After reeling from the shock of being handed priority rights for the family cresting service, Elis fought to regain her composure, whispering in awe.
"I see... a service to add one's family crest. It is a remarkably astute idea, perfectly tailored for the nobility."
"The manager here came up with it," Kaito replied. "Does it look promising from your perspective as a noble, Elis-san?"
"Indeed. Pride and prestige are everything to the aristocracy. This service is essentially a gateway to bespoke pottery, and Nifty’s reputation is already sterling. I expect the prices will be astronomical and the availability strictly limited. Owning such a piece would be a testament to both one's wealth and one's fortune."
"Ah, I see. So you would display a large platter with your crest to signal that you have the financial power to afford such a custom piece."
"Exactly. For better or worse, items that grant bragging rights simply by existing are always in high demand."
Listening to her explanation, Kaito pictured Lilia, the noble he knew best. He recalled how the drawing rooms of Lilia’s mansion were filled with incredibly expensive interior decorations.
(In that case, the value of these priority rights is incalculable,) Elis thought, her mind racing. (In fact, it is almost too significant. If used incorrectly, this could spark immense political chaos. I must consult with my father and exercise extreme caution. The issue is that, at this moment, only the Hamilton Marquis House knows this service is coming... This secret alone is a heavy burden.)
With her thoughts finally stabilizing, she voiced the question she needed to confirm with Kaito.
"Kaito-sama... while it is certain this service will launch eventually, when will it be officially announced? I cannot go about spreading word of this of my own accord."
"Actually, I believe the kings of the various nations have already been informed. Unlike the shop's grand opening, they don't necessarily have to synchronize the start of this service across every region. They will decide on the timing in consultation with each monarch. It is not public knowledge yet, but those in the inner circles supposedly already know."
"I see. In that case, there should be no problem if our house claims we heard of it through our own independent information channels."
"I don't mind if you tell them you heard it from me, though..."
"Kaito-sama, please... your influence is far too great. If we did that, it would imply that the Hamilton Marquis House—no, that I personally—have a close relationship with you. Please... forgive me for asking such a rude question... but... was your mention of me being a 'friend' to the Seven Princesses more than just social courtesy? Do you... truly intend to treat me as a friend?"
To be honest, Elis had assumed his use of the word 'friend' was merely a polite fiction to smooth over the introduction. She believed she was, in practice, just an acquaintance he had "upgraded" for the sake of the moment.
Kaito, however, had no such complicated ulterior motives.
"Eh? Well, I already considered us friends, Elis-san. Did you not want to be?"
"N-No, quite the opposite! It is a profound honor! It is just... I was under the impression that you preferred to avoid the nobility. So, I thought..."
"Ah, I see. It makes sense that you would think that. It is a bit hard to explain, but... in the world I came from, I was just a commoner. I am not very fond of the rigid formality of noble parties, and since I was receiving an overwhelming number of letters and invitations, I just started turning them all down. It is not that I dislike or avoid nobles personally."
"So that was the reason." Elis nodded, her expression one of profound relief. She realized she had completely overlooked the fact that, despite his world-shaking influence, the summoned otherworlders were fundamentally commoners.
(The error was mine. After all, Kaito-sama is in a relationship with Her Excellency Duchess Albert. There were plenty of signs that he didn't harbor a grudge against the nobility. I was blinded by my own preconceptions and failed to see that his values remain those of a commoner. I have much to reflect on.)
Elis was a good person at heart. Realizing she had viewed Kaito through an unnecessary filter, she silently resolved to do better.
Of course, whether or not that would save her from the stomach-turning stress to come was another matter entirely.
"Anyway, if you are okay with it, Elis-san, I would be happy if we could keep being friends."
"Yes, I would be delighted. Please, forgive me for my misunderstanding."
"Don't worry about it. Oh, that reminds me... I might as well give you this, too."
"Is this... a magic tool? I have never seen one shaped like this before."
"I give these to all my friends. It is a specialized ordering tool for Nifty. You can buy products directly through it, regardless of the store's current stock or any purchase limits."
"...Hie!"
Kaito handed these out to any friend who showed interest in the brand. But for Elis, being casually handed such an absurd, direct connection to the world’s most exclusive brand was the final blow. The color drained from her face instantly.