reception room. Upon her arrival, Empress Chris had informed her that Chronoa and the other Supreme Gods were requesting her presence. Though she had complied, Lilliwood couldn't help but tilt her head in confusion, unsure of what the situation might be.
“So, what is it you need from me?”
“Ah, forgive the sudden summons. It is about this World Tree fruit drink—it has increased our powers by nearly double. We have never heard of such a phenomenon. Is this an inherent property of the Fruit of the World Tree, or is it perhaps...?”
“Ah, that would be fruit from Nebula’s World Tree. It seems the World Tree in Kaito-san’s garden has undergone a rather peculiar mutation, causing its fruit to yield different effects than usual. It possesses the power to temporarily bolster the abilities of those who consume it. However, when I checked it previously, it was only a 1.5-fold increase. Has the efficacy grown? Or perhaps the effect changes when a member of the God race consumes it? Well, regardless, I shall investigate the matter further at a later date.”
“See? I told you Nebu-rin’s World Tree fruit was special!”
“It would seem so... but honestly, why is it that only such bizarre things gather around Miyama?”
Lilliwood’s explanation seemed to have solved the mystery of the fruit drink, and Chronoa and the others finally looked relieved. Even for the Supreme Gods, a doubling of power was a staggering effect, but they judged it wasn't a problem since the drink wasn't intended for general distribution and Lilliwood was keeping a close eye on it.
“Sorry for the trouble, World King.”
“Not at all. I shall head to my assigned room now. It should be about time for Magnawell to arrive as well.”
“I must go to welcome the Dragon King-sama as well, so if you'll excuse me...”
With the problem resolved, Lilliwood moved to a separate wing, and Chris took her leave to prepare for Magnawell’s arrival.
As Lilliwood was walking toward her room, one of her kin rushed up to her, looking visibly flustered.
“Lilliwood-sama, there is something I must bring to your attention immediately...”
“What is it?”
“We have received information that the War King-sama has been spotted within the capital in his humanized form...”
“Megiddo? Why would he...?”
Lilliwood’s eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing to find an explanation. Only she and Magnawell were scheduled to attend the commemorative ceremony; there had been no mention of Megiddo participating.
Since the report placed him in the city, she surmised that he hadn't come for the official ceremony, but had likely come for some other purpose during the Founding Anniversary Festival.
“...I see. He must have come to buy Dwarf sake. Well, that shouldn't be an issue. Megiddo is certainly a troublemaker, but he likely has no interest in the ceremony itself. He will probably leave as soon as he has secured his liquor.”
“That is true. It seems the Dwarf brewing-related stalls are located quite far from the city center this year, so the likelihood of a commotion is low.”
“Yes. Indeed, looking at the map, they are quite far from the Central Square, so I can rest easy... rest... ea... sy...”
“L-Lilliwood-sama?”
Megiddo’s humanized form was fairly well-known, and because he despised secrecy, he refused to use Recognition Inhibition or Information Concealment Magic, walking boldly through the streets. He was exactly the kind of presence that caused a stir, but Lilliwood had initially concluded it would be fine if he was just shopping—until the moment she looked back at the map and turned pale.
“...K-Kaito-san’s stall is right nearby.”
“E-Ehh?!”
Indeed, the Dwarf brewing stalls—Megiddo’s certain destination—were located right next to Kaito’s stall this year. At this rate, the probability of Megiddo dropping by to see Kaito was astronomical.
“N-No, that doesn't necessarily mean trouble will occur, but... Wh-What is this? This sudden sense of dread...”
Overcome by a terrible premonition, Lilliwood stared out the window at the cityscape of the Arclesia Empire capital with an anxious expression.
She prayed... she prayed with all her heart that Megiddo would simply go home without incident...
Serious-senpai: “St-Stomach pain is triggering even more stomach pain in a chain reaction. B-But is there really a pattern here that leads to Lilliwood getting pulled into the mix?”
???: “Megiddo-san goes to Kaito-san’s stall -> He hears from Kaito-san that Lilliwood-san and Magnawell-san are participating in the ceremony -> ‘Right then, I guess I’ll show my face too,’ thinks the idiot gorilla with his simple logic -> Chris-san and Lilliwood both enter the Stomach Pain Course.”
Serious-senpai: “...Is there really another follow-up blow coming for Chris...?”