The conversation had already been incredibly dense, but when Eris announced that she wasn't finished yet, the Marquis and Marchioness Hamilton could only stare back with unreadable expressions.
"However, since I have already addressed the matters with the highest level of influence, the remaining points shouldn't require much of a response from the house."
While there were certainly more events from the birthday party to discuss, the topics necessitating an official stance from the Hamilton Marquis House had mostly been exhausted. What remained were largely matters that affected Eris on a personal level.
"To start, there was a quiz competition held during the party. With a bit of luck, I managed to tie for third place and received a trophy crafted by the Phantasm King-sama."
"I see... Well, that shouldn't be an issue. If we display it in your room or perhaps in the manor’s hallway, it will certainly boost your reputation among our guests. Still, it shouldn't cause any major political ripples."
"There were very few nobles in attendance, and the only representative from the Arclesia Empire was Her Majesty Chris. As long as we don’t go about boasting, it shouldn't turn into an unusual rumor."
The Marquis and his wife nodded, seemingly satisfied with her explanation. Eris winning a trophy in a quiz was a minor detail. While it was necessary to report it so they wouldn't be caught off guard if other nobles heard about it from party guests, it didn't present any real problems. Eris was already known for her sharp mind and vast knowledge, so achieving such a result was perfectly natural. There was no need for the family to intervene.
"Following that, a deity named Electrone-sama—the Creator of a world different from that of the Heroes—attended the party. We exchanged brief greetings. However, she wasn't speaking to me exclusively; she seemed to be making her way around to all the guests, so I don't believe there will be any specific fallout from that interaction."
"A Goddess from another world... It’s truly astonishing how far Kaito-sama's influence reaches, but you're right; at this stage, it doesn't affect us directly. Tell me, what was this Electrone-sama like?"
"She left me with the impression of an extremely gentle, broad-minded, and dignified person. At the very least, unlike a certain other Goddess, she didn't seem the type to issue threats to those who don't meet her whims. In any case, it’s unclear if she even intends to return to this world in the future."
To a noble, the mention of an otherworld God usually brought the terrifying image of Eden to mind. Hearing Eris describe Electrone as someone far more reasonable allowed them to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
"Continuing on... I have received an invitation to Kaito-sama’s home."
"That shouldn't be a problem either. It falls strictly within the realm of your personal friendship with Kaito-sama. In fact, fostering a friendly relationship is a positive thing. However, once you actually visit his home... we may need to convene another meeting like this one."
"If it’s at all possible, I really just want to deepen our friendship like a normal person and come home safely."
"I would prefer that as well, if such a thing is even possible."
Eris and Kaito were friends, so visiting his home was not inherently problematic. However, a shared anxiety gnawed at all three of them: the near-certainty that Eris would return from Kaito's house carrying a fresh set of seeds for a new stomach ache. It was a looming dread, but since there was nothing they could do to prevent it, they could only harbor a silent, likely futile wish for a peaceful visit.
"Next, I had the opportunity to speak with Duchess Lilia Albert of the Kingdom of Sinfonia. I believe we have established a very positive rapport. This wasn't about business between our houses, however; our conversation was almost entirely small talk regarding Kaito-sama."
"Duchess Albert is a powerhouse who effectively leads the nobility of Sinfonia. As the Hamilton House, I would certainly like to build a relationship with her in the future... but that's a long-term goal. If your friendship with the Duchess eventually bridges our families, that would be ideal, but be absolutely certain not to act with that intention. Ulterior motives like that are transparent to someone of her caliber."
"Yes, I will be extremely careful on that point."
Eris had certainly hit it off with Lilia, but that bond was rooted in the deep, visceral empathy shared between two people suffering from the same Kaito-induced stress. Since it was unclear if Lilia actually wanted to strengthen political ties with the Hamiltons, Eris knew it would be a mistake to push for anything more than personal friendship.
"That covers the major points. I will compile the finer details into a written report later. Additionally, every guest received a commemorative gift. Among mine was this bottle of wine..."
"...Wait. Is this the legendary wine that was supposedly given only to the guests at Kaito-sama's housewarming party? This is incredible. A colleague of mine, a Count who is quite the connoisseur, was once permitted a single glass through Her Majesty Chris’s favor. He told me he would gladly trade his entire life's collection for just one bottle of this vintage."
"Is it truly that valuable? In that case, perhaps it would be best if you kept it, Father."
"Indeed. If I play the rumors correctly, I might be able to draw some of the scrutiny away from you and toward myself as the owner of such a rare prize. In any case, let us discuss our future plans in more detail, including this bottle. I know you’re exhausted, Eris, but please bear with us a little longer."
"Of course."
Kaito’s influence was so vast that a single moment of negligence could lead to an international incident and a fresh round of stomach pain. The three of them leaned in, discussing their future strategy with grim intensity.
If Lilia Albert had been in the room, she likely would have offered them the most accurate advice born of bitter experience: "Kaito-san is the kind of person who leaps right over any countermeasures you prepare."
Serious-senpai: The struggle of the Stomach Pain Warriors never ends... It looks like Eris’s report is finally done, but who's the next victim?