Dressed in her usual military-style outfit, Anima returned to Kaito's newly built house.
Just as she walked through the front door, Caraway appeared to greet her.
[Welcome back, Anima.]
[Yeah, I've returned... Has Master returned yet?]
[He's not back yet, but I think he'll be back soon.]
[I see...]
After nodding at Caraway's words, walking down the hallway with each other side by side, Anima spoke.
[Cara, after I deal with some documents, I will consult with Master for something. In the meantime, could you draw up contracts for me?]
[Unnn? Roger that. Does that mean you're going to invest in the Trading Company you saw today?]
[They're very active and the new products they plan to produce aren't bad. The company's policies are also stable, so I have no problem investing in them.]
Taking out a document from her magic box, Anima nonchalantly showed it to Caraway as she explained. The fact that she calls Caraway by a nickname suggests that they have a close relationship.
[Fumufumu, I had been thinking about the amount of investment and conditions earlier, but would this be alright?]
[That's no problem. Since it's you, it shouldn't take too long to draw up one... If you have any extra time, I'd like you to help Eta and Theta with theirs.]
[I'm glad you trust me that much. Roger that too. Theta has Illness-sama with her, so is it alright if I prioritize helping Eta first?]
At the moment, Eta was helping Zwei as she prepared the venue, while Theta was preparing the food for the party with Ein and Illness.
[Yes, I really appreciate the help from Ein-dono and Zwei-dono, but this is a party that Master is hosting. I don't think we can leave everything to the two of them.]
[Right. Ahh, that's right. The souvenirs you asked me to give to the guests arrived safely. No problem with the quantity or quality.]
[I see, did you bag them individually?]
[They're done. They're also arranged in the storage room.]
[...That's great.]
Caraway isn't only physically capable, but she is also quite good at other things. As she was originally a peerage-holding Demon, she possesses a high level of physical ability and dexterity, so she can do everything with ease.
In that sense, she was someone whom Anima could entrust with work without worry.
[It's finally tomorrow huh. With all the big names on the invitation list, as expected, I'm quite nervous.]
[...You're right. However, I'm sure Master would also be nervous about hosting a party for the first time. For the sake of Master, we have to hold strong... I have high expectations of you, Cara.]
[Of course, I'll do my best. Ahh~~ but since I've got lots of instructions, I'd like to ask something in return~~]
[...What is it? Tell me.]
Anima let out a light sigh when she saw a slightly teasing smile appear on Caraway's lips, as if she had come up with something in the middle of their conversation.
Caraway is a very talented person, but she also has a mischievous side. She never shows this side of her to the people she respects and admires, but she sometimes makes fun of Anima, her best friend.
[How about you join me in drinking sometime? You see, a certain Bear-san works incessantly if you leave them alone~~ and I think she needs a break once in a while.]
[Haahhh... For me, the bare minimum of rest should be enough...]
[Nah, nah, if you say things like that again, you'll get scolded by Miyama-sama for "working too much" again, you know?]
[Guhh... Saying it like that...]
As a High-ranking Demon, Caraway has already lived for a good number of years. That's why she is able to easily switch between working hard and relaxing when she should.
Is that the reason why? Caraway is a good match for Anima, who is overly serious and hardworking, and her frequent invitations to take a break allows Anima to relax in moderation.
[...I understand. It's just that we're going to drink enough that it won't interfere with the next day's work.]
[Yes, yes. You still love your work as always eh... Or rather, isn't it safe to say that you're just the same Miyama-sama-loving Anima as usual?]
[Stop teasing me, Cara.]
[Ahaha, you're that charmed by Miyama-sama huh.]
Looking at the teasing grin on Caraway's lips, Anima was taken aback for a moment, and after she slightly smiled... "Her shoulders relaxed".
Seeing this, Caraway lightly nodded and as if to change the subject, she spoke.
[Alright, let's switch things up and do our best! I will write up the contract and help with the party preparations. Anima will be sorting through paperwork and consulting with Miyama-sama, right?]
[Yeah... I'm also going to help out after I'm done talking to Master.]
[Roger that, I'll leave the hard work for you then?]
[Hmph, yeah. Leave it to me.]
After confirming each other's next movements, they went inside the office. Then, in a volume enough that Caraway, who was preparing the necessary items to draw up the contract, could hear, Anima quietly murmured.
[...Cara, it's reassuring to have you here. For taking care of everything... I thank you.]
[Arya? How unusual... This is quite the problem. We're having a party tomorrow, but it seems like it's going to rain.]
[...Oi.]
[Ahaha.]
Anima has grown over the past two years. Both in knowledge and mind... Of course, Kuromueina and her guidance had played a big part in it, but having a kindred spirit like this also played a big part in her life... and perhaps, it may have also been a factor that made her grow up so much.