The Arclesia Empire was home to many secluded, high-end tourist spots. Because the empire generally had low temperatures, the air tended to be quite dry in many areas.
Dry air meant less water vapor in the atmosphere, which increased its transmittance and made the stars look exceptionally clear. I seemed to recall seeing on a TV program once that this was why the stars looked so beautiful during the winter.
Regardless of the science behind it, the starry sky viewed from this resort was breathtaking. While Shiro-san's Blessing made external conditions mostly irrelevant to my comfort, the high-end terrace was equipped with luxury climate-control magic tools. The temperature was perfect, creating an ideal environment for some leisurely stargazing.
Unfortunately, it didn't matter how perfect the environment was or how beautiful the night sky looked if the observer didn't have the peace of mind to enjoy it.
"..."
"Kai-chan, are you all right? Did the bath make you lightheaded?"
"N-No, I'm not lightheaded. I'm fine. My skin's a little flushed, but the night breeze feels nice..."
I replied with a smile to Fate-san, who asked with a somewhat worried look. It was true that I hadn't spent too long in the bath. The problem was that Fate-san had been so incredibly defenseless. She’d spent the whole time leading me around by the nose, and I was just a bit... exhausted.
No, that was a lie. What had happened in the tub was so shocking that the moment I let my guard down, my thoughts drifted right back to it. I was so busy trying to force myself to stay calm that I barely had any mental leeway left. Hopefully, looking at the stars would help me settle down.
"Fate-san, would you like something to drink?"
"Actually, I brought this for that very reason."
"Wine? Wait, isn't that... the one you said you made as a souvenir for the White God Festival?"
I thought for a moment it was Shallow Grande, but the design was different. Still, it looked familiar—almost identical to the wine sold on the Divine Realm's Middle Level during the festival.
"Exactly. Well, it's an improved version, anyway. I'm refining it for next year's festival... and believe it or not, I'm actually the one in charge of it."
"Wait, really?"
"Yep. I only handled the supervision this time, but for next year's special products, the God of Space-Time and her subordinates are handling the decor, the God of Life and her people are doing the food, and my group is in charge of the beverages. This is the version we’re currently working on."
"I see. It makes sense when I think about it, but you're already preparing for the next one."
The White God Festival was set to take place every year, except when the Hero Festival was held. The first one had only just ended, yet they were already looking ahead.
Fate-san took out some wine glasses and handed one to me, giving a wry smile as she poured.
"The extra work is a hassle, but the White God Festival had a really positive impact on the Gods."
"I agree. It was great for us, too. We got to meet Gods we normally wouldn't have the chance to interact with."
I was thinking specifically about Hina-chan and Aoi-chan. Meeting Sky-san and Gaia-san was a big deal for them. They seemed to have great chemistry, and I had a feeling they’d stay on good terms in the future.
"Anyway, this is the refined version. It might not be as good as Shallow Grande, but I think it tastes better than what we sold at the festival."
"I'm looking forward to it. Why don't you have some too, Fate-san?"
"Good idea. Let's have a glass together."
I took the bottle and poured a glass for her as we gazed up at the star-studded sky. It felt rather elegant.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers... Oh, this is good. It's not too dry, so it's easy to drink. I've never been a fan of wine with a strong, bitter astringency."
"Ooh, high praise! Maybe I'll stick with this direction. Shallow Grande has the ultra-premium market covered, so I'll keep refining this as an easy-to-drink option."
We sipped our wine and chatted about nothing in particular, snacking on some cheese. Between the conversation and the stars, time seemed to slow down. It was an indescribably peaceful, happy moment.
"Hey, Kai-chan?"
"Yes?"
"I really like this. It feels like time is just... drifting by. We aren't doing anything special, but I love the way this feels."
"I was just thinking the same thing."
"Ahaha! Then we're on the same page."
"I guess we are."
"Finding little joys like this... it makes me feel so happy."
"I couldn't agree more."
I answered reflexively, but the sight of Fate-san’s gentle smile was so stunning that it stole my gaze away from the stars.
Serious-senpai: "By the way, once this trip with Fate is over, we're heading to the Friendly City of Hikari, right? Will things finally get serious?"
???: "Unlikely. According to the plan, we have the Ninth Lover arc coming up before that."
Serious-senpai: "...You have to be joking. A new lover arc immediately after a date... I'm in utter despair. Who is it?"
???: "It's still a secret. This probably won't help much, but I'll give you a hint: '4'."
Serious-senpai: "That's way too obvious!"