Following Tre-san's instructions, the choice of our next destination fell to me... but it was proving surprisingly difficult.
I rarely visited the North District, so I didn't know much about it. I recalled the Art Square I’d visited with Alice and the casino I’d been banned from, but those were the only landmarks I really knew.
My options were quite limited. I could have moved to another district, but since we had gone through the trouble of coming to the North District, I wanted to find somewhere that felt characteristic of the area.
"...Fia-sensei, would you be alright with an art museum?"
"I’m fine with that, but Miyama-kun, are you a connoisseur of the arts?"
"No, not at all... I just happened to recall the location from some research I did a while back."
When Rosmiel-san had visited my home recently, we’d talked about the Royal Capital’s North District. She had told me many things then, including information about a museum specializing in oil paintings. Apparently, it was a world-famous institution with numerous masterpieces on display.
"Shall we go, then? Once we arrive, we can open your envelope, Fia-sensei."
"That sounds like a plan. By the way, how many envelopes do you have left, Miyama-kun?"
"I have three remaining. It looks like number 10 is the final one."
"Then we're in the same boat. My numbered envelopes only go up to 10 as well..."
What exactly was Tre-san’s goal in the end? Did she simply want to set Fia-sensei and me up on a date? I wondered if her true intentions would become clear once we reached the end.
When we arrived at the museum, Fia-sensei opened Envelope Number 7.
"After Kaito’s escort, Fia must choose a place with a beautiful view and special memories, then take Kaito there using Teleportation Magic! Note: After arriving at the destination, both parties must move apart so they cannot see each other before opening Envelope Number 8."
This was another unusual pattern. It was fine for Fia-sensei to choose the next location after me, but the instruction for the following envelope was the real catch. For the first time, we were being told to check the contents while out of the other's sight. That meant there was a high probability that the instructions for me and Fia-sensei would be different.
"Hmm, I wonder what it says? It feels like we’re finally getting to the heart of the matter."
"It does. Well, for now, let’s head into the museum."
"Right. Then, let's go—"
"Fia-sensei!"
"Whoa! W-What is it? Pulling me close so suddenly... isn't that a bit passionate? I mean, I’m happy about it, but..."
I hurriedly pulled Fia-sensei back just as she was about to step forward with her usual energy. I was surprised by how light and fragile her body felt, but I had managed to catch her just in time.
"...No, please look at your feet."
"...Oh. I see. There's a step there."
"I was certain you were going to trip."
"No, no, Miyama-kun, that’s just rude. Even I’m not that much of a clumsy girl... it’s only about a 99% chance!"
"I’m just glad I made it in time."
"Thank you for the save."
As expected of a world-class clumsy girl, even she predicted a 99% chance of failure. I was truly glad I could help her before she took a pathetic tumble in front of the museum.
After exchanging wry smiles, we headed inside.
My impression after looking at several paintings was simple: I didn't really get it. To be honest, even the piece currently before me, titled "Pulse of the Soul," looked like nothing more than a haphazard splash of various paints.
Was this what they called art? I really couldn't grasp it. I could at least understand paintings with a clear subject, but abstract art left me with nothing but confusion.
"...Fia-sensei, do you understand these?"
"Not even a little bit. Art is difficult... Zwei-neechan and Zex are quite knowledgeable about this sort of thing, but it all goes over my head."
"Even though I was the one who brought us here, I’m in the same boat. Well, I suppose if they're displayed like this, they must be incredible to anyone who actually understands them."
"I guess so. The world of art has a high hurdle for entry. Anyway, let’s take a quick look around the rest and then head out."
"Let's do that."
I worried that choosing the museum had been a mistake, but Fia-sensei didn't seem to mind. If anything, she seemed to be enjoying herself... or rather, she seemed to be enjoying the simple act of walking around with me.
Once we finished our tour, Fia-sensei used her Teleportation Magic to move us, following the instructions to the letter. The place she chose as a location with a beautiful view and special memories was...
"...Is this Hero's Hill?"
"Yes. I felt like it had to be here... For me, this is a place of 'beginnings' in many ways. It’s also where I was reunited with Chrome-sama, so it’s the place that holds the most meaning for me."
"I see... though there really isn't anyone else here, is there?"
"It’s a famous spot, but it’s quite far from the Friendly City. It's hard to get here unless you're part of a tour."
"Ah, now that you mention it, we're high enough to look down on the entire city. It does look like a long way off."
I nodded, gazing at the scenery from the hilltop for a short while. Then, following Tre-san’s instructions, we moved apart and opened Envelope Number 8.
Inside was a message card, just like before. It read:
"Stop putting it off and face Fia properly! Note: Open Envelope Number 9 once your feelings are settled."
The words felt like a direct hit to my chest. To be honest, she had struck me exactly where it hurt most.
Serious-senpai: "...Oh no, I sense a confession! I can't stay here for this! I'm going back to my room!"
???: "Actually, this is it. Serious-senpai's room."
Serious-senpai: "...............I suppose you're right."