We arrived at the settlement where the Winged Race lived, though "settlement" felt a bit small; it was more like a village or a small town.
When I’d seen it from high above, it just looked like houses scattered about, but the architecture was actually quite distinctive. Imagine a field of lollipops stuck in the ground—the living quarters were perched on single, tall pillars.
They looked precarious, as if a minor tremor might snap them, but I assumed magic kept them stable. Looking closer, there weren't any ladders or stairs leading up. Since the Winged Race can fly, it wasn't an issue for them, but the design clearly hadn't considered visitors from other races.
"It has a very unique atmosphere," I remarked. "It felt like an aerial city from above, but seeing it up close..."
"It must seem strange to other races," Amel-san replied. "But there’s a reason for everything. We are a sky-faring people. Our homes are shaped for easy landings, and having nothing above the living quarters makes it easier to take flight toward the heavens."
"Oh, I see. Putting them up high ensures no obstacles get in the way when you take off."
She was right; none of the buildings were taller than the houses, and there was plenty of space between them to prevent any mid-air collisions.
"The Winged Race is quite insular," Amel-san added. "We aren't used to hosting other tribes. Personally, I believe these barriers should be torn down, but that will take time. It takes years to change sentiments that have built up over generations."
I remembered her mentioning the complicated red tape involved in inviting guests. Everyone I'd talked to described them as reclusive. Amel-san clearly wanted more interaction with the outside world—she had even attended the Maid Olympia After-party. However, her chuunibyou-style speech often made those interactions difficult.
"So, where is your house, Amel-san?"
"I am the Leader of the Winged Race," she declared. "My dwelling is situated in the place closest to the heavens. That one, right there. Let us go."
As the leader, her home was located at the highest point of the mountain. It was fairly normal-looking, though about twice the size of the others. I’d half-expected some edgy, over-the-top design, but it was surprisingly modest. Perhaps she put all her effort into the interior.
"Come, my Sworn Friend! Welcome to my Hermitage of Chaos!"
"Pardon the intrusion... oh, wow."
The inside wasn't the monochrome black void I’d imagined; it was actually quite tasteful. The furniture was on the darker side, but the room featured a beautiful wooden counter. It felt like a sophisticated, trendy bar.
"This is really stylish," I said. "The furniture matches perfectly, and that counter is great."
Amel-san beamed, her joy obvious. "Really? I’m so glad you like it! I built that counter recently. When I visited your place, I thought having a bar in the house was so cool. I love to sit there, have a drink, and look at the view. There are two seats so we can sit together when you visit... Er, I mean... Nn-hn! We shall discuss our covenant anon!"
She’d clearly slipped back into her natural voice out of excitement, then caught herself and turned beet-red while trying to recover her persona.
"That sounds like fun. I actually have a coffee sample I wanted to give you. We could try some now."
"The Droplets of Jet-black? If it is a sample, does that mean it will be released to the wide world soon?"
"Yeah, it’ll be sold through Kuro—the Underworld King’s—trading company. I heard you liked coffee, so I thought you'd want some."
"I see. I do indeed favor the Droplets of Jet-black. Perhaps because I am also One Clad in Jet-black, we are drawn to one another... though I can't really drink it without lots of sugar..." she added in a mumble.
Despite the mumbled disclaimer, she was in high spirits. Her genuine happiness at my visit was contagious, and I found myself feeling just as cheerful.
Serious-senpai: "I see. So she really is just a 'Jet-black Pomeranian'..."