The existence of a Supreme God, who held a position in the God Realm second only to the Creator God Shallow Vernal, was an immense weight for any human to bear.
Under normal circumstances, such beings could not even be glimpsed outside of the Hero Festival. The mere rumor that a Supreme God might visit the Human Realm was enough to draw massive crowds. Naturally, their authority was on a level that could not even be compared to that of a marquis’s daughter.
The Arclesia Empire, in particular, was an environment where crops struggled to grow. Because it relied heavily on the divine protection of the God of Fertility, the influence of the Gods was far more profound there than in the other two nations.
Even setting those practical factors aside, Life was undoubtedly one of the top existences in the entire world. For Elis, she was an opponent whom she absolutely could not afford to displease.
(Even though the Hamiltons are one of the Four Great Noble Houses, it wouldn’t be strange for us to be literally erased from Arclesia’s history if the Goddess of Life gave the word. I cannot afford even the slightest disrespect... B-But why would the Goddess of Life call out to me? I am certain Kaito-sama is behind this, but without knowing her objective, I can't afford to move carelessly...)
While she was certain beyond a doubt that Kaito was the catalyst, she could not fathom what business a Supreme God had with her—a mere noble’s daughter.
In truth, the only person in the Empire who had spoken directly with Life was likely Empress Chris. Even Elis's father, Marquis Hamilton, probably never had the honor.
"There is no need to be so intimidated. It is not as if you have committed some fault; I am calling out to you for my own reasons today. I will not judge you for lèse-majesté so easily. However, you must be anxious not knowing my goal, so allow me to explain."
"Y-Yes. I am deeply grateful for the kindness of the Goddess of Life..."
"Ah, I grant you permission to refer to me by my name, Life. Please use it from now on."
"Huh? H-Hahii!? T-Then... Life-sama..."
In contrast to Life, who spoke with a gentle composure, Elis’s mind was spiraling into total panic.
(What? I was given permission to use her name? T-That’s impossible... To even have a Supreme God identify themselves to you is extraordinary, but to be permitted to use their name? Isn't that a privilege denied even to Her Majesty Chris? Why? Just where did I earn such an undeservedly high evaluation?)
In the culture of the Gods, a name was a treasure bestowed directly by Shallow Vernal and was considered extremely sacred. Even among the Gods themselves, they rarely used names, preferring to address one another by their titles, such as "God of This" or "God of That."
In Elis’s understanding, a God’s name was something only allowed to be uttered by those special existences who were exceptionally valued. For a simple noblewoman to be granted such a right by the Supreme God Life was a development that could only be described as a bolt from the blue.
"To explain my objective: are you aware that the Gods have recently been increasing their interactions with the Human and Demon Realms?"
"Y-Yes, I am. Since the White God Festival, not only the Low-ranking Gods but even the High-ranking Gods have been more involved in events. I heard their participation in Human Realm festivals has increased by about thirty percent compared to average years..."
"I am impressed that you maintain such a broad perspective. Yes, it is true that the God Realm as a whole is moving toward a greater involvement with other worlds. Now, back to me; compared to my fellow Supreme Gods, the God of Fate and the God of Space-Time, my connections with humankind have been thin. I felt this was something I should improve. However, as a Supreme God, I cannot simply broaden my social circle without careful thought."
Elis nodded slightly, beginning to follow Life’s reasoning. Despite her confusion, Elis was an incredibly sharp individual. As she listened, she quickly organized her thoughts.
(If Life-sama’s goal is to increase her interactions with humans, then perhaps I am indeed a suitable choice here. I don't know the exact restrictions regarding the countries assigned to the Supreme Gods, but if she wants to increase her involvement with humans in her assigned country, Arclesia... Her Majesty Chris is already connected. Knight Commander Baldo and Satania-sama are demons. That leaves Amel-sama or me. The Winged Race already has a strong faith in the Goddess of Life and often invites High-ranking Gods to their events, so they likely already have a connection. If that's the case, I was chosen through a process of elimination. She might be using me as a foothold to establish a connection with my father or other influential nobles. If I think of it that way, it makes sense.)
Through this rapid-fire deduction, Elis concluded she was simply the most logical choice left on the board. Life’s ultimate goal was likely the heads of the Four Great Noble Houses, such as Marquis Hamilton, and Elis was being tasked with making the introductions.
Convinced that she held a vital role and resolving to do everything in her power to assist Life, Elis steeled her determination... only for it to be shattered a moment later.
"When I consulted Miyama-san about this, he recommended you. He told me you were an exceptionally excellent individual in terms of knowledge, personality, judgment, and character. I decided that if someone was held in such high regard by him, they would be the best possible person for me to establish a connection with. That is why I approached you. If it is acceptable to you, I would like to converse with you for a while."
"Y-Yes... I am profoundly honored. If I am sufficient, I would be happy to keep you company for as long as you wish."
Upon hearing that Life’s objective was Elis herself—specifically because Kaito had praised her—Elis nearly lost consciousness. She desperately forced herself to maintain a polite smile.
(...Why? No, seriously, why am I rated so highly by Kaito-sama!? I mean, it's an honor! It really is! But the weight of a recommendation from Kaito-sama is far more terrifying than I ever imagined... P-Please... go a bit easier... on me...)
Elis felt the overwhelming pressure of the trust Life placed in Kaito’s word. Unable to understand why she was being held in such high esteem, she gently clutched her aching stomach.
Serious-senpai: "Elis probably thinks she's just acting normal... but since Kaito's acquaintances are mostly people with 'strong' personalities, a kind person without any weird quirks is enough to earn a massive evaluation."
???: "Actually, it’s because Elis-san is fundamentally competent. She’s been accurately raising Kaito-san’s opinion of her through their daily chats and the gifts she’s given... She’s already firmly categorized as 'someone who is fun to talk to,' so his likability was bound to keep rising. That wouldn’t be a problem on its own, but since Kaito-san’s favor automatically boosts how everyone else sees you..."
Serious-senpai: "It’s the same with Lilia and Kaori. The Stomach Pain Warriors tend to be the ones Kaito likes the most."