With the decision to officially host a full-scale shipboard party finalized, my first task was to draft the guest list. Kaori-san was lending her expertise to the menu, coordinating with Illness-san and the other culinary staff, while Anima and Caraway took charge of procuring the necessary ingredients.
I had to consider that high-ranking guests like Ryze-san and Chris-san would require guards and aides. Once I factored in a few companions for each person of status, the total headcount was looking to be quite substantial.
The magic ship Kuro had gifted me was truly on the scale of a luxury liner. Space wouldn't be an issue, but I had worried if we should hire additional chefs to cater to such a crowd. However, Illness-san had assured me that they could handle it.
Knowing her skills, I believed she could pull it off, but I urged her not to overextend herself. I also made sure Anima knew we could still hire extra help if the situation demanded it.
"Well, if you really end up short-handed, I'll step in and figure something out, so don't sweat it," Alice said, materializing beside me. "Though it’s better if you and your household run the show, so I won't interfere unless there's a real problem."
"You’re a real pillar of support, Alice. Since you’re here, help me out. How many companions do you think I should allow each guest?"
"Why not just ask them to declare their numbers? Mention it in the invitations and tell them to get back to you by a certain date with their final headcount."
"Right, that's definitely the best approach... Do you think the entire God race is going to descend on us?"
"You should probably give Shallow Vernal-sama a heads-up beforehand. Tell her only those with direct invitations are allowed through. You already know the Supreme Gods, and you made plenty of acquaintances among the high-ranking Gods during the White God Festival, so the numbers should still be manageable."
As I talked with Alice, I began jotting down names on the paper. I had to check every detail to ensure no one was missed. Alice had pulled up a chair and settled in beside me, seemingly intent on sticking around until the list was finished.
"Looking at it as a list, the count has grown a lot since the housewarming party..."
"Well, you've met every one of the Six Kings' Executives now. Honestly, though, you don't need to invite our group of perverts; they're nothing but trouble."
"I can't exactly leave them out. Though, for those whose identities are a secret, tell them it's fine if they can't make it. The others are probably busy anyway, so I doubt everyone will show up."
"...No, they'll definitely all come," Alice predicted. "They might be busy, but if a powerhouse at the highest-ranking Count-class level wants to clear their schedule, they'll make it happen. With a month's notice between the invitation and the party, it won't be a problem at all."
I had assumed that since many of the invitees were in high positions, a full turnout was unlikely... but if Alice was certain, then they really were all coming.
Alice was incredibly dependable, but I had to be careful not to lean on her too much. Our goal was for me and my household to host this event through our own efforts. Alice, who always stayed close by as my hidden guard, was practically a member of my family at this point—or at least, she spent enough time around me that she might as well have lived with me. Still, if I relied on her for everything, I’d lose the initiative. I had to stay mindful of that.
"Hm? What's the matter, Kaito-san? You've got a weird look on your face."
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how you're basically one of the family."
"Whuh—?! A-Ah... um, K-Kaito-san?! Where did that come from?! I mean, well, technically... in the future... it might go that way, but r-really, you're jumping the gun a bit...!"
...
Crap, that was clearly a poor choice of words. Alice was notoriously weak when it came to romantic topics, and she was now bright red and visibly panicking. If I tried to clarify too much, I might just make it more embarrassing... but I couldn't just leave it like this.
"...Sorry, that came out wrong. What I meant was that since you're always around and basically live at my place, I've started seeing you as a member of the household."
"Eh? ...O-Oh, is that all?! Y-You really startled me..."
"Though, like you said, if we're talking about the future, the meaning you misunderstood might not be wrong either."
"Why do you have to make me blush again right after I calmed down?!"
I felt a warm sense of contentment watching Alice yell with her face still crimson, and then I turned my attention back to the guest list.
Serious-senpai: "It's actually harder to find a reason why someone wouldn't attend a party hosted by Kaito when the Six Kings and Supreme Gods are confirmed guests... I expect another round of stomach pain for some."
???: "For the time being, Kaori-san's stomach seems to be taking heavy damage, ssu."