At Duchess Albert’s mansion in Symphonia Kingdom, the head of the household, Lilia, was enjoying a cup of tea with her close friends, Lunamaria and Sieglinde.
[Things sure have been peaceful lately. It brings a peaceful feeling.]
[Well, the major events of the year are almost over. The Duchy’s businesses and other activities are all going well and are relatively stable.]
[I heard there won’t be any big evening parties for a while? If that’s the case, then Lili can also take it easy.]
It’s no exaggeration to say that Lilia, who is the most famous Duke within Symphonia Kingdom, is reasonably busy. It may not feel that way because she’s very capable, but she has a lot of things to do on a regular basis.However, even busyness comes in waves to some extent, and at the moment, her ongoing projects have settled down, and there are no major events or gatherings that require her attendance for a while. She had acquired a short-term vacation, allowing her to relax and unwind, soothing the fatigue she accumulated in her daily life.
[However, if Milady lowers your guard like that, something else is bound to happen, isn’t it? Mainly, things that are related to Miyama-sama……]
[……Ughh, that’s a little frightening…… However, Kaito-san seems to be preparing to open a stall for Archlesia Empire’s Founding Festival, and I have no plans to participate in it.]
[Famous you may be, you are a Duchess, and you don’t have any close ties to Archlesia Empire. Well, there certainly is no reason for you to participate.]
[It might be possible to go to see Kaito-san’s stall, but if I go attend their Founding Festival, I’ll need to say my greetings to Her Majesty Chris and some other people, and since that’s a hassle, I will pass on it this time. I want to take it easy now.]
[……How should I say this…… Well, you’re kinda relaxed, aren’t you?]
Lilia answered Lunamaria’s words somewhat calmly, and one could see how she’s mentally leisurely. She was interested when she heard that Kaito is opening a stall, but from what she’s heard, Kaito doesn’t seem to be deeply involved in it, and considering the time and effort of participating in another country’s Founding Festival will be, there was no problem with not attending this time.But sadly…… Lunamaria’s words turned into some sort of prophecy, or perhaps, Lilia herself had just drawn in trouble, as her peace was shattered by Eden’s sudden appearance.
[……E- Eden-sama?]
[Lilia Albert. I have one request to make of you. It would originally be unthinkable for me to ask a resident of another world for help, but on the other hand, I also can’t allow myself to trouble my children now living in this world. If that’s the case, I thought I’d ask you, who I evaluate relatively high among these lumps of flesh. You hold no power to refuse. I shall accept your services with gratitude.]
[……Y- You request…… something of me? W- W- W- What is it?]
It can be said that Eden is one of the pinnacles among the most dangerous beings Lilia knows. At the very least, she isn’t an opponent that can be persuaded or reasoned about, and she can only be stopped by Kaito or Shallow Vernal.
At least, in the current situation where Kaito isn’t around, it would be impossible for her to be stopped with just the people in this place. In the presence of Eden, emanating an overwhelming sense of intimidation that brooks no opposition, not only Lilia, but also Lunamaria and Sieglinde had pale expressions on their faces.
However, a voice resounded from someone they didn’t expect, calling Eden to a halt……
[……Impressive. Truly impressive. Intimidating others with power even when you are the one asking them favors…… If you intend to intimidate Lilia and the others any further, I will have no intention of overlooking it.]
[N- Nebula-san!? Y- You can’t…… This person is……]
Before they knew it, Nebula appeared in front of Lilia and the others, looking straight at Eden and telling her to stop with the intimidation.
Of course, Lilia and the others, who knew how dangerous Eden was, tried to stop Nebula, but the situation took a turn they did not expect.
[……My apologies. I didn’t mean to scare them, but I was in a hurry and became overbearing. I sincerely apologize.]
[It’s good that you understand. Please consider Lilia and the others’ convenience when making your request.]
[Thank you for your advice.]
[…………Eh?]
Unexpectedly, Eden obediently acknowledged her fault at Nebula’s words, apologized and bowed her head. It was an unbelievable sight for Lilia and the others, so they couldn’t help looking blankly at that scene.
[Excuse my rudeness, Lilia Albert…… Once again, I would like to make a request of you. My beloved child is selling items at Archlesia Empire’s Founding Festival, and I wish to purchase some of them. However, I had been stopped by Shallow Vernal from attending the Founding Festival. Won’t you please go and purchase them for me?]
[……Eh? Ah, yes. I don’t really mind……]
[Thank you. I’ll make sure your efforts are repaid…… Well then, if you’ll excuse me.]
[……Ah, yes.]
Lilia bid farewell to Eden, who disappeared after uttering those words, with a blank expression on her face. However, faced with the situation of ending up participating in the Founding Festival despite her initial plans, she held back the aching from her stomach by drinking some stomach medicine.
<Afterword>
Makina : [I- I’ll say this now so that no one misunderstands, but I really didn’t mean to scare Lilia. It’s just that, that happened immediately after talking with Shallow Vernal, and with me thinking of wanting to go there myself, my way of speaking had come off strong. In truth, I actually have a considerable appreciation for Lilia, and I feel sorry for her.]
Serious-senpai : [Well, you did even give her stomach medicine back then…… Rather, I’m curious about how you’d thank her.]
Makina : [Ah, I hadn’t really thought of that yet, but I wonder what she’d like? Why don’t I give her an Abyss Tartarus? They’re omnipotent, so having one of them would be convenient for her.]
Serious-senpai : [Oi, stop that, idiot.]
