It seems like Nifty’s store expansion is progressing smoothly, and with Canalis-san being extremely competent and also of excellent character, there’s nothing much I need to do. I can leave things to her without any problem, which is a huge relief.

And so, while this isn’t really related to Nifty, I’ve been feeling like visiting a somewhat upscale café. When I saw the stores’ prototype, I realized that I’d never been to a café in the luxury shopping district.

I’ve been to cafés on the main streets a few times, but cafés in the luxury district seem to have a different atmosphere, and I found myself wanting to experience being there at least once.

That’s why I’m looking through Kuro’s eating tour guide, selecting a café in the luxury district…… But to be honest, the atmosphere and my mental state makes it so I’m feeling averse going there alone, so I’d like to invite someone.

While I was thinking about this, I heard a knock, and Illness-san came in, carrying neatly folded laundry.

[Kaito-samaaaaa, I’ve brought your laundryyyyyy.]

[Thank you. Ah, I’ll just store the formal party attire in my magic box.]

[Certainlyyyy. Here you gooooo.]

It’s best to keep frequently used clothes in the room closet, but formal attire that I don’t wear often is safer in my magic box, where it won’t deteriorate. As if anticipating my request, Illness-san handed me the formal party attire she had separated, and I stored it in my magic box.

Watching Illness-san put the clothes in the closet, I remembered the café idea I had earlier.

[Illness-san, do you have any upcoming days where you have enough free time to go out?]

[Anytime is fiiiiiine. Latelyyyyy, I’ve had quite a lot of free time, so I have plenty of tiiiiiiime.]

Despite the overwhelming amount of work Illness-san handles, she doesn’t seem burdened at all…… In fact, her work speed seems to have increased recently, so even though she should have more work than before, she has even more free time, which she often use to make stuff with Nebula.

I’m not sure if I should say she’s as impressive as always, but for the time being, it seems like there’s no problem inviting her.

[Actually, I’ve been looking into cafés in the luxury district because I want to visit one. If you don’t mind, would you like to join me?]

[Oya? Kuhihi…… Are you inviting me to a daaaaaaate?]

[……Ah…… I suppose so. Yes. I’m inviting you to a date.]

Since we officially became a couple during the ship party, it’s definitely a date if we’re going out together.

[Well theeeen, it would be my pleasure~~ Please allow me to accompany youuuu.]

[Great. I was just thinking about which place to go, so if you have time, would you like to look at it together?]

[Yeeees. Well then, I’ll take you up for your wooooord…… Would you mind if I sat next to youuuuu?]

[Feel free.]

Since I was sitting on the sofa reading a book, Illness-san sat next to me, and we browsed through the eating tour guide together.

Incidentally, the eating tour guide we’re reading is the latest version. While it doesn’t feature all the stores, it includes photos taken with the new magic tool, making it easy to read.

Naturally, reading one book together brings us physically closer, and I catch a faint, refined scent from Illness-san. She doesn’t seem to wear perfume while working, but perhaps it’s the shampoo she uses, as I could smell what seemed like roses.

[Do you know any of these places, Illness-san?]

[Indeeeeed, many of these stores around heeeeeere are famous and featured in magaziiiiiines. On the other haaaaaand, this one is by reservation onlyyy, and you can’t make a reservation without a personal referraaaaaaal. That saaaaaaaid, if it’s Kaito-sama that were to visit them without a reservationnn, they might still prepare a table for youuuu…… However, if you’re thinking of going heeeeeere, Kaito-sama would be more at ease by getting a referral from Miladyyyy or Underworld King-samaaaaaa.]

[I see, high-end places having that kind of exclusive system does make sense. Honestly, I just want to go out of curiosity, so I’m not planning to make regular visits. It’s probably best to choose somewhere that doesn’t require reservations for now.]

[Choosing a famous place might be the safest optiooooon.]

[Right…… Oh, what about this one? It has roses in the interior decor, and it seems like a place you’d like, Illness-san.]

[Indeeeeed, the decor is to my taaaaaaste, but are you sure you want to pick the place based on my preferenceeeeees?]

[Yes. Rather, I want Illness-san to enjoy yourself…… seeing you happy would make me the happiest. I’d really like to reflect your tastes in the choice.]

[Kuhihi, juuuuuust being able to go on a date with Kaito-sama already makes me more than happyyyyy…… But since Kaito-sama is kindly offeriiiiiing, I’ll gladly accept Kaito-sama’s thoughtful consideratiooooooon.]

With that warm exchange, we leaned into each other, happily discussing the café we planned to visit together.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Aaaaahhhhhh, t- that’s right……. they just became lovers at that party…… Hyiihh……]