"Albe— I mean, Momon-sama!"
Passing through E-Rantel's checkpoint, Enri and Nemu ran to her as if meeting her for the first time.
"It's been a while, both of you."
Clad in black armor, Momon accepted Nemu's hug warmly, pretending they'd just reunited.
…Even though they had been together just moments ago.
Because this was nothing more than a convenient alibi for using Gate — a spell supposedly impossible in this world.
After leaving the apothecary, Momon had teleported to Carne Village.
Then brought the sisters near E-Rantel.
Then teleported herself inside the checkpoint to make it look like she waited for them to walk in normally.
Their first time traveling by Gate, the sisters were astonished but not frightened.
If it was a miracle by the goddess they adored — Albedo — trust outweighed fear.
Enri blinked in awe, whispering "waaaah…"
Nemu hopped excitedly: "Amazing! Amazing!"
Now, hand in hand with Nemu, Momon led them toward a certain place.
"Momon-sama… thank you for today. We haven't done anything deserving such hospitality…"
"Enri-san. I truly owe you both a great debt. When I first arrived in this world— no, when I was thrown here… I'm glad the first people I met were you. My days in Carne Village are precious memories."
"Momon-sama…"
"So today, please allow me to treat you. I've become somewhat well-known in this city."
Today was the day Momon would host the Emmot sisters.
Since her days in Carne Village, she had wanted to repay them — today was the day.
Enri felt a bit awkward — not out of dislike. She adored this goddess, this woman she revered.
She loved being beside her.
But Momon in armor was the very definition of a hero.
As they walked, people greeted them with admiration; guards straightened their backs and saluted.
Every gaze brimmed with respect and longing.
(…She's incredible… Albedo-sama…)
Enri had known it — but seeing the goddess worshiped by a whole city made her feel a faint loneliness.
Their beloved goddess was no longer just theirs.
She had become someone the many needed.
She was proud — but the sliver of possessive sadness couldn't be denied.
"Something wrong, Enri-san?"
But the goddess still spoke to her with the same gentle voice as back then.
Enri shook her head quickly.
"It's nothing. So… where are we going?"
"…Enri-san, you're adorable, you know?"
"W-… w-wha—?"
"So today, I intend to make you very beautiful."
"And Nemu—?"
"Nemu is already adorable."
"Hehe~"
Nemu beamed, clinging to Momon's hand.
Enri turned red as a ripe tomato.
Her heart felt unsteady — even though they were both women, being told she was beautiful by someone like Momon…
It made her heart pound in ways she didn't understand.
Meanwhile Momon simply chatted away happily with Nemu, oblivious to Enri's turmoil.
Along the way, Momon bought sweets from stalls whenever Nemu expressed interest, and eventually—
They arrived at an elegant, large building along the main boulevard.
E-Rantel's finest fashion and beauty salon.
Though called a tailoring shop, it offered everything — clothes, accessories, makeup, styling.
It was here Momon had purchased her casual outfits — and also a place she visited whenever rare enchanted gemstones showed up.
Inside, the brilliant interior stunned the sisters.
Mannequins lined the hall, displaying lavish dresses. Glass showcases held jewels worth fortunes.
Only nobles and wealthy patrons shopped here.
Enri froze in place, intimidated by the luxury.
Nemu's eyes sparkled.
"Welcome, Momon-sama—"
A sharply dressed, slightly effeminate man glided over with an unnerving, oily smile.
"What may we assist you with today? We have elegant rings and jewels with fine enchantments—"
"No. Today is not about me. Please make these two as beautiful as possible."
"Oh?"
His eyes sharpened instantly.
Momon patted Nemu's head gently.
"They're perfect material. So — dresses and full makeover. The budget?"
"Spare no expense. But they'll get tired if it takes too long. One hour— no, thirty minutes. Do your finest work within that time."
"Spare no expense in thirty minutes… Understood. You all!"
He clapped twice.
From nowhere, a swarm of staff descended.
"Eh—? W-Wait, Momon-sa—"
"Yes yes, excuse us~"
"Measurements first."
"What color do you prefer?"
"Little miss, this way!"
"What a lovely canvas."
"Makeup team, positions!"
A pit stop at a race track.
They swarmed the Emmot sisters and swept them away into the back before either could protest.
Momon waved casually as they vanished.
Exactly thirty minutes later.
There stood a group of exhausted staff…
a wide-eyed, slack-jawed Enri…
and a beaming Nemu.
"T-This… this is me…?"
"You look so pretty, onee-chan!"
"N-Nemu, you're so cute too…"
They turned to each other, overflowing with joy.
Gone were the rustic farm girls of Carne Village.
In their place were two young noble ladies.
Enri wore a deep navy dress, elegant and mature.
Nemu wore a lively yellow dress suited to her energy.
Tasteful jewels completed their transformation.
Enri needed a moment to recognize the girl in the mirror as herself.
(I… really can look this pretty…?)
Her lips, lightly tinted, parted in wonder.
A feminine pride she never acknowledged blossomed quietly within.
…But also fear.
These clothes, these accessories — how much were they worth?
Even if Momon was paying for everything, it felt overwhelming.
Nemu, being a child, simply thought:
Albedo-sama is amazing! She's rich!!
"You're both very beautiful," Momon said, applauding.
"M-Momon-s—"
Her voice died.
Because what she saw behind her was—
Beauty itself, given human form.
(S-She's… gorgeous…)
While the sisters were being made up, Momon had undergone the same treatment.
Her armor removed, she now wore a deep purple evening dress — refined, mature, elegantly alluring.
Enri and Nemu stared, breathless.
Enri felt crushing embarrassment for thinking she looked good earlier.
This — this was beauty.
The allure of a true grown woman.
Her unveiled face, refined makeup, the dark dress accentuating her divine charm—
Enri felt intoxicated.
"Momon-sama, you're so pretty!!!" Nemu said.
"You're very cute too, Nemu."
Momon stroked her head gently.
Then she smiled at Enri.
"And Enri-san — you look truly beautiful today."
"A-ah… u-uh…"
Enri blushed furiously.
A soft gaze.
A gentle smile.
Compliments from someone beyond human.
No wonder her heart pounded violently.
"Well then. Everything is ready. Shall we go, mademoiselles?"
"M-Mademo— wha—?"
"…Princesses. Probably."
She extended her hand.
They placed theirs on top.
Escorted by Momon, they crossed the central hall.
The nobles and aristocrats in the store were mesmerized — silent as statues — as Momon and the two beautifully transformed sisters walked past.
Only their high heels (and Nemu's little shoes) echoed.
Outside, a refined carriage awaited — prepared in advance.
The three stepped inside its luxurious cabin.
The destination was obvious.
The carriage rolled toward the Golden Glow Inn.
They spent a gentle, memorable dinner together.
Though the sisters were overwhelmed, it reminded Momon of her own first visit.
Sharing a meal with cherished people — reminiscent of her time in Carne Village — brought more smiles to Momon than usual.
The sisters stayed one night at the upscale inn.
The next day they enjoyed a more casual tour of E-Rantel.
By evening, they were teleported back to Carne Village.
For the sisters, it was like a dream.
For Momon, it was a profoundly meaningful time.