Perhaps because Electrone was gentle and clearly well-disposed toward the inhabitants of this world, Lilia and her companions felt their tension begin to ebb.
『Lilia Albert, I believe you previously received a miniature world from the Machine God. Is my data correct?』
"Um... you mean Eden-sama, right? Yes, she gave it to me. Are you and Eden-sama acquainted, Electrone-sama?"
『Affirmative. This unit has maintained a long-standing connection with the Machine God. When she was constructing that world for you, she requested permission to use organisms from my world for display purposes. At that time, I provided specimens of what we call Machine Beasts—specifically, the varieties that correspond to the Dragon Species of your world.』
"Oh! Those incredibly cool dragons! Yes, they were magnificent models."
『I am gratified that you found them to your liking. However, those were but a fraction of the Machine Beasts in existence. Since we have this opportunity, I shall show you specimens tailored to the preferences of Lunamaria and Sieglinde to broaden our conversation.』
As Electrone spoke, her cat-ear device emitted a soft glow, and a small hologram manifested in the air.
"...They are quite adorable. They look just like plushies, but are these truly living creatures?"
『Affirmative. These organisms possess a mechanical exterior with the primary body residing within. I calculated that this particular aesthetic would resonate with the tastes of both Sieglinde and Lunamaria.』
"...I-I see. Honestly, they’re so charming I’d want a plushie of my own if they existed."
Sieglinde gazed at the projected creatures with genuine interest. Though she felt a lingering sense of bashfulness, she figured it was only natural for a God to perceive her personal tastes, so she offered her honest impressions without trying to hide them.
The group continued their small talk in a peaceful atmosphere for a while longer. Eventually, Electrone spoke up to signal her departure.
『Reluctant as I am to leave, time is a finite resource. Unfortunately, for this unit—who is a group fan of your circle—there are far too many guests in this venue I wish to greet. Let us reserve further discourse for the next time I visit this world. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for responding to my request.』
"The honor was ours, Electrone-sama. Thank you for speaking with us."
"Opportunities to converse with a Creator of the World from another realm are rare indeed. This was a precious and delightful experience."
"I feel the same as Lili and Luna. I'm very glad we could talk, Electrone-sama."
Seeing the three of them smiling peacefully with their guard completely down, Electrone gave a satisfied nod. Then, after a brief pause, she spoke with a gentle resonance.
『As I designated myself a fan earlier, I truly am a supporter of you all. I know of your lives to some extent through the abilities I possess. Lilia Albert... you are a person of profound integrity. Despite facing countless hardships and bitter trials, you truly understand that the world is more than just suffering. You have maintained a pure, unwavering heart. Even to this unit, who has only caught glimpses of your journey, your path feels radiant and precious.』
"Th-Thank you very much."
Suddenly presented with such direct, sincere praise, Lilia bowed her head in gratitude, her expression blooming with bashful color. Turning then toward Lunamaria and Sieg, Electrone continued in the same gentle tone.
『Lunamaria... you are a remarkably attentive person. Your ability to sense the subtle needs of those around you and offer quiet support is truly magnificent. Many lives have surely been lightened by your kindness.』
"T-To be praised so openly is a bit embarrassing, but I am honored."
『Sieglinde... you are someone who truly lives by the principle of learning from the past to know the future. You learn from your experiences and apply them toward growth through sheer effort. It seems like a simple thing, but it is a difficult path that requires immense courage. I find it truly magnificent. Please continue to devote yourself without losing that spirit.』
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words of praise."
After offering her blessings to each of them in turn, Electrone nodded contentedly.
『Each of you is equally wonderful. The moments I spent exchanging words with you, brief as they were, were truly magnificent. You have my heartfelt thanks. This unit will continue to support you as a fan. May you each remain healthy while staying true to yourselves... It was a truly marvelous time. I look forward to speaking with you again when I return to this world.』
"Yes. We would love to, when the time comes..."
Lilia answered on behalf of the group. After nodding happily at the reply, Electrone announced she would go greet the other guests and vanished from sight.
"...How should I put this? U-Um, well, I know this might sound incredibly rude, but... she was a very God-like God, wasn't she?"
"Yes, I feel the same as Lili. One naturally feels a sense of reverence in her presence."
"When she first arrived, I expected someone a bit more... eccentric. But she was perfectly dignified and compassionate."
Seeing how Electrone embodied the grace and benevolence of a true superior being, Lilia and the others wore indescribably complex expressions—though it was obvious which other "eccentric" gods they were using as a comparison.
Machina: "I wonder who they were thinking of?"
Serious-senpai: "You, obviously. You're the ultimate problem child."
Machina: "...Being a 'proper' God is difficult. What's the secret?"
Serious-senpai: "Maybe stop calling people 'Meat Slabs' for a start?"
Machina: "...Is 'Meat Doll' or 'Unevaluated Individual' better?"
Serious-senpai: "I can't believe I'm saying this, but 'Meat Slab' might actually be the kindest one on that list."
Machina: "A Meat Slab is a Meat Slab. In the broadest biological sense, I am one, my children are, and even you are a Meat Slab, Serious-senpai. Though in my case, 'Iron Slab' probably fits better."
Serious-senpai: "...Wait, what?"
Machina: "Hm? What is it?"
Serious-senpai: "...(Hold on. If she considers 'My Child' to be a Meat Slab in a broad sense... wait. Does this mean she isn't using it as a slur, but as a literal neutral classification?)"