In a corner of the Central Great Forest within the Demon Realm stood the home of Great Tree Princess Jutia. Her friend Tiltania happened to be visiting, snacking on the mini-cookies Jutia had served while Jutia herself lay slumped face-down across the table, the very picture of misery.
"Come on, Jutia, you’ve got to cheer up!"
"But listen, just listen... The booklet says the drawing is already over. I know the winners have been picked, but maybe the notifications haven't been sent out yet? Is there really no chance I might’ve won?"
"Usually, they tell the winners before the booklet even comes out. And even if they didn’t, wouldn't they have told them the same time the booklet was released?"
"I guess so... Ugh... MK Royal... I’m just so, so curious about how it tastes, I tell ya!"
Much like Ein, Jutia had been captivated by the article about MK Royal in the Nifty booklet. The realization that she hadn't been the first winner had plunged her into a state of total despair.
She understood the intent behind the exclusive product, of course, so she had no intention of storming over to Kaito’s place to demand a sample. However, the sheer fact that she couldn't drink the MK Royal was enough to leave her despondent, her face buried against the wood of the table.
"Til didn’t win either, but they say one person wins every month. You’ll probably win at least once within the next hundred years or so, don't you think? There's no use worrying; we should just wait patiently!"
"Uguuu... the fact that a black tea exists in this world that I haven’t tasted yet is just so, so painful, I tell ya..."
For Tiltania, who possessed an incredibly relaxed sense of time, losing the lottery wasn't worth a second thought. As she said herself, her mindset was more along the lines of "It’d be nice to win sometime this century."
Then again, Tiltania wasn't nearly the black tea enthusiast that Jutia was, so her interest in the leaves was mild at best. She was far more interested in the fruit tart on the new menu at Nifty's Cafe, which had been featured in the latter half of the booklet.
As they continued their exchange, Jutia suddenly lifted her head from the table. Tiltania’s expression also brightened as she turned toward the entrance.
"It’s Lilliwood-sama!"
"You’re right, you’re right! I wonder if she’s here on business? Or maybe she just came to check on us?"
Jutia stood up and hurried toward the door. A knock followed, and as the two had sensed, Lilliwood arrived.
"Hello, Jutia... Oh, I see Tiltania is here as well."
"Welcome, Lilliwood-sama! Please, come in..."
"Hello! It's good to see you, Lilliwood-sama!"
Jutia and Tiltania greeted her with bright smiles. Lilliwood made a point of maintaining close communication with her subordinates and kin, so she occasionally visited their homes for casual conversation.
If there were a situation requiring urgent action from one of the Seven Princesses, she would have sent word through special magic rather than visiting in person. Judging by the relaxed atmosphere, Jutia concluded there was no emergency. She led Lilliwood inside and immediately retrieved a bottle of expensive water from her magic box, pouring a glass for her guest.
Lilliwood rarely drank anything other than water, eschewing tea and other beverages. To ensure they could properly host her, her kin—the Seven Princesses included—always kept a supply of high-quality water ready in their magic boxes.
"Here you are, Lilliwood-sama. Did you come to see how I was doing today?"
"Thank you. Yes, that was part of it... but I also came because I wanted to check your schedule regarding another matter. Are you aware that Kaito-san’s black tea brand is selling a blend called MK Royal to only one lottery winner?"
"Eh? Ah, yes! Actually, we were talking about that very thing just now!"
Once she confirmed that Jutia was up to speed on MK Royal, Lilliwood nodded and got to the heart of the matter.
"As it happens, Isis won the initial drawing for that MK Royal."
"What?! I-Isis-sama was the first winner?!"
"Indeed. It seems there is enough for an extra serving of the tea, and she invited me to join her. However, as you well know, I drink almost nothing but water. When I asked if she would allow you—a fellow tea lover—to go in my place, Isis readily agreed. That is why I am here to check your schedule."
"L-Lilliwood-sama... Th-Thank you so much! I’m free whenever! Any time is fine!"
"Congratulations, Jutia! That’s wonderful news!"
"Fufu, you should save your thanks for Isis. Perhaps because she has her own subordinates now, she seems to have more emotional leeway. It is truly heartening to see her proactively trying to engage with other camps like this."
The despair that had gripped Jutia only moments ago vanished instantly. Her face lit up with a look of pure, unadulterated joy, and seeing her friend so happy, Tiltania offered her enthusiastic congratulations.
Lilliwood watched the scene with a fond, warm smile. Though she had been the one to make the suggestion, she was genuinely happy to see the positive changes in Isis, who was now reaching out to connect with those outside the circle of the Six Kings.
Serious-senpai: "Til’s good character really shines here. She isn't jealous of Jutia at all; she’s as happy as if she were the one who got the invitation. Of course, the fact that she isn't as tea-obsessed as Jutia probably helps a bit, too..."