Deep within the depths, there was a room specially set aside by Vill-V, housing a fully automated ice cream machine she had invented herself.
"Mmm~ So... this is exactly the kind of situation I was hoping for~"
Elysia looked around at the few people in the room, a brilliant smile spreading across her face,
"Though the timing and location aren't exactly ideal, the preparations are quite lovely."
Taking a closer look, seated around Elysia were Eden, Aponia, and Mobius...
This was the first time they had all gathered together like this.
Eden smiled softly and asked Elysia:
"Are you sure you don't want to bring Vya along, Elysia? If that child finds out we gathered without her, she might get upset."
"Oh my~ Vya is a mature girl now, isn't she?~ I'm sure she'd understand her dear sister here~♪"
Elysia waved her hand dismissively, speaking in a light tone as if she wasn't the least bit worried about Vya throwing a fit.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Elysia."
Mobius interjected coolly. She hadn't really wanted to come, finding this sort of gathering rather pointless.
But she couldn't resist Elysia's provocation, claiming she probably didn't dare show up—that's what finally brought her here.
Besides, apart from Elysia, she didn't particularly dislike the others present. Oh, and Vill-V too—as long as the other personas of Vill-V didn't start chiming in, she was tolerable enough.
As for relaxation… it wasn't exactly true relaxation, more like it wasn't unbearable.
Just then, Vill-V approached, carrying freshly made ice cream and handing it out to everyone.
With a smile, she suggested:
"Hey~ since I'm the host here, after all? How about I put on a little show to liven things up? Maybe demonstrate a new invention of mine?"
Elysia waved her hand with a laugh. "No need~ Vill-V, I think we're perfectly happy just as we are~"
She clapped her hands together, beaming. "Let's just sit back and enjoy this rare, wonderful moment~"
Then she turned to Aponia, her expression full of anticipation. "What do you think, Aponia? Doesn't it feel quite lovely?"
"It is pleasant. To be seated here with all of you is indeed a rather agreeable time."
Aponia's voice remained soft, but from her words, one could tell her mood was quite cheerful,
"I have not been invited to such gatherings before—ones dedicated to conversation among ladies. It is an honor to have this opportunity."
"Mhm, that's right, such things are truly wonderful…"
Elysia nodded, then suddenly seemed to remember something,
"Actually, come to think of it, we really should have invited Himeko too~ More people would make it even livelier."
It was then that Mobius spoke up:
"Let's wait until she's truly ready."
"Alright, alright…"
Elysia said with some regret. "It's just a shame Mei couldn't come either~ It would have been perfect if she were here."
Vill-V chuckled, picking up the thread: "How would someone as busy as Dr. Mei have time for this? Right, Dr. Mobius?"
Mobius raised an eyebrow, looking at Vill-V:
"What are you implying? If Elysia hadn't begged me to come, do you think I would be here? I don't have that much free time to idle away chatting with you all."
Elysia stayed silent beside them, merely covering her mouth with a light laugh, watching their bickering and finding the atmosphere particularly amusing.
…
"Everyone, shall we share a toast?"
Eden rose with a smile, raising her glass filled with crystalline liquor.
Under the light, the others raised their glasses as well. The liquor swayed gently within, swirling like liquid crystal, shimmering with an enchanting glow.
Elysia took a small sip and suggested with a smile:
"If we get the chance, I think we should all go on a trip together~ Go see the sights out there, like the seaside. It would be so much fun."
Eden responded gently:
"There will be a chance, Elysia."
Mobius didn't speak, thinking to herself: If invited like this again, she probably wouldn't come. A trip sounded like such a hassle.
Vill-V's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly:
"Then I'll have to recommend my wonderful inventions to you all!"
"…I would look forward to it as well."
Aponia gave a slight nod, a trace of longing in her eyes.
At least by that time, they should all be much more at ease than they are now…
…
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