On the third day, I was accompanying Isis-san and Lillywood-san on a date as promised. It was convenient timing for me to grab their Golems too.
The location our date was situated in was the Northern region of the Demon Realm, which had an area reminiscent of the polar ice caps from Earth its northernmost point. The rest of the region consisted of sprawling grasslands and forests.
We decided on a picnic at the edge of a forest, where it opened into a picturesque pasture. Isis-san brought along her homemade dishes, eager to share them with me and Lillywood-san.
I was holding on to Isis-san’s hands the whole time as we enjoyed our meal. The small spirits that roamed these parts traded curious looks to each other and would sometimes approach to play and ask for treats.
With the addition of the spirits filling the air, the lights they illuminated were beautifully scattered and made for a soothing atmosphere to be around.
"I meant to ask you this before. Will it be okay for me to continue to hand out more Fruits of the World Tree beyond this point?" (Kaito)
"Yes, that’s alright with me. I trust Kaito-san’s judgement, and there’ll never be a situation where I’m running short of them." (Lillywood)
"I wanted to make sure. I feel like if I’m ever on one of these [World Missions] one day, I’ll mistakenly give someone not of the group chat a piece if they’re in trouble." (Kaito)
"That’s fine. I’ll say it as many times, but I trust Kaito-san to make the right choices he believes in and follow through with them. And in the slim chance there’s a misstep, others will step in to correct it. This isn’t your responsibility alone, so there’s no need to trouble yourself over it too much." (Lillywood)
Lillywood-san flashed me a reassuring smile and rubbed my head.
The Fruits of the World Tree I have belonged to and were created by Lillywood-san, a Spirit of a World Tree in this world. She had a policy on how to distribute them since their healing properties were so potent it could have terrible repercussions should society become overly reliant on it. And there’s no limit to how much she can produce these fruits as they are created from her magical energy, and she’s got an infinite store of magical energy in her.
With her permission granted, I’m able to breathe a little easier now with one less worry.
"I am happy to hear there was a more appropriate approach to helping your friend and his world’s situation. Shalltear’s protege, Alyssa, was it? Her resourcefulness is impressive for someone her age." (Lillywood)
"Yeah, I’m thankful for her insight and protection back then." (Kaito)
Speaking of Fruits of the World Tree, Lillywood-san poured me a glass of juice made from one. As I drank, my thoughts veered to the times the Doctor contacted me for the past few days, asking for an excess amount of items like food and medicine. He sure was busy revitalizing Rhodes Island and aiding the evacuation efforts for those affected by the Chernobog incident.
Well, I’m relieved there hasn’t been another urgent incident calling for my assistance. I felt Isis-san’s hand tightening on mine. It’s like she read my mind and wanted to ease my worries.
"No matter what…I will protect Kaito!" (Isis)
"Isis-san…you look really cute like that." (Kaito)
Isis-san declared in a small but determined voice. Geez, seeing her look so resolute but still unbearably adorable soothed my heart. Unable to resist, I gently ran my hand through her hair, indulging my urge to pamper her.
"I’m…being serious…on this…" (Isis)
"I know, and that makes me really proud of you. Let me do this for you as payment for how happy you make me feel." (Kaito)
"Okay…I like…when Kaito…does this…" (Isis)
Isis-san leaned into the caress with a happy and peaceful face with her eyes closed.
"It’s the same for me as well. Wherever you go, me and my Golem will be there to protect you from all danger." (Lillywood)
"Un…Kaito will always…have my golem with him." (Isis)
Speaking of Golems, Lillywood-san’s Golem was the Singing Forest: Frauchir. It was a huge tree monster specializing in defense and counterattacks. And Isis-san’s Golem was the Frozen Abyss: Karismenalde. A Ghost-type Golem that mainly acts as the rear-guard and prioritizes magical combat.
"The world moves really fast these days. It's making me nervous if I can catch up. Since Canalis-sama became Kaito-san’s servant, I imagined the possibility of more worlds revolving around you." (Lillywood)
"Really? I don’t usually give it much deep thought and consider whether I have done something extraordinary to attract this much attention." (Kaito)
"…It’s because of that attitude that gave me and many others headaches for the past few years. But, even as I complain, it’s not as if that’s all you’ve brought into our lives. Truthfully, I’m incredibly happy that you’ve become such an inseparable part of them." (Lillywood)
"Ahaha…I’m sorry, and thanks." (Kaito)
That sly smile paired with the half-lidded eyes on Lillywood-san left me speechless. There’s nothing I can do but apologetically smile for my thoughtless actions in the past. I really couldn’t help my disposition of encountering extraordinary people and finding myself drawn into their equally extraordinary lives.
"No matter. I hear you’ve added a new World Creator to your ever-growing list of acquaintances. What are they like?" (Lillywood)
"Raven-san…She seemed like a professional, well-adjusted person with a solid sense of common sense. On the surface at least. I can’t shake this feeling that she might act really differently under a casual environment." (Kaito)
"She sounds like someone easy to get along with. I definitely appreciate gods with personalities similar to Canalis-sama. No offense to the God from your world, Kaito-san, but I’d prefer not to have another with her kind of personality roaming around in this world." (Lillywood)
"You don’t have to say any more than that…" (Kaito)
I silently offered thanks to whatever kind deity ensured there were World Creators with a reasonably developed sense of sociability. On second thought, considering Raven-san and Canalis-san were once subordinates of Nebula, I should be thanking her instead. As expected of my Nebula!
"Kaito…hasn’t heard back…from Raven-san?" (Isis)
"I’m afraid not. She’s either still holed up in that important meeting with her superiors, or busy handling her duties as an administrator, whatever those might be." (Kaito)
"Perhaps it would be prudent to ask Nebula-san and Canalis-sama about the inner workings of the group chat, such as knowing when new members arrive." (Lillywood)
That’s a good idea. Nebula used to be affiliated with HIGCS, and Canalis-san is supposedly an old friend of Raven-san.
"I heard…Kaito is taking lessons from Megiddo…Don’t push yourself too hard…okay?" (Isis)
"I’m happy you're concerned for me, but I don’t plan on doing anything drastic." (Kaito)
"Hmm…Since Megiddo has taken on the task of teaching you physical combat, perhaps I can be your tutor on magical combat." (Lillywood)
Lillywood-san’s offer took me by surprise. Thinking about it, though, she would be an excellent match for me. She can already do everything I’m capable of but on a higher dimension.
"But now I’m left wondering what to say to Lillie, considering she’s currently teaching you sensory magic. I know she’s a sly one and probably kept this from me on purpose, but it’s hard for me not to notice when we know each other so well." (Lillywood)
"Well, that’s…" (Kaito)
"Don’t worry, I’m not the type to pry into others’ personal matters, including those of my family. I’m actually glad to see you interacting intimately with my subordinates, Kaito-san. I’m sure Lillie won’t mind collaborating with me to further your understanding of magic." (Lillywood)
She flashed me that familiar sly smile she always wore when teasing me, and I could only let out a resigned sigh. Those two, Lillywood-san and Lillie-san, really are similar in their personalities and when it comes to teasing me.
"T-Then…I can do it too…I’ll be Kaito’s magic tutor!" (Isis)
Isis-san enthusiastically declared from my side. She’s certainly a fantastic choice, being arguably the best magic caster in Trinia, with unparalleled magic control.
"Even Isis is volunteering herself. I can’t deny she’d be an incredible magic tutor. Good for you, Kaito-san. But then… where does that leave me?" (Lillywood)
"Let’s work together…Lillywood…for Kaito’s sake." (Isis)
"Fufu, of course, Isis. That was just a little joke. I have no intention of competing with you for that role, after all, we’re both Kaito-san’s lovers." (Lillywood)
For a moment, Lillywood-san appeared to wear a concerned expression, lost in thought, prompting Isis-san to voice her desire for cooperation to comfort her.
Naturally, it was just a playful act on Lillywood-san’s part. She would never genuinely feel troubled over something like that, especially with Isis-san involved.
"Lillywood…has definitely changed…" (Isis)
"Hmm…Would you say it’s a bad change?" (Lillywood)
"No…you look like…you’re having a lot of fun…I like this change." (Isis)
The two giggled over the tiny banter they were having.
"It’s always good to see you being proactive, Isis. I’m always grateful to Kaito-san for that." (Lillywood)
"I too am grateful…You seem more joyful…each time I see you…and can even make a few jokes…thanks to Kaito." (Isis)
"Indeed, he’s a wonderful man. Then, we’ll share Kaito-san as our student and rotate with Megiddo." (Lillywood)
"I’m on board…with this plan." (Isis)
"You two are moving so fast without asking for my opinion… But I’m not against it. Please take care of me, both of you." (Kaito)
I was met with only silence in response. Isis-san rested her head on my shoulder, wrapping her arms tightly around mine, while Lillywood-san used her leafy hair to envelop the three of us in a soft embrace.
Afterword:
Raven12345: "Status: Deceased…Former Occupation: Idol…General Power: Below Average…Talents: Entrancing others, singing, acting, lying…"