After my visit with Isis-san, I had made my way to the God Realm. My goal was to share the surplus Riples with Fate-san and Shiro-san.
While traveling from the Demon Realm to the God Realm sounded like a journey across a vast distance, teleportation magic tools made the trip instantaneous, so it was no trouble at all.
For now, I only intended to give Riples to Shiro-san and Fate-san. Most of my other acquaintances among the Gods rarely ate, and I didn't get the impression they enjoyed food as a hobby. Chronoa-san seemed to enjoy a drink now and then, but she hardly ever touched food, and Life-san apparently abstained from eating and drinking almost entirely.
Shia-san did eat, but she hated sweets, so bringing her these sugary Riples would have been bordering on harassment. As for Sky-san, Gaia-san, and Marine-san, I wasn't familiar enough with their dietary habits, so I left them out this time.
Fate-san would eat them as long as I was the one bringing them, so that wasn't an issue. As for Shiro-san... well, to be honest, she undoubtedly had no interest in the fruit itself. She could probably manifest an infinite supply if the whim struck her.
However, she was prone to sulking if I left her out of a distribution like this, so I planned to bring her at least one.
(I do not sulk. I am merely lodging a legitimate protest against unfairness.)
Is that how it is? Well, I’m bringing one for you regardless, so please, no more protesting.
By the way, this is completely unrelated, but I was thinking of hosting a tea party myself soon. Would you like to come, Shiro-san? I’m planning on inviting quite a few people.
(I have no interest in the tea party itself. However, the prospect of being a guest hosted by Kaito-san is quite attractive, so I shall attend.)
Well, Shiro-san and I usually had tea together anyway, but I appreciated the sentiment. Regardless, I made a mental note to send her a formal invitation when the time came.
While I was conversing with Shiro-san, Fate-san’s temple came into view. Standing there was Fate-san—who had likely come out to meet me—and, to my surprise, Life-san.
"Oh! Kai-chan, welcome!"
"Hello, Fate-san. Oh, Life-san, I didn't expect to see you here."
"Good day, Miyama-san. Yes, I had just arrived to ask the God of Fate for advice on the proper mindset when interacting with the Human Race. However, it seems I chose a poor time. I shall return later."
It seemed Life-san had only just arrived herself. Since it was an unscheduled visit, she seemed inclined to step aside so as not to interfere with my plans with Fate-san.
"Kai-chan brought me a gift!"
"A gift?"
"Yes. I recently became friends with a girl named Marie-san from the Rich Baron House in the Arclesia Empire. She sent me a large shipment of Riples, so I’m sharing them with my friends."
Hearing my explanation, Life-san placed a hand to her chin, looking intrigued.
"The Rich Baron House... If I recall correctly, they are nobles with a domain in the Western Region of the Arclesia Empire. So, a member of that family is a friend of yours, Miyama-san?"
"Yes, though we only met recently. The Riples they grow are incredibly sweet and delicious; I’ve become quite fond of them. I didn't include you in the list, Life-san, since I heard you rarely eat or drink, but would you like one?"
"Thank you. In that case, may I take one for reference?"
"Of course. Here you go."
Since we had happened to cross paths, I offered a Riple to Life-san as well. She accepted the fruit and gave a polite nod.
"You have my sincere thanks. Now, if I overstay my welcome any longer, the God of Fate will surely be cross with me, so I shall take my leave. The Rich Baron House... perhaps I should consult the God of Fertility. Since Miyama-san speaks so highly of them, depending on the circumstances..."
With a faint smile and a word of gratitude, Life-san departed, muttering softly to herself as she went.
"Kai-chan, where's mine?"
"I figured you’d find it a hassle to peel and cut them, Fate-san, so I had an Apple Pound Cake baked for you instead. Let’s have some tea and eat it together."
"Oh, I love it! Come on, let’s have that tea party!"
Knowing Fate-san’s legendary laziness, I had asked Illness-san to process the fruit into a cake ahead of time. I decided to spend about an hour relaxing with Fate-san before heading over to see Shiro-san.
(If you are concerned about the time, shall I activate the Super WIN System?)
No, I had no intention of using a system that utilized parallel worlds just to make time for tea. I still had plenty of time left in the day, and I didn't have anywhere else to go, so I was perfectly fine.
Stomach Pain Devil: "Five-consecutive Blows!"
Serious-senpai: "Oh, he's a devil... This is the one, isn't it? First it was teleportation magic tools, then word-of-mouth promotion, then a teleportation gate, then new business partners... and just when I thought he was done, now it's blessing-related! Life is going to talk to Erne, and they’re going to get an enhanced Blessing of Fertility or something crazy like that!"