By the time I returned home from the Arclesia Empire, the sun was already dipping toward the horizon. My afternoon of shopping and cafe-hopping with Marie-san had lasted quite a bit longer than I’d intended.
Since Marie-san was younger than me—roughly the same age as Aoi-chan and Hina-chan—I found myself reflexively wanting to dote on her and look after her. Despite her noble title, she lacked the typical air of pretension. She possessed a grounded, commoner-like charm that made her incredibly easy to talk to.
Regardless, it had been a good day, and seeing how happy she was made the trip worthwhile. According to Akane-san, I had unintentionally brought a fair amount of trouble to the Rich Baron House, so I was glad that Marie-san was able to enjoy a change of pace.
She had mentioned her longing for beautiful clothes, so she might actually be quite the fan of shopping. Since she lacked the financial leeway to visit high-end districts often, I thought it might be nice to take her out again sometime to help her relax.
"Kaito-san, welcome back."
"Sieg-san? Good evening. Are you just finishing your shift?"
"Yes. I was only on duty until the evening today, so I've just finished up. I happened to see you returning, so..."
"I see. I was planning on taking Bell for a light walk before dinner. Sieg-san, would you like to come along?"
Since Sieg-san had finished work at the perfect time, I decided to invite her since we had run into each other. Bell was a prideful creature, but it had grown quite attached to Sieg-san because she took such good care of it. It never minded carrying her on its back, so taking her along was never an issue. Of course, since I’d returned later than planned, it would have to be a quick walk.
"That sounds lovely. However, if that’s the case, why don't we go after dinner instead?"
"After dinner?"
"Yes. Actually, it seems tonight is the day the meteor shower is visible. If we head out to the Hill Southwest of the Capital, we should have a wonderful view. If you’re willing, would you like to go see it with me?"
"That sounds great. It should be fun, and Bell will be happy to go on a longer excursion."
According to Shiro-san, "outer space" didn't actually exist in this world; the moon and stars were simply part of the world’s system. However, the night sky wasn't static. Meteor showers appeared in fixed cycles, and solar and lunar eclipses occurred just as they did in my home world. It felt remarkably familiar.
"Since we’re going, should we bring some drinks? It might be nice to have a little something while we watch the stars."
"That's a wonderful idea. I still have some of the Riple liquor from when you visited my family home in Rigforresia. Let’s bring that."
"I’m looking forward to it. I’ll go explain the plan to Bell. Should we leave right after we eat?"
"Yes. If we head out about thirty minutes after dinner, we should arrive at the hill at the perfect time."
With an unexpected and exciting plan added to my schedule, I finished my brief talk with Sieg-san. I explained the situation to Bell and then headed back to my room. Since I was leaving again so soon, I stayed in my outdoor clothes. I didn't need to pack anything extra, as most of my necessities were already stored in my Magic Box.
As I was finishing my preparations, a section of the wall suddenly slid open. A ladder descended from the opening, and Alice climbed into the room.
"Kaito-san, if you're heading out for a meteor shower, I've got just the thing for you."
"...Before we get to that, I really want to know where that ladder is connected to. This is the first time I've seen it."
"...Oh, it goes somewhere. More importantly, take this!"
"I really need to have Canaris-san perform a sweep of this room... Anyway, what is this? Wine?"
Exasperated, I took the bottle Alice held out. It looked like an incredibly expensive vintage. I assumed she wanted me to share it with Sieg-san during the meteor shower, but the timing was sudden.
"Yeah. I was going to drink it myself, but I’ve suddenly found myself with no time for personal indulgence. You take it and drink it with Sieg-san."
"O-Oh? Well, I appreciate the wine, but did something happen?"
"Well, you could say something happened, or that something is about to happen... Regardless, don't worry about it. If you start poking around, Kaito-san, there's a chance even more things will start popping up, so just act like you don't notice anything."
"Wait, that makes it sound like I'm the primary cause..."
"Anyway, it'll be fine. This particular K-Case is a simple one that I can handle with just a bit of information manipulation. Don't give it a second thought and go enjoy your date with Sieg-san~"
And with that, Alice vanished. I was curious, but if Alice said it was fine, I figured it was best not to dwell on it.
Stomach Pain Devil: "Carelessness, a total lack of a sense of crisis... I wonder, is that a trait limited only to the Stomach Pain Warriors?"
Serious-senpai: "Wh-What are you talking about..."
● Pain Devil: "I'm talking about you, Serious-senpai. Do you intend to stay a bystander forever, thinking you can just have a relaxing, fun time? Aren't you... letting your guard down just a little too much?"
Serious-senpai: "Eh? M-Me?"
●● Devil: "Your turn has finally come... that’s all there is to it. The sweet dream is over... or rather, perhaps the sweet dream is only just beginning?"
Serious-senpai: "The name... it's changing..."
Su● Devil: "Do you truly not understand? Or is it that you simply don't want to? Or perhaps..."
Serious-senpai: "Ah... ahh... no, that can't be..."
Sugar Devil: "Surely... you aren't still clinging to an illusion even sweeter than Honey Toast, thinking, 'It’s a stomach pain chapter, so I’ll be fine,' are you?"
Serious-senpai: "Gyaaaaaah!? It's hereeeeee!?"