Night had fallen on the second day of the Six Kings Festival, and the end was drawing near.
The final event of the day was currently underway: a City-wide Light-up, the project Lilliwood-san took the most pride in. Much like the Light Trees I had seen before, she had apparently gathered plants that emitted light under specific conditions, obsessing over the placement and the differences in appearance caused by luminescence cycles and varying elevations.
Looking out over the city now, the colors were vivid and the twinkling patterns were intricate. It was truly a sight that never grew boring.
『How is it? I took a great deal of care in the arrangement of the patterns in that area. I would be happy if you enjoyed it, Kaito-san...』
"Ah, yes. I think it’s absolutely wonderful... but, um, there are a few things I’d like to ask."
『What might they be?』
"First, this spot is incredible, right? Why isn't anyone else here?"
Lilliwood-san and I were currently on a small hill built at the southern end of the city. It was a prime scenic spot that offered a panoramic view of the festivities, allowing one to fully appreciate the light-up. However, despite how spacious the hill was, I couldn't see another soul besides the two of us.
I found it hard to believe people would pass up such a perfect location. When I asked, Lilliwood-san flashed a lovely smile while looking down at me.
『...I cheated a little using my Organizer Authority. I wanted to gaze upon it quietly.』
"I see... Well then, one more question. Actually, this is the most important one."
『Yes?』
"...Why exactly... am I being held by Lilliwood-san?"
Lilliwood-san was currently in her massive form, the one where her body was integrated with a tree, just like when we first met. A chair had been fashioned into the wooden section that served as her lower body, and I was currently sitting there.
Up to that point, it was fine. We had done something similar when she showed me around the Demon Realm. The problem was... for some reason, Lilliwood-san's hands were currently resting loosely across my chest, and I could feel something soft and elastic pressed firmly against the back of my head.
To put it bluntly, I was being hugged from behind by Lilliwood-san, and I had absolutely no idea how it had come to this.
I mean, where? When did I trigger the Soft Heaven Flag? I didn't think there had been any sort of atmosphere for it...
『Did you dislike it?』
"N-No, it’s not that... um, well, your breasts are touching me..."
『Oh, I am pressing them against you on purpose. I was wondering if I could make you feel some desire for me.』
"Lilliwood-san, did your personality just change?!"
Wait, this was strange. Was Lilliwood-san always the type to exude this kind of mysterious sensuality? No, she wasn't. She was supposed to be the simple, pure-hearted, healing type. Why was she being so proactive? Was she... drunk?
『Fufu, you're right. To be honest, I'm not quite sure why I felt like doing this either... Perhaps I was simply envious.』
"...Envious?"
『Yes. Like those who have changed after meeting you... I, too, might want to change.』
Lilliwood-san paused for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the beautifully glowing city.
『...After becoming your lover, Kuromueina began to show a much more wonderful smile than before. Isis started wearing a truly happy expression, the likes of which I had never seen. and Shaltier, whom we spoke of earlier—I feel as though the dark shadows have vanished from her, and she has regained her original smile.』
"..."
『...I suppose I must be envious of that. To think that they, who have lived for so many years and were practically finished products, could change like that... I am jealous.』
"...Lilliwood-san."
It was easy to forget, but Lilliwood-san and the other Six Kings had lived for a span of time incomparable to my own. Naturally, their personalities had long since matured, making any further change difficult to achieve.
Because they had spent so many centuries without changing, they yearned for it. Having spent so long shut away in my own shell, I could somehow understand that feeling.
『...It is a strange thing. To want to change... to be envious of change... I don't even know how long it has been since I last thought that way.』
"But, wishing to change means you want to move forward from where you are now. I think that's a good thing."
『I suppose so.』
"Eh? Wait, Lilliwood-san?"
After nodding as if to convince herself, Lilliwood-san hugged me a bit tighter. The soothing scent of wood, the soft sensation, and her steady warmth made me feel as though I were being completely enveloped.
『...I still have grave doubts as to whether I am capable of harboring an emotion like love. However, yes... I think I might want to try falling in love.』
"..."
『But I don't really know what to do. I might end up confusing you, just as I am doing now. Even so, will you remain my friend?』
"...Of course. I mean, I'm sure I'll get flustered... but there's no way I could ever dislike you, Lilliwood-san."
『...Thank you. What is this feeling, I wonder? Even though the temperature hasn't changed, I feel so warm. It is mysterious... truly mysterious. But, fufu, it's quite pleasant.』
Lilliwood-san smiled then, and it was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen from her.
『Kaito-san, I may be ignorant, but once again... I look forward to our time together.』
"Ah, yes. Likewise..."
Dear Mother, Father—Changing is something that’s easy to put into words but difficult to actually do. But I think Lilliwood-san will be just fine. Because, as she looked forward, wishing for change... she looked so incredibly radiant.
Serious-senpai: "Stop it, stop... the Pure-hearted Type is super effective against me..."