When Olivia decided she would go to greet Lilia, I found myself hesitating over whether or not to interject. I worried that Lilia would end up with another stress-induced stomach ache, but I also considered that forging a connection with Olivia might actually be in her best interest.
I didn't have a firm grasp on the intricacies of noble connections and political maneuvering, but even I knew Olivia was a massive name in the Human Realm. As the head of the Friendly City, she was someone with whom it was normally impossible to establish a direct line of communication.
If she were an authority from the Demon or God Realms, like a Six Kings’ Executive or a high-ranking deity, that would be one thing—but since she was a power player within the Human Realm, perhaps it was better for Lilia to have that connection? Honestly, I couldn't be sure.
"Well then, I shall depart for the Royal Castle. Shallow Vernal-sama, Miyama Kaito-sama, thank you for your time."
"Wait, Olivia-san! How are you planning on getting there?"
"Why, on foot, of course."
I had been lost in thought, but I spoke up reflexively at her answer. I was fine with her going to see Laguna and Lilia for now—if I could just send Lilia a warning via Hummingbird, she might be able to brace herself and minimize the physical toll.
But there was a more immediate problem: how Olivia planned to get there. To be blunt, Olivia’s stamina outside the Friendly City was below that of a commoner. I had zero confidence that she could navigate the streets, teeming with festival-goers, and actually reach the Royal Castle in one piece.
After all, she’d been helplessly swept away by the crowd earlier.
"There are so many people out there right now, and I’m worried you’ll get into trouble again... You might want to consider another way."
"Miyama Kaito-sama, you are so kind. But please, rest assured. Even I have enough strength to walk as far as the Royal Castle, even outside my home city."
"No, maybe on a normal day... but the crowds are insane right now. To get to the castle, you have to pass through the square in front of the Assembly Hall, right? That area is even more congested than here. I don't think you’ll be able to make any progress against the flow of people."
Olivia had a habit of being overly optimistic about these things. Or more accurately, because she almost never left the Friendly City, she tended to measure her abilities by the standards she enjoyed back home.
Furthermore, Olivia likely perceived herself as being equivalent to an ordinary person while traveling abroad, but in reality, she was weak even by those standards. Her stamina was actually far below that of an average person, but she remained blissfully unaware of the fact.
As I tried to think of a way to persuade her, Shiro-san nodded slightly and spoke up.
"I understand Kaito-san’s concern. Besides, if you walk from here now, the ceremony will probably have started by the time you arrive. It would be difficult to offer your greetings then. Therefore, I shall send you there myself."
"S-Such a thing... To trouble Shallow Vernal-sama so would be a grave lèse-majesté..."
"I don't mind. Now then, off you go."
"I offer my most heartfelt gratitude..."
With Shiro deciding to teleport her, Olivia looked deeply moved by the divine consideration. She folded her hands in a prayer-like gesture and offered her thanks.
Shiro gave a light wave of her hand, and Olivia vanished. Well, at least now I didn't have to worry about her getting lost or collapsing on the way... Wait, I still haven't messaged Lilia!
Meanwhile, in the office of the Hydra Royal Castle, the atmosphere was finally beginning to settle. The sudden arrival of the Pope had caused initial chaos, but thanks to coordination with the Gods, the situation seemed to be under control for the time being.
"According to the report from the Gods, it seems the Pope-sama has successfully met up with Kaito."
"What a relief. Her goals were likely Shallow Vernal-sama and Kaito-san anyway, so once she finishes talking with them, she should be heading home soon. We can finally breathe easy."
"Aye. Lady Lilia, I apologize for keeping you here so long. The ceremony is about to start. Let us hand the remaining tasks to our subordinates and prepare to head to the venue ourselves."
"I agree. This isn't the end of everything, but as long as no more emergencies pop up... I suppose we can call this a brief respite."
Since they had weathered the initial storm, they could leave the rest to their staff and fulfill their ceremonial duties, provided nothing else went wrong involving Shallow Vernal.
There was still plenty of potential for future trouble, but as if to mock the relaxed sigh of relief that suggested the crisis had passed, the center of the room flared with light. Olivia manifested right before their eyes.
"......Huh?"
It was only natural that the faces of Laguna and Lilia were instantly painted with expressions of total, absolute bewilderment.
Serious-senpai: "A-As expected of Shiro, how truly terrifying... A direct delivery service that strikes the stomach without warning... Next time, I wonder if their stomachs will even survive...?"