Now that I knew Shiro-san was the cause, I wasn't quite sure how to handle the situation. I tried explaining it to Tre-san and her sisters, but they just stared at me blankly, which was only natural.
"...So, basically, the reason I'm always getting lost is that Shallow Vernal-sama gave me that power? Well... I can't exactly complain about that."
She had a point. When the culprit was the Creator God of the world, there wasn't much room for protest. Besides, the ability itself was essentially a divine Authority; depending on how it was used, it could be incredibly powerful.
While Tre-san and the others wore conflicted expressions, the room suddenly filled with light, and Shiro-san materialized.
"Pardon the intrusion."
Tre, Cento, and Cien looked like they had been struck by lightning. They scrambled off the sofa and dropped to the floor, assuming a posture of desperate prayer with their knees pressed together.
"Shiro-san? What brings you here so suddenly?"
"Yes. Since you seemed troubled, I decided to provide a countermeasure. If they wear accessories that negate the influence of the Power that Does Not Obstruct Action, you won't have to worry about being separated."
"Oh, I see. That’s a great idea! Did you hear that, Tre-san? ...Um, Tre-san?"
Shiro-san was being surprisingly thoughtful. If she gave them items so Tre-san wouldn't get lost anymore, the problem would be solved. However, the three of them remained in their prayerful pose, motionless as statues.
When I tilted my head in confusion, Tre-san gave me a tiny, frantic beckoning gesture. I leaned in close.
"Kaito! Are you an idiot? A total moron?!" she hissed in a whisper that somehow managed to sound like a scream. "We can't just talk! We haven't been given Permission to Speak by Shallow Vernal-sama! You're special, Kaito! Normally, people aren't even allowed to look up, let alone speak in her presence without being told to!"
"Oh... Right. I get it now."
The explanation made perfect sense. I remembered back when I accompanied Lilia-san to speak with Chronoa-san—before Chronoa-san knew I had Shiro-san’s Blessing, she’d been genuinely horrified that I addressed Shiro-san so casually.
"Shiro-san, could you give Tre-san and the others permission to speak?"
"Very well... From this moment until my departure, I grant you three the freedom to speak. You may also raise your heads."
"Understood!"
Once the decree was issued, the three of them raised their heads, looking incredibly tense. As the Top of the World, I suppose this was the standard reaction to her. Lilia-san and the others saw her often enough that they could speak relatively freely with her consent, but I was reminded that, by default, she was a being who required formal permission even for a single word.
Shiro-san waved a hand, and two bracelets appeared.
"As for Tre herself, there may be situations where her ability is useful, so I will not seal it. Instead, I will give these to the other two. While wearing these, you will not lose sight of Tre due to her power. Even if you are separated, you will be able to locate her using Detection Magic."
"We offer our heartfelt thanks for Shallow Vernal-sama’s mercy..."
"We humbly accept."
The bracelets floated over to Cento and Cien. They received them with trembling, reverent hands and bowed low. Tre followed suit.
"Now that my business is finished, I shall return."
"Thanks, Shiro-san. I appreciate it."
Her thoughtfulness made me happy. It felt like proof of both her growth and her kindness.
Shiro-san gave me a small smile and vanished. A few moments passed before the sisters finally let out long, ragged breaths.
"I was so nervous... even I couldn't stop breaking out in a cold sweat. Honestly, Kaito, you're on a completely different level."
"To think I'd see Shallow Vernal-sama's Noble Face from such a close distance..."
"Like Tre-neesama, I'm covered in a cold sweat. To receive such treasures is terrifying, yet a great honor."
I saw Shiro-san all the time, so I tended to forget, but apparently, even catching a glimpse of her was a once-in-a-lifetime miracle. Tre-san looked like she had just survived a war. I should have warned them... but she’d just popped in. Since I couldn't have predicted her arrival, I just had to hope they'd forgive me.