Chapter 715: Intermission: Lunamaria ~ ~ The Biggest Crisis Ever ~ ~

Going back in time for a bit, in the hallway of Lilia's mansion…… Lunamaria, the maid and best friend of the head of Albert Duchy, Lilia…… as a former adventurer, she had gone through her fair share of hardships, but now, she was facing an "unprecedented mortal danger".

Suddenly appearing in front of her…… was the dangerous God that she had seen back at Kaito's birthday party and his housewarming party……

[You "lump of flesh" over there.]

[……Huh? Errr, if I remember correctly, you're Ede——— Pyiii!?]

Instantly, a heavy pressure that seemed to crush Lunamaria hit her. Breaking out in a cold sweat at the dense premonition of death, Lunamaria shut her mouth.

[I don't remember allowing the likes of you lumps of flesh to speak of my name. I normally would have executed you immediately, but since you're my beloved child's acquaintance…… I will forgive you just this once. However, there won't be a next time, understand?]

[Y- Y- Y- Yes. M- My apologies.]

[You need not apologize. You only have one life, quickly make use of it and prepare "my child's favorite tea".]

[H- Haahhh……]

[Don't get me wrong, creating a delicious tea is but a snap of my finger. However, being delicious isn't always good enough. Sometimes, it is what you are used to drinking that soothes the heart of my beloved child…… So, I give you the honor of preparing my beloved child's tea.]

Sweating like a waterfall, Lunamaria nodded again and again. In any case, she's having a conversation with someone who emanates mortal danger every second, and she can never know what will happen if she dared to complain.

Lunamaria was desperate. Because she was desperate, she tried to say something to make a better impression on Eden.

[……U- Ummm…… Miyama-sama likes pastries made with fruits called ripple pies, s- so should I also bring him one……]

[……………..]

Immediately after she said those words, the pressure she had felt from Eden eased just a little bit.

[The "omniscient" me is obviously aware of my beloved child's favorites…… but it's a little surprising that a lump of flesh could understand my child's preferences correctly. I suppose this is also the result of my beloved child's charm, is it not?]

[Y- Yes! Of course! There is no man that's even more charming in this world than Miyama-sama! Even the unworthy me couldn't help but fall in love with Miyama-sama!!!]

She said these words with the intention of escaping mortal danger, but when Eden heard them, she fell silent for a moment before nodding once.

[……I see, it seems that you are not lying. Even though you are but a lump of flesh, you seem to have enough aesthetic sense to judge what is truly beautiful…… Then, such emotions couldn't be described as blasphemy. What is blasphemous is not falling in love with my beloved child upon gazing upon his countenance instead. I allow you to hold onto such feelings.]

[T- Thank you very much.]

[This might be a timely opportunity. Even though you are but a lump of flesh, since you are close to my beloved child, I would like to ask you a question.]

[ ! ? ]

And thus, an additional death flag appeared. Lunamaria doesn't know what she wants to ask her, but she knows what will happen if she answers wrong.

Becoming more nervous than ever, Lunamaria waited for Eden's next words.

[It seems that my beloved child is shying away from me. It should be the natural right of a child to be spoiled by their mother, but he doesn't like exercising his right. Why do you think that is?]

[……T- That is, errr…… I think it's because you were in public!]

[……Fumu, continue.]

[I- I understand how he felt because I'm close to my mother too…… a- and as expected, I feel really shy being spoiled by Mom in public. T- That's why, I think Miyama-sama feels the same way, so if it's just you two……]

The words Lunamaria desperately spun seemed to have reached Eden…… as she lightly brought her hand on her chin, looking like she was thinking of something.

[……I see, that was quite interesting to hear. Lump of flesh…… What did you say your name again?]

[Y- Yes. I- I'm Lunamaria.]

[Fumu, I will keep your name in mind. You seem to be more promising than most lumps of flesh. I appreciate those who are worthy, even if you are but a lump of flesh. Hereafter, I especially allow you to call me by my name.]

[T- Thank you very much…… E- Eden-sama.]

It seems that Lunamaria's words were highly appreciated, as Eden's assessment of her has greatly increased.

Thereupon, Eden pulled out a huge bag out of nowhere and handed it to Lunamaria.

[For all your hard work, this is your reward.]

[Y- Yes. It is an honor.]

When Lunamaria glanced inside, she saw that the bag contained a large amount of white gold coins.

[Now, our conversation ends here. Lunamaria, prepare the tea as soon as possible. I'll leave the choice of tea leaves to you.]

[Yes! Understood!]

Relieved that she was out of mortal danger for the time being, Lunamaria vigorously saluted and began preparing tea.

What the relieved Lunamaria didn't realize though…… was what it meant for the "omniscient" Eden to determine that her words "isn't a lie"……

Anyhow, Lunamaria prepared Kaito's tea and entrusting the cart to Eden, who had changed into a maid uniform before she knew it…… and within her heart, she apologized to Kaito who would probably be suffering for what she said.

<Afterword>

Mama Eden's Affection Ranking

1st place : Kaito (My beloved child)

2nd place : My other children

3rd place : Shallow Vernal (Considered a friend, at least)

4th place : Alice (She appreciates her abilities)

5th place (new) : Lunamaria (The most promising lump of flesh)

Last place : Kuromueina (Sworn Enemy)