Since the giant fish I’d landed wasn't fit for consumption, I released it back into the water. Afterward, Fate-san and I moved to the shade of a large tree nearby to sit and rest.
We’d just finished a fierce struggle with a fish that ran entirely counter to our original goal of relaxation, so it felt like the right time for a break. As far as fishing went, I was perfectly satisfied; I’d already caught a big one, after all.
I settled onto the Floating Cushion Fate-san had enlarged for us. We chatted and snacked just as we had before. She’d apparently adjusted it to be slightly firmer this time, and the sofa-like comfort was truly wonderful.
"Mmm, the shade is nice, too. It makes me want to take a nap."
"It is a perfect temperature out here. Though it feels like a bit of a waste to sleep through it."
"I get that. It really is a great spot. How did you find this place, Kai-chan?"
"Oh, um, it was featured in this magazine."
When I pulled the magazine featuring the high-end tourist destination special from my Magic Box, another table appeared next to the one holding our snacks. Realizing she wanted me to spread the magazine out there, I opened it to the right page and set it down.
"I see, I see. It has some beautiful pictures... It’s been a while since I’ve looked at one of these, but magazines are quite flashy these days, aren’t they?"
"Do you not read books very often, Fate-san?"
"Hmm, hardly ever. It’s been ages since I last flipped through a magazine. Looking at one now is actually pretty fun."
"A lot of different spots are listed here, but I had a feeling you’d find most of them too much of a hassle."
"Yep. As expected of Kai-chan. Crowded, noisy places are such a pain."
Lying back on the cushion while she browsed the magazine, Fate-san was in total Relaxation Mode. Because we were both leaning over the same pages, our bodies were quite close. Her long hair brushed against my hands, making my heart race.
"Hmm?"
"Oh, no... I was just wondering what we should do next."
Fate-san suddenly turned back to look at me with a puzzled expression, and I stammered out a quick reply.
"Ah, right. I’m not really in the mood to fish anymore, so should we head inside? I think there was a terrace area. We could always hang out there."
"That sounds good. But it’s getting to be about that time—should we have lunch first?"
"Huh? Oh, I guess so... I don’t usually eat, so it completely slipped my mind."
I’d been thinking about preparing lunch since noon was approaching, but Fate-san, who generally didn't eat, didn't seem to have a concept for mealtime. For a moment, she just looked at me blankly.
"Well, I bought plenty of things beforehand, so it won't take long to get ready."
"I see, I see... That reminds me. Weren't there ingredients provided with the cottage, too?"
"Yes. Highest-grade Ingredients are stored in the Large Magic Box, and we’re free to use whatever we like."
The cottage’s concept focused on spending time peacefully in a quiet space rather than being flashy, but this was still a luxury destination. The service reached into every fine detail. There was a wine cellar we could use freely, and since the staff handled the cleaning and restocking after we left, there was no need to tidy up. Everything from the provided food to the furniture was top-tier, and the place was stocked with high-end magic tools.
Fate-san fell silent for a moment, looking thoughtful. I tilted my head, wondering if she had a specific request, when she finally spoke up.
"...Hey, Kai-chan. Since we’re here, how about I make lunch for you?"
"What? What’s come over you, Fate-san? That sounds... incredibly unlike you."
"Yeah... Honestly, even as I said it, it felt pretty weird."
She was a die-hard slacker who didn't even require food; as rude as it was to think, the word "cooking" didn't suit Fate-san at all. She seemed to realize just how uncharacteristic it was herself, as her expression turned a bit sheepish.
"I mean, you’re the one who planned this whole trip, and you’re the one who prepared all the snacks. I just felt like I wanted to do something for you, too."
"Fate-san..."
"Besides, even if we are just relaxing, I want to do lover-like things. So, I’ll handle lunch. It’ll probably be something simple, though."
Seeing Fate-san smile so brightly made a wave of happiness wash over me. The mere fact that she wanted to do something for my sake made me incredibly glad.
"...Just to be sure, Fate-san, do you have any cooking experience?"
"I’ll ask you the same thing: do you think I do?"
"Right. Stupid question."
"Well, it’ll work out somehow... probably."
Regardless of the outcome, her feelings were what mattered most. I made a silent vow then and there: no matter what she served me, I would finish every single bite.
Serious-senpai: "What!? Th-this is... the Sugar Presence... I-I have to get out of here, now...!"
Doctor M: "It’s okay! I’m right here for you! Just relax!!"
Serious-senpai: "Whaaat!? I-impossible... You’re already 'here'?! You’re too fast...!"