I walked along, soaking in the warm sunlight and a pleasant breeze. The terrain was more of a rolling hill than a mountain, but the view was nonetheless spectacular.
A small lake shimmered a short distance away, and beside it stood a single, massive tree. It was the kind of picturesque landscape that looked like it belonged on a postcard. In fact, it was lovely enough that it could have easily been a major tourist attraction, but unfortunately, this hill was allegedly teeming with monsters, which kept the crowds away.
I say "allegedly" because, despite the stories I’d heard, I hadn't seen so much as a single bird in the vicinity, let alone a monster.
"...Beautiful scenery."
"It is. That big tree by the lakeside... It’s exactly how I imagined it from the book."
"...Yes."
I nodded in agreement as I walked hand-in-hand with Isis-san. We had come here today for a date. A certain scene in one of Isis-san's favorite romance novels featured the protagonist and heroine having a picnic, and this very spot was said to be the model for that location.
While the monster population prevented it from becoming a tourist trap, the great tree by the lake was known as a Wind-sounding Tree. They were rare, with only a few existing even within the Demon Realm. As we drew closer, I could hear a faint, bell-like melody drifting from the leaves as they swayed in the breeze.
"Is that sound the origin of the name?"
"...Yes... This tree has... hard leaves... When the wind blows and they clatter together... they make a sound... like a bell."
"Heh, that’s lovely. It’s a very calming sound."
It reminded me of the gentle chiming of a wind bell. It wasn't loud or intrusive; rather, it was the kind of elegant sound you could only catch if you paused to listen closely.
Soaked in that pleasant melody, I spread a leisure sheet beneath the tree and sat down beside Isis-san. She had prepared a bento for today, and I was genuinely looking forward to it.
"Oh? Is this... by any chance, onigiri?"
"...Yes... A bento from... Kaito’s world... I studied... a lot."
"Isis-san... Thank you. I’m so happy."
The lunch Isis-san had prepared was filled with onigiri, which were a rarity in this world where bread was the staple. There were also rolled omelets and sausages cut into the shapes of little octopuses. It was beautifully presented and looked delicious.
Given how kind Isis-san was, she must have remembered my preference for rice and prepared this specifically for me. One look at the quality told me just how much she must have practiced, and the thought made my heart swell with warmth.
"...Everything looks so good, I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any recommendations?"
"...Umm... The rolled omelet... I think... it turned out well... Ein taught me... and she gave me... a passing grade."
"I’m looking forward to that, then. All right, I’ll start with the rolled omelet..."
"...Ah... wait a moment."
"Hmm?"
Isis-san stopped me as I reached out, and then she produced a pair of chopsticks. Like the onigiri, they weren't a common sight in this world. Of course, they were used frequently at Kuro’s place and sold at Alice’s General Store, so I had my own pair as well.
"...I... practiced this... too."
"Practiced?"
Isis-san gave me a lovely smile before expertly picking up a piece of the rolled omelet with her chopsticks. When she said she’d practiced, she must have meant her technique. Watching her movements, I realized she was probably already more skilled with them than I was.
I barely had time to be surprised by her refined handling of the chopsticks before Isis-san tucked her other hand beneath the omelet and held it out to me.
"...Here... Kaito... Say 'ahh'..."
"A-Ahh."
Seeing her feeding me with a smile so adorable I took her for an angel, I felt a lump of emotion well up in my throat. Naturally, it was a bit embarrassing, but since it was just the two of us out here, it didn't really matter.
I complied and let her feed me. The delicious, slightly sweet flavor of the rolled omelet filled my mouth.
"...How is it?"
"It’s wonderful. It’s a bit on the sweet side, which is exactly how I like it."
"...I’m glad... If Kaito is happy... then I’m happy too."
The weather and temperature were perfect—ideal for a picnic. The scenery was breathtaking, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious. And sitting right in front of me was my lovely lover... I wondered if I’d accidentally stumbled into heaven.
"...Would you like some too, Isis-san?"
"...Yes!"
With my heart full of happiness, I made the suggestion. Sensing my intent, Isis-san smiled brightly. She handed me the chopsticks and opened her mouth just a little bit.
I felt like a whole piece might be a bit too big for her, so I split one in half. Then, imitating what Isis-san had just done for me, I held my hand beneath it and carried it to her lips.
"How is it?"
"...Delicious... Much more... than when I was tasting it earlier... because I’m with Kaito."
"I feel the same way. Food always tastes better when I’m with you, Isis-san."
"...Fufu... We’re the same."
"We are."
We looked at each other and laughed. We spent our time thoroughly enjoying the luxury of being alone with the person we loved, finding immense happiness in even the smallest of moments.
Serious-senpai: "...Stop it. Specifically, stop these sudden Sugar Punches that have no context and are impossible to predict from the previous chapter... Seriously, stop. You’re planning to keep doing this, aren't you? You’re going to keep slotting in sweet stories with your lovers between everything else, aren't you?"
???: "Well, isn't a sweet story nice every now and then?"
Serious-senpai: "Stop acting like there’s ever any serious content to begin with! There is no serious content!! I’m just being worn down by heartwarming jabs and then getting blasted by a Sugar Straight!?"
???: "It’s an appallingly effective tactic, isn't it?"