A very serious conversation is unfolding before me right now. Especially when it comes to the methods for sending me, Kusunoki-san, and Yuzuki-san, it’s clear they’ve been carefully discussing everything to ensure that no danger will befall us, even in the worst-case scenario.
This shows how much Lilia-san truly cares about us, and the firmness in her tone as she talks with the Goddess, so different from the frightened expression she had just moments ago, is incredibly reassuring.
Yet, in the midst of all this, here I am—one of the very people they’re concerned about—idly chatting with someone who isn’t even present. I can neither participate nor follow the conversation, and I can’t help but feel terribly guilty for it.
Truly, since I came to this world, the people I met have all been kind to me…… and while I am grateful for that, I also feel apologetic for the constant inconvenience I’ve caused them. It might make me feel better if someone else called me out for being a douchebag, but thankfully, there’s no person that would say such a–
Truly, since coming to this world, everyone I’ve met has been kind to me… and while I’m grateful for that, I can’t help but feel apologetic for the constant trouble I’ve caused them.
It might make me feel better if someone else called me a douchebag, but thankfully, there’s no one who would say something like that—
(You’re a douchebag.)
…Shut up, airhead Goddess. Why do you have to throw in a counter punch just when I was being solemn? Please don’t shatter the words I just said about everyone I met being kind.
W-Well, the only reason Shiro-san said that was because she thought it might make me feel better if someone else cursed me, and she just went along with it. I know she’s actually just… unusual, but a kind person.
(You just pushed me down, then picked me up. It must have been some kind of trick to rack up Affection Points, right? In other words, I’m also one of Kaito-san’s capture targets.)
You’ve already messed up quite a few things. Wait, you mentioned “Affection” and “Capture Target”—could it be that you’re the one who taught Kuro all that strange information…?
W-Well, let’s just leave that aside and change the subject… or rather, let’s return to our previous topic. There’s an elven festival around this time of year?
(The “Sacred Tree Festival,” a celebration that’s quite large in its own right.)
Sacred Tree Festival? It sounds like an amazing event, but I’m having a hard time imagining what kind of festival it actually is.
Since it’s called “Sacred Tree,” I’m guessing it has something to do with trees?
(This is the time of year when the Sacred Trees worshipped by the Elves bear fruit. As such, hunting and harvesting are the main activities during this season. It’s not particularly flashy, but it’s a festival that attracts many visitors.)
Fumu, so it’s something like a harvest festival, huh? It sounds almost like a village festival where everyone comes together to enjoy the fruits of their labor and the prey they’ve hunted. However, considering it’s a festival dedicated to a tree worshipped by the Elves, it might actually be quite a big event.
From what I’ve heard, it sounds like a really enjoyable festival, and the fact that so many humans are attending suggests it’s not something restricted to Elves alone.
The real issue, though, is the location. The Sacred Tree Festival will be held near Lilia-san’s home… or perhaps even within the Symphonia Kingdom? If it’s too far, it could make it difficult for us to attend.
(The forest where the Elves live is within the territory of the Kingdom of Symphonia.)
Shiro-san immediately responded to the question that popped into my head.
…I see. So, is it at least within reach?
(It’s in this location.)
The moment Shiro-san said that, a map of the Human Realm appeared in my mind, with a red mark blinking a little ways from the royal capital.
What the heck is this? An ability like that is disgusting! Should I describe it as images just flowing into my head? Shiro-san really can do anything… I mean, this is practically a mental attack at this point.
Hmm, forcing images into someone else’s mind—depending on how it’s used, that could be pretty terrifying.
(I can even show you some sensual images.)
[I never asked for something like that!?]
[ [ [ !? ] ] ]
[……Ah.]
Shiro-san said something so unexpected that I couldn’t help but blurt it out loud instead of just thinking it in my head. The three people who had been talking turned to me, their expressions clearly asking what was going on.
[K-Kaito-san? What’s with you all of a sudden?]
[Ah, no……]
[Is there something wrong?]
[N-No, that’s not it……]
I replied to Lilia-san, who looked concerned as she glanced at me, while the Goddess of Time tilted her head and asked me who was breaking out in cold sweat.
[Chronois… Kaito-sama might be tired.]
[Fumu, we have been talking for a while, haven’t we? Miyama, should we take a break?]
[Kaito-san, I know it’s not my place to say this since I dragged you along, but if it’s too much for you, please don’t push yourself—take a break.]
[……Errr, ummm……]
They’re worrying about me way too much!? W-What am I supposed to do in this kind of situation!? Shiro-san, please don’t stay silent—say something!!!
(Something too outrageous might be impossible, but if it’s an adult video that Kaito-san remembers, I can jog your memory and show it to you.)
This Goddess still hasn’t grasped a single thing about the situation!? Why the heck are you adding random details when no one’s asking!? And one more thing! About that suggestion you just made… Please tell me the full details later!
After firing off my tsukkomis at Shiro-san like a human machine gun, I quickly explained to Lilia-san and the others, who were looking at me with puzzled looks.
[N-No, just now, Shiro-sa—Goddess-sama was speaking directly to my head, and I got my replies mixed up…]
[ [ […………………] ] ]
A-Arehh? Why does it feel like everyone’s gaze has become a bit chillier? Eh? Why?
[……K-Kaito-san? As expected, that’s not something…]
[Huh?]
[……Miyama, seriously, are you okay?]
[Ehh?]
[……There doesn’t seem to be any abnormalities in your pulse or temperature.]
[Wha!?]
The three of them clearly have concerns about me, as they express worry over my condition.
W-What’s going on? Aren’t all Gods able to communicate directly with others’ minds, like Shiro-san does?
(No, not all Gods can.)
Why didn’t you tell me something so important earlier!?
I finally understood why these three were looking at me with expressions that clearly said, “What the heck is this guy talking about?”… Apparently, normal Goddesses can’t do what Shiro-san can.
By the way, Shiro-san, does that mean a Low-ranked Goddess can’t do that? Or is it something only High-ranked Gods can do?
(There are some that can.)
I see. In other words, this method of communication is something only a few high-ranked Gods can perform. Since what I said implies that I was speaking to a high-ranking God, that’s likely the reason I’m in this situation.
The fact that Ein-san looks just as confused means she hasn’t heard from Kuro about how I received Shiro-san’s blessing.
A-anyway, this isn’t good. I need to explain things to them quickly and clear up the misunderstanding…
As I was trying to figure out how to explain Shiro-san to them while also checking on a few things with her, Lilia-san gently squeezed my hand and smiled at me.
[……It’s alright. Of course, I believe in Kaito-san’s words. So please, calm down and feel at ease.]
[……………..]
Apparently, the sight of me looking down, lost in thought about how to respond, made me seem downcast to Lilia-san and the others. That’s why Lilia-san gently tried to offer words of encouragement.
However, the way she spoke to me…
[T-That’s right! Maybe the God of Thoughts has been playing a prank on you! I’ll have to visit her and give her a warning.]
[Kaito-sama, I’ve prepared some relaxing herb tea for you. If you wouldn’t mind…]
[……………….]
They’ve completely shifted and are now treating me with such caution!? It’s like they’re already treating me like a wounded child!
Wait, Shiro-san! Shiro-saaaann!!!
(What’s the matter?)
What’s the matter, your head! Who do you think is responsible for this situation!?
(I dunno?)
This useless Goddess… If I don’t act quickly… Anyway, my top priority right now is to clear up everyone’s misunderstandings…
But what am I supposed to do in this situation? Lilia-san, Ein-san, and the Goddess of Time all have these compassionate expressions on their faces, like they’re soothing a child.
I feel like anything I say now will just be met with gentle nods and comforting words.
…Shiro-san, I’m begging you, please help me out here. Seriously, my spirit is in tatters—please do something about this!
(I understand.)
In response to my plea, which could only be described as a cry of my soul, Shiro-san simply acknowledged it with a brief response.
Then, in an instant, the guest room was filled with light… and Shiro-san appeared, as if it were completely natural.
[ [ [ ! ? ] ] ]
[This way, it shouldn’t be a problem if we just speak directly, right?]
I-Indeed, it’s hard to prove to others that I’m having a mental conversation with someone, but it would be easier to explain if Shiro-san, the source of this issue, shows up.
I’m not sure if this is the best move on my part, though… Huh? Why do I feel like Lilia-san and the others have frozen in place?
[S-Sha—Sha—Shallow Vernal-sama!? W-Why are you here!?]
It was the Goddess of Time who recovered from her shock the fastest. She had clearly been shaken when she saw Shiro-san, but without hesitation, the Goddess of Time knelt and bowed her head.
…I can’t shake the feeling that this situation is taking a strange turn. More specifically, it’s as if I’ve somehow attracted an even more troublesome situation than the one I tried to escape earlier.
I mean, the Goddess of Time—a Supreme God—is clearly addressing Shiro-san as if she’s her superior. Her behavior could only mean one thing, right? What I’m trying to say is that Shiro-san is…
The truth that’s starting to settle in my mind amidst all these frantic thoughts is giving me a headache… And to confirm it, Lilia-san, who looked like she might pass out while holding my hand, whispered with a trembling voice:
[…G-Go—”God of Creation”… Shallow Vernal-sama…]
Dear Mom, Dad—To be honest, I had a feeling this might be the case, but Shiro-san—She is the God of Creation.