Canalis restored the cake—the one I had just blown the candles out on—to its original massive size. It was then sliced and distributed to all the guests in the venue.
The cake Alice had baked was exactly what I expected—which is to say, it was phenomenal. Unlike the previous year, it didn't have any gimmicks like changing flavors; it was just a simple strawberry shortcake. Yet, it was so refined that the taste left me genuinely moved.
"...As expected of my rival. It is an exceedingly delicate and sophisticated creation. Only one with absolute confidence in their craft would dare present something so simple... Hmph, well played."
For some reason, Ein-san looked proud, as if reaffirming the strength of her rival was a point of personal honor. Meanwhile, Alice, sitting at the announcer's desk, looked utterly exasperated. She seemed to realize that if she talked back, it would only play into Ein-san’s hands and lead to another lecture on her mysterious maid theories, so she chose to ignore her entirely.
[Now then, we’ll be resuming the live performances and other events in order. Everyone, please feel free to mingle and enjoy yourselves.]
[Is there something after the live show?] Fate interjected. [I mean, looking at the schedule, there has to be. Most of us haven't given Kai-chan our presents yet, and for that matter, neither have I.]
[Yes, well, as usual, time flows differently in this space, so there's no need to worry about your schedules back home,] Alice replied. [We have rest rooms available, so feel free to take a break if you're tired. Also, there are various exhibition rooms throughout the castle created by people with far too much time on their hands—they're basically personal hobby showrooms. You might find it interesting to take a look around.]
[Oh, right,] Fate said. [Kuro-rin made a room that’s basically buried in baby castellas, didn't she?]
[There are plenty of others. Oh, but please stay away from the "House of Curses" known as the My Beloved Child Museum outside the castle. I won't take responsibility if your mind shatters.]
So it wasn't just Kuro doing whatever she wanted... I suppose it made sense. The castle was massive, and with Shiro-san, Machina-san, and Canalis-san around, preparation wouldn't have taken long at all. It was only natural they'd find ways to kill time.
And, as expected, Machina-san’s museum was designated as a restricted area by name. I completely understood why, but the creator herself looked dissatisfied.
"...Wait, why? It’s my masterpiece. Every child who cares about My Child should see it. I poured all of My Child’s charm into it, seen through the eyes of his mother."
[I’m telling you not to attempt a massacre,] Alice shot back. [Only those with a unique psyche and overwhelming power can even set foot in that place.]
Apparently, it was intense enough to give even someone like Kuro a headache, so it must be brimming with Machina-san’s particular brand of madness. Canalis-san had seen the whole thing, and the sheer weight of it came through in her description.
Or so I thought, but then unexpected words reached my ears.
[...I have already toured the facility via a remote body, and this unit found it to be a truly magnificent installation. Outputting deep emotion... "I was moved by Machina-chan's dedication! Personally, I felt it could have been even longer!" ...This unit is a Kaito-sama Hardcore Fan.]
"Exactly! I knew you'd understand, Electrone! We did spend so much time talking about My Child before, didn't we?!"
[Confirmed. However, this unit believes our standards are quite advanced. It would be an error to expect the general public to operate at this level.]
"Ah, I see your point... If they haven't properly mastered the fundamentals regarding My Child, the advanced content might be difficult to grasp."
It seemed Electrone-san was a fan of that museum. In fact, she had apparently already managed to tour the whole thing using a duplicate body while I wasn't looking.
[...Wait? You two are acquaintances?] Alice asked.
"Electrone and I have been friends for ages," Machina explained. "Our natures are similar—mechanical and digital—so we’ve kept in touch. Lately, we've been bonding over stories about My Child..."
[This unit and the Machine God have an established contract. We are associates who regularly exchange information.]
[In that case, Electrone-san, please keep that idiot in check if she starts going off the rails. I’m seriously swamped doubling as the announcer, director, and Machina-handler.]
[Understood. Should her behavior be deemed excessive, I shall restrain her. Continuing to output emotion... "Besides, after actually meeting Kaito-sama, I wanted to discuss him with Machina-chan!" ...Hero-dono, you may focus on your other duties.]
Alice looked like she had finally found a glimmer of hope. She immediately pawned the task of handling Machina-san off on Electrone-san. She must have had a nightmare of a time during the planning stages, dealing not just with Machina-san, but Shiro-san and everyone else.
Serious-senpai: "There were hints before, like during Lilia's reward, that they knew each other, but it seems they're more than just acquaintances—they're actually close. The fact that she calls Alice 'Hero-dono' proves she's been hearing stories from Machina. And it seems the My Beloved Child Museum is a massive hit among the World Creators."