It was the eighth day of the Month of Wind. A day had passed since I had finally conveyed my feelings to Lilia-san, and I was spending my morning leisurely strolling through the city.
Lilia-san and I were officially a couple now, but she was still very much herself. Throughout the birthday party, her face had been a constant shade of crimson. She looked so nervous that I actually felt a bit guilty, and as a result, we hadn't managed to say much to each other.
However, unlike before, she had made a desperate effort to strike up conversations with me even while blushing furiously. To be honest, it was incredibly cute.
At any rate, Operation: Present had been a success. Now, I was focused on keeping my promise to Kuro by taking it easy for the next three days. I had checked with her just to be sure, and she clarified that I wasn't under house arrest or anything; she simply wanted me to have a relaxing time without any hectic business.
I had been holed up in my room far too much lately, so wandering alone like this felt like a breath of fresh air. I spent my time buying snacks from street stalls and peering into shops filled with oddities whose purposes I couldn't even guess. As I walked, a familiar voice called out to me.
"Oh? Miyama-kun?"
"Eh? Ah, Fia-sensei. Hello."
I turned around to see Fia-sensei dressed in her ritual robes, clutching a large black medical bag.
"Yes, hello. It’s quite a coincidence to run into you here. Are you out shopping?"
"Ah, yes. I’m just wandering around aimlessly. Are you on your way to a house call, Fia-sensei?"
The bag she carried looked like it was packed with medical equipment, so it seemed like a safe bet. Fia-sensei nodded with a gentle smile.
"That’s right. I’m just on my way back. Healing magic doesn't work on illnesses, and there are some patients who find it difficult to travel all the way to the clinic. I try to make home visits several times a month."
"I see."
She still carried that soothing aura of a kindhearted doctor. Fia-sensei was the sort of person who made everyone around her feel at ease. Perhaps that was exactly why she excelled in her profession.
Suddenly, Fia-sensei looked at me, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
"Hmm... seeing you here might actually be perfect timing. Miyama-kun, would you happen to be interested in visiting a summer resort in the Demon Realm?"
"A summer resort?"
"Yes. It’s been getting warmer lately, hasn't it? It’s hard to tell in this country because the temperature is so stable, but parts of the Demon Realm get quite hot this time of year. It's become a tradition to travel to resorts to escape the heat. Quite a few people from humankind make the trip as well."
"I see... but what does that have to do with me?"
I recalled being told that in this world, the Month of Light was summer and the Month of Heavens was winter. The Kingdom of Sinfonia felt like perpetual spring, but apparently, other regions weren't so lucky. I understood the concept of a summer resort, but I couldn't figure out why she was bringing it up now.
Fia-sensei reached into her bag, pulled out a card-like object, and continued.
"Actually, I had a reservation for tomorrow and the day after. A patient gave me this ticket as a thank-you for my care, but they suddenly fell ill and couldn't go themselves. I couldn't really turn down their kindness, so I accepted it... but I have a few pregnant patients nearing their due dates right now. I simply can't find the time to get away. It would be a waste to let it go to unused, so would you like to take it, Miyama-kun?"
"Eh? No, I couldn't possibly..."
"I’m still very much in your debt for your help with Noah-san’s treatment. If you’re busy, I understand, but otherwise, I’d really like you to have it."
"Well..."
I felt a bit awkward about it, but refusing such a sincere gesture felt equally wrong. Besides, I was supposed to be relaxing, and a trip to a quiet resort sounded like the perfect way to do just that.
After a moment of thought, I reached out and took the reservation ticket from her hand.
"In that case, I’ll gratefully accept your offer. I’ll be sure to find a way to repay you for this."
"Ahaha, that’s backwards. I’m the one asking a favor of you by making sure it doesn't go to waste."
"Is that how it works?"
"Yes, yes. Don't worry about it. If you really want to thank me, just come by for a chat sometime."
"I will. Thank you very much."
I offered my thanks to the smiling Fia-sensei once more, and after a bit of small talk, we went our separate ways.
Dear Mother, Father—I’m supposed to be taking it easy for at least three days because of my promise to Kuro, but I quite unexpectedly received a travel ticket from Fia-sensei in the city. Since she was kind enough to give it to me, I think I’ll head to a summer resort.
Fia waved as she watched Kaito walk away. Once he was completely out of sight, she glanced toward a nearby shadow.
"I gave it to him just like you asked, but was that really the right way to do it? Ru-chan?"
"Yes. Thank you so much for your help."
The moment Fia spoke, Lunamaria stepped out from the shadows and bowed deeply in gratitude.
In truth, the travel ticket Fia had handed to Kaito hadn't come from a patient at all. Lunamaria had asked her to deliver it, specifically requested that Kaito not know it had originated from her.
"But why go through all this trouble? If you wanted to give Miyama-kun a ticket, you could have just done it yourself, Ru-chan."
"No... Miyama-sama has been quite wary of me lately. I was afraid he wouldn't accept it if he knew it came from me."
"Wary? Oh, Ru-chan... don't tell me you were planning another one of your pranks?"
"N-No, of course not! This is strictly for Miyama-sama's benefit!"
"..."
"It’s true!"
Under Fia's scrutinizing gaze, Lunamaria scrambled to defend herself. Fia had been her mother’s doctor for years, and Lunamaria looked up to her like an older sister. She was one of the very few people Lunamaria simply couldn't win against.
"Muu. Well, I’ll believe you for now... but make sure you don't cause too much trouble for Lilia-chan, okay?"
"Yes, I’ll be careful."
"Good girl. Well then, I’m heading back to the clinic. Come over for tea again soon."
"I will. Good luck with your work."
Lunamaria’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as Fia patted her head, but she didn't pull away. It was a rare display of affection that would have stunned anyone who knew the "Pilot of Love" persona.
Fia turned on her heel and began walking toward her clinic. She glanced back over her shoulder one last time with a bright smile.
"See you later, Ru-chan!"
"Yes! Wait—Fia-sensei! Look out! The sign—!"
"Eh? —Ack!"
Back at the Albert Mansion, Lilia sat at her desk, lost in thought. After her birthday festivities had concluded, she had finally decided to take a proper vacation. She had spent the morning finishing up all her necessary communications and was now sitting in her office with her arms folded.
"...A vacation. Just what am I supposed to do with myself?"
"This is what happens when overworking becomes a chronic condition. It’s a tragedy, really."
Lunamaria, standing nearby, replied with a look of utter exasperation. Lilia, being the dedicated woman she was, had no idea how to actually rest. If left to her own devices, she would likely find a way to start working again even on her day off.
Sighing at her mistress, Lunamaria produced a card from her pocket and set it on the table.
"In that case, Milady, why don't you go on a trip with me? It's been quite a while."
"With you, Luna?"
"Yes. I had originally planned to go with my mother, but her schedule changed at the last minute. Since I have the reservation anyway... It’s that summer resort we visited once before."
"Ah, the one with the quiet atmosphere and beautiful views? That sounds wonderful. I was just thinking that I’d like to wash away some of this fatigue..."
Lilia’s voice held a note of genuine interest. Hearing this, a small, mischievous smirk formed on Lunamaria’s lips.
"Then it’s settled."
"Yes. Oh, and I’ll be sure to cover the travel expenses."
"Understood. I have to see my mother off that morning, so I’ll be arriving a little later than you."
"Hm? I don't mind waiting so we can leave together."
"No, no. It’s a place we both know well. Let's just meet at the destination."
"...I suppose you're right. Very well."
Handing the ticket to a smiling Lilia, Lunamaria bowed and turned to leave. As she exited the room, her face was twisted into a decidedly wicked grin.
Completely unaware that she was being maneuvered by her attendant, Lilia happily began her preparations for the trip, looking forward to the quiet getaway starting the very next day.