After chatting with Shia-san for a while, I had fulfilled the purpose of my visit. However, since it was still quite early to head back, I decided to take the opportunity to drop by and greet some of my other acquaintances.
I thought I would pay a visit to Chronoa-san and Life-san, and perhaps spend some time with Fate-san afterward. That is, assuming they were all at their respective temples.
"Ah, so that is why you have come. You are certainly a conscientious one. Regardless, you are quite welcome here."
"Thank you. I hope I'm not interrupting your work."
When I first arrived at Chronoa-san's Temple, she welcomed me warmly. For some reason, I always had the impression that Chronoa-san was the busiest among the Supreme Gods, so I had been worried that a sudden visit might be a nuisance. Sensing my concern, Chronoa-san spoke with a smile.
"Not at all. In fact, I have found myself quite idle lately. Aside from it not being the season for the Hero Festival, the God of Fate has actually started working with some degree of regularity. It is thanks to you, Miyama. I no longer have to waste my time hunting her down after she flees or scolding her just to get her to do her job. As for the God of Life, she has always finished her work on time; she simply naps frequently. Consequently, there are no more delays, and I have a great deal of leisure time. It has truly made me realize just how much trouble the God of Fate used to be."
"Ah, haha... Shia-san said something similar."
Fate-san's influence—or rather, the fact that she had become somewhat responsible... well, whether she was "responsible" or not, the fact that her working just once a month gave Chronoa-san and Shia-san so much breathing room meant things must have been truly dire before.
Then again, she had abandoned her post and run away the very first time I met her.
"I do have one concern, however," Chronoa-san continued. "Lately, Shallow Vernal-sama has been frequently conversing with gods from other worlds."
"Oh? Really? You don't mean Eden-san?"
"No, it was not the Earth God. Of course, it is wonderful that her interactions with the otherworld creators are expanding, and if Shallow Vernal-sama deems it appropriate, then there is no issue, but..."
That certainly felt a bit strange. Of course, if it were simply a result of Shiro-san's emotional growth leading her to seek out other otherworld creators, it wouldn't be a problem. Machina-san had mentioned she knew gods from various worlds, so I supposed there was a certain level of professional courtesy between creators.
"...I wonder what's up. For some reason, even though I have no proof, I feel like this is going to affect me."
"Stay strong, Miyama. And if possible, please try to ensure that whatever happens doesn't result in anything too... extravagant. It would be a great help."
"I-I'll do my best."
Yes, what Chronoa-san was worried about was likely whatever Shiro-san might stand to gain from these interactions with otherworld gods. Until now, she had only really interacted with someone like Machina-san. If those connections were suddenly expanding, there had to be a purpose, and the possibility that it involved me felt quite... no, extremely high.
After hearing those somewhat unsettling words at Chronoa-san's place, I shook off the unease for the moment and headed for Life-san's Temple.
Life-san also welcomed my visit, and just like with Chronoa-san, we chatted for a bit. The conversation mostly covered what I had discussed with Shia-san—my desire to broaden my interactions with the gods.
"...I see. It is truly wonderful that your social circle is expanding, Miyama-san. For the gods, being able to interact with you—someone who has received the Blessing of Shallow Vernal-sama and become her lover—is a great honor."
"That feels like a bit of an exaggeration... I don't have anything specific in mind, just a desire to meet more people if the chance arises. For instance, I've heard a lot about the God of Fertility in your jurisdiction, so I'd like to meet her if possible."
"I see. She does indeed have an approachable personality. Well then, please wait a moment."
"...Eh?"
After saying that, Life-san moved her hand as if drawing a circle in the air. The space in that spot blurred, and the good-natured face of the God of Fertility, whom I had seen a few times before, was projected there.
"Haeh? God of Life-sama? Did you need something?"
"Report to my temple immediately."
"Eh? Right now? I... if you could just give me a little time..."
"I see. You have your own circumstances, no doubt. Very well, I shall give you a thirty-second grace period."
"Hieee?! Thirty, thirty seconds?!"
"...Twenty-five seconds remain."
"Ababababa..."
The God of Fertility's face went pale, and then the communication-video-like image vanished. Fifteen seconds later, the God of Fertility came rushing into the temple with a look of pure desperation on her face.
Serious-senpai: "Neither Chronoa nor Kaito would ever suspect that Shiro isn't the one reaching out, but rather that other gods are trying to initiate contact because of Nebula... and the one who is clearly pitiable is..."