Having finished giving the samples to Shia-san, the next people on my list were those I’d recently added... like Amel-san and Flare-san. I decided to visit Amel-san first.
Since we had promised that I would visit her house back when we ran a stall together during the Arclesia Empire Founding Anniversary Festival, I planned to make that the primary reason for the visit, handing over the samples as well.
So, I sent an inquiry to Amel-san via Hummingbird: "I'm thinking of coming over to visit; do you have a day that would be convenient for you?"
A reply came back immediately. It was fast—incredibly fast.
"Your wish, my Sworn Friend, has certainly been heard! Before the bond between us, the doors to my hermitage are ever open! If you so desire, I shall immediately become a Sky-soaring Shooting Star and lead you to the Promised Land! The right to choose the sparkling moment belongs to my Sworn Friend. Pen your heart's desire upon the Gospel Bird and send it back to me."
Amel-san’s excitement was clearly at its peak, even through the text of a Hummingbird message. If I were to translate that into normal speech...
"I understand, Sworn Friend. You are more than welcome to visit my home whenever you like. Since the Winged Race's Village is far from the capital, I can come pick you up. Just let me know a convenient date and time via Hummingbird."
It seemed she was leaving the schedule entirely up to me. When I checked if tomorrow would be alright, another Hummingbird message came back instantly. Since it didn't seem to be a problem, I decided to visit Amel-san’s house the following day.
The next day arrived. I had never actually set foot in the Winged Race's Village. I had seen it once from the air, but since I hadn't actually visited the village itself, I hadn't registered the location in my Teleportation Magic Tool. Therefore, I needed Amel-san to pick me up.
However, if we met at my house, she might fly all the way from Arclesia to Symphonia like she had before. To prevent that, I decided we should meet in the capital of the Arclesia Empire.
"Sworn Friend! Today is a magnificent day! Even the clear blue sky seems to be offering us its Blessing!"
"Hello, Amel-san. Sorry for the sudden notice after yesterday."
"No! My Sworn Friend is always most welcome. I... having a friend over was my drea—... Ahem! Time is but a trivial matter before our bond. As I recorded upon the Whispering Bird, the doors of my dwelling are always open to my Sworn Friend."
Amel-san looked incredibly happy. I could almost see a phantom image of a puppy behind her, wagging its tail with all its might.
"Then let us depart at once, Sworn Friend!"
"Ah, yes. Um, by the way, how are we getting there?"
"Come! Let us become a Heaven-soaring Shooting Star together!"
"Ah, as I thought..."
I’d expected as much. I figured it probably wouldn't be travel by Teleportation Magic. Just as I predicted, Amel-san quickly moved behind me and grabbed hold of my body... scooping me up in her arms before spreading her wings.
It would take less time than the flight from Symphonia, but this method of travel involved a lot of physical contact. It made my heart race and left me feeling restless. Oh, I’d better put on the glasses Shiro-san gave me so I can see the scenery clearly while we're moving.
???: "I cut out Machina's stories after letting Serious-senpai hear them. It won't affect the afterword."
Serious-senpai: "I wasn't saved at all, was I?! Taking massive damage from the sugar, only to be hit with a Follow-up Strike of mental attacks... ugh, so this is the trial that assails the Incarnation of Seriousness..."
???: "Doesn't that have nothing to do with being the Incarnation of Seriousness?"