After we’d had our fill of the auction, Isis-san and I collected our winnings and decided to move on to a different spot.
The auction itself was scheduled to continue until the end of the third day, so it seemed like a good idea to come back and check on it later.
"Isis-san, um... are you sure I can really accept this?"
"Yes... I... won’t use it."
What Isis-san had just handed to me was the item I’d had my eye on: the small, storable, top-class pet house—the one that had cost a staggering 201 Platinum Coins.
Considering the astronomical price tag, I’d wanted to decline out of politeness, but Isis-san truly had no use for it herself. If I refused now, I would only be throwing her kindness back in her face.
In that case, the better move was to accept it graciously and find another way to show my gratitude.
"Thank you so much. I’ll be sure to repay you for this."
"Fufu."
"Eh?"
"Then... it’s the other way around, isn’t it? Because... this... is a return gift... for the brooch."
Isis-san gave me a gentle smile, looking as if she truly didn't have a single care about the money. Still, I had my own modest pride as a man to consider.
I certainly couldn't compete with her financially, but I wanted to show my appreciation in some other way.
When I told her as much, Isis-san took on a thoughtful expression. After a moment, she seemed to have reached a conclusion. She smiled and leaned in close to whisper in my ear.
"Then... just one... favor... may I ask?"
"A favor? Of course, anything within my power."
"Thank you... In that case... later... I want to feed you."
"Wait, what?"
The request she whispered was completely unexpected. Or rather, I had a distinct memory of someone else asking for the exact same thing once before.
"U-Um, Isis-san? T-That’s..."
"Is it no good? If Kaito dislikes it... I won’t... force you."
"N-No! It’s not that I dislike it, but... will that really count as a thank-you?"
"Yes... it would make me... very... happy."
"I... I understand. If that’s what you want, Isis-san..."
The moment I gave my consent, Isis-san’s face lit up with a look of pure bliss.
Seeing that expression—and remembering what I’d just agreed to—I felt my face heat up. To hide my embarrassment, I looked away and quickly changed the subject.
"C-Come to think of it, it’s almost lunchtime."
"Ah... I made... a bento... shall we... eat together?"
"Wait, you made one today too? Thank you so much!"
"If Kaito... is happy... then I am... happy too."
I was truly humbled by her thoughtfulness; I felt like I couldn't thank her enough for going to the trouble of making another lunch.
"Well then, let’s find somewhere with a nice view..."
"It’s okay... I’ve already... thought of a place."
"Oh? You know a good spot?"
"Yes."
The Six Kings Festival changed its layout every single day, and the city was so massive that finding a decent picnic spot was usually a struggle.
However, just like Lilliwood-san had done the day before, it seemed Isis-san had a firm grasp on all the best locations, being one of the event organizers.
With a light wave of her hand, ice flowers blossomed in the air around us. As they shattered into shimmering dust, the landscape dissolved and reformed into a new one.
"Huh? Wait, this place looks familiar..."
The teleportation magic had brought us to a high vantage point overlooking the entire festival city. It was certainly a stunning view, but we seemed to be incredibly high up.
It felt as though we were standing on the peak of a mountain, though the ground beneath my feet had a strange, rocky texture. Wait, could this be...?
"Magnawell... we are going to... eat lunch... so... lend us some space."
"Aye, I do not mind."
I knew it! We were on top of Magnawell-san! As expected of his ridiculous, out-of-this-world size, I hadn't even realized where we were just by looking around.
The scenery was definitely spectacular, though. It was essentially like having a picnic on the summit of a five-thousand-meter peak. I could clearly see the wood and ice art from the opening ceremony far below; it was a breathtaking panorama.
But, well... was it really okay to eat on someone's face? Well, Magnawell-san had given his permission, so I supposed it wasn't a problem.
As I stood there in a daze, Isis-san produced a picnic sheet from nowhere, laid it out, and began unpacking the bento.
"Kaito... shall we eat?"
"Ah, right. Whoa, today's spread looks even better than yesterday's."
"I worked hard."
Instead of the portable lunch box from the day before, today’s meal was packed into a large, tiered lunch box. There was karaage, rolled omelet, potato salad, and even the mini Hamburg steaks I loved. It looked incredible.
However, there was one glaring detail. There was only one fork.
I wasn't an idiot. Based on my experiences so far, I knew exactly what was about to happen. And I knew there was no escaping it.
"Kaito... what... would you like first?"
"T-Then, a piece of the rolled omelet, please..."
"Yes... here... say ahh."
"Ah... ahh..."
I accepted the rolled omelet as she held her hand beneath it. The sweet flavor of the egg bloomed in my mouth, and it was every bit as delicious as it looked.
"You two look quite harmonious. 'Tis a fine thing."
"Yes... Kaito... I love you."
"Thank you. Um, er... I love you too."
"I'm so happy... so very... very... happy."
Dear Mother, Father—it’s more than a little embarrassing, but sharing a meal with my lover in such a beautiful place... it’s a moment I wouldn't trade for anything. This happiness... I think it's something of value.
[Still Noon]
Serious-senpai: "W-Waaaaaah! My eyes! My ears! My soul!"