I had intended to escort Amel-san to Iris-san, but as luck would have it, we crossed paths with her along the way.
"Oh, Iris-san?"
"Hmm? Ah, what a coincidence. I was just heading out to gather some food and drinks. I can hardly leave the serving duties for Isis-sama to the regular maids, after all."
"Right, that makes sense..."
Now that she mentioned it, ordinary maids couldn't get anywhere near Isis-sama, so it was up to one of her subordinates to handle her refreshments. Even though a dedicated dining space had been provided, there was no rule saying guests couldn't eat elsewhere, so bringing a selection of dishes back to her was perfectly fine.
"Actually, this works out perfectly. I was just about to go looking for you, Iris-san."
"For me?"
"Hidden Region Master and First Star of the Snowfield... Let us give thanks for the miracle that has allowed our fates to entwine once more. That my Sworn Friend sought to bring me to your side is a ripple in the causality I myself set in motion. Since the melody I play reaches only the chosen, and I was on the verge of being swallowed by the silence of this chaotic frenzy, my Sworn Friend showed me great consideration."
"Ah, I see. Indeed, you possess a unique way of speaking, so those unaccustomed to it might find you difficult to follow. If that is the case, I don't mind. Isis-sama will surely be pleased to see you as well."
As expected, Iris-san seemed to grasp Amel-san’s flowery rhetoric perfectly. She nodded without so much as a flicker of confusion on her face.
Given her kind nature, Isis-sama would undoubtedly be happy to talk with Amel-san, and with Iris-san there to act as a bridge, conveying the intent behind Amel-san’s dramatic words would be a breeze.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, Iris-san turned toward me and offered a small, knowing smile.
"You are still in the middle of your Greeting Rounds, are you not? You can leave this one to me and return to your duties without worry."
"Oh, are you sure?"
"Of course. I was planning to return to Isis-sama's side anyway, and one more companion won't make a difference. As I said, Isis-sama will be glad for the company. Now then, Amel, was it? Does that arrangement suit you?"
"I find no fault in the radiance you display."
"Thank you very much. In that case, I'll leave her in your hands."
I expressed my gratitude to Iris-san, who had clearly read the room and offered to take Amel-san off my hands. Although I still had plenty of time, the party was in full swing, and the people I hadn't greeted yet were scattered all over the place. Given the time it took to navigate the ship, her offer was a huge help.
"I am sorry for the trouble, my Sworn Friend."
"Oh, don't worry about it. I’ll just be happy if you have a good time at the party, Amel-san. Well then, let's talk again later if we get the chance."
"Yes! Good luck with your rounds, Sworn Friend—I mean, I wish you victory in your endeavors!"
Leaving Amel-san with Iris-san, I turned and headed toward my next destination.
As I moved through the venue, I activated the ability Eden-san had granted me... and noticed two people I hadn't greeted yet standing just outside the main hall.
Their location was... the Exhibition Room. Oh, right. Some of Alice's Collection had been introduced on stage earlier, and I remembered those pieces were being displayed in the adjacent room alongside the rest of the items that hadn't made the cut for the presentation.
I guessed those two must be checking out the art. I decided to head over there next.
The moment I stepped into the room, I recognized the two people I’d sensed. It was Rosmiel-san, her eyes sparkling as she pored over the artwork, and Camellia-san, who was acting as her escort.
Rosmiel-san was a true connoisseur of the arts, and I suspected she had been tucked away in this exhibition room ever since the presentation ended.
"Hello, Rosmiel-san, Camellia-san. Are you enjoying the exhibits?"
"Ah, Kaito-san, hello. Yes, Elly is so fascinated that she’s refused to budge from this spot..."
"Ah, Kaito-kun! Hello! Isn't this incredible? I suppose I should expect nothing less from Shaltier-sama, but these pieces are truly sublime! There are so many things here I’ve never seen before, and even some I thought were only rumors!"
"Ahaha, you certainly seem to be having fun. Is that painting the one you're looking at now?"
"Yes! Th-this painting is simply magnificent! Look, i-if you view it from this angle, the colors of the paint seem to..."
"Wait, ah—!?"
In a state of excitement unlike anything I'd ever seen from her, an overjoyed Rosmiel-san grabbed my hand—or rather, she hugged my arm to her side and began feverishly explaining the highlights of the painting to me, completely lost in her own world.
However, her explanation was the last thing on my mind. I was far too distracted by the soft, squishy sensation pressing against my arm and the lovely scent of roses wafting from her. I suppose it’s just a man’s unfortunate nature, but no matter how much romantic experience I gained, having a beautiful woman press her chest against me without warning still sent my composure into a tailspin.
Rosmiel-san continued her gleeful lecture, but her words hardly registered in my ears.
Serious-senpai: "Next to the Pomeranian, a Chihuahua appeared!?"