A few days had passed since my meeting with Aria-san, and by chance, I had come to Archlesia Empire’s Royal Capital. This time, it was Chris-san who had business with me, and I came to deliver cups from my tea brand, Nifty.
I was told that Nebula and Illness-san are now able to make Empire-style porcelain, so I will ask Chris-san to check it once and if it looks alright, we will also market those.
I was guided to Chris-san’s office and sitting down on the reception couch chatting, when we heard a knock on the door and Aria-san…… or rather, Alexandra-san entered pushing a cart of tea.
Unlike back when she was acting as Aria-san, her bangs are pinned back to show her face, and her hair is all neatly tied up in a neat and tidy bun. When she was going around with me as Aria-san, she had a relaxed atmosphere like that of an older lady next door, but she’s working as Alexandra-san, she looks like a professional, an adult who is capable in her job.
Her facial expression is crisp and the atmosphere around her looks somewhat sharp. Even though I knew what kind of person she was, the change between her two states was quite surprising.[Your Majesty, Miyama-sama. Please have some refreshments.]
[Thank you.]
The way she said that in a cool voice, brewed tea and put it in front of me and Chris-san with sophisticated movements, perhaps because of her different voice, I really feel as if she was a different person.
I was slightly confused by this, but after positioning herself at the back of the sofa where Chris-san was sitting, in a spot that wasn’t within Chris-san’s gaze and only I could see her…… Alexandra-san held up an index finger in front of her lips and mischievously winked at me.
I think she probably sensed that I was a little confused and secretly showed me her Aria-san side in a way that Chris-san couldn’t see. Seeing her consideration, making me feel that she really is Aria-san, I couldn’t help letting out a smile.
[Miyama-sama?]
[Ahh, no, the tea is delicious…… Once again, Chris-san, these are the porcelain I told you about in the letter.][Let me take a look at it…… I see, it’s a wonderful piece of perfection. It’s a perfect reproduction of the Empire-style, and it’s simply a high-level of pottery…… I’m always amazed at the high level of Nifty’s products.]
[The people who make them are the amazing ones…… That said, if Chris-san thinks they’re okay, then I suppose we could add them to our line-up of items.]
[Yes, I’m sure they will be popular, especially with the nobles and maids of Archlesia Empire……]
It seems that the porcelains are well-received, and adding Empire-style teacups to the lineup shouldn’t be a problem. I continued chatting with Chris-san for a little while, but since we had met like this, I thought we should talk a little about the ship party, so I broached the topic with her.
[Speaking of which, I haven’t decided on the exact date yet, but I’m thinking of organizing a ship party in the near future……]
[…………Eh? A- A party hosted……. by Miyama-sama?]
[Yes. I’m going to hold a party on a ship. I’ll send an invitation to Chris-san too, so if it’s convenient for you, please come and attend.]
[……I- I see…… T- That’s very terrifying…… N- No, I’m very much looking forward to it! Of course, I’ll be happy to attend!]
I’m not sure if it was just my imagination or not, but Chris-san’s smile, as she said that, seemed somewhat forced.
At the same time that Kaito was meeting and chatting with Chris, in a certain other space, Alice had a smile as forced as Chris’s.
[……No, you could just use the terminal……]
[Isn’t it alright!? I even did something like running errands for Shallow Vernal, renewed our contract, and made a terminal for it, so I can go in this form…… I’ll even properly put up with the lumps of flesh around.]
[No, putting up with them is just obvious…… In the first place, the strength of that terminal you’re planning on using is just too strong. If you relax even slightly, the weakest person in that place will be obliterated just by the pressure of your presence……]
[Don’t worry! My children are coming too, so I won’t make the mistake in controlling that…… okay? See? Isn’t it alright, Alice……]
[Hmmmmmmm.]
Hearing Makina insisting on participating in the ship party hosted by her beloved child, Kaito, as Makina instead of Eden, Alice had an unusually troubled expression on her face.
First of all, acting as Makina in itself isn’t a problem as long as it’s permitted by Shallow Vernal, the God of the World. However, doing that would bring about very big concerns.
There wouldn’t be such a problem if she’s in the form of Eden…… Almost everyone who knows Kaito already recognizes Eden as “a dangerous God from another world”, so no one would dare come even close to provoking her.
However, few of them are familiar with Makina’s appearance. Thinking of the possibility that someone could inadvertently make an unintentional remark or take an action that could earn Makina’s ire, Alice would have to watch out for Makina for almost the entire party…… which to put it simply, is something she finds a hassle.
[It’s my beloved child’s big day, so isn’t it alright…… I’ll definitely be docile!]
[I’m troubled here because I can’t trust you doing that at all…… Hmmm.]
And so, for a while afterward, the scene of Makina clinging to Alice, who had a troubled expression on her face, continued.
<Afterword>
? ? ? : [What Alice-chan doesn’t like is that if that happens, Alice-chan will end up being the one in charge of Makina…… I…… Alice-chan wants to enjoy the party too……]
