Having finished her meal with a look of genuine satisfaction, Noin-san wore a gentle smile as she sipped the warm hojicha Kaori-san had served afterward.
"That was a truly magnificent meal. This is a wonderful shop. I would love to visit again, but the location is quite a hurdle."
"I’m so glad you liked it! The location... right. It would be a massive uproar if word got out that you were here, Noin-san. Oh, I know—if you just let me know when you’re planning to stop by, I don't mind opening up during our off-hours. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about running into other customers."
"That is a kind offer, but I wouldn’t want to be a burden..."
It was clear Noin-san wanted to come back, but the logistics of being a legend in the Friendly City were daunting. Since she wasn’t particularly skilled with recognition inhibition magic, there was a limit to how well a simple disguise could hide her identity.
(Oh, come to think of it, I had forgotten.)
Shiro-san? What is it all of a sudden?
(Regarding the recognition inhibition tools you asked for earlier, Kaito-san—we haven't gone on our promised hot spring trip yet, but since we stayed at that inn during the festival, I will provide them now... Do you need two?)
This was a perfect save. Seeing her make a proposal that perfectly accounted for Noin-san while grasping exactly what I wanted made me realize just how much she had grown emotionally. More than anything, her thoughtfulness made me happy.
Thank you, Shiro-san. If it’s all right with you, I would definitely like to have two.
(I understand. Then, here you go.)
As she spoke, two objects resembling glasses cases materialized in my hands. The moment I touched them, the knowledge of how to operate them flowed directly into my mind.
"...Um, Noin-san. If you’d like, please take this."
"What is... oh? Glasses?"
"Yes. Shiro-san gave them to me. Wearing them automatically activates recognition inhibition. They’re incredibly powerful—apparently, unless someone already knew your face before you put them on, even a Peerage-class wouldn't be able to tell it was you."
"...He says he got them from the Creator God like it’s the most normal thing in the world. This is terrifying... I didn't hear that. I heard nothing. I’m too busy cleaning to hear a single word..."
The glasses Shiro-san provided were imbued with power akin to an Authority—the tier above magic. Simply putting them on shrouded the wearer in a constant field that made them seem like a perfectly ordinary person to everyone else.
They were versatile, too. Since they were originally designed with my needs in mind, they were programmed to allow people the wearer was already acquainted with to see them clearly, ensuring friends wouldn't suddenly fail to recognize them.
Furthermore, by placing the glasses in the case and focusing one's intent, the wearer could cycle the inhibition between three patterns: "Everyone," "Everyone except acquaintances," and "Everyone except family and close friends." It was an absurdly high-performance masterpiece.
"...Th-That is a truly magnificent item, but I couldn't possibly accept such a thing..."
"Ah, no, I have a pair for myself as well. I was the one who originally asked for them, and it seems Shiro-san had the foresight to prepare another. Since she gave them to me now, she clearly intended for me to give them to you, Noin-san. Please, accept them without hesitation."
"Thank you, Kaito-san, Shallow Vernal-sama. I will treasure them."
This was an item that would make life much easier for Noin-san. While she seemed a bit overwhelmed, she looked genuinely happy. She had likely faced many difficulties due to her lack of proficiency with recognition magic, so I was glad that her restricted freedom could finally be restored to some degree.
This was all thanks to Shiro-san’s kindness. Shiro-san, thank you so much! I’ll have to find a way to reward you for this, separate from our trip.
"Wait, what? An earthquake?! Huh? But it doesn't look like that's the case outside... Is only this shop shaking?! Why aren't the seasonings on the shelves moving? What’s going on?! And is it just me, or did I hear a loud Doyaaa sound? Was that what the earthquake sounded like?!"
Right... I was truly grateful to Shiro-san, but I really wished she would stop with the Doyaaa Quakes. Kaori-san looked like she was on the verge of a total breakdown.
Shallow Vernal cast Doyaaa Quake.
The sound of Doyaaa shakes the earth.
Kaori is confused.
Kaito activated Far-off Eyes.
Noin obtained Super Recognition Inhibition Glasses.