Thanks to a well-timed assist from Tre-san, Fia-sensei and I had successfully become a couple. Since we were already out, we decided to continue our date by picking up the high-end chocolate Tre-san had requested, which led us back to the North District of the Royal Capital.
However, a problem quickly surfaced: neither of us knew the area very well. We wanted high-end chocolate, but we hadn't the faintest clue where to find it.
"Is there a street around here where restaurants and specialty shops are grouped together?" I asked.
"Hmm, I know of a few shopping districts," Fia-sensei replied, "but I doubt they carry anything truly high-end. Those boutiques are usually in the Central District, but I've hardly ever visited that part of the city myself..."
"I know the southern part of the Central District reasonably well, but the north side is a complete mystery to me... Hm?"
Just then, something brushed against my hand. My fingers reflexively closed around a piece of paper. I spun around, but the street behind me was empty. In my palm sat a small note, folded into quarters.
When I opened it, I found a map of the North District. Several locations were marked with shop names—all of them high-end chocolate boutiques.
It was definitely Alice's doing. She really was incredibly reliable. She even managed to slip it to me without being noticed, ensuring she didn't disrupt the mood of our date.
The gesture would have been perfect if not for the scribbled note at the bottom: "Please include my share too." Well, considering her expert timing, a box of chocolate was a small price to pay.
"Fia-sensei, look—Alice gave us a map. It looks like there are quite a few options nearby. Where would you like to go?"
"Oh, you're right! There really are a lot... Let's see. This one and that one are quite famous. I'm no connoisseur, but I think this shop here is the most prestigious—and likely the most expensive. I recall hearing they are a purveyor to the nobility."
"Then let's go there," I said. "Since we're doing this, we might as well go to the best one. Don't worry about the cost—I have more money than I know what to do with."
"You really are wealthy, Miyama-kun."
"It's not me, really. Anima is just remarkably good at managing my finances."
In truth, I didn't have many expensive hobbies, nor did I particularly crave luxury goods. If I were buying for myself, I would have been perfectly happy with a standard bar of chocolate or a bag of chocolate-covered wheat puffs.
Most of my money ended up going to Alice anyway. Unless it was something Alice's General Store didn't carry, I rarely had an excuse to spend large sums.
"Well, shall we head out?"
"Yeah, let’s go! Hup!"
"Wait—Fia-sensei?!"
The moment I suggested we leave, Fia-sensei's face lit up with joy. She lunged forward and hugged my left arm tightly against her chest. To top it off, she laced her fingers through mine in a lover's grip. The physical contact was incredibly intense.
"Well, we're officially a couple now, so I don't see any reason to hold back! Squeeze~"
"I-it’s a bit hard to walk when you’re gripping me that firmly..."
"Ehehe, but it feels so romantic, doesn't it? Still, your hand is larger than I expected, Miyama-kun. It really feels like a man's hand."
She sounded like she was having the time of her life. Meanwhile, I was reeling from the surprise. The sudden warmth and softness of her pressing against my arm made it difficult for my brain to function.
I had forgotten. Fia-sensei was the proactive type. When it came to romance, she didn't hesitate to take the lead.
"Hum-hum-hum~ Come on, let's go right away!"
"I hear you, but... if you're this distracted, you're going to walk into another sign."
"Oh dear, that would be bad. Though I suppose I was hoping my reliable boyfriend would be there to save me..."
"...I'll do my best."
Seeing Fia-sensei—usually such a composed, mature woman—acting this vulnerable and sweet was incredibly fresh and endearing. Knowing she only showed this side to me filled me with a sudden surge of affection.
"By the way, once we're done at the chocolate shop, is there anywhere else you'd like to visit?"
"Hmm... Oh! I'd love to go to a cafe. Apparently, there's a place in the North District that serves wonderful herb tea. I've been wanting to try it for a while."
"That sounds nice. You've always loved herb tea, haven't you? You're always making your own at the clinic."
"I do. I like black tea well enough, but I personally prefer something with a refreshing finish. That's why I usually stick to herb tea. There are all kinds of blends, of course, but I love the ones that leave you feeling cool and refreshed."
"The tea you serve at the clinic definitely fits that description. How many different herbs do you use in that blend?"
"Let's see, for that one..."
I had been flustered by the proximity at first, but talking with her was easy. Before I knew it, I stopped worrying about how close we were and simply enjoyed the stroll.
Serious-senpai: "N-no... I should have known! This woman belongs to the romance-proactive faction!"
???: "I don't know what you're so worried about, but it's true that Fia-san doesn't hold back when it comes to love. She’s similar to Fate-san, though she’s even more aggressive about seeking out physical affection and flirting."