I had just finished receiving Epsilon-san's gift, and she had returned to the party. Right as I was wondering how things would proceed from here...
"Well then, there is still a little time before the next performance. Everyone, please feel free to enjoy your conversations until then."
Oh? I see... Does this mean I’ve already moved to a parallel world? I didn't feel a thing. If that's the case, I should be able to spin the lottery machine again without any issues.
Now then, I wonder who’s next...
"Olivia."
Next was Olivia-san. She had displayed some incredible skills during the hidden talent show... Oh, maybe she prepared a sculpture for me.
Then again, Olivia-san’s sculpting was more of a necessary vocational skill for her rather than a hobby. I had a feeling she wouldn't show it to anyone unless it was for a specific purpose like that contest, so a sculpture might be a long shot.
Before long, Olivia-san arrived. The first thing she did was clasp her hands in a prayerful gesture before me.
"Since our time is limited, I shall offer only an abbreviated prayer... Kaito Miyama-sama, once again, I wish you a happy birthday. To be present on this commemorative day for the great Kaito Miyama-sama is an honor far beyond what this body deserves."
"Ah, ha-ha... Thank you."
Since I had spoken with Olivia-san many times before, I knew she wasn't just being hyperbolic. This was her true, unfiltered self speaking from the heart.
"I have brought a modest token to celebrate the occasion. Choosing a gift for Kaito Miyama-sama was a daunting task for one as immature as I... however, according to the reference literature, daily-use items are the most preferred. Thus, I have prepared this."
"Thank you... A slender box? Is it a pen?"
What Olivia-san held out was a luxurious, slender box. My first thought was a fountain pen, but it felt a little too large for that.
"These are chopsticks. I am aware that at Kaori Mizuhara's Shop and other such places, Kaito Miyama-sama favors otherworld food... Japanese food. I have prepared these in the hope that you might use them when partaking in such meals."
"Oh, I see! Chopsticks. I didn't actually have a high-quality pair, so I'm really happy to have them. I'll make sure to use them well."
Since I usually ate with Lilia-san and the others, I had more opportunities to eat Western food, but if I asked Illness-san or the head chef, they would happily make Japanese dishes for me. Even Alice would whip up some ramen if I asked. Having my own personal set of chopsticks would be useful in plenty of situations.
I had already received a pair from Kaori-san, but you can never have too many.
Furthermore, magic in this world included spells that could sterilize and clean small objects like utensils. It wasn't very efficient for a whole sink full of dishes when considering the magic power consumption, but it was perfect for a single pair of chopsticks. Since it was a simple spell that even I could use, I could see myself using these my-chopsticks quite often.
When I thanked her, Olivia-san’s face lit up. I could tell she was genuinely relieved and happy that I liked the gift she had chosen. It was a very heartwarming sight.
"By the way, Olivia-san, when is your birthday?"
"Mine? I am unsure if 'birthday' is the correct term, but if it is the day I was created by Shallow Vernal-sama, then it would be the 28th of the Second Month of Water—the day the conclusion of the Friendship Treaty was officially decided."
"I see... Wait, wasn't the anniversary of the conclusion of the Friendship Treaty in the Month of Heavens?"
"You are correct. The day the Friendship Treaty was established globally is celebrated on the 15th of the Month of Heavens. That is indeed a fact. That was the day the representatives of the three worlds gathered before the public to sign the treaty. However, the conclusion of the treaty was finalized internally back in the Month of Water. I was created on the 28th of the Second Month of Water to manage the original text and oversee the administration of the agreement."
Thinking about it, it made sense. While the public anniversary in the Friendly City Hikari was the 15th of the Month of Heavens, there obviously had to be high-level discussions regarding the management system prior to that date.
However, the 28th of the Second Month of Water was actually quite close to my own birthday. It was coming up very soon.
"Then, as thanks for today, please let me celebrate your birthday, Olivia-san."
"...Celebrate?"
"Why the look? You're acting like you've never heard that word before."
"A-Ah... n-no, my apologies. It seems I’ve had a momentary lapse in my faculties. I shamelessly imagined that I heard Kaito Miyama-sama say he would celebrate my birthday..."
"I did say that. I mean, Olivia-san, you've gone through so much; I thought a birthday celebration would be nice. Well, mostly I just want to celebrate it myself, so if it's okay with you, I'd love to."
"Eh? Ah... yes? If that is Kaito Miyama-sama’s wish..."
I watched as Olivia-san’s face filled with confusion. It seemed she fundamentally couldn't process what I was saying. The idea that I would celebrate her birthday was clearly beyond her comprehension.
Since she was closer to the Gods than most, I suppose she didn't have much experience with personal celebrations.
Well, it was a bit of a whim, but I decided I was definitely going to do something to celebrate Olivia-san’s birthday.
Serious-senpai: "Is that really a good idea? Olivia might actually faint from the sheer pressure of your kindness."
???: "In a way, this could be considered Kaito-san’s signature move: the Body (Stomach) Blow Stance."