After the commotion with Pandora—or perhaps I should call it a bit of trouble—a fair amount of time had luckily, or perhaps unluckily, passed. I decided it was time to check on how Lilia-san was doing.
Several beautiful dress-like outfits were lined up against the wall, and Lilia-san stood before them with her arms crossed, deep in thought.
"...Lilia-san?"
"Ah, Kaito-san. I’m sorry, it took me quite a while."
"No, it’s fine. Are you having trouble deciding?"
"Yes, I’ve narrowed down the candidates, but there are still a few too many... I was just trying to figure out which ones to buy."
Following her gaze, I looked over the clothes.
There were about ten in total—certainly a few too many. The Six Kings Festival lasted for seven days, so if she was buying them specifically for the event, she would need seven at most.
Of course, she could just buy all of them and wear the remaining three in her daily life, but given Lilia-san's personality, she likely didn't want to engage in that kind of wastefulness. She preferred to get exactly what was necessary and nothing more, which was clearly the source of her struggle.
As I thought about it, I looked over the clothes one by one again. Every single one of them looked like it would suit Lilia-san, making it a difficult choice.
Since she was struggling, I wanted to offer some advice... but since I wasn't exactly well-versed in women's fashion, I wasn't sure if I could provide anything useful. In the end, I decided to simply share my honest impressions.
"...Hmm. Personally, I really like this one."
It was an outfit based on white, with gold thread woven in so it wasn't too flashy. I thought it would look excellent on the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Lilia-san. While chic, black-toned outfits were nice too, I felt that white suited her best.
"I think you’d look good in anything, Lilia-san, but I feel like this one perfectly matches your pure, refined image."
"I-Is that so? A-Ah, thank you... P-Please wait just a bit longer. I’ll make my decision right away."
"There’s no need to rush."
Lilia-san replied, her face turning slightly red at my words, and she began sorting through the items. I noticed that she immediately grabbed the outfit I had pointed out, gave it a quick glance, and then moved it to a separate pile from the others... It was quite a cute reaction.
As I watched her earnestly choosing her clothes with a smile, I heard the sound of the shop door opening and reflexively looked over.
"...Excuse me. It doesn't need to be for high nobility, but I’m looking for something slightly expensive... Oh?"
"...Sieg-san?"
"Sieg?"
The person who had walked into the shop was none other than Sieg-san. Both Lilia-san and I were stunned by the unexpected encounter. Sieg-san seemed equally surprised; after a moment of shock, she called out to us.
"...Kaito-san, Lili... We’ve met in an unexpected place."
"I agree."
"Sieg, weren't you supposed to be on leave today? Are you here to buy clothes?"
"Yes. It wouldn't be necessary if I were participating as Lili’s guard, but since I’ve received a direct invitation this time... I can't exactly show up in my usual attire."
"I see..."
"Are Kaito-san and Lili here to buy clothes as well?"
After exchanging a few words, I answered Sieg-san’s question with a nod. She then gave a gentle smile and looked back and forth between Lilia-san and me.
"...You’re on a date, I see."
"Wha—!? T-Th-Th-That is, w-well, y-you see..."
Lilia-san... you might be trying to play it off, but you’re incredibly easy to read.
"Fufu, I’m envious... Ah, that’s right. If it’s alright with you, could I join the date as well?"
"Eh? U-Umm, well, that’s..."
"Of course, I don't mind at all."
"Lilia-san!?"
When Sieg-san calmly asked to join our date as if it were the most natural thing in the world, I was at a loss for how to respond... but for some reason, Lilia-san agreed to it quite easily. As I let out a surprised cry, both Lilia-san and Sieg-san tilted their heads in confusion.
"Kaito-san, is something the matter?"
"Eh? N-No, I mean... is it really okay?"
"What would be the problem?"
"N-No, I mean, even if the date becomes a two-on-one..."
"Hmm? Isn't that perfectly normal?"
"..."
In contrast to my bewilderment, Lilia-san had an expression that truly suggested she didn't understand why I was even asking. Just then, Sieg-san clapped her hands as if realizing something.
"Ah, I see... Now that I think about it, monogamy was the norm in Kaito-san’s world, wasn't it?"
"Y-Yes... Does that mean this kind of thing isn't rare in this world?"
"Yes. Since polygamy is a matter of course in this world... it isn't particularly unusual for one man to go on a date with multiple women. Though, of course, dates with just two people are probably more common."
"I-I see..."
Indeed, when she put it that way, it made sense.
"...If you aren't inclined to do so, Kaito-san, you’re more than welcome to refuse if it’s a bother."
"Ah, no, I was just a bit surprised by the cultural difference... I enjoy being with you too, Sieg-san, so it’s not a bother at all."
"Fufu, those are lovely words. Then, if Kaito-san is okay with it, I would love to join."
"Yes."
I was surprised, but as long as Lilia-san and Sieg-san didn't mind, I was happy to enjoy a date with two of my lovers. Once I accepted Sieg-san's offer, both she and Lilia-san wore happy smiles. For the shy Lilia-san, having the familiar Sieg-san along was likely a reassuring factor.
"Oh, but before that, we need to find Sieg’s clothes. The size might be a little off, but how about this one..."
"No, Lili... please don't bring such high-end items over. I don't have as much financial power as you. Buying the lowest-tier clothes in this shop is already my limit... Also, if possible, I’d prefer to avoid skirts..."
"...Now that you mention it, you were never fond of them."
"It’s not so much that I’m not fond of them, but clothes that make it hard to move in a forest are a bit..."
...Wait, aren't your criteria a bit skewed?! Lilia-san, Sieg-san, what exactly do you two plan on doing at the Six Kings Festival?! You won't be going into any forests... right?
As I watched the two women get excited over choosing clothes, I quietly spoke to the space behind me.
"...Alice."
"Yes, yes."
"On Lilliwood-san's Hosted Day, does the venue become a forest or something?"
"She did say her theme would be 'Communing with Nature'."
"I see, thanks."
"No problem at all. See ya~"
...Maybe I'm the one who's wrong? After all, it’s a festival hosted by those intense Six Kings. Is the correct move to prepare as if heading into battle? I’m starting to lose track...
"...Ah, can I ask one more thing?"
"Sure, sure."
"From your perspective, Alice, what’s it like dating along with other girls?"
"Hmm~ If it’s Kuro-san or Fate-san, I’m okay with it... Anyone else is 'annoying,' so I’ll pass."
"I see, thanks. I’ll keep that in mind."
Dear Mother, Father——I happened to run into Sieg-san at the clothing store. To my surprise, it was decided that she would join us on our date. I see, in this world——this kind of date is acceptable as well...
Serious-senpai: "Wh-What?! Isn't it a cardinal rule that encountering another heroine during a date triggers a Love Triangle Drama?!"