Near the front of the stage at the shipboard party, Kaori—one of the many invited guests—was darting her eyes about restlessly, looking utterly out of place.
What am I going to do? she fretted. I tried so hard to avoid the people who looked like big shots that I somehow drifted right to the front of the stage. Everyone can see me here! I have to move...
Her anxiety was compounded by the fact that she was currently alone. Her companion, Akane, was the chairman of a merchant guild and had far more connections than she did. Akane had slipped away to greet some business associates from Kuromueina's circle and the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company, promising to return shortly.
Left to her own devices, Kaori was at a loss. No matter which way she turned, she saw nothing but high-ranking figures. She felt like a small fish in a very large, very shark-infested pond.
She had considered seeking out Chris, but Chris was an Empress. She was undoubtedly occupied with formal greetings and diplomatic discussions, and Kaori didn't have the courage to intrude on such important business. She had been searching for fellow commoners like Shigenobu or Hanna instead, but the venue was so massive that finding them felt like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Just as she was on the verge of a minor panic, Caraway took the stage to announce the start of the entertainment program.
Oh, the entertainment is starting. Maybe this is for the best? Kaori thought, feeling a modicum of relief. I can just stand here and watch the stage until Akane-san gets back. At least I have a great view from here... right?
She tried to convince herself that she had found a safe harbor in the crowd. However, a moment later, she sensed a presence looming right beside her. Turning her head, she realized that Rose Princess Rosmiel had appeared next to her at some point, staring toward the stage with a gaze so sharp it could cut glass.
H-Hiee! Rose Princess Rosmiel-sama?! Since when?! She’s so incredibly beautiful up close... Kaori’s internal monologue went into overdrive. She really is the "Solitary Rose." She has such a dignified, cool, mature aura... but she's terrifying! She’s staring at that stage with the most intense eyes I've ever seen!
Sensing someone nearby, Rosmiel turned her head toward her. Their eyes met, and the Rose Princess leveled a piercing, icy glare at Kaori.
Of course, Rosmiel wasn't actually angry. Her face had simply frozen into a mask of intimidation because she was paralyzed with tension at being so close to a stranger. However, Kaori had no way of knowing the Princess's true social struggles.
She's glaring at me! Did I do something wrong? Am I in her way? I have to get out of here!
Completely overwhelmed by Rosmiel's accidental intimidation, Kaori broke into a cold sweat. She gave a frantic, jerky bow and began to back away. She didn't dare look away from the Princess for fear of being rude, which meant she was retreating blindly.
Predictably, she hadn't gone more than a few steps before she collided with someone.
"Ah! I—I’m so sorry! Are you—ahiie!"
Kaori spun around to apologize, only to find herself staring up at a massive, cow-headed monster wearing a formal suit. The sight of the Minotaur drained every drop of color from her face.
"My apologies," the beast said. "Are you unhurt, young lady?"
"Ah? Eh? Y-Yes, I’m fine."
To Kaori’s shock, the Minotaur—actually a demon serving as Moloch's Assistant—spoke with refined grace and a surprisingly feminine voice.
Wait... that was a woman's voice? I don't know what race she is, but... I guess she's much nicer than she looks.
Kaori offered a final, hurried apology and scurried away as fast as her legs would carry her.
Please, someone I know... anyone!
Just as her anxiety was reaching a breaking point, a voice called out that sounded like the choir of heaven.
"Ah, there you are, Mizuhara Kaori. Forgive me, but I have encountered some dishes over there that I do not recognize. I was hoping you could advise me on the proper etiquette for eating them..."
"Olivia-sama!" Kaori cried, looking like she might weep with joy.
"My? What is the matter?"
"N-No, nothing! I'm just so glad to see a familiar face. Food, right? Yes, let's go! I'll show you everything!"
"I am grateful for your assistance," Olivia replied.
For Kaori, Olivia was a regular customer who frequented her shop, Suiren. While her status was intimidating at first—she was the head of a major religion and the Friendly City Representative—she was now a trusted friend. Kaori knew that as long as she stayed by Olivia's side, she would be shielded from the social pressures of the other guests.
"By the way, Olivia-sama," Kaori asked as they walked toward the buffet, her confidence returning. "How is your plan for dating Kaito-kun coming along?"
"It has progressed, though the specifics are still fluid," Olivia replied with her usual earnestness. "At present, the draft of the itinerary is only one hundred and eighty-six pages long. It is quite incomplete."
"Whoa, hold on! One hundred and eighty-six pages?!" Kaori blurted out. "Why do you need a manifesto for a single date? How long is this thing supposed to take?"
"The current plan covers fifteen days," Olivia stated matter-of-factly.
"...I don't think you can call that a date anymore," Kaori muttered.
Relieved to be back in her element, Kaori continued to chat and joke with the Church Leader as they navigated the party together.
Serious-senpai: "Thirteen... already!?"
???: "The author changed their writing computer, so they can finally use numbers higher than twelve."