One afternoon, I found myself in the reception room with an unexpected guest.
"Hmm, I must say, you use excellent tea leaves. This is truly delicious."
Sitting across from me and smiling as she sipped her black tea was Laguna, the King of the Hydra Kingdom.
It wasn't particularly unusual for Laguna to visit my home; she came by at least once a month. However, her primary reason for visiting was almost always to hold a mock battle with Lilia-san, and she usually only dropped by to see me after that was finished.
Today was different. She hadn't gone to Lilia-san’s mansion first, but had come directly to my house. Furthermore, she had sent a formal letter in advance to announce her arrival—an uncharacteristically official move for her.
"Are you sure you have time to be away from your duties today?" I asked.
"Indeed. Or rather, I’ve come here as part of my work today. That’s why I asked to be shown to the reception room instead of your room, Kaito."
This was quite rare for Laguna, who tended to slack off on everything except the Assembly. But "part of her work"? Did that mean she was visiting in her official capacity as the King of the Hydra Kingdom this time?
If so, I understood even less why she would seek me out instead of Lilia-san.
As if sensing my confusion, Laguna gave a faint, wry smile and moved to the heart of the matter.
"You look suspicious. But there’s no need to be so guarded; I haven't brought any trouble with me. To put it simply, I’ve come to extend an invitation."
"An invitation?"
"Yes. We’ve been planning a new tourist destination in the Hydra Kingdom for several years now. Well, to put it plainly, it’s a beach. The Mermaid Race, myself included, assisted in its design. I may be biased, but the scenery is magnificent, and I dare say it’s perfect for swimming. That beach is about to open to the general public, but I thought I’d invite you, since we’re so well-acquainted, before the rush starts."
"...I see."
So, in short, she was inviting me to come over because they’d finished a new beach.
"Well, that’s the official story, anyway! The truth is, I have an ulterior motive!"
"An official story? And an ulterior motive?"
"Yes. Actually, I’m looking to add a little prestige to the place. I can recommend it with full confidence, but... well, put simply, I want a selling point. Something like: 'The Six Kings and the Supreme God have visited!'"
"...Is that the kind of thing you just declare so openly?"
"Ah, I don't care for being roundabout and indirect. In essence, I’m offering you the entire beach for your private use before it opens. In exchange, I’d very much like you to invite your lovers and come enjoy yourselves!"
Laguna’s straightforwardness was actually quite endearing. Because she didn't try to hide her intentions behind layers of convolution, it was easy for me to accept her proposal at face value.
In truth, it wasn't a bad offer at all. Since she was here in her capacity as King and specifically mentioned it would be a private reservation, she would undoubtedly ensure we were undisturbed. It meant we could enjoy ourselves without having to worry about onlookers.
Besides, I hadn't gone sea bathing since that one time with Shiro-san, and I’d been wanting to go. This seemed like a great opportunity to spend time with all my lovers.
"Well, I’ll need to check everyone’s schedules first... but since you were kind enough to invite us, I’d love to go."
"Oh, wonderful! That’s a relief. Let me know via Hummingbird once the dates are settled. I’ll take full responsibility for ensuring the beach is reserved solely for your group."
"Thank you very much."
As I voiced my acceptance, Laguna’s face lit up. She usually complained about wanting to quit her job, but seeing her so genuinely happy about something that benefited her kingdom, she really was a kingly person deep down.
That aside, the idea of going to the beach with my lovers... I was a man, after all, and just the thought of it got me excited. I wanted to do things like watermelon splitting. When I went with Shiro-san, she’d split the sea along with the watermelon, so I’d have to make sure that didn't happen this time.
Now, in planning this trip, the most important factor was everyone’s schedules. I’d have to coordinate the dates to fit. I decided to start visiting them one by one to invite them and ask about their availability.
Proximity-wise, the easiest ones to reach were Lilia-san, Sieg-san, and Anima... but the absolute fastest place I could get to was the Sanctuary via the Gate Magic Tool in my room.
In fact, while she hadn't said it out loud, Shiro-san was almost certainly the guest Laguna wanted most, so I should confirm Shiro-san’s schedule first.
I probably could have just asked her in my mind, but that felt a bit hollow, so I decided to walk to the Sanctuary and invite her properly.
After that, I’d talk to Lilia-san, Sieg-san, and Anima, then visit Isis-san and Fate-san... Actually, I could stop by Fate's Temple while I was in the Sanctuary. I could ask Kuro when she came over tonight, and Alice... well, she was undoubtedly free, so I could just ask her whenever.
Thinking these things through, I stepped through the gate and reached the Sanctuary. Shiro-san was already there, as if she had been waiting for me... though she most certainly had been.
"Hello, Shiro-san."
"Hello. What brings you here today? I am as delighted as can be just to see you, Kaito-san, but... could it be that you have some special business with me?"
Shiro-san tilted her head while maintaining her usual expressionless mask. Her feigned innocence was as consistent as ever.
Suppressing a wry smile at Shiro-san being her typical self, I explained the reason for my visit.
"Actually, I was invited to a new beach in the Hydra Kingdom, and I was thinking I’d like to go swimming with all my lovers. So, I came to invite you."
"I see. Since it is an invitation from my beloved Kaito-san, I will of course participate. I leave the schedule entirely to you."
"Thank you. I'll let you know once the specific dates are set."
And so, things went smoothly. Shiro-san, who had undoubtedly overheard my entire conversation with Laguna, accepted the invitation without a moment's hesitation.
I was about to head off to find Fate-san after a bit more small talk, but just then, Shiro-san spoke up.
"...By the way, Kaito-san."
"Yes?"
"I was the first one you invited, wasn't I?"
"I mean, yes?"
"Which means... I am the 'first,' yes?"
"Eh? Yeah, in terms of the order, you’re first."
When I answered her question with a confused nod, Shiro-san’s lips curled up slightly as she struck an incredibly smug pose. Since we’d become lovers, her expressions—which once only shifted by an average of one millimeter—had increased to about two millimeters. It made them just a little bit easier to read.
At the moment, she seemed... well, I couldn't be entirely sure, but she looked extremely satisfied. I could almost hear a "Doyaaa" sound effect echoing in the air... wait, what was that? A shooting star?
No, it was too slow for a shooting star. And wait, isn't that the Stereoscopic Text Shiro-san has been obsessed with lately? The word "Doyaaa" was streaking across the sky like a meteor! And the numbers were growing! They were practically blotting out the heavens!
Did she come up with a new variation? Please, stop the Doyaaa Meteor Shower.
Shiro has appeared.
Shiro's Preemptive Strike!
Shiro launched 'Doyaaa Meteor Shower'!
Doyaaa fills the sky!
Kaito is perplexed.
Shiro is very satisfied.