The birthday party had finally come to an end, but a certain lingering afterglow remained. The air was filled with the sense that the celebration was still continuing in small pockets as guests exchanged final greetings before departing.
As for heading home, a dedicated gate had been set up near the exit of the venue. It was designed so that anyone who passed through it would be returned directly to their respective residence.
While I’d exchanged a few words with most people while receiving my gifts, there were still a few I wanted to speak with properly before the night was over. My first stop was Electrone-san.
"Electrone-san, thank you for everything. You were a huge help today."
『Please, do not let it concern you. Outputting Emotion... <On the contrary, for me, being allowed to participate was one thing, but getting to actually help out was the absolute best!> ...It was a perk of the position.』
"I'm glad you feel that way. Actually, I have a favor to ask. Is it possible for you to deliver something to the other four World Creators who sent me gifts through Canalis-san?"
『It is possible, but... a delivery?』
Five World Creators, including Electrone-san herself, had sent me presents through Canalis-san. I’d already asked her to convey my thanks, but I’d been wondering if there was something more tangible I could give them in return.
Based on that Garapon Lottery, there were at least 170 billion World Creators who had tried to send me something. If I didn’t do something now, I had no idea when I’d ever have the chance to contact those specific five again, let alone offer them a proper gift.
As I racked my brain for ideas, I remembered a certain item tucked away in my Magic Box. Back when I attended the Arclesia Empire Founding Anniversary Festival, I’d made some Winged Race Accessories under Amel-san’s tutelage. In the end, we had more merchandise than expected, and since the actual Winged Race had their own stalls at the festival, I’d decided to let them handle the sales. Unlike Amel-san, I’m not a member of the Winged Race, and I felt awkward putting my amateur work on display. Consequently, those accessories had just been sitting in my Magic Box ever since.
Amel-san had told me I could do whatever I wanted with them, so I’d planned to give them away eventually... and as it happened, I had exactly five. It was a complete coincidence, but the numbers matched perfectly.
I figured they would make for a good thank-you gift. I’d initially thought about asking Canalis-san to help, but if Electrone-san could contact the others, it would be much faster to give her all five—one for her and four for the others—and ask her to handle the distribution.
"I know it's just something an amateur made, so I apologize if they're a bit crude, but I’d be honored if you’d accept these as a token of my gratitude."
『...Outputting Deep Emotion... <Eep! Th-this... the storm of fan service is too powerful! I’m the one who should be thanking you just for the invite, but a handmade accessory from Kaito-sama too?! So precious... it's too precious! The "Preciousness Festival" in my brain is reaching its peak! As expected, Kaito-sama is the undisputed number one! I love you so much!> ...I am deeply moved by Kaito-sama’s thoughtfulness. I shall gratefully accept them.』
"Ah, right."
Her mood swings were as staggering as ever. One second she was a hardcore idol fan, and the next she was back to her expressionless, robotic self. I’d seen it many times by now, but it still caught me off guard.
『Leave the delivery to the other World Creators to me. Upon this unit's name, I shall ensure they reach their destinations.』
"Thank you. That helps a lot."
『Today has truly been a wonderful day for this unit. In truth, Shallow Vernal has granted me permission to visit Trinia again. If it is convenient for you, Kaito-sama, I would very much like to visit you once more.』
"Oh, is that so? Yes, please do. We haven't had a chance to talk deeply yet, but I can already tell you're a very kind and pleasant person. I was hoping for a chance to speak with you more, so that makes me happy."
『Outputting Emotion... <Gah?! The smile... my oshi's smile is blinding! It's like pure sunshine! To have such a "Preciousness MAX" smile directed at me... the happiness is overwhelming! I'm so glad I came! I'm truly, truly glad I came! Even if I get pummeled by that irrational Berserk Gorilla after this, I’ll have no regrets!> ...This unit also looks forward to the day we meet again, Kaito-sama.』
She certainly had an intense personality, but unlike Machina, she didn't seem prone to running wild. Even when her excitement peaked, she maintained a respectful distance. She seemed like a trustworthy and genuinely good person, so I really did want to talk with her more leisurely.
When she came to visit next time, I thought it would be nice to sit down for a chat with Nebula and Canalis-san as well.
...That aside, I couldn't help but wonder about this "irrational gorilla" who could apparently pummel someone as powerful as Electrone-san...
Serious-senpai: "He's burning the World Creators' brains on high heat again... honestly, I feel like that Berserk Gorilla is about to start emitting a golden aura at any moment."