Otherworld Restaurant Suiren, Friendship City. Before the store opened, Akane and Frau, who came to deliver the items they had ordered, were inside, talking while eating some light snacks that Kaori had made.

[Houu. A place you’d recommend for buying casual clothes huh…… Well, when it comes to clothing, you’d definitely gotta go to Hydra. The number of stores there is huge, and although their designs are often considered avant-garde, they have plenty of classic styles as well. But, what’s up with that question? Is there something so important that you’d want to go out of the Friendship City just to buy clothes?]

[Ah, unn. Well, umm…… How should I put it…… Through a series of events, or maybe just by coincidence, I ended up going on a date with Kaito-kun.]

[Eh? Is that so? Ohh, isn’t that nice!? I actually love having talks like this……]

[Together with Founder-sama.]

[How!? Why would you suddenly bring up the Founder in the middle of that conversation!?]

[No, it’s not like I suddenly brought her up. I mean, she’s actually the reason for this date…… Errr, to explain from the very beginning……]

When Kaori mentioned going on a date with Kaito, Akane had a mischievous grin on her face, clearly thinking of having fun. But when she heard that Olivia would be joining as well, she immediately threw a tsukkomi.

Akane had been living in this world for a long time, so she knew that a date with one man and two women was a typical arrangement, and she didn’t feel the need to comment on that. However, if the third person was the Founder, that was a different story.

In response to Akane’s reaction, Kaori explained the situation with a wry smile.

[……I see, that’s quite…… well, things are still as complicated as ever. But, on the other hand, it means you’ve become close enough to the Founder that she cared about you, right? If you look at it that way, it’s actually a win, isn’t it? Hmmm, it’s a tricky situation.]

[Ahaha, yeah, it really is. Well, it’s already decided, so there’s nothing I can do, but since we’re at it, I plan to enjoy myself. Before I opened the shop here in Friendship City, I traveled around a lot, but recently, I haven’t had many chances to hang out in cities outside Friendship City, so in that sense, I’m looking forward to it. Well, since it’s a date, I thought I’d splurge on some new clothes. Sales have been good recently, so I’m feeling a bit more relaxed.]

Kaori had already accepted the idea of going on a date with Olivia and Kaito, and she was simply focused on making the most of the opportunity.

[That’s why I came to ask Akane-san, hoping to get some advice.]

[……I understand the story, but Kaori-sama, shouldn’t you reconsider? Just look at Chairman’s outfit, it’s so avant-garde…… No, actually, it’s just ridiculous. Isn’t it reckless to ask someone like that for fashion advice?]

[Hey! You could have just stopped with avant-garde! Why make it sound like a more insulting expression!? Also, Kaori, why do you look like you’re thinking “Maybe there’s some truth to it”?!]

[Ah, no, ahaha……]

After hearing Frau’s words, Kaori realized that Akane was wearing a leopard print outfit…… the outfit Akane herself called the “classic Osaka Auntie style”. For a moment, Kaori thought that maybe asking for fashion advice from someone like that was a mistake.

And the sharp Akane noticed Kaori’s momentary change in expression and immediately threw her tsukkomi.

[Haahhh…… Alright, fine. In that case, I, a self-styled Naniwa Fashion Leader, will make sure to coordinate your outfit perfectly.]

[Chairman, you do realize that self-styling is something anyone can do, right?]

[Shut it! Anyway, don’t worry about travel expenses; just put that money toward your clothes instead.]

[Eh? Akane-san, you’re coming with me? I mean, I’d be happy and feel reassured but…… are you sure it’s okay?]

[I just wrapped up a big deal recently, so I’ve got free time. Don’t worry about it.]

[Chairman, will clothing expenses count as business costs?]

[Of course not! Buy your clothes with your own money!]

Akane offered to accompany Kaori on her shopping trip. Since Akane was skilled in Teleportation Magic, the issue of distance was practically eliminated, which was a huge relief for Kaori.

Just like that, after discussing which city in Hydra Kingdom to visit for shopping, the three went off to go shopping with Teleportation Magic.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [This side…… has quite a peaceful vibe compared to the other side……]

? ? ? : [Well, since Kaori-san has the Stomachache Attribute, something’s bound to happen during that date, don’t you think?]

Serious-senpai : [You’re gonna go and tag that Stomachache Attribute huh……]