The tea party, which Elis had taken the lead in organizing, was proceeding quite smoothly. While the seeds of future stomach pain had certainly been sown in various places, if one looked solely at the event itself, no anomalies had occurred beyond the unexpected arrival of Kuromueina.
Kaito was chatting cheerfully with the young noblewomen. Given his extensive social circle and naturally high communication skills, he seemed to be getting along with everyone quite well.
(……I still can’t afford to let my guard down, but for now, I’m relieved that everything is going as planned. No, this is a tea party I hosted, held at a Hamilton Marquis House villa, with the guest list meticulously vetted and narrowed down. Unforeseen incidents shouldn't be happening so easily... or so I tell myself, but the fact that I still can't shake this lingering anxiety simply because Kaito-sama is involved is the truly terrifying part.)
In truth, Elis had spent every moment until today preparing for and anticipating a vast array of potential disasters, leaving nothing to chance. While Kuromueina coming along as his companion had been outside her calculations, she had prepared enough contingencies that it hadn't caused any real issues.
Logically, nothing more should happen, yet a persistent, sticky sense of unease clung to her.
"You know, tea parties are actually quite fun," Kaito remarked. "It's just my own personal image, but I expected there to be more of that stereotypical noble business—you know, everyone trying to sound each other out."
"I can’t say that such behavior is entirely non-existent. However, a major factor in this gathering is that the participants are all members of the Hamilton Marquis House faction. To put it simply, they are all from families who are already quite close with us on a daily basis, so there is no need for them to probe or keep each other in check. If the scale were larger, though, it would certainly become exactly as you imagined, Kaito-sama."
"I see. Besides this one, the only tea party I've really attended was the Maid Olympia After-party. They had a bunch of tables set up, and everyone was split into small groups having a good time. I guess a massive tea party would feel something like that?"
"Yes, that is exactly right. The atmosphere is generally a bit more casual than a formal banquet."
As she replied with a smile to Kaito's observation, Elis felt a tiny spark of genuine relief. The party was already in its final stages. While she wasn't being careless, it was difficult to imagine anything going wrong now.
Even if an additional guest arrived at this late hour, the tea sweets had mostly been finished. Even if someone did show up, they would likely just be told, "Perhaps another time."
Knowing Kaito’s personality, even if he suddenly encountered an acquaintance this late in the evening, he wouldn't force her to extend the event. He would likely move to persuade his acquaintance to meet some other time.
Therefore, it was impossible for the number of guests to increase further. Kaito was already handing out souvenirs to the ladies, so there shouldn't be any further developments where he presented something world-shaking. Even Kuromueina was making no such moves, simply enjoying the party in a peaceful manner.
Yes, there should be no problems. There was no way a situation that would annihilate her stomach could occur at this stage...
"But since I’ve finally gotten a feel for what a tea party is like, maybe it would be fun if I hosted one myself," Kaito mused. "I do have my own black tea brand, after all..."
Elis wasn't sure how to describe the sensation that washed over her in that moment. It felt as if her entire back had been encased in ice. A tea party hosted by Kaito... Considering what had happened at his Shipboard Party and his birthday celebration, it was easy to imagine that it would reach a scale far beyond the boundaries of common sense. However, a tea party was generally smaller than a formal party.
Since the venue would be Kaito’s mansion, it would be impossible for him to host a massive gathering of every single one of his acquaintances like he had at his birthday.
"I-I-I-I see. I think that is a lovely idea, but if it is to be held at your residence, Kaito-sama, it might be wise to put a strict limit on the number of guests."
"You're right. I can't exactly invite everyone I know, and I'm sure some of them just don't like tea to begin with. This party today was so enjoyable that I think the same scale—or maybe just a few more people—would be ideal. If it's that size, I don't think the prep work would be too much trouble, so I could probably have it ready quite soon."
Indeed, since he couldn't invite everyone, limiting the guest list was an inevitability. If he were imagining a scale only slightly larger than this party, the total number of slots would be twenty at most. Suppose he invited the Creator God, the Supreme Gods, the Six Kings, the three kings of the Human Realm, and the Pope—the absolute tops of various circles. That alone would account for fourteen people. The remaining slots would be few and far between. Furthermore, whoever was chosen for those final spots would undeniably find themselves in a situation where their stomach is annihilated, surrounded on all sides by the peak powers of the world.
Under normal circumstances, a mere daughter of a Marquis like Elis would never be considered for such a limited number of slots. However... considering that the catalyst for Kaito planning this event was her own party, and that he felt grateful to her for organizing it...
"Well, I'll think about the details slowly, but if I do hold one, I'm definitely inviting you, Elis-san."
"H-Ha-Hahi... I-It would be an honor."
From Kaito’s perspective, he was likely just trying to thank Elis for the fun time she provided by reciprocating the hospitality.
But to Elis, it was nothing less than a Body Blow Declaration—a death sentence for her stomach. Despite her best efforts, a cramped, pained smile began to spread across her face.
Serious-senpai: "Just when I thought the new generation of Stomach Pain Warriors was busy planting their own flags, Elis gets hit with a direct Body Blow right at the finish line."