The time was the day after Kaito’s shipboard party. Grin, the leader of Scarlet Blue who had attended as one of Kaito’s friends, was showing her teammates—who were also her colleagues—the necklace she had won during the party's bingo tournament.
"Wh-Wh-Wh-What... G-Grin... That distinctive sparkle, it couldn't be..."
"Oh, but it is. A Midnight Crystal necklace."
"Is it the real thing? We've only ever seen those at exhibitions. Isn't there a chance it's a fake?"
The necklace featured high-grade gemstones of such quality that a commoner could hardly even guess the price. As Grin showed it off with pride, her two companions stared at it with a mix of envy and horror.
"I have the appraisal certificate right here."
"That’s so unfair, Gurin! Why do you get to have something like this all to yourself? Just how many high-ranking nobles did you charm at that party!?"
"Wait, if she received a gift like this... Does that mean Grin has already found herself a rich husband?"
Like Grin, the two teammates longed for high society, and their eyes were filled with jealousy. Grin basked in their attention, looking immensely satisfied. However, since there was a misunderstanding, she decided to set the record straight.
"...No, this was a prize from a mini-event at the party called Bingo."
"A mini-event gave out winner's prizes of this caliber!?"
"Actually, it wasn't even the grand prize. It was just one of many available. In fact, since I didn't get a bingo until late in the game, this was technically one of the lower-ranked rewards."
"No way... You're telling me prizes of this rank were just lying around? That’s insane."
"If I had to describe it... Mr. Miyama is staggeringly wealthy. So much so that even I, who usually pushes through any social situation, was completely terrified. The sheer scale of that party was enough to make me shrink back in intimidation."
"..."
Hearing Grin speak with such a haunted expression, the two looked at each other in shock. They knew Grin well; they knew she was assertive and more desperate to climb the social ladder than anyone. For someone like her to be intimidated meant the luxury of the event was at a level they couldn't even begin to conceive.
"However! I did manage to achieve results. Thanks to Mr. Miyama’s introduction, I actually met Her Excellency Duchess Lilia Albert!"
"What!? You mean the one ranked number one in the Most Active Noble Ranking!?"
"The high-ranking noble we’ve always admired from afar!?"
While Kaito and An had no idea such a ranking existed, these two certainly did—they were the very people who had helped Grin create it.
"And she’s agreed to let me accompany her to some smaller parties in the future."
"That’s so... Oh, I'm so jealous!"
"Why only Gurin? If only I’d been at the after-party to talk to him properly..."
It was only natural for the two to look at Grin with eyes of pure envy. She had secured a foothold for her debut into the social circles they craved. Grin let out a small smirk and addressed them again.
"...Now, now, don't worry. Did you really think I called you here just to brag about the necklace and the invitation?"
"Yes. I fully expected to spend the afternoon listening to Grin-san brag."
"Yeah. We figured Gurin was just that kind of person."
"..."
Grin had expected them to say, "No, of course not!" Seeing them nod without a hint of hesitation, her face twisted as her cheek twitched.
"............I see. I had gone to the trouble of asking for permission to bring you two along as well, and she said yes... but I suppose that won't be necessary now!!"
"Wait, no! That was a joke! A joke, Grin! We’ve always believed in you!"
"Exactly! Gurin, we’ve always thought you were a fantastic leader who puts her team first!"
Watching the two of them turn on a dime with almost refreshing speed, Grin wanted to snap at them. However, she knew that she would have reacted exactly the same way if the roles were reversed, so she found it hard to stay angry.
Serious-senpai: "...I have a feeling that if these two mobs ever get names and show up again, they’re going to get hit with a merciless stomach pain blow..."