Chapter 50: Shopping for Gifts with the Eldritch Godness

The Golden Festival draws closer with each passing day.

And so, we set out into the city to pick gifts for the exchange.

"Iris!"

"Frieda. Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Don’t worry! I just got here myself."

I arrived by carriage at the central station plaza, where I’d arranged to meet Frieda and Emilia. The carriage belonged to Felix’s family—the same household I was still freeloading with.

Turns out, I’ll be staying with them until the Golden Festival in December is over.

"Alright, shall we go? How about the Imperial Department Store first?"

"Yes, let’s do that."

And with that, we were off to the department store for some gift shopping!

"You can really feel the buzz in the air now that December’s approaching. Everyone’s gearing up for the year-end festivities."

"That’s true. The lively atmosphere is so exciting."

The streets were vibrant with holiday cheer, brimming with an almost giddy energy. Despite the cold, everyone was in high spirits.

"Frieda, Iris—who are you two giving gifts to?" Emilia asked.

"For me, it’s Emilia, Iris, the Literature Club members, and Lord Albrecht!" Frieda declared.

"I’ll be giving to Frieda and Emilia, and then… probably the student council members?" I replied.

"Student council? So that includes Lord Felix, huh?"

"Yes. He’s been very kind to me."

"...Any progress since then?"

Frieda and Emilia both turned to me with intense curiosity.

"Progress…? Well, I suppose we’ve gotten much closer than before. Recently, he even protected me from an attacker—"

"Wait, WHAT?! That happened?!"

"Y-yes?"

I was startled by Frieda’s shocked reaction.

"So that’s why Lord Felix had those injuries on his face…"

"He fought hard to protect his beloved Iris…"

Emilia and Frieda exchanged meaningful looks.

"But Iris… do you still dislike Lord Felix?"

"It’s not that I dislike him. There are just… complicated circumstances."

As an Eldritch Godness, I know nothing good could come from a relationship with Felix. If not for that, I’d gladly be close friends with him.

Lately, he doesn’t glare at me like he used to—instead, he’s been shielding me from threats like the cult and Professor Matthias. I do want to properly repay his kindness.

"I see… You’ve always had your own complicated stuff going on. Can’t be helped."

Frieda, who knows about my supernatural nature, accepted this with a nod. Emilia, seeing her drop the subject, didn’t press further.

"Then let’s at least pick amazing gifts and make some memories!"

"Right."

A romantic relationship might be impossible, but I’d still like to cherish the memories of Felix as someone who was part of my life. That’ll be precious to me.

With that, we finally arrived at the Imperial Department Store.

"Listen up! The gifts we give each other stay a secret until the big day, got it? No spoilers! But for everyone else, we can brainstorm together!"

"Yes. It’s more fun if we save the surprises."

"Alright, let’s start by shopping for the gifts we aren’t giving each other!"

With Frieda taking charge, we began hunting for presents—excluding the ones we’d exchange among the three of us.

"For Lord Albrecht, I’m torn between stationery or a book. What do you think?"

"Something like a popular novel, perhaps?"

"The issue is, he’s probably already read the trending ones. But if it’s a classic, he might’ve finished that too…"

"In that case, stationery seems safer. A fountain pen or notebook with a note like, ‘For your next masterpiece’?"

"Oh, perfect! Thanks, Iris!"

"Not at all."

With Frieda’s gift settled—

"Now, for His Highness Leonhardt…"

"…He’d probably be happy with anything from Emilia."

"Th-that’s not the point! I still need to put thought into it!"

"Then how about matching handkerchiefs or scarves? A couples’ item."

"A pair set—that’s a wonderful idea!"

Emilia’s gift was decided—

"And for Lord Felix…?"

Now it was my turn.

"Iris, do you even know what Lord Felix likes?"

"Not really…"

The only thing we’d ever discussed was ‘Agilo and I.’ Beyond that, I couldn’t recall his preferences.

"Frieda, have you heard of ‘Agilo and I’?"

"Of course! It’s famous. Are you giving him that?"

"No, but I wondered if the author wrote anything else…"

Books were the only lead I had.

"Hmm… I’ve never heard of other works. Pretty sure that’s their only one."

"I see…"

So what should I get him?

"You could go with a handkerchief set like me?"

"That would be the safe choice…"

Emilia’s suggestion made sense—but after December, I likely wouldn’t see Felix again. That made me want to give something more than just fabric.

"Wait—what about outdoor gear?"

"O-outdoor gear? Why?"

"Well, once when we talked, we agreed that the travel-prep scenes in novels feel exciting. I thought… maybe he’d enjoy experiencing that in real life."

"Whoa, that’s clever! And hey—you do talk about things he likes, Iris!"

"I… forgot until now."

Even with an evil god’s enhanced memory, my brain’s still hopeless at using it.

"Then let’s check outdoor supplies! But what exactly? A tent? Sleeping bag?"

"I think survival knives appeal to men?"

(Speaking from my past life as a guy—nothing beats a cool knife!)

"A knife? Solid choice. Let’s pick a high-quality one!"

"Okay!"

We headed to the outdoor goods section and picked out a survival knife.

"You can engrave the handle with a name if you'd like. Would you be interested?"

Apparently, they offered a personalization service.

"Then could you add 'I & F'?"

Naturally, it stood for Iris & Felix—a little mark to show this gift was from me. Every time he sees it, maybe he’ll think of me!

"Here you go."

And just like that, the purchase was complete.

"Now, all that’s left are the gifts we’re giving each other."

"From here, we’ll split up. Remember—no peeking at what anyone buys!"

"Got it! Let’s meet at the entrance in an hour!"

After confirming our plans, we went our separate ways.

Hmm… What should I get Frieda and Emilia?

Lost in thought, I wandered through the department store—until a prickling sense of unease made me turn around.

The bustling crowd had inexplicably thinned. In the sudden emptiness stood a lone girl.

"Iris… or should I say, Ililith? How amusing to see you celebrating festivals ordained by false gods."

"Claudia. You again."

There she was—dressed in a military coat and black dress, the girl who called herself Claudia.

"I hear our seekers and comrades of the Starless Wisdom Sect have made… unexpected contact with the Rosenkreuz Society. Was that your doing?"

"Yes. I act on my own will now. I won’t move as my worshippers or seekers demand. What I do is my choice—even Father and the others have accepted that."

"I see, I see. Your will, is it? Tell me… Is this game of playing human truly so entertaining? Mingling with these inferior creatures, hiding among them—does it bring you joy?"

"Absolutely. I’m having fun with this game of playing human. Aren’t you the same?"

After all, Claudia wore human clothes, spoke human words, and wore a human shape—but I knew better. She hadn’t been human for a long time.

"Heh. You are interesting."

Her laughter was like a shiver down the spine.

……………………