Strictly speaking, the reason Life had decided to approach Elis in the first place could be traced back to the gift exchange, which had been carried out across parallel worlds.
Kaito had enjoyed ample time during that session to chat with each guest as he accepted their gifts, and his conversation with Life had been no exception.
"While I believe it is a positive development that I have more chances to visit gatherings with those from outside the God Realm, I am also made painfully aware of my own past immaturity."
"Interactions between the Gods and the other realms have definitely increased since the White God Festival, haven't they? I think it’s great, but I imagine such a sudden change in environment must be quite bewildering."
"Indeed. Though we are still only in the early stages compared to how things once were, more of my kind are expanding their horizons beyond the God Realm. I myself have had opportunities to use the Human Realm festivals as a reference during the White God Festival and other occasions, and I realized the narrowness of my own perspective. That in itself is not the issue. Immaturity is something to be ashamed of, yet I believe that expanding one's horizons in this way leads to the growth that Shallow Vernal-sama desires... However, I cannot help but feel a twinge of impatience when I realize how far I have fallen behind the Goddess of Space-Time and the Goddess of Fate."
"You feel like you've fallen behind Chronoa-san and Fate-san? Why do you think that is, Life-san?"
Without either of them realizing it, the conversation had shifted into a consultation. Kaito listened with genuine sincerity, waiting for Life to continue. She fell silent for a moment, organizing her thoughts, before opening her mouth again.
"...Well, the Goddess of Fate is, needless to say, the Supreme God who has grown the most. There were many occasions, such as during the White God Festival, where I felt I could not match the depth of her insight. I once thought the Goddess of Space-Time was relatively close to my own position, but she has become close with Lilia Albert and seems to have much deeper ties to the Human Realm than I do. In particular, when it was decided to use Human Realm festivals as a reference, the only person from Humankind I fundamentally had a connection with—someone I could actually ask for advice—was the Arclesia Emperor, the ruler of my assigned country. I felt that was a situation that needed to be remedied."
"Ah, I see. In short, you're saying you want to increase the number of people you know among Humankind, Life-san?"
"That is correct. While my position as a Supreme God presents certain difficulties, I find myself wishing I had a specific individual within Humankind with whom I could be close, much like the Goddess of Space-Time. Among your acquaintances, Miyama-san, is there no one suitable?"
"Hmm, do you have any specific requirements or preferences?"
Hearing Life express a desire to broaden her social circle among Humankind, Kaito felt it was a wonderful step forward and wanted to help if he could.
"Let's see. If possible, someone living in the Arclesia Empire would be best. Symphonia is the Goddess of Space-Time's assigned country, and Hydra is the Goddess of Fate's... It is not that I am forbidden from interacting with people from those lands, but there are diplomatic considerations and boundaries to observe. It would be far more relaxing to associate with an inhabitant of my own assigned country."
"That makes sense. If we're talking about the Arclesia Empire, the people who immediately come to mind are Amel-san and Elis-san. I have a few other acquaintances there, but if they're going to be interacting with you, Life-san, they’d probably need a certain level of social standing..."
If it were simply a matter of residence, Chapel or An would have fit the bill, but considering the partner was a Supreme God, Kaito felt the candidate needed some status. Thus, his thoughts turned to Amel, the Leader of the Winged Race, or Elis of the Hamilton Marquis House.
"I see... Amel is the Leader of the Winged Race, correct? Her people possess such intense religious faith that if I were to approach her, she might be too overwhelmed with awe to speak. What about this Lady Elis?"
"Well, do you remember the woman with dark indigo hair who was standing behind me a little while ago? It was during that scene where Shiro-san and Eden-san were glaring at each other."
"Yes, the memory is clear. From her bearing, is she a noble?"
"She’s the heir of the Hamilton Marquis House."
"The Hamilton Marquis House... One of the Four Great Noble Houses of the Arclesia Empire, if I recall correctly. Their head is the current Prime Minister. I see. Considering the Goddess of Space-Time developed a connection with Lilia of a Ducal House, she might be a suitable counterpart for me. By the way, how do you perceive this Lady Elis, Miyama-san?"
Having become interested in Elis through Kaito's words, Life asked for his personal impression. She held Kaito’s ability to judge character in high regard and truly wanted to hear his perspective.
"Lady Elis is a wonderful, kind-hearted person. She’s incredibly sharp and well-informed, which makes her a natural at keeping a conversation flowing. She's truly sincere and someone you can trust."
"If she is someone you hold in such high regard, Miyama-san, then I would very much like to speak with her."
"Sure. I'll introduce you when the opportunity arises."
In that moment, Kaito’s intent was merely to explain the situation to Elis—that Life was looking for human connections—and then perform the introduction himself at a later date while he was present to mediate.
What Kaito hadn't expected, however, was that Life was the type to take action far faster than he anticipated. Since Elis herself was right there at the party, Life decided to seize the moment and initiate the interaction herself.
It was a cruel irony that this minor misunderstanding resulted in a crippling stomachache for poor Elis.
Serious-senpai: "People tend to think of her as someone who just sleeps and stays still, but look at the facts. She decided to tag along the second Kaito visited the God Realm; she summoned the God of Fertility the moment she realized Kaito was interested in her; and when Epsilon messed with forbidden arts, she flew out to handle the purge herself immediately... Life is actually the type to act the very moment she makes up her mind, isn't she?"