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.

  **********