My conversation with Elis-san progressed smoothly, stretching far longer than I had anticipated. She was a natural in the social scene, perfectly balancing the roles of an attentive listener and an engaging talker. Our dialogue flowed with an easy, pleasant rhythm that made the time fly.
Since the shop had only recently opened, the standard cafe tables were subject to strict time limits. However, the associate seating I occupied came with no such restrictions, allowing us to linger.
"How should I put it..." I mused. "I have an acquaintance who practically worships high society, but listening to you, it sounds incredibly draining."
"In truth, it often involves a great deal of searching for hidden motives," Elis admitted. "There is certainly a glamorous exterior, but beneath that, it’s only natural for various noble schemes to be in motion. It is simply the way of our world."
I listened as she elaborated on the complexities of the aristocracy. It seemed like an unending battle of wits. Falling behind on current trends could put someone at a serious disadvantage; it sounded less like a party and more like information warfare. I remembered Gurin-san’s longing for this world and couldn't help but think she had her work cut out for her.
"So your standing in the social circle really does carry that much weight?" I asked.
"It does," she replied. "One might even say that a powerful voice in society is synonymous with political power. Of course, the foundation of your house still dictates much of your rank, so high-ranking nobles usually maintain the advantage. In practice, the hierarchy tends to follow one's peerage. My mother, the Marchioness Hamilton, is considered top-tier in these circles... though even she cannot reach the absolute summit."
"An absolute summit?"
"Yes. The mother of Emperor Chris, Former Imperial Consort Lystia. She rarely shows interest in society and almost never makes an appearance. But on those rare occasions when she drifts into an evening party, she captivates everyone in the room instantly. Every gesture she makes is so breathtakingly elegant and enchanting that my mother said she felt a crushing sense of defeat the moment they met. She knew she could never hope to compete."
"Ah, I see... Indeed, Listy-san is incredible."
I was immediately convinced. Listy-san was the Strongest Succubus, after all. Even without her power of Charm, her communication skills were on a different level. When we first met, she had read my nature in a heartbeat and adjusted her entire demeanor to match; her intuition was uncanny. Chris-san had once confessed she was no match for her mother in that regard, so calling Listy the queen of the social world was likely an understatement.
Of course, she genuinely had zero interest in politics. When she did wander into a party, she was almost certainly just looking for her next "meal."
As our talk hit a natural lull, I glanced at the time and realized just how much had passed since we sat down.
"I'm sorry," I said, offering a small, sheepish smile. "I ended up keeping you here much longer than I intended."
"Oh, no," Elis replied graciously. "I've enjoyed our conversation immensely. But you're right—it is probably about time we vacated the table."
Elis was so easy to talk to that I felt a bit guilty for monopolizing her afternoon. Even if she had other plans, she would have prioritized me out of politeness. I wanted to offer her a token of my appreciation. Then I remembered I had just the thing.
"Elis-san, as a thank you for your time and for everything you've taught me, I’d like you to have this—if you’ll accept it."
"What is this? It's wrapped so beautifully."
"A wooden tabletop clock. The girl who designed the Nifty cups and the items I sold during the Arclesia Founding Anniversary Festival is a bit of a crafting enthusiast. I once asked her for a clock, but since she’s a perfectionist, she ended up making a few different versions. I only needed one for myself, so I've been carrying the others around, hoping to find someone who might appreciate them."
The idea had started when Nebula and Illness-san were working on a massive wooden timepiece. I had taken a liking to the rustic aesthetic and asked them to make a smaller version for my room, providing them with various high-quality materials.
Perhaps because I had provided an abundance of supplies, they had returned with several different designs. I had kept my favorite for my own desk, leaving a few extras. I couldn't bear to throw away anything Nebula had put her heart into, but I didn't have enough to give one to every person in my life. Nebula had suggested I keep them gift-wrapped for occasions like this—to use as spontaneous gifts or tokens of gratitude.
"It's nothing too extravagant," I added, "but the design is quite elegant. I thought it might suit your home."
"Thank you so much," Elis said, a soft, genuine smile spreading across her face. "I feel as though I’m always receiving your kindness... Please, let me host you properly in return some other time."
I returned her smile, and with that, our impromptu tea party concluded on a warm, pleasant note.
Serious-senpai: "A wooden tabletop clock made by Nebula... That’s crafted from the wood of the World Tree, isn't it? What a terrifying protagonist. He relentlessly pummels her with social stress from start to finish, and then, as a parting gift, he hands her a time bomb that will trigger a follow-up wave of stomach pain once she gets home and realizes what it is. He truly has not a shred of mercy."