After our visit with the Gunrock Dragon, we made a point to see the other dragons—specifically the four finalists. I was surprised to find that the Tempest Dragon was the same individual that had greeted Lilia-san and me during our previous trip to the Demon Realm. It felt like a strange twist of fate.
As the social gathering wound down, it transitioned into an open-air dinner party. Lilia-san and I sat on a leisure sheet, watching the dragons eat while we shared some snacks from my Magic Box and various ingredients we had been gifted.
The dragons had mostly offered us meat, so I brought out some bread and vegetables to round out the meal. They had been thoughtful enough to grill the meat before giving it to us, so I sliced it thin and layered it with the vegetables Til-san had given me earlier. Before long, our sandwiches were complete.
"Kaito-san... Kaito-san," Lilia-san whispered.
"Yes?"
"Is this... what people call a picnic?"
"Well, it’s probably close enough. Why do you ask?"
"I’ve spent nights in the field while I was with the Order of Knights, but a picnic is a first for me. I find myself feeling rather... giddy."
It was easy to forget sometimes, but Lilia-san was a former princess and a current duchess—the highest of high society. Sitting on the ground on a simple sheet was likely a novelty she had almost never experienced.
"I understand the feeling," I said. "There’s something special about eating outside like this, isn’t there?"
"Yes! Even if it isn't particularly... ladylike of me."
"I don’t think picnics and being a lady are mutually exclusive. Besides, I actually like that you aren't like other nobles. You're kind, cute, and approachable."
"Oh? That’s strange. I feel like I was just told I’m not very noble-like."
While some nobles certainly enjoyed riding and might stop for a meal, there was something distinctly commoner-like about spreading out a sheet and eating together like this.
"I’ve thought that about you since shortly after I was summoned to this world," I admitted.
"I-I was born into the nobility, you know..."
"No, I don’t mean it as an insult. It’s because you were so approachable and kind that Aoi-chan, Hina-chan, and I were able to settle in without being overwhelmed. I genuinely meant it as a compliment. I like that you aren't a typical noble—you're just the kind and cute Lilia-san."
"Th-Thank you."
Lilia-san’s ears turned beet red, and she ducked her head, whispering her gratitude. Seeing her react in such a typical way brought a wry smile to my face. She looked up at the sky, trying to hide her embarrassment as she spoke again.
"And... one more thing. Thank you for inviting me today."
"If you had a good time, that’s all that matters."
"I did. It was so much fun that the day seemed to pass in the blink of an eye."
"I'm glad. You looked like you were genuinely relaxing and enjoying yourself. I know I tend to cause you a lot of stress on a daily basis, so I'm happy I could give you this."
Today, Lilia-san had an almost childlike air about her, enjoying the event with innocent enthusiasm. If she’d been able to refresh her spirits, then inviting her had been well worth it.
"Well, I do wish you would show a little more restraint in your actions, Kaito-san," she teased.
"Ugh..."
"Just hearing that you’ve befriended more of the Six Kings' Executives is enough to make me think 'not again...', and then you go and meet someone completely different from who you said you were going to see..."
"For that... I really am sorry."
For some reason, the flow of fate—or perhaps just my luck with encounters—always seemed to conspire to give Lilia-san a stomachache. I felt genuinely apologetic. Sieg-san had once mentioned that Lilia-san had always been a magnet for trouble, but I knew I was responsible for at least eighty percent of her current stress. Maybe even a hundred.
As I sat there, struggling to find a way to make it up to her, Lilia-san turned toward me with a mischievous smile.
"But... I love you, Kaito-san. Troublesome parts and all."
"Lilia-san..."
"Though, I’d still appreciate it if you showed a little mercy."
She gave a small, wry laugh and blushed, leaning her weight gently against me. We weren't pressed tight, but we were close—and for someone as shy as Lilia-san, I knew even this required a great deal of courage.
I felt a surge of affection. I knew that if I were to put my arm around her or give her a kiss, she’d turn so red she might actually faint, but for now, this was enough.
???: "The fact that she didn't faint even while leaning on him... she's certainly grown, hasn't she?"
Serious-senpai: "Ugh... too sweet... I can't take it..."
???: "And yet, you haven't changed a bit."