There was a tea party that was often held in the Sanctuary. There,
Kuromueina was eating a baby castella while listening to Shallow
Vernal.
[…That's what happened. I just told them what you had told me back
then.]
[That doesn't sound so bad. I think that having them think and realize
matters on their own will lead to growth rather than just having things
taught to them. However, you have to keep an open eye at them, making
sure that they don't just keep on failing.]
[What do you mean?]
[Trying to understand something that you don't is quite a challenge.
Fate-chan had already failed once. Suppressing the fear of failing again,
she's trying for the second time thinking a lot of things and feeling
impatient. This is an important turning point. If she fails here without
any success, her thoughts will turn in a negative direction. If that
happens, she might get stuck in a vicious cycle.]
[…Fumu.]
Hearing the words spoken by Kuromueina, someone who had raised
and guided many, Shallow Vernal brought her hand on her chin and
started pondering.
Shallow Vernal, who is in the midst of various growth, had recently
been trying to encourage the growth of the Gods. And thus, she had
been consulting Kuromueina, who had a lot of experience at guiding
others, at their tea parties.
[It doesn't necessarily mean that she has to succeed in her second try,
but Fate-chan would want to have her efforts to bear some fruit. I'm
sure she's still feeling confused and impatient at the moment… and if
she makes too many mistakes, she'll end up hating herself even more.
Whether or not you can feel that she's made even a small step forward
will have a big impact on her future.]
[I see… What do you think I should do?]
[Hmmm. It would be best if nothing goes wrong, but other than that, it
might be a good idea to give her a little catalyst. If it's possible, it would
be even better if Fate-chan could feel that she arrived at the answer
herself without being noticed?]
[That's very helpful. Thank you.]
After thanking Kuromueina, Shallow Vernal lightly moved her fingers.
[…Oh? "Future Interference"… Heehhh… That's a good idea. It's not too
big of a help, but it could still be a catalyst for change… That's 99 points
for you. This might hopefully settle this matter, and Fate-chan might be
able to grow a lot.]
[So you're saying that it still won't garner a perfect score?]
[There's no such thing as a perfect score when it comes to guiding
people. No, there shouldn't be such a thing. That's also the reason why
one can think of different ways to guide others.]
[I see, I guess I still am no match to Kuro in this field.]
After saying this, Shallow Vernal brought her tea to her mouth, set the
cup down, and then, turned her attention to the scenery of the
Sanctuary.
Caught along with Shallow Vernal's action, Kuromueina also turned her
gaze to the scenery before she quietly muttered.
[…Speaking of which, you did say that you have something you want to
consult with me, were you talking about that conversation earlier?]
[That conversation just now is also a consultation, but the main topic
that I want to consult with you is something else. I've just been thinking
about something, and I'd like to hear your opinion about it.]
[You have something on your mind?]
[Yes, the Supreme Gods Fate, Chronois and Life, the High-ranking God
Shea… Fate may have shown a lot of growth, but the others also showed
their own changes of differing sizes. Observing this, I pondered. The
Gods are a little too tightly knit within the inner circle…]
[Indeed, that might be the case. There are only a few Gods who have
temples in the Human Realm that are closely related to the Humans and
Demons, while the four Gods Shiro just mentioned didn't really visit the
Human and Demon Realm much before Kaito-kun came to this world.]
The Gods generally don't go outside the God Realm. They participate in
the once-every-ten-years Festival of Heroes, but there are only a few
Gods who know any Humans or Demons.
Shallow Vernal felt that this was the reason why many of the Gods
hadn't grown since their creation.
[…I had been thinking of holding a festival mainly for Gods. Since there
are many residences set up on the lower level and it's difficult to get a
large space, so I'm thinking of opening up only the middle level so that
those who haven't received a True Blessing can also visit.]
[This would be the first, isn't it? The first time that a God has been the
one organizing instead of being invited, I mean… I see, so that's why
you're asking me since I planned the Six Kings Festival?]
[Yes. Though I say that, I'm not going to do anything in this matter. I'm
going to ask Chronois and Life to take the lead. This will be a good
opportunity for them.]
[…I see, well, if I can help you, I'm all ears.]
When she heard that the festival would be planned by the two Supreme
Gods, whose growth wasn't comparable to Fate, a deep smile appeared
on Kuromueina's lips.
Thereupon, after eating another baby castella, she spoke to Shallow
Vernal with a gentle expression on her face.
[…Shiro, you've really changed huh. How should I say this… It feels like
you've become more gentle… or rather, it feels like "you stopped seeing
them as being with the same value, and instead look at their individual
values".]
[The Gods are like my children. I'm starting to think that I want them to
grow up.]
[…Kaito-kun really is amazing.]
[Yes, seriously… I think the past me would have been surprised if she
saw this new me.]
[However, if I were to be asked… I like the Shiro of today more.]
[Unfortunately, I have a lover named Kaito, so I can't respond to your
feelings.]
[You know that's not what I meant, right!? Ahh, geez, this part of you
didn't change at all!!! Seriously… You really can't be helped.]
Even though she has grown, what kind of person she is still hasn't
changed. Looking at the somewhat airheaded God in front of her, an
astounded smile crept up on Kuromueina's lips.