I was currently in the owner’s suite—or perhaps it was the captain’s quarters—of the magic ship as it plowed through the open sea.
With a little time left before the shipboard party began, most of the participants were likely waiting in their respective rooms for the hour to strike. I was quite nervous, but everything seemed to be going smoothly so far, which was a relief.
“...So, why are you here, Shiro-san?”
Shiro-san had appeared before me in a flash of light just moments ago. Naturally, a room had been prepared for her—a VIP suite, no less.
Since it would have caused a massive scene if she had shown up at the reception desk, I’d completed her registration the day before and handed her the key in advance. So why was she in my room?
“Certainly, I have an assigned room. However, that is one matter, and the fact that I wished to see Kaito-san is quite another. That is why I have come here.”
“...”
As expected of someone whose usual refrain was “I am the Rule,” she stated her selfish desires with such majestic confidence that I almost found myself nodding along in agreement.
As I stood there stunned, Shiro-san continued with an expression that looked almost proud.
“And so, until the party begins, you and I—”
“My Child! It’s your mother!”
“Machina-san!?”
Before Shiro-san could finish her sentence, Machina-san—Eden-san’s main body—materialized in the room just as abruptly. Now that my dream memories are intact, I knew exactly who she was: someone who appeared bright and gentle on the surface, but harbored the sheer madness one would expect from Eden-san’s true form.
“...U-Um, Machina-san? Why are you here?”
“I thought My Beloved Child would be nervous about his Great Stage! At times like this, the one who can best soothe My Beloved Child’s heart is, naturally, his mother! That is why I came to see you before the start. Are you happy? You’re happy, aren’t you? Ehehe, I thought so! You’re just so glad to see your mother! Mother loves My Beloved Child very much, too!”
I hadn’t even replied yet. Far from being soothed, I felt like my spirit was currently being ground down into dust. Are all the Gods of World Creation this free-spirited?
“...I cannot approve of this.”
“Eh? Oh? Shallow Vernal?”
“Visiting Kaito-san without notice and behaving so selfishly when he is already anxious as the host... I must say, it shows a distinct lack of common sense.”
Unbelievable. Shiro-san was incredible... In an instant, she had completely set aside her own conduct to lecture Machina-san.
“No, that’s exactly why I’m here to soothe My Beloved Child’s heart!”
“And you believe such pushy behavior is for the best? For this party, Kaito-san has worked his hardest as the host, avoiding reliance on the Six Kings or beings like us as much as possible. If you truly cared for him, wouldn't it be best to stay quiet and wait for the party to begin?”
“Ugh... W-When you put it that way... True, there is a chance I might be throwing a wet blanket on My Beloved Child’s hard work... Eh? Wait? What about you, Shallow Vernal?”
“I merely came for a preliminary greeting. I intended to return to my room after a brief word. Once the party starts, Kaito-san will be busy attending to many guests; I judged that keeping our greetings simple and finishing them in advance would reduce Kaito-san’s burden.”
“Ugh... I see... A-Alright. Then I’ll head back to my room after a quick word, too.”
Hearing Shiro-san’s detached tone, Machina-san looked troubled. However, perhaps feeling that Shiro-san’s logic held some merit, she gave a small shrug and nodded before turning back to me.
“Well then, My Beloved Child, I’m sure it will be difficult since this is your first time, but do your best. If you run into any trouble, don’t hesitate to rely on your mother, okay?”
“Ah, yes. Thank you very much. I’ll do my best to fulfill my role as the host, so please enjoy yourself as well, Machina-san.”
“I will! Good luck! Well, I’m heading back to my room now!”
With a bright farewell, Machina-san was enveloped in light and vanished, presumably back to her own quarters. That left only Shiro-san and me.
“...Well then, I shall return to my room as well.”
She looked the very definition of reluctant. Having said what she did to Machina-san, she clearly felt she couldn't stay behind herself.
I suspect Shiro-san originally intended to linger here until the party started. However, seeing me overwhelmed by Machina-san’s sudden intrusion, she had changed her plans. She had prioritized my well-being over her own desires, choosing to drive Machina-san away for my sake.
Essentially, she had looked out for me so I wouldn't be mentally exhausted before the event.
“...Shiro-san, to be honest, I really am quite nervous. I don’t have anything left to do before the party, but this is my first time hosting, and I have to give the Opening Speech once we start. If I’m left alone, I start overthinking things and I can’t relax... So, if you have the time, would you mind keeping me company for a bit? Just long enough for a cup of black tea would be fine.”
“...”
Shiro-san blinked twice in surprise. However, she quickly caught on to my intention, and her lips curled upward into a happy smile.
“...I only intended to offer a greeting, but if Kaito-san is requesting it, I cannot possibly refuse. Very well, I shall keep you company for a while.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Seeing Shiro-san’s radiant smile, I started to feel happy myself, and a smile touched my own lips.
We spent the short time remaining before the party began enjoying a pleasant, lighthearted chat.