At the Nifty store in Hydra Kingdom, an unusual pair had arrived. One was the War King Megiddo, who was currently in the form of a petite girl just like she once had during the ship party. She decided to visit the store on a whim after applying for a reservation and, by luck, winning the draw. She invited the person she happened to meet at that moment to join her.

[Fumu, quite interesting. The view in this form is truly refreshing. In my dragon form, I never see things from this angle.]

[Well, that much is obvious…… I don’t really care much with all the sweet-looking stuff on the menu, but the atmosphere here is nice. It’s in line with the national style of the Hydra Kingdom, and the furniture has good taste.]

[Fumu, I can’t say much about that, but I do feel it’s beautifully arranged.]

The other person, in the form of an elderly gentleman, was Magnawell. Though to others they might look like a grandfather and granddaughter visiting the shop together, Megiddo was actually older than Magnawell.

[That said, even if that place is owned by Miyama Kaito, it’s unusual for you to visit a shop full of sweets…… Fumu, do you have some other motive in mind?]

[Ahh~~ Well, I’m just a bit curious. I heard from Shalltear that the one managing Nifty’s stores was apparently incredibly strong, so I thought I’d check them out…… But it seems they haven’t shown up in public……]

[Incredibly strong? You mean in terms of combat ability? From what I’ve heard, they’re something like an Otherworld God, so it certainly wouldn’t be surprising if they possessed immense power huh……]

[I heard they’re a Former God…… Well, former or not, it’s just about the same…… I wonder if they’ll come out?]

[You’re not thinking of starting a fight, are you? I want no part of any trouble……]

Seeing Megiddo’s keen interest, Magnawell looked quite reluctant. Megiddo had always been quick to pick fights, often challenging anyone she thought looked strong or interesting. While Magnawell didn’t think they’d start a battle right inside the store, the chances of causing a commotion were still high…… Just as Magnawell was contemplating this, a voice they didn’t recognize spoke up.

[Tahaa~~ We don’t have a designated personnel reservation system here, but since you’re acquainted with Kaito-sama, I can’t ignore your request. So, as per your wish, I’m Canalis, Nifty’s shopkeeper and manager. In effect, you could say I’m something like Kaito-sama’s subordinate!]

[……Ou, so it’s you huh…… I’m Megiddo, nice to meet you.]

[I am Magnawell Baskus Lardo Kurtzvald. I’ve long been under Miyama Kaito’s care.]

As Canalis suddenly appeared, Megiddo and Magnawell introduced themselves while sizing her up…… After a brief silence, Megiddo gave a slight nod.

[Sorry for calling you out like that. We’re fine enough here, thanks.]

[No, no, please don’t worry about it. I’ll be in the back, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.]

With a bright voice, Canalis responded to Megiddo’s words, bowed slightly, and left. After watching her retreat into the back, Magnawell spoke to Megiddo with a wry smile.

[……What’s the matter? You’re not going to pick a fight with her?]

[Hah, you already know why and you ask that…… Sure, I love fighting. And of course, I’m all for taking on stronger opponents. But there’s no point in fighting someone like her. The difference in our strength is way too much, it would just make her hold back. D*mn it, Shalltear…… She definitely knew about this and yet she spoke so nonchalantly about it. The heck is with that “incredibly strong guy”…… That one’s clearly on the same level as Shallow Vernal.]

[You couldn’t gauge her full power at all huh. So that’s how strong Omnipotent beings are…… It really makes you realize that no matter how high you climb, there’s always someone higher.]

Both Megiddo and Magnawell were among the most powerful beings in the world, and they immediately understood Canalis’ strength just by meeting her. They realized that if Megiddo were to challenge her, it wouldn’t even be a contest; the gap in ability was so great that Canalis would have to hold back. That’s why Megiddo didn’t even bother to start a fight.

[……That said, how did Kaito manage to get someone like that to serve him?]

[I have no idea……]

Both of them were puzzled as to why an Omnipotent God as overwhelmingly powerful as Canalis would serve Kaito…… and why she had so cheerfully declared herself “Kaito’s subordinate”. With neither of them not quite figuring it out, they were left scratching their heads.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Yeah, if you don’t know Nebula’s circumstances, it does make you wonder why a God of that caliber would suddenly be serving Kaito…… I bet even the rulers of various countries are thinking the same thing but haven’t had the chance to ask.]

? ? ? : [I bet Gorilla-san will probably just go straight to Kaito-san later and ask him though.]