When I stepped out of the front door to head to my date with Shiro-san, I found the Gods gathered in full force. I had absolutely no idea what was going on.
As I stood there, paralyzed with confusion, Chronoa-san noticed me and turned around.
"Ah, Miyama. You're early."
"Eh? Ah, um, good morning. I didn't want to keep Shiro-san waiting."
"Mm, a commendable attitude. I’m entrusting Shallow Vernal-sama to you for the day."
"Right. Of course."
Wait, Chronoa-san?! The conversation itself was perfectly normal, but why was every single God staring at me?! It felt like a physical weight, all of them looking at me with eyes that seemed to ask, Who the hell is this guy?
I managed a reply while cold sweat prickled down my back, and Chronoa-san gave a satisfied nod.
"Kai-chan, yoo-hoo!"
"Good morning, Fate-san."
"How about a date with me next? Then we can tie the knot and you can support my lazy lifestyle!"
"...Should I call Kuro?"
"I am terribly sorry."
I exchanged greetings with Fate-san, who spoke to me with her usual flighty energy. Just then, a woman with green hair approached us.
She was about 160 centimeters tall, dressed in ritual robes that left little to the imagination regarding her figure. Her green hair was tied in a loose bundle and draped over her shoulder, framing a gentle face. More than anything, however, my eyes were drawn to her chest—it looked every bit as impressive as Lilliwood-san’s.
I knew it was incredibly rude to stare at someone’s chest the moment I met them, but I was still a guy. When they were that prominent, my eyes just drifted there instinctively.
"You must be Miyama-san. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Life, the God of Life. Given the circumstances during our previous encounter, I refrained from a formal greeting, but it is an honor to finally meet you like this."
"Ah, yes. Likewise... I'm Kaito Miyama. It's a pleasure."
"...She certainly knows how to play the part, doesn't she?"
"...She was likely just sleeping until now..."
Life-san had an incredibly soothing voice, and her gentle expression gave off the aura of a holy mother. Her tone was polite, and she seemed like a very capable person—so I couldn't understand why Fate-san and Chronoa-san looked so exasperated.
"Please, feel free to call me Life, just as you do with the God of Space-Time and the God of Fate."
"Oh, okay. I look forward to spending the day with you."
"Yes, as do I. I hope today proves to be a wonderful day for you."
"...It's a miracle, God of Space-Time. The God of Life actually looks like a respectable deity."
"...If only she were always like this, my life would be so much easier..."
I took Life-san’s outstretched hand and we shared a polite handshake. Fate-san and Chronoa-san were still wearing looks of utter disbelief, but I decided it was best not to pry.
"Miyama, we shall be securing the perimeter today. Do not worry—we will keep our distance so as not to interfere with you or Shallow Vernal-sama."
"I... I see..."
"Good. Now, proceed to Shallow Vernal-sama’s side at once."
"Right, will do."
Overwhelmed by an atmosphere that didn't seem to permit an argument, I nodded reflexively and started toward the gate. As I walked, the gathered Gods split to the left and right with mechanical precision, carving a path for me. I couldn't have felt less relaxed if I tried.
Was today really going to be okay?
I had expected something like this based on what Chronoa-san and the others had said, but when I reached the fountain square—our designated meeting spot—the area was completely deserted. Not a single soul was in sight.
The realization that the entire city had essentially been rented out for us left me stunned. Regardless, I had to stay focused. My only goal for today was to make sure Shiro-san had a good time.
By the way, the reason I was waiting here was because, predictably, Shiro-san wanted to do the whole "Sorry, did I keep you waiting?" and "No, I just got here" routine. There were still thirty minutes until our meeting time, but since I was already here, she could have just appeared...
Just as the thought crossed my mind, light coalesced in front of me and Shiro-san materialized.
"My apologies. Have you been waiting long?"
"...N-No, I only just arrived."
I replied to Shiro-san, who spoke in her usual toneless voice, while sweat beaded on my forehead.
Honestly, I really wanted to point it out. If that was her method of travel, it was impossible for her to be late! At the very least, she could have pretended to walk here!
"...I see."
"Huh?"
Perhaps she had read my mind, because Shiro-san gave a small, quiet clap of her hands and vanished instantly. A moment later, I heard the sound of light footsteps approaching from behind me.
"My apologies. Have you been waiting long?"
She did a do-over?! Was this really happening? A "Take 2"?
"I-I only just arrived."
"Good morning, Kaito-san."
The transition was seamless. It was as if she had checked "perform meeting event" off her list and moved immediately to the next item. As expected of Shiro-san... she was utterly unpredictable.
"Ah, right. Good morning. I'm looking forward to today."
"Yes."
Come to think of it, Shiro-san was wearing her usual ritual robes. I had half-expected her to wear something different, so it was a little surprising—and, truth be told, a little disappointing. With her looks, I was sure she’d look amazing in any outfit, and I'd been curious to see her in something else.
"..."
"Eh?"
Shiro-san was staring at me quite intently. I tilted my head, wondering what was wrong, when she gave her finger a casual flick. In an instant, her clothes transformed.
She was now wearing an elegant white dress paired with a chic, short duffle coat.
"This should suffice."
"Ah, yes. Um, it suits you very well."
"Thank you."
Wait, those were clothes from my world! Had she been staring at me to dig through my memories and find something to manifest?! This woman really was the personification of a cheat code.
But even so... it was almost unfair. Her looks were too perfect. With her flawless proportions and features, she could pull off anything. Standing in front of her now, she was so beautiful that I found myself flushing with embarrassment.
"Now then, Kaito-san. Before we begin the date, I have a question."
"Eh? Oh, sure. What is it?"
"What exactly does one do on a date?"
"We're starting from there?!"
I couldn't help but shoot back a retort. Her expression hadn't changed at all as she asked the question. This was way too much of a blind start! I never imagined she’d wait until the day of the date to ask what a date actually was.
"Yes. I am aware that the start is the meeting and the goal is the 'lodging facility'."
"Scrub that thought from your memory immediately!"
"Oh?"
She had said something truly outrageous with a perfectly straight face. I really should have seen this coming. It looked like I was going to have to take the lead today.
That said, I’d only ever been on one date—the time I went out with Kuro—so I wasn't exactly an expert. Leading the way was going to be a challenge. Still, Shiro-san could read my memories, so she could probably grasp the general concept from those.
"For now, Shiro-san, is there anywhere you’d like to go? If you have a preference, let's head there first."
"I see... Then, 'the sea'."
"...I beg your pardon?"
At that moment, the faint sound of someone's spirit breaking echoed behind us. I stole a glance back and saw Chronoa-san collapsed facedown on the ground in the distance.
Shiro-san was a terrifyingly oblivious force of nature. To think she would render all of Chronoa-san’s careful preparations moot within the first few seconds...
"U-Um, I don't mind going there, but... the ocean is quite far away, isn't it?"
"That is not a problem."
There was no sea anywhere near the Royal Capital of Sinfonia. According to the maps I'd seen, it was a considerable distance away. I’d asked for Chronoa-san’s sake, even though I knew it was likely pointless.
Sure enough, being the Creator God, Shiro-san simply waved her hand. The world shifted in an instant. The city was gone, replaced by the salty tang of the breeze and a vast, blue ocean stretching out before our eyes.
Dear Mother, Father—My date with Shiro-san has begun. She is every bit as airheaded as you'd expect, and she's been saying the most outrageous things since the moment we met. Anyway, the date is underway—and we've already made it to the sea.