The castle of Death King Isis Remnant stood in the Land of Death, a place as legendary as it was desolate. Though its existence was known to all, few had ever actually passed through its gates.
The Land of Death was an unforgiving environment of extreme cold, where even monsters and animals fled from the suffocating presence of death. However, the true deterrent had always been the old Isis herself; she had once unconsciously radiated an aura of such intense intimidation that even Peerage-class high-ranking demons and the Six Kings' Executives rarely dared to approach.
Jutia, one of the World King’s Subordinate Executives, had spoken with Isis several times before, but this was her first time stepping foot inside the castle.
"...Welcome... Jutia."
"Thank you so much for having me today, Isis-sama! I must say, I’m a bit surprised. I didn't expect you to come out and greet me personally, I tell ya!"
"...Everyone is busy... getting the tea party ready. Since I only invited... Ein, Kuromueina, and you... I wanted to come meet you myself."
"I see! Oh, I brought some Spirit Tree fruits as a souvenir. Please, feel free to share them with your subordinates."
"...Thank you... I’m so happy."
Jutia smiled as she chatted with the Death King. After handing over the fruits, she used space-time magic to pull out another gift. It was a basket overflowing with vibrant blossoms—a floral arrangement designed specifically for interior decor.
"And also, and also! Clea and Vera from my neck of the woods insisted I bring this. They made it themselves as soon as they heard I was coming here. They said you were so kind to them during the Harmonic Symphony after-party, you see."
"...Those two? ...I remember. They are... such beautiful flowers. I had a wonderful time back then, too... I really must find a way to thank them..."
"In that case, please just call on them whenever you like! They both mentioned they’d love to talk with you again, I say."
"...Then, do you think... it would be okay... if I invited them to a tea party... sometime soon?"
"Oh, they’d be absolutely delighted!"
"...I see... Yes... I’ll look forward to it, then."
Isis remembered Clea and Vera well. They were the two spirits from World King Lilliwood’s camp who had summoned the courage to speak to her at the after-party. She recalled the joy of that conversation fondly.
Unlike the past, the current Isis no longer projected an aura of fear; her naturally gentle heart was now plain for all to see. For Clea and Vera, their previous encounter was a precious memory. When they had heard Jutia was visiting the castle, they had looked on with envy while preparing their gift. If Isis were to invite them, they would surely jump at the chance.
Beaming at Jutia’s response, Isis guided her toward the terrace where the party was to be held.
"Well now, well now... I’d heard the rumors, but this view of the Blue Crystal Flowers is something else! The way they sparkle against the snowy landscape of the Land of Death is a perfect, perfect match, I tell ya!"
"I'm so glad you like it~ It’s a pleasure to meet ya. I’m the Blue Crystal Flower Spirit, Spica."
"The pleasure is all mine! I’m Jutia, the Great Spirit of the Spirit Tree and a kin of World King Lilliwood-sama. I’ve heard quite a bit about you from Lilliwood-sama, so I’m just thrilled to finally meet you, I say!"
"Is that so? Well, I’m happy to meet you too, I am~"
While this wasn't the primary venue for the large-scale tea parties planned for the future, the field of Blue Crystal Flowers was still clearly visible from this terrace. Spica had approached to offer a relaxed greeting as Jutia admired the scenery.
"...Spica... Could you... show Jutia around? ...I need to go... welcome Kuromueina."
"You bet~ Leave it to me."
"...Thank you... I’m counting on you."
Among the invited guests, Ein had arrived first to oversee the tea brewing and was currently assisting Iris in crafting the tea sweets. Kuromueina, who was finishing up some business, was expected to be the final arrival.
With the time for Kuro’s arrival drawing near, Isis left Jutia in Spica’s care and headed back toward the castle entrance.
Along the way, she stopped by the room where she kept her most precious treasures. She carefully applied preservation magic to the floral arrangement Clea and Vera had made and placed it in a prominent spot. Then, with a radiant smile, she went to meet her dear friend.
Serious-senpai: "Everything is so heartwarming over here... meanwhile, there's a certain Marquis’s daughter currently dying of stomach pain! Does nobody care!?"