Ringo was sharp. Though somewhat incredulous, she accurately grasped the crucial part of Kaito's words.
'He would live like an ordinary person, lead an ordinary life, and even fall for an ordinary person.'
'Was it because he had held a high position for too long, seen too many high-status or beautiful people, that he developed a taste for the ordinary?'
Ringo's head shot up, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
'Then, according to Kaito, did that mean I might...'
'Wait, was I being too presumptuous?'
"Um... Kaito-kun, do you really mean that?"
"Heh, yes. There's nothing wrong with liking ordinary people. If it doesn't work out, I can just make them stronger."
"!!!"
'Th-This... was that even possible?'
'If it didn't work out, he'd make them stronger.'
'Did that mean I could understand it as he could also turn me into a superhuman?'
'Able to traverse the universe?'
'Or control the elements, split mountains and seas?'
Ringo had to admit, she was genuinely tempted.
"It's pretty much like that. Anyway, becoming an ordinary person, living an ordinary life, falling in love with an ordinary person—there's nothing wrong with that."
"Besides, when your strength reaches a certain level and you have no rivals, it can get lonely. If there's nothing to care about, nothing to worry over, a person can go mad."
"In other words, when you stand at the summit with no desires, your mind can gradually become twisted."
"You might start treating life like ants, manipulating them for your own amusement."
"Something like that, I suppose."
Kaito took a sip of tea and set the cup down. Noticing it was empty, Ringo quickly refilled it.
After pouring, she couldn't help but reflect.
What Kaito said was imaginable.
It was like some movie plots about world-class tycoons. Having made too much money, tired of women, and done everything they wanted, they turned their attention to ordinary people.
Manipulating ordinary people's lives, ruining them, just for their own pleasure.
Some believed in gods they'd never heard of more than ordinary people, convinced these gods could give them everything, and used that as justification for their actions.
"If that's the case, I can understand, Kaito-kun. As the Emperor of the universe, it must be very tough, right? Do you have to manage many things?"
"It's manageable. I was very busy when I first became Emperor, but after delegating the non-critical tasks to my ministers, things eased up. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to travel like this."
"That's true!"
Ringo nodded vigorously. Mikan's attention was no longer on the TV; she was quietly listening to their conversation.
"Do you want to see the universe?"
"Huh? Is that allowed?"
"Heh, of course. But you'll have to stay in the carrier's observation deck."
Kaito snapped his fingers, and the three of them were instantly transported to the Jade Chamber's square.
Before Ringo and Mikan could marvel, another snap brought them aboard the Royal Carrier.
They were positioned near Earth, the ship cloaked.
Arriving at the observation deck, Ringo and Mikan were soon captivated by the view of space.
Especially the large blue planet—wasn't that Earth!?
A little further away, wasn't that the moon and the newly established space station?
"Th-Is this real? Kaito-kun, are we really in space, on a space ship right now?"
Not only Ringo, but even Mikan couldn't help but turn to look at Kaito.
It felt like a dream!
They never imagined that as ordinary people, they would experience something like this!
"Of course it's real. The ship has gravity control, so you won't feel weightless like astronauts in those videos, but that can be arranged too."
Kaito took out the Royal Carrier's controller, which is a very sci-fi looking crystal.
After bringing up the holographic interface and deactivating the gravity system, Ringo and Mikan began to feel their bodies lighten.
With a little jump, they felt like they were floating.
At first, both mother and daughter screamed in panic, but once they got used to it, they found it fun, hopping around in place.
Still being a certain distance from Earth, the planet's magnetic field still exerted some gravitational pull; they would eventually descend to the floor.
Outside, though, they'd probably be floating continuously.
"So? Are you having fun?"
"Yes, it's wonderful! Thank you, Kaito-kun!"
"Thank you, Kaito-nii!"
Mother and daughter jumped around the observation deck, taking in the space scenery.
After about half an hour of fun, they both settled down and came to thank Kaito.
"Alright, you can't stay here too long, or your bodies might have trouble adjusting."
With a snap, they returned to the Yuki residence. Kaito stayed to share some interesting stories about the universe.
When he mentioned the universe wasn't entirely peaceful, Ringo was understandably frightened.
Fortunately, their Milky Way was too low-level, hadn't yet developed interstellar travel. Otherwise, they'd definitely be targeted by civilizations from other galaxies, right?
Naturally, being targeted wouldn't necessarily lead to invasion, but there would likely be protection fees involved. They wouldn't dare go too far unless they wanted to face a massive punitive fleet.
Furthermore, those collecting fees would also have to provide technological resources and help solve energy crises, climate problems, etc.
"Kaito-kun, do you really have to go back?"
"Yes. If you want to see me again, just press this. Someone will come to get you and take you to the true depths of space."
They had talked until evening, and Ringo found herself growing increasingly fond of Kaito.
The look in her eyes when she liked someone was unmistakable.
But unfortunately, he really had to go now. Ryoko and Tearju had returned to the hotel and were preparing to leave tonight.
Also, Hisui missed him. As a father, he couldn't be out having fun and neglecting his little sweetheart, could he?