The sea breeze has a distinct quality to it. I’ve heard before that the air contains salt near the ocean, but I couldn't quite put my finger on the specific difference. It might have just been my imagination, but it felt unique somehow.
Buffeted by that wind, I walked through the crowded harbor side-by-side with Fate-san.
"Hmm. It’s surprisingly lively here, yet there aren't many large ships around."
I had finally managed to calm my nerves, and I spoke up while taking in the view. This was the harbor of the Royal Capital of the Hydra Kingdom, a nation where the fishing industry thrived. Its sheer scale and energy were truly impressive.
However, one thing struck me as odd: most of the ships anchored in the docks were relatively small. Of course, shipbuilding technology here likely differed from Earth in many ways, but even accounting for that, it seemed like only small vessels were moored here.
"Hm? Oh, that’s right... I suppose there weren't any Monsters in the world where you lived, were there, Kai-chan?"
"Ah, right."
"Most Sea Monsters stay offshore. There are plenty of fish out there, too, but it isn't very profitable for ordinary fishermen to go that far. They’d have to hire Adventurers for protection, and the boats themselves would need to be reinforced to withstand attacks."
"I see... So because they don't venture out very far, they use highly maneuverable small ships instead?"
"Exactly. There are specialized fishing boats that hunt Monsters, of course... but the mainstream method is to use nimble small boats to hit different fishing spots within the Coastal Waters. The fish often flee from the Monsters into the shallows anyway, so the fishermen can still bring in a decent haul."
It was a thought I’d had many times before: a different world meant a different set of common sense. This world had a distinct culture that had been cultivated throughout its long history, and learning about those differences was always fascinating.
"Don't the Monsters ever chase the fish into the Coastal Waters?"
"It’s not like it never happens, but Monsters generally prefer areas with a high concentration of natural Magic Power. Magic Power exists all over the world, but the density varies depending on the terrain and environment. In the ocean, it tends to be much thicker in the Open Sea or the Deep Sea. That's why you don't see many Monsters near the shore."
"I see. There are a lot of factors involved."
"On land, high concentrations of Magic Power usually gather in high mountains or deep forests. Well, those are the characteristics of the Human Realm, anyway. Things are a bit different in the Demon Realm, so it might be worth studying up on if you’re interested."
"I’d like that."
It felt like the tension was finally starting to melt away for Fate-san as well, and her expression seemed much softer now. Now that we were able to engage in casual conversation, we were both starting to relax and actually enjoy the Date.
"Speaking of which, it’s almost lunchtime. What should we do?"
"...Oh, you’re right. I’m fine, but it’s tough if you don't eat, isn't it, Kai-chan?"
To Fate-san, who was a God, food was a luxury rather than a necessity. She could go indefinitely without eating a thing, but it was a different story for me. Especially since I had been so nervous earlier, I was starting to feel quite hungry.
"Um, do you know any good places, Kai-chan? I might eat sweets once in a while, but I almost never eat actual meals, so I don't know any good restaurants..."
"Let's see, I know a few... Oh, but wait..."
"Hmm?"
I wasn't very familiar with the Hydra Kingdom myself, but since I had looked through Kuro’s eating guide, a few candidates came to mind. However, I had to consider Fate-san. She was currently manipulating destiny so that people wouldn't notice her presence, so going to a restaurant wouldn't cause a scene.
But if my hunch was right... Fate-san didn't particularly care for crowds.
She wasn't doing it today because we were on a date, but normally, she manipulated destiny so that no one could even approach her. That was why there hadn't been a soul in sight when I first met her. If that was the case, then...
"Fate-san, is there a beach nearby?"
"There is, but why?"
"Eating at a restaurant is fine, but since we’re here, why don't we grab something from a stall and eat it on the sand while we look at the water?"
"...Kai-chan."
After hearing my suggestion, Fate-san looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking in a soft, gentle voice.
"Yeah. I think I’d prefer that too."
"Then it’s settled."
"...Kai-chan. Thank you for being so considerate."
"It’s a Date, after all. The most important thing is that we both enjoy ourselves."
I had been told by many people that I was easy to read, and it seemed my intentions had been laid bare once again. Still, Fate-san looked happy, so it was all for the best.
With our plan decided, I turned to head toward the stalls, but Fate-san reached out and gave a small tug on my sleeve.
"Fate-san?"
"...Hey, Kai-chan. Um, er... would it be okay... if we... held hands?"
"Yes, of course."
"...Thank you."
I gave her an immediate answer and gently took the small hand she hesitantly offered. It fit perfectly inside my own. We didn't interlace our fingers; we just held hands normally.
But the warmth of her skin and the sensation of her squeezing my hand back... it filled me with a sense of bashfulness, but more than that, a profound sense of affection.
Dear Mother, Father—Little by little, we’re learning how to enjoy our time together. And as my mind finally found the space to breathe, I realized something. As she squeezed my hand back, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, I realized just how precious she had become to me—and that there was a part of me that truly felt that way.
Mystery Entity: "Bad news: even with all this flirting, they’re 'Still Not Lovers'."
Serious-senpai: "Meaning...?"
Mystery Entity: "Meaning it’ll get even sweeter once they actually start dating."
Serious-senpai: "Tell me you're joking! Mystery Entity!!"