After adjusting her collar in the mirror, Skadi even hummed a wordless tune, clearly in an unusually good mood. Whether it was because of the new outfit or the night they'd just shared, only she knew. After all, this was the new everyday attire she'd asked Habetrot to make for her using materials from Chaldea.
Skadi was quite fond of these contemporary garments from Proper Human History.
Shiomi had come to see her today, bringing not only business matters but also a new outfit. She had just changed into it.
"Thank goodness you're in such a good mood. I was worried when you pinned me down in the bathtub earlier—I almost thought you were angry," Shiomi said from behind her.
"My mana circulation feels unusually smooth today, so naturally, my mood lifted," Skadi replied, turning around with a smile.
That interaction itself had a mana replenishment effect. Even though she hadn't depleted any mana while resting at Chaldea, it still held a similar benefit. As she'd mentioned, her mana was flowing more freely than usual.
"So next time... can I come find you again?" Shiomi asked, one eye closed, half-teasing.
As expected, a blush spread across Skadi's face. She gave a feigned, dismissive snort before turning and walking out the door.
"Do as you please."
"Understood."
Shiomi followed her out of the room. After finalizing the details, they were now preparing to visit Da Vinci's workshop once more.
As part of expanding their combat capabilities, Skadi had provided the technology to replicate Valkyries. Chaldea would apply this to Touko's puppetcraft, allowing the combat dolls to possess various operational functions for handling complex battles.
Skadi had initially planned to mass-produce more Valkyries, but Shiomi had stopped her. Even as emotionless copies, the mass-produced Valkyries possessed sentience. Using them as expendable battlefield tools felt unnecessarily cruel.
Shiomi believed it would be better to keep them purely as dolls.
"Speaking of which, this 'Rayshifting' thing—can only those girls and you participate?" Skadi asked.
"Not necessarily. It depends on whether one possesses the innate adaptability. But that applies only to humans. As a goddess, you should share the same innate adaptability as Morgan and the others, meaning you should be able to participate in Rayshifting as well," Shiomi replied.
As he spoke, he suddenly realized why Skadi had asked.
"Bringing this up suddenly—are you concerned about how we've been handling those minor singularities lately?" Shiomi pressed.
"Not exactly concerned, more just intrigued," Skadi answered. "By transforming your body into spirit particle form and using Proof of Existence, you can travel to different eras to repair their distortions... Even for deities, time travel is a rare power, not easily achieved."
"After all, a god's power can more easily shake the foundations of an era, leading history toward different outcomes," Shiomi said. "Or... do you actually want to go back in time and change the outcome of Ragnarök?"
Caught off guard by Shiomi's question, Skadi paused for several seconds before slowly shaking her head.
"I once considered it," she replied. "But when I learned that my world was meant to be severed, and that within the Compiled Event that allowed it to continue, the Scandinavian gods met an entirely different fate than I knew—that was enough for me."
"I see. It seems I misunderstood."
"The past cannot be altered, and what's lost can never be regained. Even the greatest Mystery can only transform the present," Skadi said with a hint of smug satisfaction. "If it were you, you'd say exactly that, wouldn't you?"
"Oh? I hadn't realized you understood me this well—even predicting my words," Shiomi replied, placing his hand naturally on Skadi's shoulder. "Our time together hasn't been wasted."
"Let's not dwell on that—" Skadi flushed slightly at his words and quickly changed the subject. "Next time we investigate a minor singularity, may I join the girls?"
"It's possible, but you brought this up suddenly. Are you interested in Rayshifting itself?" Shiomi asked.
"A little, I suppose. Scáthach also said I should get to know you better," Skadi explained.
"Master actually said that...?" Shiomi seemed surprised.
"She is your master, after all," Skadi observed. "It's only natural she'd be concerned about the relationship between us."
In truth, Scáthach's meaning was straightforward: regardless of the nature of her bond with her beloved disciple, she didn't want her to force herself into a relationship with Shiomi merely to fulfill a prophecy. Without genuine affection, their bond would inevitably crack, causing pain to both.
Skadi often reflected on their shared experiences lately. At the very least... she was undeniably growing fond of Shiomi.
As for how exactly this affection blossomed, Skadi struggled to articulate it.
Perhaps... her heart had been captured during their repeated intimate moments? The thought made Skadi's heartbeat quicken again.
"So undergoing the Rayshifting I experienced is the path you've chosen?" Shiomi asked.
"Yes. And since we'll be spending more time together now, I also want to earn the trust of the entire Chaldea team as a comrade capable of fighting alongside them," Skadi replied.
"No one's expressed doubt about you either," Shiomi reassured her, gently stroking her back. "Otherwise, they'd have sealed your combat abilities like they did with Kadoc and Ophelia, keeping you under constant surveillance."
But Skadi knew deep down that this was all thanks to Shiomi's kindness, not because she had proven anything through her actions.
"Also, you mentioned wanting me to persuade Ophelia earlier. So far, she still refuses to cooperate. Because doing so would be a betrayal of that Kirschtaria."
Regarding the two Crypters imprisoned by Chaldea, Skadi relayed the current situation.
"She really is loyal to the core..."
"But she said that if allowed freedom of movement, she'd be willing to assist Chaldea's daily operations within restrictions—especially regarding matters involving that girl named Mash," Skadi added.
Shiomi couldn't help but laugh. "I see. After we deliver the items to Da Vinci, we'll go discuss this with Marie. Restricting a Magus's capabilities isn't difficult for us anyway."
"Also, don't forget to mention my assistance with Rayshifting and repairing the micro singularity," Skadi added.
"I won't forget. Rest assured," Shiomi smiled and agreed.