It was the 14th day of the Month of Wood. Even in this world, the tradition of Valentine’s Day was widespread.
On this particular Valentine's Day, I found myself visiting Isis-san’s castle in the Land of Death. Given that she’d asked to see me on such an occasion, I could easily guess the reason. To be honest, I was feeling a bit expectant.
"…Kaito… Welcome. I’m sorry… for calling you here."
"Not at all. Thank you for having me."
I offered a brief greeting to Isis-san, who welcomed me with a gentle smile, and stepped inside. Perhaps because I was so conscious of the holiday, I felt a strange prickle of nerves.
She led me to her room. Since the entire castle belonged to her, every room was technically hers, but this was the one she used most frequently. Inside was a bookshelf filled with her favorite titles, various decorations, and—placed prominently on her desk—the music box I had given her, looking very well-cared for.
Once we were in the room, Isis-san used space magic to produce a cutely wrapped package, offering it to me with a look of trepidation.
"…It’s for Valentine’s… I put my heart into it… I made this… for the Kaito I love."
"Thank you, Isis-san. This makes me really happy."
"…Ah… mm."
As I accepted the gift that Isis-san had handed over with such visible worry, a gentle warmth spread through my chest. Refusing handmade chocolates from her was an impossibility, even if the world were to turn upside down—but perhaps the Valentine's atmosphere made the moment even more potent. The sight of her nervously presenting them was unfairly cute.
Even though we’d been dating for quite some time now, her charm seemed to be constantly reaching new heights. It was truly incredible. I found myself momentarily captivated by the look of relieved joy that crossed her face when I took the box.
The chocolates themselves scored very high marks in my book as well. While the wrapping wasn't technically perfect, that only added to the handmade feel. Knowing how hard she had worked on these for my sake made me feel an irrepressible sense of joy.
"Isis-san, do you mind if I open them now?"
"…Mm."
"Then, if you'll excuse me…"
After getting her permission, I carefully unwrapped the paper, making sure not to tear it. Inside the small box were six heart-shaped chocolates in various colors.
There was a standard one, white chocolate, strawberry, one with a marble pattern… the orange one was likely orange or mango flavored. Then there was the final one.
"…Blue chocolate?"
"…Y-Yeah… It’s made from a fruit… called Planet Fruit."
"Heh, I didn't know such a thing existed."
"…Mm. It’s my favorite color… Is it… strange?"
The final piece was a vivid, striking blue—a deep cobalt. It was a color I hadn't seen much of in my old world, but it seemed to be a fruit-infused variety, much like strawberry chocolate.
I’d heard somewhere that blue was a color that suppressed the appetite, but the fact that Isis-san had chosen her favorite color for the chocolates she gave me made me incredibly happy. If anything, it only made me want to try it sooner.
"…I like the color blue too."
"…You… do?"
"Yes. After all… I’ve come to associate it with you, Isis-san."
"…Kaito… Hau… I’m so happy."
Isis-san had white hair and red eyes, which didn't inherently suggest the color blue. However, between the faint blue light she emitted while floating and her preference for blue clothing, the color had become synonymous with her in my mind.
Was it because it was my beloved partner's image color? Whatever the reason, I had grown very fond of blue.
Watching Isis-san’s healing smile, I picked up the blue chocolate first. It had a mild acidity—nothing overwhelming, just a pleasant flavor reminiscent of passion fruit. It blended perfectly with the texture of the chocolate cream inside, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.
"This is delicious. You're quite the skilled confectioner, Isis-san."
"…I wanted to give Kaito… delicious chocolate… so I practiced… a lot."
"…"
This woman was just… how should I put it? She was so endearing, and simply too cute for words. She was the type who gave her all, showering me with pure, warm affection without reservation. I couldn't help but feel incredibly blessed.
I gently took her hand and looked into her beautiful red eyes.
"Isis-san…"
"…Kaito."
We whispered each other's names, and Isis-san softly closed her eyes. Even that small gesture—as if she were ready to accept everything I was—was precious to me. Glancing briefly at the snowy white landscape outside the window, I pulled the beloved blue before me into my arms… and we shared a kiss.
With heroine power like that, Serious-senpai didn't stand a chance.