As we progressed through the exhibition booths, Rosmiel-san occasionally chimed in with explanations via Camellia-san. I used her insights as a guide, touring the displays one by one.
Finally, we reached the innermost sanctum—a place with an atmosphere far more solemn than anything we had seen so far. It opened into a vast room, guarded by two figures at the entrance who appeared to be Gods.
"So... t-this is the area where the Sanctuary items are exhibited."
"Yes. This is the most important location within this pavilion. Several Gods adept in combat are stationed here as security."
As Sieg-san murmured her observation, seemingly overwhelmed by the "high-importance" aura of the place, Sky-san offered a brief explanation.
It made sense. These were items from the Sanctuary—things directly related to Shiro-san. It was only natural they would be under heavy guard. For the Gods, allowing anything to happen to these items, even by some freak accident, was simply not an option.
"The room looks quite spacious. Are there a lot of items on display?"
"No. There are only five items in total: three Sanctuary Flowers, a Tea Cup of the Same Model as the One Shallow Vernal-sama Frequently Uses, and a Table Conceived by Shallow Vernal-sama."
I had asked out of curiosity, but the ratio was staggering. In a room that looked roughly triple the size of a school gymnasium, only five items were displayed.
Even Sky-san seemed a bit tense.
With the atmosphere weighing on us, we stepped inside and made our way around the five strictly guarded exhibits. A single God stood watch over every single item, making the air feel thick with a certain prickly tension.
"So these are the flowers that bloom only in the Sanctuary... They possess such a pure, divine quality."
Beside Camellia-san, who was gazing at the Sanctuary-exclusive flowers with profound interest, Rosmiel-san was also staring at them as if trying to bore holes through the glass.
Though her expression had been harsh until now, her eyes were sparkling with joy. She seemed so utterly absorbed that she had completely forgotten her anxiety.
"It is my first time seeing them with my own eyes as well. I am quite moved. I imagine a scene of these flowers in full bloom must stretch across the Sanctuary."
(Actually, I don't see these three types very often when I'm having tea with Shiro-san. Maybe they grow somewhere other than where Shiro-san usually hangs out? They look familiar, so I'm sure they're blooming somewhere back there, but...)
(They are flowers that bloom near the hot spring. I created them with a color scheme intended to complement the ginkgo and autumn foliage.)
Ah, that’s it! That’s why they looked familiar, yet felt different in hue and atmosphere from the ones I usually see.
Now that I thought about it, there were all sorts of flowers blooming near that hot spring inn. Actually, did she just leave that hot spring there permanently?
(Would you like to visit again? Or rather, why don't we go tonight? I believe the fireworks viewed from the hot spring would be quite beautiful.)
Hmm... The scenery was lovely and the water was great, so I definitely felt like going back if the chance arose. Watching fireworks while soaking in the spring was a very tempting offer.
However, I had one question. If we went, was there an option where I could go in alone?
(There is not.)
I figured. No, then... Well, if you're willing to wear a swimsuit...
(Then we have a deal.)
I hadn't actually intended to start a negotiation, but the matter was settled before I knew it. Feeling a bit conflicted, I shifted my gaze, only to find Rosmiel-san staring at me intently for some reason.
The emotions flowing through my Sympathy Magic contained a sense of intense expectation. However, since she still wasn't saying anything, I just tilted my head in confusion.
Sensing my bewilderment, Camellia-san gave a wry smile and explained.
"I think Elly wants to hear more about the flower gardens in the Sanctuary. For a flower lover like her, it's a place she longs for so much she dreams about it."
"Oh, I see. Well, when I usually have tea with Shiro-san, I mostly see flowers with pastel or pale colors. But they change quite frequently, so I think she rearranges them based on her mood at the time."
"..."
Rosmiel-san seemed focused on my words, nodding repeatedly as her eyes shimmered. In fact, she had drifted closer than before. This might have been the nearest she had been to me since we met.
"Um, what else can I say..."
I was struggling to think of what else to describe when Rosmiel-san suddenly closed the distance between us. She leaned in close to my ear, and I heard a tiny voice, as faint as a mosquito's hum.
"What... What about... the ones you see most often?"
"Eh? Oh, um, let's see. There's almost always a white flower. It's not a lily; it looks a bit like a dandelion, but the petals are pure white. Since it's nearly always there, it might be her favorite."
"I... I see... I want to see them too."
I was stunned. Stunned in several ways. The sudden physical proximity was one thing, but I was also shocked that Rosmiel-san, who was supposed to need sixteen hours before she could manage a word, had suddenly spoken to me directly.
It just went to show how incredibly interested she was in the flowers of the Sanctuary.
??? : Progress report. I started writing down the list of Named Characters for the Popularity Poll... and even if I count characters who are practically the same person—like Alice-chan and Hapty-chan—as a single entry... it turns out there are 99 Characters. I'm told the author is shaking.
Serious-senpai: I knew it. The count has basically doubled since the first poll... I feel like it's going to be impossible to do all at once unless we divide the voting into blocks.