Following the map, we arrived at a flower shop with a stylish exterior. It had the cozy atmosphere of a log house, and while there weren't many flowers on display, the layout was clearly well-considered.
When I stepped inside with Erial-san, I saw what she meant. The shelves lining the walls were stocked with a wide variety of seeds, giving the impression that they specialized in those rather than pre-cut bouquets.
The staff member at the counter noticed us and offered a polite "Welcome" with a bow. However, as soon as she looked up, her eyes widened and she did a double-take at Erial-san. I couldn't really blame her; seeing someone dressed so perfectly as a professional dancer walk into a shop like this was bound to be a surprise.
To her credit, she was clearly a professional. After a quick, subtle shake of her head to reset her composure, her expression returned to a neutral, business-like mask.
"A reservation... in other words, I have come to collect the seeds I reserved. Presenting the name... the reservation should be under the name ——."
"Ah, yes. We were expecting you. Please wait just a moment..."
Upon hearing Erial-san’s explanation, the clerk stepped into the back of the store to retrieve the seeds.
"...Whose name was that?"
"Til's friend... in other words, a person Til knows who lives here in the Sinfonia Royal Capital. A proxy reservation... in other words, because these seeds are popular and in short supply, she apparently asked her local friend to reserve them for her."
"I see."
Well, that made sense. Even if the effect was relatively mild, there would be plenty of people clamoring for seeds of a new vegetable species with fatigue-recovery properties.
Since they had only recently hit the market, I imagined the available quantity was still quite limited. That would make them difficult to get a hold of. Obtaining them this early probably required a decent amount of connections, so the person Til-san used as a proxy might very well be an influential noble.
Still, that was just speculation on my part. Knowing how sociable Raz-san was, I simply assumed she would have high-ranking acquaintances like that.
While I was lost in thought, the clerk returned carrying a small bag.
"Thank you for waiting. Please, confirm the contents..."
"No problems... in other words, these are correct, so let us settle the bill."
"Certainly. That will be 500R for one bag."
Five hundred Rials... that was about fifty thousand yen for a tiny bag of seeds. They were indeed quite precious. At this rate, the actual vegetables must fetch a staggering price as well.
The transaction was over quickly. Erial-san pulled out her Magic Box to store the seeds, then turned toward me with a smile.
"Renewed gratitude... in other words, thank you. Thanks to you, Kaito, I was able to complete my errand without any trouble."
"Don't worry about it. It was no trouble at all."
"Desired compensation... in other words, I would like to do something for you in return."
"No, really, please don't let it bother you. I didn't have anything else planned today, and I'm just glad I got to see a shop I'd never visited before."
I meant it. Since gardening wasn't one of my hobbies, I never would have stepped into a place like this if not for her. In a way, I felt like I was the one who gained something from the experience.
I had no plans to start a vegetable garden of my own right now, but it was a good experience to have in case I ever suddenly developed an interest in it.
"Respecting your feelings... in other words, if you say so, I cannot force a reward on you. A different proposal... in other words, since my heart will not be at peace if I do nothing, I have a suggestion."
"A proposal? What is it?"
"Invitation to a blissful moment... in other words, let us 'dance' together."
"Ah, that sounds nice. After all, if we're talking about a reward, a dan— Wait, what? No, hold on. The conversation just took a massive leap..."
I had started to reply reflexively, but this person just said something crazy, didn't she? Dance together? Why on earth did it turn into that?
"Grateful for your ready consent... in other words, I am happy that you are pleased."
"N-No, wait, that was just a reflex..."
"Striking while the iron is hot... in other words, since it is decided, let us move immediately. Proposed location... in other words, I believe the park where we first met would be ideal."
"..."
What was I supposed to do? Erial-san truly seemed to love dancing; she looked happier now than she had during our entire walk. It was getting harder and harder to tell her I'd rather pass.
It was my own fault for giving an instinctive "straight man" type of response that sounded like agreement. Maybe I should just accept it.
"...But I'm completely hopeless at dancing, you know?"
"Trust in me... in other words, it is fine, leave it to me. Specialization... in other words, I have total confidence in my dancing, so I will lead you properly."
"...A-Alright. I'll be in your care, then."
I wasn't sure what to feel. Even though this was the result of my own careless words, I still had to ask myself... how did it even come to this?
The Difference in Perception Between Kaito and the Public
The Townspeople: (Wait, isn't that Heavenly Flower Princess Erial-sama? It's rare to see her in the middle of town. Would it be a nuisance to talk to her?)
Kaito: (Erial-san's outfit really is conspicuous. She's drawing a lot of stares.) *Note: Erial was not using Recognition Inhibition Magic.
The Clerk: (Erial-sama?! No way, the real one?! Why is she in a tiny shop like mine? I... I wonder if I could get an autograph? No, I shouldn't. I can't bother her as a fan while she's out on personal business.)
Kaito: (Well, given what she's wearing, I can understand why she'd do a double-take.) *Note: Although she rarely visits the Human Realm, the beautiful Heavenly Flower Princess Erial has many fans.
Side Note
The Townspeople: (Wait, who's the guy next to her? Her lover?) *Note: Kaito is famous among nobles and people of status, but he is not very well-known to commoners who didn't attend the Six Kings Festival.
The Clerk: (I really want Erial-sama's autograph... Eh? Wait, looking closely at the person next to her, isn't that Miyama Kaito? I heard that if you're rude to him, his merciless winged subordinates will fly down and execute you on the spot... Yeah, let's definitely skip the autograph.) *Note: The clerk had attended the Six Kings Festival as a companion of an acquaintance and had heard the terrifying rumors surrounding Kaito.