In a corner of the sky overlooking the capital of the Hydra Kingdom, three Supreme Gods—Chronoa, Fate, and Life—gazed down at the city with grave expressions.
Because Shallow Vernal was scheduled to have a festival date with Kaito, they had taken every precaution. High-ranking and low-ranking deities had been stationed throughout the region since the day before. Now, with the festival’s start fast approaching, the three had gathered for a final confirmation.
"The scale this time is simply too large," Chronoa observed. "Unlike our previous operation in Sinfonia, it’s impossible to pack the venue entirely with Gods. There will be regular citizens among the crowd as well."
"My authority should prevent anyone from noticing, approaching, or speaking to Shallow Vernal-sama by default," Fate added. "But if Shallow Vernal-sama initiates the contact herself, there is nothing we can do."
"That can't be helped," Life said. "Shallow Vernal-sama’s will is the absolute priority. My main concern is a repeat of last time—her suddenly moving to a different location. If she teleports past our perimeter without warning, our response will be delayed. We must prepare for every conceivable emergency."
The memory that shared by the three of them was the date in the Kingdom of Sinfonia. Despite their meticulously prepared "impregnable" formation, Shallow Vernal’s airy nature had taken over, and she had immediately whisked Kaito away to the ocean, rendering most of their efforts a complete waste. Determined to avoid another embarrassment, they had spent hours theorizing every possible scenario.
After discussing several contingency plans and concluding that things were mostly under control, Chronoa spoke up.
"It’s almost time for the opening. I only hope this ends without incident."
"Indeed. As long as Shallow Vernal-sama is happy, that is what matters most... Oh? God of Fate? You have a very troubled look on your face. Is something weighing on your mind?"
"……Yeah," Fate muttered. "I suppose it’s…… a bit late for it now……"
Their policy was set, and since neither Shallow Vernal nor Kaito had arrived yet, there shouldn't have been any immediate cause for concern. Yet Fate was lost in thought, wearing an expression more intense and serious than anything they had ever seen from her usual self.
There was a certain dignity in her silence. It struck both Chronoa and Life that Fate truly was the most rapidly maturing of the Supreme Gods. They assumed she was perceiving some hidden threat or cosmic ripple that escaped their notice.
"God of Fate, if there is anything you need, speak up," Chronoa said sincerely, her eyes filled with resolve. "We may be less perceptive than you, but as Supreme Gods, we can surely assist you."
"Yes, leave the support to us," Life agreed. "But first, we must share the burden. Tell us—what dire concern has cast such a shadow over your heart?"
"……Huh?" Fate blinked.
"Eh?" the other two echoed.
Fate tilted her head, looking utterly confused. "Concern? What are you talking about?"
"Wait—weren't you just agonizing over some flaw in Shallow Vernal-sama's date plan?"
"……No, why would I be?"
"Then why on earth were you making a face like that?"
Fate was genuinely bewildered, but Chronoa and Life were even more so. It was obvious from her reaction that their perceptions were completely misaligned. Still, they couldn't fathom why the notoriously lazy Fate would look so serious if it wasn't about Shallow Vernal.
Feeling the weight of their stares, Fate looked away, looking a bit sheepish.
"Well, you see…… this is a parallel dimension, right? A world created specifically on the premise that Kai-chan invited Shallow Vernal-sama to the festival. It’s a branch that formed because of his promise to her."
"That is correct," Chronoa confirmed. "Except for the parts involving Miyama’s companion, this world is identical to our original timeline. Memories have been adjusted to ensure consistency where he is concerned, but otherwise, it functions as a normal reality. What of it?"
"……I was just thinking," Fate grumbled, "that if a system like that is possible, I wish I could have gone on a festival date with Kai-chan too…… but it’s way too late to ask for that now. That’s all."
"……"
Veins throbbed on the foreheads of Chronoa and Life. They realized they had completely misinterpreted her "depth." Since it was their own misunderstanding and she hadn't technically lied, they suppressed their rising frustration with a collective effort of will.
"……Anyway," Fate said, clearing her throat. "I’ll focus on the task at hand."
"Please do……" Chronoa replied flatly.
Just as an awkward silence threatened to swallow the trio, they sensed the arrival of Shallow Vernal and Kaito. They instantly shifted their expressions and turned toward them.
Serious-senpai: "I see. She was wallowing in regret, thinking that if she’d only spoken up sooner, she could have exploited the Super WIN System for her own romantic gain…… For the love of everything, stop coming up with terrifying ideas like that."